Race Across Oregon -- two man team in 2008!

I'm racing in the Race Across Oregon with the Hoary Marmot -- we're team Varmint. (I'm the Nutria.)

What's all this about rodents? These were the totems we used in the Furnace Creek 508. You see, they don't use race numbers. And you earn the right to keep your totem if you're an official finisher...

World famous Crew Chief (and Ultra champion) Sandy will be leading our crew...

This will be my 4th RAO. I rode on a 5-person team with Team GT, a 5-man team with Team HP, and on a 4-person team with Total Carnage... Now it's Team Varmint, a two-man 50+ team.

MVBC mileage leader for 2007

I racked up about 4500 miles in 63 rides with my local club, the Mid Valley Bike Club (see http://www.mvbc.com).

Presentation of the finisher's medal

Here's Chris presenting me the finisher's medal at 620am. I looked trashed but it was a good feeling to be an o-f-f-i-c-i-a-l   f-i-n-i-s-h-e-r! (Photo by Chris Kostman. Well, it was *his *camera!).

Another photo from the 508

Many thanks to John Henry Maurice who took the photo and helped me cross the finish line!!

Bike commute mileage leader

I was informed yesterday that I was the bike commute mileage leader (for my workplace) for the month of September! (I logged 800+ miles commuting in 2007.)

I was quite surprised! I won a one-year membership to the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. (www.bta4bikes.org)

Yippee!

Climbing Townes Pass

Here's a photo of me climbing Townes Pass during the 508. Notice the "trendy" glasses. My crew was able to help my blurry eyes by duct taping the sides of my glasses to keep the cold air out. Thanks for the tip Chris!!

(Photo by Chris Kostman, www.the508.com)

The finishers medal

Photo by Chris Kostman

Official finisher of the 508!

See http://www.the508.com/2007web/shows/show20/pages/DSC03129.html for photos

I had only 1.5 hours to spare!

It was a difficult ride -- I nearly melted down on Townes Pass. I had blurry vision from the cold air and puked a couple of times, which made me feel better

My fearless crew, led by the legendary Sandy Earl, John Henry Maurice and Caneman patched me up and send me on my way. Yes, I wanted to bag it a couple of times, but as I got to feeling better it looked like we had a chance!

The strange thing is that I had a "negative split!"

More later!

FeistPlayer! (Created it on YouTube!)

Cervelo Rocks (Here's a report from Interbike)

A note on my Crew Chief posted on my windshield during our nighttime training ride...

And so does Feist!

Ipods rock!!!

Vince Lombardi

Here's a quote that I think is quite true:

Fatigue makes cowards of us all.

Forty-seven: Jefferson night loop + part of a Peach

After taking a low power nap at 9:30, I woke up at 10:30, feeling, well, horrible.

I drove over to Jefferson and tried to catch a wink in the car. Sandy arrived and got me underway. I did a short loop, making a wrong turn onto Wintel. After getting back on track I rode the longer loop about 4 or 5 times. Sandy had me riding until sunrise, sometime after 7am.

We set up a pit area just after some railroad tracks. Sandy made up some hot mash potatoes and refilled my bottles with Powerbar Recovery drink. Yup, we're using it as *fuel*. Works well!

On the loops, we saw a skunk (twice), a deflated snake and possum, a live possum that went for my front wheel, an owl, a cat, and a deputy sheriff who pulled Sandy over quite briefly to see what we were up to.

After letting me ride back to J-town, I set back out to ride halfway to Salem (or so). Sandy shuttled me to the starting line of the Peach of a Century and I rode the first leg back to J-town. Surprisingly I had enough legs to pass a lot of riders, except for a couple who pulled away from me.

Distance: about 130.6
Averaged 17.2 on the night loops
Bike: De Rosa with Cateye Opticube and Vredestein tires at 130 lbs

Special thanks to S-A-N-D-Y! Who do *you* know would volunteer to follow you around all night to make sure you get some night training for the 508????

The loop I'll be riding tonight...

Forty-six: Harrisburg + Decker

Couldn't find the MVBC riders. Met up with Bruce and Jim from Corvallis who made fine riding buddies. One of them bought all our goodies in H'burg and at the Mennonite bakery on Peoria Road. (Thanks!!)

Got in 60 miles because all that was what Sandy would let me ride. Rode easy!

After getting home, I went out for another short and very easy 30 mile ride to shake out the De Rosa.

Mileage for the year

Road miles: 6097.7
Commuting: 750+
Total: 6847.7+

Platinum status reached!

As of my last ride, I now have 5,088 miles in ultracycling.com's mileage challenge.
That means I've earned the "platinum" medal. When I race the 508 next month, I'll also have earned the "year-rounder" medal.

It's a long-shot, but I might have a chance at being in the top-5 in one of the mileage categories. A top-5 finisher also gets a plaque.

Now to focus on the 508! (See www.the508.com)

BTW, here's a photo of me after the Lighthouse Century in Newport, OR (19 August). (I was threatening rain, so I rode my old Specialized Sirrus, which weighs a little over 30 pounds. I bet I was the only one out there using downtube shifters. Retro, yeah!)

Forty-five: Kings Valley + Decker + Llewellyn = 110 miles

Bike: Cervelo
Energy: 4500 calories
Distance: 110 miles

Hardly anyone wanted to go long on the club ride today, except Erica. She and I did the Kings Valley ride, followed by a Decker Loop. After stopping at home for a little chow, I went back out for a Llewellyn loop.

Consumed: two Tiger Milk bars, two bottles of Powerbar Recovery, one bottle of Pertuem, one Gatorade and some water. Took about 4 Endurolytes today -- though it wasn't hot today, taking the tabs helped. (Note: I didn't lose any weight today from fluid loss; at least not after I downed some food and fluids.) Took a Recoverite after the ride; doesn't taste all that great, but it went down ok...

Forty-four: 186.3 miles

I only rode 13 hours of the 24hr TT held in Maupin, OR for a total of 186.3 miles.

Rode the Cervelo which reduced the shock of the rough roads.

Energy: about 8600 calories
Ascent: 14,000+ ft. (yeah, it wasn't exactly flat!)

Forty-three: Triclub ride on Labor Day

Rode 60+ miles with the OSU Tri-club, then ventured on my own to do Decker and a ride up to Airport Rd. and back.

Bike: Cervelo
Distance: 90.2 miles (I'm "tapering" for the Ring-of-Fire TT next weekend ;)
Ascent: 2355 ft.
Energy: 3965 calories

Forty-two: Alsea Falls, Decker Lp, Peterson Lp

Bike: Cervelo
Distance: 108.2 miles
Ascent: 3475 ft
Energy: 4778 calories

Forty-one: Knox Butte, Decker++

Took the Cervelo out for a 104 mile ride.

Did the first 60 with the MVBC (www.mvbc.com). Nobody wanted to go long today.

After arriving back at home, I grabbed a snack and went out for an assault on Decker. On the way back, I met up with the legendary Griz, *the* Ironman, and rode a few more miles.

Energy: 3690
Distance: 104 miles
Ascent: 1750 ft.
Bike: Cervelo SLC

Forty: Lighthouse Century

Hello from Newport, Oregon!

Yaquina Wheels put on a ride today called the Lighthouse Century (See http://www.yaquinawheels.org). Since it was supposed to rain, I brought "the truck", my '91 Specialized Sirrus, which weighs over 30 pounds. The rack, CXP-30 wheels and pannier loaded with clothes made it even heavier.

It used to be a Shimano 7-speed bike, but after wearing out a third rear wheel, I decided to graft on some classic Campy 8-speed components. (The crankset is still Shimano -- they work just fine together.) In 1991 I rode my first cenury on this bike in Montgomery, AL.

I think I had the only bike on the course with downtube shifters. Had a good time passing all the carbon -- tee hee! (Of course I too have a carbon bike, but today was retro day!) You know, it's amazing how simple and reliable the old downtube shifters are!

At the rest stop on the Siletz highway I met RAAMster Ish Makk! (His RAAM hat and T-shirt have it away.) He was working at the SAG.

Distance: 101 miles
Average speed: 17mph
Energy: 4344 calories
Ascent: 3015 ft.
Food: ate lots of stuff (potatoes, boiled eggs, chips, etc.)

Thirty-Nine: 91.1

Rode the MVBC ride to Monmouth, Kings Valley, Philomath; followed by a Decker Loop.

Distance: 91.1 miles
Ascent: 3470 ft.
Energy: 3899 Calories
Temp: 70F
Avg speed: 17.9 mph
Bike: Cervelo

Had a bagel in Monmouth, a bottle of Perpetuem, two breakfast bars, a Tiger Milk bar, and a can of V8 (at the Kings Valley store).

Tuesday evening ride: Decker ++

Pulled out the 1993 Colnago Master Light (Team Word Perfect bike) and rode Decker. (It's Campy 8 speed and has a straight-block cassette: 11-19. Turns out it was perfect for Decker.)

The Colnago has CXP-30 wheels and overall weighs about 24 pounds. It still rides like a dream. The ornate chrome lugs and the straight steel fork (before it was popular) are nice touches.

(I have a Terry saddle on this bike -- sometimes it's nice to ride with a different saddle; most of my other bikes have Arionnes or Flites on them.)

Averaged: 18.2 mph
Distance: 36

Thirty-Eight: 100 .1 miles

Rode the Covered Bridge Bike Tour, put on by my club, the Mid-Valley Bike Club (www.mvbc.com).

Bike: Cervelo
Distance: 100.1 miles
Average: 18.3 overall (19.1 to the lunch stop @ 50 miles)
Ascent: 2950 ft.
Calories expended: 4257
Food: bottle of Perpetuem, turkey sandwich, pretzels, chips, tomato juice (tiny can), two Diet Lime colas, one Grapefruit drink
Max temp: 81F

Thirty-Seven: 97.2 miles

Rode to Bellfountain, Alpine, Monroe (via Coon Rd.), Harrisburg, the Decker loop and the Airport loop.

Bike: Cervelo SLC
Distance: 97.2 miles
Ascent: 2445 ft.
Calories expended: 3776
Food: Bottle of Perpetuem, can of tomato juice, Tiger milk bar, bowl of Raisin Bran (at home before Decker/Airport loops)

Tuesday/Thursday miles

Tuesday: Took the red De Rosa out for the Tuesday night ride. Only Eric and I showed up. I rode about 36 miles. (10 commuting)

Thursday: Went out with the triclub. Got in a total of 37 miles today. (10 commuting) Took out the Cervelo. It's fun keeping up with riders who are not only much lighter, but whose parents are younger than you. I thought one strong rider was going to drop me on Highland, but when he shifted down and slowed a bit, I came around and kept plodding for the summit. I suppose endurance counts!

They were repaving Walnut -- we avoided recrossing the fresh, but oily pavement but cutting through a mobile home park.

Commuting -- I topped 500 miles for the year a couple of days ago. I commute on a '97 Stumpjumper equipped with slicks and yellow fenders...

Best route to coast from Eugene, OR

Best route from Eugene to Florence.

1. Take the West Eugene Wetlands bike path to the very Western end. About 5
miles from downtown Eugene.
2. Take Green Hill Rd. South across Hwy 126, it turns into Crow Rd. About 1
mile
3. Take Crow Rd west to Territorial Hwy. About 8 miles.
4. Go south (turn right) on Territorial Hwy. for ~3/4 mile to Crow Vaughn Rd.
5. Go west (turn left) on Crow Vaughn Rd. till it ends in the town of Noti at
Old Hwy 126. About 8 miles.
6. Go west (turn left) on Old Hwy 126 through Noti till it intersects with
New Hwy 126. About 1/2 mile
7. Go west (turn left) on Hwy 126 to Poodle Creek Road. About 1/2 mile.
8. Go north (turn right) on Poodle Creek Rd till it ends at Hwy 36. About 8
miles.
9. Go west on Hwy 36 (left turn) and continue to the town of Mapleton where
Hwy 36 intersects with Hwy 126. Not sure how far this, but I guess about 20
miles. Through the towns of Blachly, Triangle Lake, Deadwood, and Swiss Home.
10. Take Hwy 126 to Florence. 15 miles.

(source: OBRA forum)

Thirty-six: Roaring River

Rode the MVBC Roaring River ride (+ a litle extra) on the Cervelo.

Very few riders wanted to go long. Most of the pack turned back at Waterloo (OR).

Distance: 99

Decker Loop PR?

Rode the 26.3 mile Decker loop yesterday evening. The winds were just right and where I had a headwind, the aerobars helped reduce their impact.

Averaged 20.1, door-to-door. That includes 7 stop signs (and yes, I stopped for them).
I've averaged 20 mph in the past, but it's been a couple of years and I did it back them without aerobars on my old De Rosa Primato.

Bike: Cervelo
Calories: 1005

She-cat flash photos -- Team RAO 2007

2007 RAO Team She-Cat Flash

Thirty-five: Dallas + Decker

Small group today. Only two of us did the long ride and I extended it to 102 miles by doing a loop over Decker.

Bikes: Cervelo (75), De Rosa (27)

I had to switch bikes after stopping at home for a snack. The rear tire had a very slow leak (turned out to be a leaky valve stem; easily fixed because the Vredestein 80mm tube has a removeable core).

Navigating at RAO

Patty-Jo at RAO

Sandy riding in the Warm Springs reservation

Sandy Earl -- RAO 2007

I crewed for Sandy Earl and Patty Jo "PJ" Struve (Team She Cat Flash) at RAO 2007. Here's a photo of Sandy wearing her "game face".

She and Patty rode a great race, came in 1st place, and established the female two-person record.

Frame separation

The start of Team Race Across Oregon was delayed to allow the Bachetta rider to replace his bike. Here's a photo showing the frame separation. I'm just glad it happened in the parking lot and not on a descent...

Final word on the "clicking" problem?

My De Rosa has a clicking problem (but not a going problem!)

I've tightened chainring bolts, replaced the BB, swapped out the pedals and shoes, lubed the chain, and swapped out the rear wheel.

I think I've solved the problem by torquing the cassette to spec (50nM) using a torque wrench. In the past, I've always tightened the lock ring until it clicked a few times.

While cleaning the cassette (and looking for defects) I noticed there was a slight bit of play...

Monday I took the De Rosa out for the Monday night ride (~30 miles) and it was quiet for a change! (Craig and I were the only riders to show.)

Thirty-four: Covered Bridge Tour pre-ride

Rode to the start at Timber-Linn park in Albany (OR). We got underway at 7:30 and pre-rode the route. (see mvbc.com for details on the Covered Bridge century to be held on August 12th).

Rode with John M, Tim, and Joe. Great riding companions -- it's sooo nice to put in a few miles with friends (also great to have some help repairing a flat!)

Distance: 117.7
Ascent: 3065 ft.
Calories: 4225
Bike: Cervelo (had a flat on the rear tire from glass; replaced the tire after the ride since it was a bit worn.)
Max temp: 94F at the finish (88 at the Lebanon stop)

Note: managed to stay hydrated; lost no weight due to fluid loss. Took only two endurolytes; had two V8s, a diet Pepsi, two bottles of Perpetuem, two Tiger Milk bars and two Grandma cookies. Also drank some water too!

I had no noticeable sodium deposits on my shorts. I felt fine the whole way. Looks like I'm finally getting used to the "heat"...


Key find: Using Polar insulated bottles is great on a hot day. I used it to keep the Perpetuem chilled. It was 80-94 F out there and it took a long time for the ice to melt. I always finished the bottle before the contents got warm...

Fabian's Cervelo at the Tour

Click here to read the story at cyclingnews.com

Wondering why the newest Cervelo bikes are black and white instead of black, red, and white?

You guessed it -- to save weight. They knocked off a few more grams by not painting the bikes (red) and letting more carbon show through...

As for me, I really like the red paint job. Besides, the tiny weight savings doesn't matter to me. (It's already very light and more importantly, aero!)

Monday night ride: 30+

Took out the Soloist for the Monday night ride, also known as "Paris-Roubaix" because of the rough roads.

Usually there's a sprint for the sign at the end of Peoria Road (at the junction of Hwy 34).
I decided to "go" very early, using the aerobars -- and it worked. I have no idea how fast we were going (directly into a headwind); I can't see my Polar 720i because I'm wearing it.

Betty said she came off at 29 mph. Jessica stuck like glue and tried to come around. I was so impressed with her ability to stay on. Although she hasn't ridden much this year, she's still a tough racer.

I thought the bike was getting a little noodly near the sign. It could have been that my front tire was starting to lose air. On the bike path, on the way home, it went completely flat! I pulled out a spare tube and discovered the valve stem was too short (it was a long one, but not a 60mm.) And my spare valve stem extender wouldn't fit the Alps -- it was too thick!

So I simply patched the tube, used a CO2 cartridge to pump it up, and I was back on track!

Thirty-three: Roaring River Century

Distance: 105.2
Max temp: 90F
Ascent: 1460 ft
Avg: 18.0 mph

Rode to Roaring River today on the Cervelo. Got some practice using the aerobars. Also got some practice staying hydrated. After stopping at home for a little snack, I went back out for a spin on the Peterson/Airport loop.

Consumed: two V8s, a ham/cheese sandwich (@Cottonwood), 1.5 bottles of Perpetuem, four bottles of agua, a cup of Soy milk, a can of Diet Lime Soda, two Endurolytes

Sandy -- are you impressed that I didn't dry up?

Got my hands on some Poggio 4s!

I've been delighted with the original Nike Poggio shoes I picked up some time ago. Nike is discontinuing the shoes and they're hard to come by (in size 48). However, Corvallis Cyclery located a pair and gave me a good deal on it! Thanks Dan!

What Ultracycling says on staying hydrated

See http://www.ultracycling.com/nutrition/electrolytes.html

The Salt Mines

CTS does not recommend the use of "salt tablets". However, they do not address the use of electrolyte tablets such as Succeed! and Endurolytes. See http://www.trainright.com/articles.asp?uid=2483

They say that losing as little as 2% of your body weight in fluid loss can affect performance.

I've been losing about 5 pounds on each century ride. That's about 80 oz of fluid (1 pound = 16 oz).

A few days ago I did back-to-back centuries and lost a total of 8 pounds (128 oz)!! It was quite hot on the second day, in the 90s. I felt a little tired after the ride (duh!) but I could still eat and drink.

I've got to get a handle on staying hydrated if I'm going to be successful at the 508....

Thirty-two: Marys Peak Century

The Mid-valley Bicycle Club celebrates the 4th each year with a climb up Marys Peak, at 4000 ft, the tallest peak in the Oregon coastal range.

Turnout was low and unfortunately there was no SAG at the top. My bottles were nearly empty! Fortunately there's a water spigot at the campground about a mile from the top.

I rode the De Rosa and tested the 12-27 cassette (Miche). The 27 made the steep parts just a little easier. After I made it home, I switched bikes and rode the rest of the Cervelo. Rode to the Christmas tree farm on Bellfountain and then over Decker.

Distance: 91 miles
Bikes: De Rosa (48), Cervelo (43)
Ascent: 4135 (Marys Peak) + 1170 (Decker + Philomath) = 5305 ft
Temp: 90F in the afternoon

On the second part of my ride, I stopped at the Philomath Mickey D's for a cool soft-serve ice cream and to fill my bottles with ice and water.

Movin' on up

In the UMCA mileage challenge, I moved up from #39 to #25 in overall mileage (as of July 1st).

Still more work to do!!!

Thirty-one: Summer Solstice Century Part deux

After moving 4000 pounds of bark mulch the last couple of days, I decided to go for a ride.

Rode to Bellfountain, Harrisburg, Brownsville (via Rowland), Shedd, and Philomath.

Distance: 92
Temp: 88F (in Harrisburg)
Avg speed: 16.9
Bike: Cervelo

Consumed: bottle of Perpetuem, three breakfast bars, can of Campbells Tomato juice, and a 32 oz Diet Coke (in B'ville; refreshing!)

Note: I think I started this ride a little dehydrated from all the yard work in the sun. (After eating dinner and drinking lots, I was still at 188.) I think I started the day at 194...

Monday Evening Ride: 30+ miles

I took out the old (and pristine) Colnago Master Light. It's got a straight-block cassette, which is suitable for the sprint at the end of Peoria Road.

Wolfie edged me out on the sprint. I wasn't covering my right side and he zoomed past me. I grabbed his wheel and got partway around before the sign appeared. That was fun -- we got up to at least 34 mph, directly into the wind. (Wolfie is faaaasst!)

Afterwards, the gang stopped at Bombs Away for dinner... Great food (I had a wet burrito.)

RAO racers that are RAAM Qualified

I looked these guys up on the ultracycling site...

Bruce Carroll - RQ
Glenn Johnson - rookie
Upton Dabney - rookie
Hugh Gapay - RQ
Robert Buntrock - rookie
Jim Fischer - rookie
Al Smudz - RQ
Ryan Correy - RQ

Thirty: Rogue Century

A few club members proposed that we do a "rogue" century and do Kings Valley (via Philomath and Wren) so we would have more options to extend the ride. Just past Independence, two riders peeled off and went home.

On the way to the turnoff to Jefferson, the rest of the group decided they'd had enough and took the Buena Vista ferry home. (Can you say "Lemmings"? I knew you could.) Naturally, I went on solo to Jefferson (stopped at the Mexican bakery!), Brownsville, Shedd, and finished up with the Peterson Loop.

Distance: 138.5
Calories: 5136
Ascent: 3895
Avg: 17.5 for the first 117, 17.3 for all
Bike: Cervelo

Comsumed: two 20oz Diet Pepsi, a 12 oz V8 ($1.35 in Shedd), a 12-oz Campbell's tomato juice ($1 in KV), two tacos (Jefferson), a bagel and a cake donut (Independence), one bottle of Perpetuem, and several bottles of water. (I had the little cake donut at the bakery until I realized the rest of the gang was at the bagel shop. So I had a bagel too, which was excellent.)

Note: I lost about 6 pounds of fluid during the ride and it only got up to 80.

Twenty-nine: Summer Solstice Sentury

Rode to Alsea, Alpine, Harrisburg, and Brownsville with Henry, Lyle, Joe, and Tim. What a great group to ride with.

Maria met us in B'ville to give us our lights. I tried out my new NR Blowtorch and it was awesome! Pacelining in the dark is an interesting experience. Fortunately I know these guys well and they're safe and predictable.

Bike: De Rosa Primato
Distance: 109.3 (+ 10 miles commuting = 119.3 for the day)
Calories expended: ~4734
Ascent: 2975 feet
Consumed: two cans of Campbells tomato juice ($0.99 in Alsea for a can, $1.59 for a plastic bottle in H'burg.), a Tiger Milk bar, two breakfast bars, two bottles of Perpertuem, two bottles of water, and a 32 oz Diet Coke (in B'ville).

I "won" the sprint to Alsea and Alpine by getting away early on the climbs. Henry caught me on the run into B'ville on Gap road and blew me off the road in the sprint. Way to go Henry!

These guys are as tough as nails. On the last 20 miles in the dark, they're still hammering down the road!!!

Twenty-eight: Watermelon double

I saw this one through --- completed 200 tough miles.

In the morning we were thoroughly wet from the "30% chance of showers". Near Albany the rain was cold and stinging!

I rode with a number of people and I took care not to draft. (It *is* a training ride!) I rode with John, Mark, Adam and Del, to name a few. On Maple Grove I met up with Del and Adam and rode the rest of the way in with them.

(Adam rode down from Portland and was planning on riding back. He's the one to watch at RAO this year!!!) Del as usual doesn't have an "off" switch...

Distance: 200 miles
Calories expended: 7535
Climbing: 4820 ft.
Avg speed: 16.3 mph
Bike: Cervelo soloist -- aka "Neo" -- it's the one

Twenty-seven: 118 miles

Took the red De Rosa to Buena Vista, crossed the ferry, rode to south Salem, Turner, Jefferson, Albany, and after stopping at the house to grab a snack and switch to the Cervelo, I did a Decker loop.

Calories: 4400
Distance: 118 miles
Food consumed: a ham/cheese sandwich & a tomato juice @ Turner, two small tacos and a 20 oz Diet Pepsi @ Jefferson, and a bowl of soup at home

Rode with Henry and Lyle. We averaged over 18 for the 83 miles we rode together...

Thursday ride: 46 miles

Rode the Cervelo to the top of the Bellfountain climb and started the climb on Decker Rd. when I met the MVBC group. I pulled a u-turn and gave chase using the aerobars. Managed to catch everyone, including Scott who was off-the-front as usual.

It was a bit windy today. The Soloist screams in a tailwind and does great going directly into it. We did the Smith Loop and came back via Llewellyn and Bellfountain Rd. I took a long pull on Llewellyn Rd -- they tell me I was doing 20 into the 10-20 mph headwind. (Of course I was in the CGTs; I couldn't check my speed easily because I was wearing the Polar.)

On the way back I gunned it on the "Airport" climb. I've never climbed that hill faster. (I took a glance at my Polar and we were doing 18.5 at one point.) That bike just goes!!!

46 miles (+ 10 commuting)

Note: The Polar 720i won't reliably pick up the strap when mounted sideways on the step -- in either direction. So today I had to wear it as a watch. Next I'll try mounting it facing forward using some Velcro.

Ah, Early Summer Evening Rides!

It was 85 today when I left my house for the MVBC Tuesday night ride. The group split into two and I rode with the bunch that went over Decker.

Bike: De Rosa Primato
Distance: 40 miles

Note: Legs felt a little sluggish until we started up Decker -- that got them going! Climbing ok!

Monday night ride: 35 miles

I guess that the Cap Velo Monday night rides are coming to an end. For the last two weeks, it's been only Betty and me. We both rode our plastic bikes and had a good ride.

Note: I used a different Polar strap and the watch still doesn't get consistent readings (it picks up the speed sensor just fine) when mounted on the stem. I might try orienting it the other way...

Bike: Cervelo
Distance: 35 miles

Mounting a Polar watch on the stem

See article: http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=59966

666

Here's a photo a friend of mine took of my number at the Strawberry Century. It was only appropriate that I wore that number, considering I was riding a "beast" of a bike, my 30+ pound Specialized Sirrus (circa 1991) with rack and pannier. It was a wet but enjoyable ride!

Twenty-six: 136.2 miles, Marcola Century and beyond

I brought the Cervelo Soloist out to play today and it did great!

We had a scream-fest all the way to Harrisburg, at which point a few riders turned around. At Coburg, a few more riders called it a day and turned back (two of them were the ones who kept pushing the pace). Phrases such as "I need to spend time with my family" and "Gotta go to Saturday Farmer's market" were overheard.

By the time "we" reached Coburg, it was down to three: Henry, Lyle and me. We rode hard, stopped in Brownsville for a well-earned sandwich, and flew back into Corvallis. After a brief stop at home, I ventured out to the Holiday Tree Farm (on Bellfountain Rd.) and came back via Peterson and Philomath.

This hard ride is good training for the Watermelon double I'll be doing next Sunday.

Total Distance: 136.2
Average speed for the first 101 miles: 20.2
Ascent: 2055 feet

Notes:

• The aerobars were handy in the headwinds coming back from B'ville.
  
• Mounting my Polar on the stem works fine for the speed sensor, but the reading from the HR strap were all over the place and sometimes got no reading at all. (I'm going to replace the battery in the strap, a CR2025.)
• The Cervelo seems to be friendly to the rear-end. (I'm using Hed Alps wheels and an Arionne saddle.) The rough chip sealed roads didn't seem as harsh.
• Food consumed: two bottles of Perpetuem, a Tiger Milk bar, 20 oz Gatorade, a V-8, and a turkey sandwich with chips and soda + a snack at home
• I weighed 191 after the ride; I was a little dehydrated...
  

Thursday ride: 52 mile hammerfest

We rode to Kings Valley via Wren, returning via Airlie Road/Hwy 99.

Calories: 2500+
Distance: 52 miles (+ 10 miles commuting)
Bike: De Rosa Primato

Tuesday: 37 miles

26.8 miles (Decker loop) + extensions

Took out the Cervelo and tried the Profile CGTs in their new (wider) position. It's more comfortable and there's no strain on the forearms.

It was a bit windy. Using the aerobars in a crosswind on Decker Rd. was interesting.

I need to put more miles on this bike, particularly in windy conditions, so I can get more used to the feel. The bike rides well; it seems to do a good job at eating the vibrations from chip-seal roads.

Monday: 35 miles

10 miles commuting + 25 miles on the Monday night Cap Velo ride.

Took out the Cervelo Soloist. Betty and I were the only riders to show up. She had her brand new Orbea, painted in an orange theme -- nice bike. Betty is faaaster on that bike!

You asked to see it -- here it is, my Cervelo Soloist

(Click for larger view)

This is my 2007 Cervelo Soloist Carbon equipped with HED Alps wheels, Campy Chorus grouppo (got Record cranks for no extra cost) and Profile CGT slam bars.

Twenty-five: Strawberry Century (101 miles)

I got up at 4:50, picked up a friend, and drove over to Lebanon Oregon to help with registration at the Strawberry Century.

Around 8:30 or so, I started out in a slight drizzle. They changed the course this year to avoid the "boring" 30 mile loop in and out of Brownsville.

I brought my 1991 Specialized Sirrus with a rear rack and pannier full of clothes. I just knew it was going to rain -- and had plenty of evidence from watching the weather forecast on KATU. Lo and behold, I got solidly soaked near Brownsville.

Considering I was riding "the beast", it was only fitting that I wore number "666". (I got quite a few comments about that number!)


My bike computer stopped getting a signal as it got wet. My Polar, covered in a baggie, missed about 32 miles of the course. After nearly 40 miles, I noticed the "trip" distance was only 5.9. I pressed the "red" button and it started recording the mileage again. I rode the whole course, so I know I got in 101 miles.

I had a strong ride and never got passed -- though I passed a lot of carbon with my lugged steel frame with sturdy CXP 30 wheels and downtube shifters. None of the hills seemed as hard as they were in previous editions. Fresh from RAO camp, I suppose that's not unexpected!

The treat at the end was great -- strawberry shortcake with ice cream! (Thanks to Santiam Spokes for another great ride! The hills at the end were a nice touch!)

Tuesday ride: 48 miles

We rode out to Shedd and returned via Tangent.

What a fast crowd that showed up. I believe we averaged nearly 20mph!

Tuesday ride: 31 miles

I put on my old wheel with the new Miche 12-27 cassette. This cassette is quite good!

Interestingly, the clicking I had attributed to the ferrules of these Open Pro wheels is now gone. Could the clicking simply be the interface between the wheel and frame?

Note: the "new" wheel starting clicking during the RAO camp. I thought that maybe all the rough roads did it in. It appears there's might be an even simpler and less expensive explanation...

It looked like it was raining cats and dogs near Marys Peak. Somehow I avoided getting dumped on. Pleasant ride with a few sprinkles. (Beats 115F heat with no shade any day!)

I received my invitation for the 508!

Chris Kostman sent me an invitation today to the 508!! (It's nearly sold out already!)

See http://www.the508.com


Looks like there will be a gnarly Nutria (or at least a "nutso" one) at the 508 this year!

(I last rode the 508 as part of Team Titanium Tibia in 1999. I've crewed for it twice, once as the crew-chief. Both times my rider was successful!)

RAO camp: 400+ miles, three days, 20,000+ calories (centuries 22, 23, 24)

The best burrito ever (see photo of the wrapper; yeah, it was that good!) George presented it to me on Hwy 26, just after Prineville.

Got back last night and I'm toast. Legs still work, I'm just dehydrated. This morning the scale tells me that I'm about 6 pounds lighter than when I left. (And this is after eating a large dinner last night, followed by a bowl of soup when I got home.)

Elevation gain: 27,925 ft.
Calories expended: 18,648

day	distance	max-temp	ascent
1	155.1	99F	14,625
2	114.75	115F	5,580
3	123.21	102F	7,950

Century 21: 130 miles!

I rode hard the whole way. First thing, I got off the front and eventually Vic and another strong guy caught me -- but they turned off in Peoria to go to B'ville. John, who caught us just before Peoria, took turns with me riding to Harrisburg. He peeled off in Harrisburg because he needed to get home by 2pm.

I pushed on to Coburg at a leisurely pace, eventually getting swallowed up by the peloton. On the climb out of Marcola, I managed to stay with a couple who dropped the rest of the group. Knowing the road well, I turned up the heat and walked away when the road turned up some more. The rest of the way back I took some monster pulls and managed to edge out Larry for the sprint at the end of Peoria road.

After downing some groceries at home, I went out for a Peterson loop, continuing my tradition of extending the MVBC's "long" ride...

Bikes: red De Rosa, 106 miles; Cervelo, 14 miles
Calories expended: ~4500 (interesting -- this is what I usually burn in a century)
Feed: three bottles of Perpetuem, a 20oz Gatorade (Harrisburg), a can of tomato juice & a ham sandwich (Coburg), a 20oz Diet Pepsi (Crawfordville), a small salad + a toasted cheese sandwich (home, before the last loop) and Diet Lime Cola.

Also took a single Endurolyte at Crawfordville.

Note: Drinking the Diet Pepsi on the route may seem crazy, but it was truly refreshing. It does provide fluids, sodium, and caffeine. I felt stronger on the second half of the ride. I was pushing hard but struggling a bit early in the ride -- perhaps after effects of the ride the day before.

Twenty: Friday Century

Left work early and headed to Brownsville, an out-and-back on Northern Drive, and a Peterson Loop. I'm counting my bike commute to work, considering all I did was change bikes and clothes when I got home...

Distance: 100.6 (90.6 + a commute)
Bike: Cervelo (with new Profile CGT! Thanks Sandy for recommending these!)

Note to self: Need to spread the bars -- it's a snug fit trying to get both hands around the bars...

Tuesday ride: 41 miles

I believe I found the source of the clicking on my red De Rosa -- the rear wheel.

I put on a new Open Pro rear wheel that I've kept as a spare. The clicking is all gone! A Google search turned up that the Mavic Open Pros are notorious for clicking at the ferrules. That explains why my blue De Rosa also clicks; it too has Open Pro wheels. The wheels are true, but it drives my riding companions (yeah, you Joe M.) nuts. (Well I hate the clicking too.)

Rode towards Alpine and came back over Decker....

Nineteen: Waterloo and beyond

Started out with the MVBC ride to Waterloo and I extended by riding a loop over Decker. The couplet work in Philomath is causing traffic to be diverted across Grange Road. These drivers seemed aggessive and upset. At the end of Grange Road, an ODOT person told me to be careful, the drivers are driving like maniacs. I turned right, going in the opposite direction. I took Airport Road and came back on Bellfountain.

Distance: 100.6
Ascent: 1750
Calories consumed: about 4200

Consumed: two bottles of Perpetuem, Tiger Milk bar, a 20oz Gatorade; after the 62 mile ride to Waterloo, I stopped at home and had a small bowl of cereal. Just seemed like the thing to eat!

Bike: red De Rosa (still click city -- when my new cassettes arrive, I'll replace the one on the De Rosa and see if that helps).

Now payment is due

I'm paying for my "race" walk yesterday!

I've got sore calfs and anterior tib muscles, not to mention the lost skin on a couple of toes. Note to self: don't wear cotton socks!

Still it was fun. One of the joggers I was battling told me that I was "killing him". The lady jogger I passed on the wood-chip path said she wasn't sure she wanted to pass me back as she came around. I couldn't go as fast as they could on the pavement, however.

We all had fun!

"Walked" a 5K today

Here at work they put on a 5K run/walk. We even had to put on race numbers!

I can't run, but I can walk. And I'm a little bit competitive.

Finished the thing in 44:46, the first walker. It was fun, minus a blister on a toe.

A couple of joggers at the back of the pack made it interesting for me. I went back and forth with one, whom I drafted for a while on a wood-chip laden trail to catch another one. Ultimately they got away on the final stretch (on pavement) -- but they helped improve my time.

Nutso Nutria!

May day! I sent in my registration for the 508 today!!! Yay!!

Can you guess what my race "totem" is going to be?

#18 Saturday Century: 105 miles

I rode to the OR District TTT event and helped sweep corners. (I also ran the website and set up online registration -- a big win this year). We had about 50 teams show up!

Wish I could have ridden, but I didn't have a team. Very few members of the local club have ridden much -- and I had one of the best bikes there (to not be in the event!)

From there I rode to Brownsville and back through Tangent. Came back at the end of the event for the "traditional" organizers ride, but it wasn't to be. The winds picked up and the temperature dropped. None of the riders had enough clothes...

A friend showed up and we rode a few miles, only to turn back to town early because it looked like the sky was going to dump on us. He had a flat on the way back to town. Talk about luck!

Once I got back home, I ate a couple sacks of groceries, and headed back out. What's a little wind and cool air? (I put on a jacket.)

Bike: Cervelo Soloist Carbon
Total mileage: 105
Calories expended: about 4000
Food consumed (on the ride): two bottles of Perpetuem, one GU, two cereal bars, one Tiger Milk.
Ascent: 650 ft. (yep, it was flat.)

Problem solved?

I swapped out the Miche 11-25 cassette for an older Centaur 12-25.

The drivetrain on the Cervelo doesn't click anymore and it seems smoother. Time will tell!

Meanwhile I'm going to order a couple of new cassettes and a Campy chain.

Notes:

I did indeed use the lockring that came with the 11-25 cassette.

Wipperman chain issues

My new Cervelo came with a Wipperman chain. I've used Wippermans for years with no issues.

After three rides I had a problem with a stiff link -- the master link.

I replaced the chain with a new spare I had and after a couple hundred miles, it started skipping; the master link went stiff. (I also had another link go stiff on the same ride.)

What gives?

These are the nickel plated Wipperman 1008 chains, which are Campy compatible. I'm using a Miche 10-speed (Campy compatible) cassette -- can't imagine how that would be an issue.

I'm using 2007 Campy Chorus Ultratorque components -- can there be some sort of incompatibility? Or am I unlucky?

If you have a solution or have had similar problems, please post a reply to this blog entry.

Others have had similar issues with Wipperman 10-sp chains: See

#16 Bellfountain, Harrisburg, Brownsville (via Gapp), Decker loop

Distance: 105 miles

#17: Sunday Century: 91.3 miles

Route: Harrisburg, Peoria (via American), Tangent-Decker

Had severe problems with the chain -- the master link kept stiffening up. One time it was another link. This was the second Wipperman chain in a row that had this problem!

(I later determined that the "cause" was the Miche 11-25 cassette. Let's put it this way, the problem went away when I switched to a Centaur 12-25.)

Distance: 91.30
Bike: Cervelo

#15 King's Valley and 2X Decker Loop

Distance: 111 miles
Calories expended: 4800
Ascent: ~3500 ft
Max temp: 72F

Rode the red De Rosa for the first (hard) 60 miles with the "fast" group. (We averaged over 18mph). Once I got home I had a sandwich and a soda and took out the Cervelo for the Decker loops.

Consumed: three bottles of Perpetuem, a granola bar, a Tiger's Milk bar, a grilled turkey/cheese sandwich, and a diet soda.

Tuesday night ride

Got in about 31 miles on the MVBC Tuesday night ride. Scott took us over a few hills. (Also got in 10 miles commuting.)

Managed to "wrench" my chain as I shifted on a short hill on the red De Rosa. It started skipping wildly -- a link went stiff. The chain isn't exactly new anyway. I have no idea how many miles I have on it. (I had just cleaned it too -- bummer.)

Later in the evening I went to the gym for an upper body workout on the Freemotion machines.

Everything's holding up (except perhaps the equipment, but maintenance "cures" that.)

'94 Colnago Master Light

On today's Capitol Velo Monday night ride we rode about 31 miles (1100 or so calories).

My old 8-speed Master Light showed fine form on it's first ride of the season. On the flats it doesn't matter if your bike weighs 24 pounds and you're using a corn-cob cassette (straight block 11-19).

This bike is still so silky smooth. Ernesto knows how to build them! (My very first ride on this bike was Boston-Montreal-Boston in '94).

Betty, Jesica, Flo, Loren and Mark D. rode tonight. Excellent company and conditions!!!

Peterson Loop

Rode the Cervelo on the Peterson loop. Followed that with a short gym workout.

It's about 23 miles...

#14 Le Tour de Agua

I rode my trusty old Specialized Sirrus 101.6 miles, entirely in the rain. I started with the MVBC on their Irish Bend ride, but the group bailed early in Bellfountain. I had no takers for going long.

Once you're already soaked, it doesn't matter if it keeps on raining!


Calories expended: ~3900
Distance: 101.6

Route: Bellfountain, Irish Bend, Harrisburg, B'ville, Tangent, Philomath

But it's not a Bike Friday!

Check out the interesting story about the new bike shop at Willamette University.

Minor nit: The photo's caption is wrong -- that bike is not a Bike Friday!

Friday night ride

Took the Cervelo out for the famous "Peterson" loop.

Distance: about 23 miles

Tuesday evening ride

Left work too late to drive to the TT in Coburg and it was too late to make the MVBC ride -- so I rolled my own.

Took out the red De Rosa to test the new BB. Most of the creaking is gone. I'm starting to think that there are multiple things creaking.

For starters, my Poggio shoes with Look cleats. They're the new cleats and supposed to creak less. I think it's partly the shoes because they creak on the Cervelo.

However, my new Specialized shoes also creak on the De Rosa. I need to try them on the Cervelo and see how it goes. Process of elimination!

Distance: 21 miles
Calories expended: about 800
Food and water consumed: none (I carried a full bottle around and forgot to drink. Besides, it was quite cool and sprinkling a bit.)

Followed the ride with a quick trip to WowFitness for work on the Free Motion machines.

New BB for the red De Rosa

Took a day off. No riding, no gym. Instead I replaced the BB on the red De Rosa and cleaned the drive train.

The old BB seems ok. I figured I'd replace it while I have it out. I'll grease the old one and keep it as a spare.

When I pulled the BB, a little water came out. Didn't find any rust. I think some of the water might have seeped in on the way back from Davis or from condensation. The BB shell doesn't have a drain hole (and I'm not about to go drilling on a classic frame!)

Cumulative mileage on the red De Rosa: 16,500. (The last time I replaced the BB was in 2004, just after RAO camp. On the last day of camp, the bearing on the left side were ground to bits and seized up. Now you see why I keep an eye on BBs!)

Good site on how to service BBs: http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=94

#13 Shedd, Brownsville and Decker/Peterson loops

Rode my first (faux) century on the Cervelo. Didn't leave the house until 2pm...

Distance: 94.2
Consumed: two bottles of Perpetuem, one bottle of water, a breakfast bar and a bagel

Mileage challenge miles: 1358.65

#12 Decker, Smith Lp, Shedd, Tangent

Did the first 46 miles on the heavy Specialized Sirrus. Had a good climb over Decker and nearly caught Vic (I started at the back of the group).

Once the weather seemed to clear up, I rode home, grabbed a snack, and took the Cervelo out for the remainder of the ride.

Distance: 94.4

MVBC mileage leader for March

I led with 713 miles club miles in March. That's a PR for me in MVBC mileage. Guess I'm RTFB!

I log my miles but don't keep up with the totals, except for the ones that count toward the UMCA mileage challenge.

Results from the Davis 12-hour TT

12 Hour Race Solo Category:

Women 18-49
Kate Riggs 186.9
Sandy Earl 170.5
Jean Cordalis 168.5
Cathy Morgan 97.3

Men 18-49
Graham Pollock 221.7
Wayne Riley 197.5
Doug Sloan 180.9
Mark Newsome 179.5
Andreas Shultz 162.5
Tim Reese 162.5
Martin Christian 162.5
Ric Shrank 162.5
Pete Perez 131.7

Men 50>
Joel Sothern 214.3
Kent Mulkey 199.3
Mike Haberski 184.9
John Henry Maurice 177.5
Vance Ray 162.5

Men 60>
Del Scharffenberg 186.9
Bob Brouhard 162.5

12 Hour Race Mixed Tandem 90>
Keith Vandevere
Mireya de la Vega 213.0

12 Hour Race Men Fixed Gear
Sam Snead 210.3

12 Hour Race Men Recumbent 18-49
Randy Gillet 162.5 (rode 15 minutes less)
Jon Lauer 162.5

12 Hour Race Men Recumbent 50>
Tim Woudenberg 209.3

24 Hour Race Solo Category
Women 18-49
Nicole Honda 354.5

Women 50>
Patty Jo Struve 346.5

Men 18-49
Hugh Gapay 379.9
Tom Strause 328.1
Jon Baker 254.5

Men 50>
David Kees 400.3

Men 60>
Dan Crain 387.3
Greg Olson 366.9

Recumbent 50>
Glen Cooley 304.3

Single Speed 18-49
Chuck Knoble 315.4

Team
Brothers from Sisters
Gregg Geser 508.7
Rich Hummel
Winter Lewis
Greg Zadow

Why you shouldn't ride a new bike at an event

I knew better than to take the new Cervelo to the Davis 12-hour. And it turns out I was right -- nope, I didn't take it...

I went out for the Tuesday ride with the club. Would you know it, the Cervelo's drivetrain starts to skip just before we start up the Lewisburg saddle.

Jon Beilby was nice enough to stop and help me diagnose it. At first it looked like the chain was too long. After fiddling with it, I discovered the culprit -- a stiff master link. (I tried to work it out, but it didn't help.)

I turned around and decided to head for Cyclotopia, the only shop still open at 6pm. They didn't have a link or a replacement chain, but they made it a little better for the rest of the way home.

At home I replaced the Wipperman 10sp chain with another model (hollow pin) and it works great! The fact that the link was a bit stiff might explain the vibrations I was getting from the chain as I pedaled... A quick test ride seemed to indicate that the case is closed...

Distance: about 20
Bike: Cervelo Soloist Carbon (Campy equipped, of course!)

Recovery with the Helenator

Attended the spinning class at the gym, conducted by the Helenator. It was a good workout and helped loosen things up.

I feel good enough to go out for a ride! (I would have but it's raining buckets around here.)

#11 Davis 12-hour TT

Rode about 180 miles in 12 hours.

This ride went pretty well -- and there are lessons learned!

John Henry, Sandy, and I drove down on Friday and stayed at Lee's "bike hostel". (Thanks to Lee and his wife!)

I didn't sleep well the night before. Any sound woke me up, including the chimes of a grandfather-style clock. I recall hearing the chimes every hour. (It really wasn't that loud -- I didn't sleep as soundly as I usually do. Maybe it was just the fact that I was sleeping in a different place...)

At the starting line I was cold and starting to shiver -- so I put on a jacket. For some reason I was hacking a bit. Perhaps it was the dry air or all the grass pollen. On the ride, as we started to climb, I felt like I was burning up, so I surrendered the jacket to Vicky (thanks!) who returned it to me later.

I rode my red De Rosa, clicking bottom bracket and all.

I used two bottles of Perpetuem between SAG stops. I even stopped at a rider's personal support vehicle and got an extra bottle of water and drank a small Gatorade I was offered. (Thanks!)

Here's a summary of what I consumed.
- 11 bottles of Perpetuem
- two breakfast bars
- two "nanners"
- can of Campbell's tomato juice (last SAG)
- can of diet coke (last SAG)
- ~ 5 endurolytes

There wasn't much solid food at any of the SAGs. Peanut butter and jam sandwiches, cooked potatoes, etc. would have done the trick I think. We did have the option of sending bags ahead, which I didn't take advantage of.

Next time I will bring a load of Cliff bars and perhaps some Grandma cookies (oatmeal-raisin is best) and send them ahead to the sag stops. And wear a Camel-bak if I don't have a PSV (personal support vehicle).

One problem is that I ran out of water before most SAG stops. It was a little warm on some of the climbs and probably got dehydrated, which in turn made it hard to eat solids after finishing the 162 mile day loop. (I was able to sip some soup and eat a little ice cream, however. Great soup at the finish line!!!!)

I really didn't get my legs until we got 40 miles into the ride, which was about the time I normally wake up. Bottom line, I had a good time. No major issues with soreness, though my lower back ached a bit on the long 11-12% climb where I sometimes had to stand on my easiest gear, a 39x25.

On the next 12/24 hour TT, I intend to do the 24 hour ride. By then I should many more longer rides under my belt and hopefully have the nutrition thing better dialed in... Feet and bike fit are on the money!

Calories expended: 8390 calories
Miles rode: 180.7 (179.5 officially)
Ascent: 8225 feet
Temp: 66F

Many thanks to the volunteers to made the Davis TT a great experience!

Note: rode over 250 miles/week for both this and last week

Cervelo Soloist Carbon + Campy Ultra Torque = It Simply Rocks

You guessed it. I took out the beast for it's maiden voyage. Nobody showed for the Monday night ride, so I took it out for the Peterson loop. Yep, it's stiff and all power goes into the transmission.

The new Campy Ultra Torque group is fantastic. I didn't know it could get better! Now all my old Campy stuff seems inferior. Shifting is easy and snappy. The new bottom bracket is fabulous.

This bike flies!!! It looks so cool that you're inspired to ride harder.

Miles: about 20

It's here...

THE bike has arrived.

With pedals, saddle, and wheels: sub 18 pounds.

Can't ride it for 12 hours until the epoxy finishes drying (has to do with the fork).

More later...

#10 Marcola Century

distance: 110 miles
calories: ~4500
ascent: 1580 feet (mostly near Marcola)

Rode the course CCW. The skies really opened up at Peoria. Would you know it, the sun came out just after I got home. Rode the old Specialized Sirrus.

Saw some peacocks near Brownsville and a few wild turkeys near Marcola. Rode quite strongly today; climbed steadily and took some long pulls on the flats.

Food consumed: two bottles of Perpetuem, two Tiger Milks, two Grandma cookies, and a turkey sandwich (at Coburg).

Thursday evening ride: 23 miles

I was late to the start of the MVBC Thursday ride. I decided to do a Decker and ran across Joe, Lyle, and Chris. Rode back with them... It was good for 23 miles.

Also put in an hour at the gym on the Freemotion machines...

Tuesday evening club ride - 36 miles

A small group of us went out and rode Decker. I think I must be in reasonable shape. On "the" climb, I stayed with a guy who weighs about 23 pounds less than me who rides a lighter (carbon fibre) bike. (He usually drops me when he starts dancing on the pedals.) Maybe he cut me some slack today...

At the top, he commmented that my bike is "old school". Yeah, it is. It's a 1996 De Rosa Giro D'Italia, a lugged steel frame. (Couldn't find any carbon anything on it.) If this bike was good enough for Bjarne Riis to ride in the tour in 1995 (well, it's not the "exact" bike he rode), then it's good enough for me today. :-)

Needless to say, my 21st century bike is on its way. Will it arrive this week? Who knows? It is, however, red!

Distance: 36 miles

Also got in a light upper body workout at the gym... My wife needed to go anyway and I couldn't waste the opportunity!

#9 Sudden Century

route: Shedd, Brownsville, ~Crawfordville, Sand Ridge Rd, ~Lebanon, Shedd, part of the TTT course, Philomath

Just couldn't turn down the chance for ride -- it was too nice out there. I was tempted to work on some code for work, but I've done so much of that in the past. And I'm not sure where it has gotten me. (If you don't understand what I mean, just read Dilbert.)

There is an old saying I recall from my school days, "You can retake a class, but you can't relive a weekend." Sorry, weekends are mine. ;-)

Calories: 3448
Distance: 90.12
Bike: blue De Rosa (the red one is in the shop)
Consumed: just two bottles of Perpetuem and a cereal bar (it was cool and the route was mostly flat)

I started just before 3:00 and got back at 8:00. Luckily I had an LED headlight and a mega-flasher tail light because it was almost pitch dark when I got home.

Seems the blue De Rosa has a squeak too. Wonder if it's my shoes? But I don't recall hearing the noise when I rode the Sirrus yesterday. (My nickname for the old reliable Sirrus is one-ton-ton.) Both De Rosas are Campy 10-speed.

Wonder if the narrow chainrings are flexing a bit -- or perhaps the BBs are going bad on both bikes? Or???? Cyclotopia is having a look at the red one. Should be able to get it back late tomorrow...

Saw lots of sheep and one Llama on this ride. Would have taken some photos, but I was RTFB.

#8 Buena Vista, Momouth, Dallas, KV, Philomath, Peterson Loop

Rode 107 miles on my Specialized Sirrus with an 7 pound pannier to carry extra clothes and groceries.

Changed out the right pedal before the ride because I noticed it made noise when I spun it by hand. So I rode with a gray left pedal and a blue right pedal. (The fashion police -- I mean Joe -- wasn't there to point it out. Yeah, I got singled out once because my tires didn't match. :)

Calories expended: about 4500

Consumed: three bottles of Perpetuem, two Tiger Milk bars, a breakfast bar, and two Grandma cookies.

Rode quite well, considering how much this rig weighs. I took a loooong pull out of Dallas and walked away from my riding companions on all hills. I think they were just taking it easy, but I didn't feel as though I was pushing hard. I try to keep a steady pace.

On the way back from Peterson, I came across the OSU Omnium, already in progress. It must have been weird for the spectators to see a guy on a beatup old bike with downtube shifters and a pannier bag cruise across the finish line!

Bottom bracket self-destruct

I think I've found the source of the clicking on my red De Rosa -- the bottom bracket. I've read that Chorus BBs start to creak when they're on their way out. Mine is about two years old and come to think of it, I've been through this before. Face it, I eat BBs. I've checked everything else, including re-torquing the BB, tightening the chainring bolts, crankarms, etc.

The reviews at excelsports.com confirm the tendency of these BBs to creak and then fail. My last BB self-destructed in a major way at the RAO camp. It made so much noise that a support van passing me heard it and stopped without having to signal them.
The bearings on the left side were ground to a pulp.

Well, I don't have time to change it now, so I'll just continue to ride it. Or perhaps I'll take the blue De Rosa instead. (But red bikes are faster!)

It might be fun to drive my riding companion nuts!

-- Nutso Nutria

Thursday night ride -- Decker revisited

Nothing helps me think better than a bike ride. It relieves stress from the work day and makes you feel relevant!

Didn't find anyone at the Osborn Center, so I went out for a Decker ride by myself.

Miles: 45
Calories: 1500+

Rode the red De Rosa (gotta eliminate all that clicking -- I wonder whether my bottom bracket is simply "slap worn out" -- southern expression).

Where's my bike?

"Real soon now, no kidding this time".... Seems we're waiting for a crankset and it's on its way from New New York. It should be here next week.

Maybe I'll have it in time for the Davis 12 hour TT. Most likely I'll just ride my red De Rosa since it's the one I'm most familiar with and have ridden the most miles (16,200+).

Tuesday night ride -- Decker with lights

Rode 28 miles on my old Specialized Sirrus with my new Cateye Opticube.

Started late and got home in the dark. The Opticube is awesome! (Now to try the Enduro HID!)

Cycling is so important -- it negates the stress of work!

#7 Alsea Falls, Alpine, Harrisburg, Peoria, Brownsville, Shedd Century

Calories: 5480
Distance: 117 miles

Rode the red De Rosa. Had fun riding to Alsea Falls with the club...

Our group extended the ride to 85 miles. I extended that to 117 by peeling off at Peoria and diverting to Brownsville.

This morning I had a slow start but after 30 miles I picked it up. Climbed well and had some good pulls too!

Consumed: two bottles of Perpetuem, two Cliff bars, two Tiger Milk bars, two Gatorades (I need to bring more Perpetuem and skip the Gatorade.)

First MVBC Thursday night ride

We went out and did the Decker loop, 36 miles. Rode the red De Rosa. Nice to be riding a lighter bike...

It was a leisurely ride, except when I chained onto an OSU racer who passed us on the climb. He looked like a pure climber. I stayed with him for quite a way, until he sprinted away from me, doing about 20 mph.

I waited at the top for the rest of the group, who asked me why I let him get away. Gee, I think my lunch weighed more than he does... ;-)

I knew I would get dropped, but it was fun trying! Good training!


MVBC club miles: 685.30
UMCA miles: 649.30

Where's my bike?

My sales rep assures me that the new bike will be ready "real soon now".

Can't wait!

Total miles so far

6 rides (all centuries)

total distance: 649.30

#6 Monster-pull Century

This was my 6th time on the bike this year -- and century #6! (No photos -- I was busy RTFB! Sorry Marmot, I couldn't resist!)

Met the MVBC club on the road. I couldn't make it to the Beanery to start with everyone else because I had to fix the bike. I found that my right downtube shifter was missing a key bolt. Luckily I borrowed one from the old set of shifters.

The ride was mostly dry, except for a few sprinkles here and there and a little heavier rain near the end of my ride.

I rode with Larry, Terry, Erica, and Karin (sp?) for most of the ride, starting in Shedd. I took long pulls into Waterloo and did most of the pulling all the way back to Corvallis. It was a bit windy riding west back to Corvallis, so the group formed an echelon behind me. They were kidding me that it was the only way they could keep up. (Yeah, right.) I did take it to 22 near Tangent because I felt like cruising.

Scott Sturtz (RAAM rider) once told me during BMB in '94 -- riding pacelines don't do you any good. Stay at the front. Yeah, I hogged all the quality workout time!

I'm riding fairly well on my 26lb Specialized Sirrus. No flats today -- that new 28mm Ultra Gator skin tyre held up great! Didn't get dropped on the hills going into Lebanon either.

Miles ridden: 101

Route: Shedd, Lebanon, Waterloo, Tangent, Decker Loop, Airport Loop

Calories burned: ~4517 (With all the pulling, I feel like toast.)

Consumed: two bottles of Perpetuem, two bottles of water (actually ran out on the last loop), a Tiger Milk (140 cal), and two Cliff bars (not bad, better than the sawdust-bars)

Bike: 8-speed Specialized Sirrus with CXP 30 wheels and a rack (need a bag to put on it) Discovered that the right pedal needs grease (I greased the axles before the ride; the rear one was a little gritty.)

Rode with only two layers today -- a Sugoi jacket and a full length poly-pro jersey

Avg Temp: 57F

New bike on order

Seems that River City Cycles in PDX is having a big sale. Everything is 10% off, including the frame I've been wanting for some time now.

What kind of bike is it? It's red and black! (Red bikes are faaast!)

Stay tuned!

Continental tires rock

I picked up a Conti Ultra Gator skin for the back of my Specialized bike. The old Gatorskin had performed magnificiently -- it was simply worn out.

The new Gators can be inflated to 120 pounds. Wow! Looks like it has a new tread design too...

Got a good deal at the Corvallis Bike-n-Hike, made sweeter with my Santiam Spokes Club discount!

#5 Two-flat century

I knew I should have put new rubber on my old Specialized Sirrus. I took it out because the roads were still wet and I didn't mind getting this 16-year "beater" wet.

Out near Ankeny, I had my first flat. I was a few minutes in front of the group. When they turned toward Jefferson, they didn't stop because they didn't see me. I was up the road in the opposite direction from where they turned. (I had planned to take the slightly more hilly route, but the flax nixed that.) I changed tubes, blew it up with CO2 and lo and behold, the tire quickly went soft.

Now I had to resort to patching a tube. I didn't bother with the CO2 this time. It was almost as fast to use my old Zefal HP frame pump. (Now that's a pump, mate!) Once I was underway again, I decided to follow the group and took the Wintel turnoff.
I hooked up with the group at the Mexican bakery in Jefferson.

Later, as were coming out of Albany, I noticed my bike didn't handle right in the curves. Yep, another slow leaker. The group was a little in front of me and didn't realize I had to stop. So I had to patch the tube again. Couldn't find the cause in the tire casing.

Still, it was a good ride -- the sun was shining, finally!

Once home, I switched to my red De Rosa and rode a Decker loop and a few loops around Philomath. I met up with a rider who gave me incentive to ride hard over Decker. I stayed close enough to him to catch him before the stop sign on Hwy 34.

Miles ridden: 120 (felt good, could have ridden more!)

Calories burned: 5800

Food consumed: two bottles of Perpetuem, one SE, a Cliff bar, and a bowl of chicken soup and slide of cheese toast (had the last two items at home)

Note: I thought that anything flavored Orange-Vanilla had to be gross. Turns out that I really like Perpetuem -- it has a little of fat in it and I think that helps!


Route: Independence, Jefferson, Albany, Riverside Drive, Decker, Philomath loops


Rode 75 miles on the Specialized and 45 on the red De Rosa

MVBC mileage leader for February

My 329 miles (over three rides) was good enough for me to be the mileage leader for February in my local bike club.

Hopefully I'll get in more miles in March. Weather-wise, Saturday and Sunday look promising and I promise to go long on Saturday and perhaps on Sunday.

John Henry of Salem is off doing the Death Valley Double this weekend and I need to ride in order to stay close to him in number of long rides/total distance. As he pointed out, he's giving me motivation to RTFB!

Spinning with Chris

Chris, the spinning instructor from the Lebanon (OR) club, led us today. We had a nice solid workout. I figured I burned about 600 calories...

New favorite pro cyclist

It's gotta be gutsy Jens Voight of CSC, winner of today's stage in the Tour of Cali-fornia.

He's ridding what I hope is my next bike: '07 Cervelo Soloist Carbon. Most likely mine will be equipped with 2007 Chorus (Ultra, with skeletal brakes and a new BB design). My HED Alps wheels will go nicely with this bike.

Can you say bad a$$ bike? I knew you could. :-)

Spinning with Tia, part deux

Tia was the instructor today too. The Helenator was taking a day off considering she filled in for a sick Tia last week.

Burned about 700 calories. This was a good solid class -- got in a good sweat!

The goal is to see how much I can make the LeMond Spinmaster rust. It seems the paint is coming off near the bottom of the frame and the bare metal is rusting.

Actually the bike sees lots of use from the many spin classes they hold each week.

Spinning with Tia

Did a spinning class led by Tia. Her spinning classes aren't as difficult as the Helenator's, but Helen's classes are off-the-scale in difficulty. (Rick's classes are another story!)

Burned about 700 calories in spinning and another 300 or so on the elliptical climber (before class).

Wished I could have banged out another century, but it looked threatening all day and finally the skies opened up around 3...

#4 A nice day for a Century

Completed Century #4 (4th ride of the year for me; weird, but that's how it's working out.) Rode the blue De Rosa (vintage 1995), starting out with the Mid-Valley Bike Club's ride to Monmouth. Extended the ride to Jefferson, Scio, Lebanon, Albany, Tangent.

Calories burned: 5550
Miles turned: 116.5

Consumed two bottles of Perpetuem, two Clif Bars, a Tiger Milk bar, a "nanner", a large Powerade (the gas station at I5/Hwy 34 didn't have any water except from hoses) and not nearly enough water. I refilled the bottles once in Monmouth. Fortunately it wasn't a warm day.

Average temp: 53F.

My front derailleur stopped working coming out of Jefferson. (Earlier it had been cranky, but I managed to get it going with a barrel adjuster.) I "manually" put the chain in the big ring and stayed in it for most of the remainder of the ride. (Note: On the next day I fiddled with it and got it shifting -- cable was a little loose.)

Bring it!

The "Helenator" (also known as the "turn-up" lady or just Helen) was our leader in spinning class today. She had us doing squats on -- and off -- the bike. It was a tough class and I had a good time. The hour went by faaast!!!

Calories burned: 800+

#3 The "Awful" Century

The ride started out ok, but eventually became miserable as the skies opened up and dumped on us for most of the day. I've never been covered with so much mud!

I took out my 16 year old Specialized Sirrus which has a rack, but no fenders. It's had fenders before, but they didn't hold up very well. The problem is that there isn't much clearance between the rear brakes and the wheel.

Started the ride with the MVBC. I rode to Bellfountain, Harrisburg, Peoria, Brownsville, Tangent, and Philomath.

Even my Polar 720i started to have problems after 63 miles. It would display average speed, current time, speed, and HR -- but the "calories" and odometer got "stuck". Hopefully this doesn't mean that the unit is shot!

Distance: 106 miles (3rd ride of the year; 3rd century! yeah!)
Calories: 4000+

Consumed: A bottle of Orange-Vanilla Perpetuem (should have brought more), two Tiger Milks, two packages of Grandma Oatmeal cookies (all I could find at the store in Harrisburg). Orange-Vanilla sounds like a gross flavor, but it's actually pretty good when chilled -- the weather helped with that!

#2 "Soggy box" century

My second ride of the year is ... another century. This time I rode to Shedd, met up with the MVBC club, and soon parted ways. Other folks were extending to a century, but I decided to do my own thing.

It started to sprinkle when I left the house and almost didn't go. Glad I did -- the rain eventually stopped near Shedd. I decided to leave the clean red De Rosa (which has a freshly lubed chain) in the garage and took the "older" blue De Rosa instead.

Rode to Brownsville, Crawfordville, Tangent, and a loop around the Team TT loop at Verdure. I made a quick stop at home for a toasted cheese sandwich and went out and did the Decker loop.

Coming back from Tangent I met up with the Harry Phinney, who noticed that my bike was squeaking. Perhaps it's the chain or rollers. I had some problems earlier in the day -- it tried to skip when I was standing in the 53 x 12.

I need to spend some time in the garage getting my bikes ready for lots 'o riding!

Distance: 107 miles
Calories expended: ~4800
Food: two Cliff bars, one Tiger milk, a bottle of Perpetuem, a bottle of Sustained Energy (that's the last of it), half a toasted cheese sandwich, and a few cashews

Still on!

#1 Out-of-the-box century

I decided to skip the dual spinning classes today and actually get on the bike.
Wouldn't you know it, my first time on the bike this year is a .... century!!

It was dry today, but cold. It was about 33 when I left the house this morning. I rode the red De Rosa, which is in a little need of a tuneup.

(BTW, that De Rosa was purchased for about $2000 in 2004 on ebay. It now has over 16,000 miles on it. That comes to roughly 12.5 cents per mile.)

Rode to Brownsville, did the Team TT loop, stopped at home for a little chow, rode the Decker loop and did "victory laps" around the neighborhood until the odometer said 100!

The wind was coming out of the east when I started. The roads had a little frost still on them, particularly in the shade. There was actually a "stagnant air" warning because of a lack of wind. On the way back from B'ville, someone turned on the big fans -- the wind was billowing from the north. Ack!

Wore booties, a balaclava (this was my first time trying one -- great!), skullcap, Patagonia capilene undershirt, Blackbottoms long sleeve jersey, and a Sugoi jacket. Did the trick!

Mileage: 100.8
Calories: 4860

Points on the board! Yeah!

Spin Duo Deux

Did another back-to-back spinning classes with Tia followed by Rick. (I'm getting quite a bit of attention for doing two in a row each week.) Burned closed to 2000 calories.

Spin Class with Tia

Burned about 800 calories with Tia. We spend quite a bit of time climbing out of the saddle in her class!

Spin Duo

Last night I spent an hour on a Precor eliptical climber at Wow fitness. Burned about 700 calories in all.

Today I did two spin classes back-to-back. First up was Tia's 8:05 class followed by a challenging workout by Rick at 9:15. I took some flack from Rick who taunted me that I was slowing down. (The guy next to me said -- you're doing fine. :-) Rick's a hoot because he's always trying to get into our brain boxes.

Burned about 2000 calories in the two classes.

Rick's Spin Class

Burned 1008 calories in class today. Yay!

Come on down and join me at Wow Fitness here in Corvallis...

Tia's Spin Class

Burned about 900 calories in Tia's 5:30 class. She's going to start leading the 8:05am class on Saturdays. Next week I plan to do her class followed by Rick's 9:15 class.

Piece of cake!

Goals for 2007 -- 50+ centuries

I'm shooting for "platinum" this year. That means riding 5,000+ miles (or 50 centuries or 25 doubles or...)

Stayed tuned!

New Years Day Spin Class

Class today was at noon for about an hour. Amy led a superb class. It's great to have a new instructor (and new music!)

Calories burned: about 700


Sure beats riding outside on frosty roads. I don't work well in the cold and not excited about riding on frosty roads. It's just too dangerous (the cars slip too).