Pete's Cycling Blog

2010-11-03T22:12:00.000-04:00

Riding on some new hoops.

Tourmalet from the West

2010-08-17T18:56:00.003-04:00

So the real debate was this, would it be 1 Tourmalet or 2. I wanted to do both sides, but couldn't get a quorum, so we just did the west. This is reputed to be the more difficult, but as the only climb of the day, It wasn't too intimidating. My goal was to summit in less than 90 minutes for the 1408m of ascent. Basically 50vertical feet per minute Juan and I made it with 1 minute to spare, and didn't hurt ourselves in the effort.

Pont d'Espagne

2010-08-16T17:01:00.005-04:00

So after the dissolution of our Dolomites group Juan, Carlos, Gerson, and I headed for the Pyrenees to get a bit more self induced agony. Upon arrival in Argeles-Gazost we decided to do an evening ride up to Pont d'Espagne. This is a very pretty climb rises 995m in 18.5km or about 5.5% average. Unfortunately I think that we missed the best views by not finishing with the long walk at the summit of our Ride. This climb has a pretty disappointing finish after a very scenic ascent, the parking lot is pretty anti-climatic

last Dolomites Day

2010-08-11T17:58:00.004-04:00

So I guess I owe anyone following me a bit of an appology for the totally incomplete postings here. Facebook has kind of replaced my blog for daily updates, but honestly, you cannot get very deep there. So yesterday I discovered that all my pictures from day 4 riding were lost. still don't know how, but that is the downside of a 2gb stick. So you know I was pretty slugish on the Stelvio, but what happened next?

On the last day of the Xtreme Terradiversions tour we did Mortirollo, ranked as the 65th most dificult, and 1:25 for me, then 'cause we really want to endulge Angel, and his Sadistic nature, we finished by doing Gavia the hard way. And Oh did I suffer. I can only say thanks to Juan for riding with me to the top, like only a true friend would.

Mortirollo is a truely difficult climb, so steep for so long. I suffered, but i think some of the steeper, but lesser ranked(shorter) climbs may actually be more difficult.

My quote for the day. "The real riding starts when you run out of gears"

Stelvio

2010-07-26T16:13:00.004-04:00

So today we climbed the Stelvio. Climbing for 2:20 minutes. 25km 1808 m (5930ft) Climb by bikeBike ranks this as the 52nd most difficult climb in the world. But honestly I am more affraid of tomorrow because the Mortiroolo is so steep for so long that I will long since run out of gears and just need to grind out the 12km. Then we go after Gavia. OMG. Back to today. Most sane people are content with a

simple ascent of Stelvio, but we needed to warm up with an ascent of Martello first for another 12,000ft day.

Dolomites Day 2 and 3

2010-07-24T09:44:00.006-04:00

I will start by saying that today was a so called Rest day. 75km and 3470m or 11,400 ft of climbing climbing over 2 passes and a bump. I was solid on the sprint to the hotel, but my legs were toast on the last climb. Yesterday was killer with a climb of Giau, Tre Croci, The Killer Tre Cime de Lavaredo, and the Falzarego. 3760m, or 12,300ft. And I think the Cime was the toughest climb in terms of sustained steepness I will ever climb. Until tomorrow when we do Plan de Coronas, and then on the last day Mortirollo the hard way and Gavia. Decending from the Cime, I saw 84kmph, or 52.5mph pretty sure that is the fastest I have ever gone on a bike.

It is very interesting to contrast the alps and the dolomites. These climbs are definitly harder, much steeper, but at least they don't last 40km. One side effect from the climbs is that 6% grades feel like a flat with a headwind. I'm actually serious about that.

Our Hotel in Alleghe is very much four stars, and it is right on the lake, so we can have a cold swim at the end of the ride. Too bad we are leaving tomorrow, but I'm sure the next will be great as well.

Day 2

Bike route 384809 - powered by Bikemap

Day 3

Bike route 384810 - powered by Bikemap

Dolomites Bite

2010-07-22T09:54:00.003-04:00

So This trip started with some really tough stuff. I ran out of gears in the first 10km, am discovered that about half the group is stronger than me on day 1. no superstars, but everyone is very solid Passo Fedaia was very tough with many 15% sections, and some short sections over 20 according to Mr Garmin.

The Dolomites are absolutely spectacular.

Buckey Bridge Ride With a Detour

2010-06-27T20:06:00.002-04:00

Got out with the boys to absolutely crush the buckeye bridge ride yesterday. It's not really fair that these guys can be so strong. Someone should tell them to Back 'r'down.

Bike route 561043 - powered by Bikemap

Out on the Knobies

2010-06-19T22:25:00.003-04:00

Today was a beautiful day for a mixed road and trail ride on the old Marin. 46 miles on the knobies was alot more work than you might think, and riding up washed out dirt roads, throught streams and gynormous puddles made it much more interesting than any recent ride. The downside: My paper sidewall patch soaked through and blew out. I was in the middle of a swamp, no cell coverage, and 4 miles from a real road. Good news is that the baggie in my pocket was more water resistant, and with low pressure, and my tube buldging, I made the 22 miles home.

Bike route 549203 - powered by Bikemap

Mt Lemmon

2009-11-06T20:17:00.004-05:00

Spectacular Rock formations

No it was not a foggy day, just a foggy lens

The ride up Mt Lemmon in Tucson is, by some sources one of the top 3 cycling venues in the USA. I cannot say, but I will say it has got to be up there. I rented a Robaix "Testbike" from a shop that doesn't rent bikes, but Oro Valley Bicycle went above and beyond to get me on the road on a sweet new demo bike. The total ride was 73+ miles, but it really just had one hill. The Catalina highway is a briliant wide stretch of pavement, with spectacular views. Sorry just one cell phone picture. The climb is not super steep, but with the heat and water concerns, it was plenty challenging. 6600 feet of vertical rise, in about 25 miles. Pretty much a 5% average, but some sections made me appreciate the 28 tooth cog. (was it a compact-I don't know, didn't feel like one but I never looked)
It was a little chilly at the top, and the decent was fast and smooth. 25 miles in well under 1 hr.
Brilliant!

Bike route 348760 - powered by Bikemap

Hilly Hundred

2009-10-25T17:41:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the lack of photos, but without a display, I could not tell that all may pictures were totally washed out. Well maybe I'll load 1 sample.
Another fun ride at the hilly, I rode easy saturday untill the last break, then hit it hard for the finish. Sunday, Jim Zoellner came out, so I new it was going to be a lot harder! Jim and I averaged 17.5mph, with me getting a lot of draft time. Kept the gearing limited to 50:25 in empathy to steve who only brought a 11-21 cassette and a 54:42 chainring. I bet him he couln't ride the whole thing with that gearing, but congatulations to steve who mad it all the way, and was only slowed by wheelspin on day 1.

Six Gap Century

2009-09-28T19:21:00.007-04:00

Pat and I had a great weekend at the 6/3 Gap in Georgia. One heck of a day. Pat rode a very difficult Metric Century, and was faster than most on the climb of Wolfpen Gap. I managed to get to 56th place out of well over one thousand riders, and finished the ride in 6:01:40, with 5:58 riding, and 3 minutes waiting for the sweet lady volunteers to refill my water bottles. I guess I'm more than just a bit pleased to ride a century like this, and hope that mayby next year we can get a few more area riders to sign up for the challenge. This is a great ride with some really solid clientele and great views. We dodged a bullet on the weather, as the rain that lasted 2 weeks abated just before the rubber hit the road. I thought Hogpen would be a picnic from the south, as it is theoretically less steep than the North, but 42+ minutes after starting this climb, I was pretty sure that it sucked as bad as the northern approach. Overall, this would probably stack up as the single hardest day on the bike in my life. And that is saying something.

See our route below:

Bike route 326317 - powered by Bikemap

Dunlapsville Loop

2009-09-20T12:21:00.003-04:00

50 mile loop today with Chris Allen. Hit some new roads south of Brownsville, and crossed the Lake at Quakertown. This loop has some nice climbs, and some long flats for a real variety and a pretty significant challenge. It felt nice to get out after nearly a week off the bike. Bonus; no flats, having deburred my front wheel, and added an extra layer of tape. Fingers stay crossed.

Bike route 318430 - powered by Bikemap

Brookville Ride

2009-09-14T20:27:00.005-04:00

Pat an I went out Sunday for a fantastic 40 miler from brookville which featured Blue Creek,Wee Wee, Old 1, English Hill and Goblers Knob to round it out. Mostly a pretty easy ride, but I pushed hard up English hill in 5:30, another PR, and pushed big ring up all the other hills including the 16% top of Goblers(50:22) Every time we ride in Brookville, I think we need to do it more often.

Bike route 314496 - powered by Bikemap

Church on Time

2009-08-30T17:25:00.002-04:00

Quick run to th e church awesome tailwind out meant just one thing. Painfull ride home watching the avg. fall. 1:03 ouch.

Near Metric Century

2009-08-29T15:10:00.003-04:00

After a slack week(from a riding perspective) I figured I needed a pretty decent effort today. Rode down to oxford, then back through Hoel and Camden. 60+ miles with a 19mph avg. Pretty good with the strong wind today

Carlos the Bicycle Man

2009-08-19T16:52:00.005-04:00

Of all the guys I have ever riden with, I think Carlos has the most Fun! Carlos is the only one to summit the bonette twice, after climbing for more than 2 hrs.

Concord Church TT PR

2009-08-17T18:37:00.002-04:00

New PR for the Concord Church TT tonight 57:25, 2:30 faster than ever before, with a 22mph average. And this with no AeroBars. Record pace out with a headwind, then iced it off with a great tailwind run home. Watch out Weber, I'm coming for you.

Link to Alpes Photos in Picasa

2009-08-13T21:59:00.002-04:00

Click the link to see a slideshow of the trip,

http://picasaweb.google.es/alpesterradiversions/PeterStron#slideshow/5368480242508391586

or to see all the groups photos:

http://picasaweb.google.es/alpesterradiversions

Finishing with a Bang on Superbagneres

2009-08-04T18:44:00.005-04:00

Now writing from home in Indiana. My trip to Spain and France was the experience of a life time. I hope to find a way to do this again soon. Will next summer be soon enough? The last day in the Pyrenees I left the hotel for a quick climb of the Superbagnerese. This was one of my favorite rides of the entire trip. I guess it is pretty tough, but my fresh legs really didn't notice. There were plenty of cyclists on the climb, but traffic was extremely light, with only a couple of cars politely passing me on the way up. The lack of maps of late is due to changes in the Garmin web site which have made it difficult to get data from the GPS. I hope to solve this soon.

Aspin and Tourmalet-By Car

2009-07-31T16:22:00.003-04:00

After returning from my morning ride, buying a new tube, and picking up a couple more CO2 cartriges, Maggie an I headed out by car to the Tourmalet via the Col D'Aspin. Decided not to do these tomorrow, despite the obvious challenge, I don't feel like driving that way again. it will be Superbagneres tomorrow. Right out the hotel door, and tough. So we did a bit of hiking today, and some driving.

Morning Ride up the Col de Peyresourde

2009-07-31T06:29:00.004-04:00

After a casual breakfast, I headed up the col de Peyresourde for a quick ride. Flated on the way up. Better than the way down. but I have now run out of tubes. 4 flats, all in the front. Headed out to lunch, then the local shop to buy some tubes and a cartridge or pump. Maybe if I'm good i can get the col de Portillon this afternoon.

Resting in Torredembarra

2009-07-27T13:09:00.005-04:00

The last day of the bike trip was absolutely killer! On paper it looked easy. Only 150 km and 2800 meters of climbing. Unfortunately my bravado in the first few days meant I lagged on the final climb. For me the Col de Joux Plane was simply a matter of survival. 14km, watching my friends ride away. Still this col was among the most beautiful and satisfying of the trip.

Bike route 268919 - powered by Bikemap

Rest Day

2009-07-22T16:20:00.002-04:00

Today we watched the tour pass right in front of our hotel. The Pre tour procession was 2 hours, then 5 minutes all but one skil-shimano rider, who was 25 minutes behind. Ouch.
After the tour I went for a nice easy solo. Down the Saisies, and up the Col du Joly.
Ended with a 2001 meter sumit after riding up the dirt road towards the ski lift.
I took it easy, but I know tomorrow with 150 km, and 2800 meters of climbing will be tough.

Just another 3500 meter day Almost

2009-07-21T17:56:00.010-04:00

Another epic today, starting with Iseran, the beautiful Cormet de Roseland, and ending on les Saisies. Legs are stable at Toast. No worse today than yesterday. Tomorrow the tour passes our balcony. Todays big adventure. A flat front tire decending the cormet de roseland at 40 kmph+ Dipped and braked for the curve and the front just washed. Save of a lifetime figuratively and literaly, as the alternative was along way down. This being my lucky day, beers were on me.
But back to the ride: Extreme beauty in every glance. a 40Km 35mile decent from Iseran, after a 33km climb to start the day.
Puta Madre is what my spanish amigos say.

Bike route 268924 - powered by Bikemap

What I'm up Against

2009-07-20T16:27:00.001-04:00

Cat 1 Stud Continental Wanna be

Terra Diversions Day 4 Route

2009-07-20T16:23:00.001-04:00

Part 2

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To Alp D'Huez
Part 1

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My Legs are Toast!

2009-07-20T15:56:00.004-04:00

Did I mention my legs are Toast! But that's ok, only 3500 meters of climbing tomorrow. Then a rest day to watch the tour.
Congrats to the AWSOME RAIN group. I think the hill work deserves some credit.

Day 3

Bike route 250823 - powered by Bikemap

Oh my gosh!

2009-07-20T15:27:00.006-04:00

Internet access and activities have made it dificult to post anything, but believe me this is everything I had hoped for and more. Day 2 we did the Col Saint Martin, then up to The Cime de Bonette. I was the first to the top, even catching Danny with about 5K to go and getting to the top of the final steep part with a few minutes to spare.
Nex day. Oui. Col du Var, I'zoard, and Lautaret. Sucking wheel(danny) to the top.

Today we did Alp D'Huez and Croix Fer. 1:02 on the alp, and a 23km slog up croix fer. Got passed by 1 "climber" going about 5 mph faster than me on 8% grade.
Tour by terradiversion is awsome.

day 2

Bike route 250817 - powered by Bikemap

Madone Col de Braus Col de Turini

2009-07-17T16:14:00.004-04:00

A billiant day in the Alps Today, Great Ride with 16 New Friends. I think a bad day in the Alps would beat a great day on the road in Indiana. The views are Spectacular. The weather so far is perfect. Note to self, next time break in the tires BEFORE decending a col. I am very happy with the group. The organization is first rate and the quality is very good. Unfortunately only about 50% speak english, but it is not a problem. Lots of trash talk, as most of the stronger guys have nick names. Mine is Armstrong, Danny (Strong young, 12K kms this year) is Contador etc. My nick name chnged to Pete stong today. The Language barrier just makes it more fun.

Bike route 247205 - powered by Bikemap

See my link on Motion Based Here:

The Tour Begins From Here!

2009-07-16T11:56:00.004-04:00

Met my new mates yesterday. it was interesting, as only a couple, really speak english, my roommate Joan is pretty good. its a mixture of Studs and some older folks. I'm optomistic.

Still a good group of guys, and one lady from Uraguay.

This is the last we will see of sea level for a while. Tomorrow, should be tough. Looking in the other direction is just mountains staring 1 mile from the sea

Taper Ride

2009-07-12T16:28:00.008-04:00

A week of taper after several >200 mile weeks. I feel like crap. Took a scenic 69 mile ride to Oxford via the Hueston woods state park, then a loop back to Camden and a run up Hoel Hill. Of course the wind resisted my ride home. The good news is that I ditched the SRAM brake pads for new Dura-Ace rubber, and the brakes once again seem to be decent. I love the Force Groupo, put the brake modulation and pulsation has been a pretty major disapointment. I cannot imagine decending major Alpine Cols with brakes like that. After years with Ultegra, I didn't realize that I was being spoiled.
Time to wash the bike, change the tires, and pack it up. Took a picture of myself while riding. Watch for more of these from the classic cols.

See my route from today below:

Bike route 241594 - powered by Bikemap

Send off

2009-07-09T23:12:00.003-04:00

Thanks to all for sharing your time and a pint this evening. Pleasant 27 mile group ride with a nice group of maybe 19 riders. One hard stretch on Willow Grove sucking along in Johns draft at 30-32mph. Ironic that I got a text from big Steve as we rode this stretch. This is where he like to lay it down! Sorry i couldn't respond immediately, I was just a bit busy.

Wengerlawn Century Wide

2009-07-05T19:49:00.005-04:00

Looks like this was the weekend of the solo century. Congrats to John and Scott. The wait until later in the day made for a beautiful day to ride, and with the powerfull wind from the East, I decided to head that way. Ended up east of the previously unknown town of Wengerlawn, which has a bike path running right through it. Caught the tail wind back to Eaton, then decided to go south and get a few more. Ended the day with just over 104 with an 18.3 avg, one flat tire. Highlight of the ride was crossing paths with Walter on the Harshman Bridge. Another Big week, with 258 miles.

See my long strange trip below:

Bike route 234727 - powered by Bikemap

Concord Church TT ish

2009-07-04T18:42:00.003-04:00

Out for a quick visit to church, and a test of the Rain Gear. It was definitely as wet on the inside as the out! I managed 1:03 despite the rain,an the not aero Jacket. Time to drain the bike and get ready for the next ride.

More Cedar Grove Hill Work

2009-07-03T16:34:00.005-04:00

Went down to Cedar Grove to get some work on the longer hills, with climbs over a mile long, and some pretty steep stuff this is the closest thing to mountains you can find around here.

I started with a run up English Hill, with an 8% avg this is a steady challenge, and in some ways will be closest to what I'm likely to find in France, Followed with Gobblers Knob, this on just keeps getting steeper, and ends up at about 16% grade at the top. Next the ascent of route 1 6-7% steady grade, followed by old 1, about 10%, and We we Hill to 16%, back to English,and Gobblers. Next up a run at New Trenton Hill, the same accent, but this time at up to 20%. This one is killer.

Finally a down up on Elkhorn hill, and finishing with a 3rd roll up English hill. For a total of 10 accents. This ride had about 5kft of climbing, unfortunately GPS battery was dead when I got there. Each of the 3 climbs of English took almost exactly 6:15m:s. That's pretty good considering all the climbing between accents. Ended with about 35miles. I would say this was 15miles up, 15miles down, and 5 miles of level riding. Very pretty ride with lots of great scenery, and challenging roads.

Bike route 232770 - powered by Bikemap

Big Group Ride

2009-07-02T21:40:00.004-04:00

Maybe the largest group of the year. 20 according to Pat headed out for a loop to the north west and into the wind. Despite the big group, there was no shortage of testosterone, and plenty of aggresive efforts and monster pulls from the big men. It is sometimes humbling to ride with this many strong men. Watch out for these guys come RAIN.

I ended up with 50 miles+ with some big efforts and a few pulls(before getting buried). The long weekend means I will have 3 days to pack the miles in. Watch out for the hills of Brookville

Windy Group Ride

2009-06-30T21:07:00.002-04:00

A large eclectic group of 17 went out from CFW into a tough west wind. Looped within a mile or 2 of Hagerstown, then flew home with the tail wind. My legs haven't really recovered from the high mileage last week, so I was a bit flat, but managed a few pulls and some solid wheel sucking thanks to Brant. Ended up with 47+

Recovery Ride

2009-06-28T17:19:00.005-04:00

Went out solo for a casual recovery ride. My enthusiasm got the best of me and I ended up with 60 miles. When faced with the option of turning left for a 5 mile ride home on State Line,I remembered that I had failed to get a picture of the Harshman Bridge yesterday. Problem Solved. Also good news; the pump is working today. I had already begun to envision a cyclist funded repair effort. Cannot say much for my pace today, but I ended the week with 264 miles, and non the worse for wear. This was one windy day, with the legs into the 20mph wind slowing me to 14, while the downwind legs were a blast for and effortless 20 plus. I really liked this route, with challenging terain and peaceful roads. Cannot wait to hear how the Pain Train went this morning. Pete

See my Route Below:

Bike route 228174 - powered by Bikemap

Buckeye Bridge Ride from CFW

2009-06-27T16:59:00.007-04:00

Group loop from CFW to Eaton for the Buckeye Bridge Ride. We had about 20 go over. Pat, John, and Darryl Headed back to Richmond, while the rest of us hit the course. This is the forth Consecutive year for me doing this Ride, and every year has been fun. This year the loop ran in the opposite direction from previous years, so the temptation to shortcut home at the end was gone. I ended up with almost a 118 including a finishing loop to CFW for a coldie.

See our Route Below:

Bike route 226982 - powered by Bikemap

Weber Tests a Giro

2009-06-25T21:56:00.003-04:00

A slightly more eventfull ride tonight as we went out in a groups of 10 and 3.
Some of us got 40+, but after testing the Giro, Weber decided to catch a ride home. John, I hope you are well. Tonights loop to Abington, then to Church and back had a stiff breeze from the SE, so the run from Abington to the Church was a blast. We did need to work a bit into the wind on the way home. New Surface on the eastern end of Mitchell is a big improvement over a road that once needed to be avoided. Pete

Bike route 225485 - powered by Bikemap

Casual Group Loop

2009-06-23T21:34:00.003-04:00

Got 44 miles today, mostly at a pretty modest pace, but a couple of good surges with the kids, and a few tough hills at the end of the ride made it interesting. Some of the roads around New Paris definitely need more exploration. We started tonight with a group of 14 including: Pete,Elleman,Steve Holman,Ben,Phil and Marie,Clay,David, Brant,Thuman,Jason,Mark,Adam,Shipman. We split a couple of times with many taking Hollandsburg Pike back and avoiding the New Paris Loop. Sorry to say you missed the nicesst roads and best views of the day. Pete

Bike route 223719 - powered by Bikemap

Ice Cream Run

2009-06-21T20:09:00.006-04:00

At the suggestion of Weber, I decided to get myself an Ice cream at the UDF, Good Idea!

I managed to get another 70miles in today after 85 yesterday, so my conditioning must be improving. I ended the week with about 227, slightly more than last week

Congrats to the time trial group. David the new wheels are pretty cool looking (bling). I'd hate to think how may double lates those are worth! My ride was quite picturesque tonight, with great views from the ridges in Ohio. Since I didn't take a camera for my ride, I'll answer my critics with a picture of my bike, note my faithful companion in the background. Rusty and I continue to suffer in the heat with no AC. Phil if your reading this, still hope to see you Wednesday, or sooner! Maggie if your reading this, I miss you! Looking forward to seeing you soon too.

Link to my route on motion based:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/email/accept.mb?senderPk.pkValue=186857&unitSystemPkValue=2&episodePk.pkValue=8490645

Eaton Breakfast and Oxford Group

2009-06-20T16:05:00.004-04:00

Joined an elite group of Richmond Area cyclists for a Breakfast loop to Eaton. After breakfast Chris and I proceeded south for a few more while Pat and Mark went straight into the wind and headed for home. Ended with 85 miles; some pretty hard. The biggest challenges of the day were the wind, and the 85 degree heat.
Sorry for the late notification on this one, as our usually reliable sage suffered an Internet anomaly that delayed notification. I think that Chris was able to appreciate the value of training on some terain as he prepares for his first RAIN ride. Pete

See our Route below:

Bike route 220459 - powered by Bikemap

A Dry Ride

2009-06-18T21:47:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not we got out and rode tonight without getting soaked. Rode a casual 32, but I didn't feel like much more. Combined for 72 between the soaking tuesday and today. Definitely feeling the long ride sunday, but this will pay dividends soon. All the moisture has the chain complaining, so it is definitely time for so lubrication. Hopefully this weekend will bring some inspired rides.

Love, Reign O'er Me

2009-06-16T22:29:00.004-04:00

The Ridley theme song:

Only love
Can make it rain
The way the beach is kissed by the sea
Only love
Can make it rain
Like the sweat of lovers
Laying in the fields.

Love, Reign o'er me
Love, Reign o'er me, rain on me

Only love
Can bring the rain
That makes you yearn to the sky
Only love
Can bring the rain
That falls like tears from on high

Love Reign O'er me
On the dry and dusty road
The nights we spend apart alone
I need to get back home to cool cool rain
I can't sleep and I lay and I think
The night is hot and black as ink
Oh God, I need a drink of cool cool rain

Long Solo from Nashville

2009-06-14T17:57:00.003-04:00

Dropped Caroline off at Camp near Nashville,IN this morning, and Headed for home on the Bike. Started well with a nice crosswind with a little tail wind component. This turned into a pure tail wind from Greensburg to (almost) Rushville, but about 65miles in, as I approached Rushville-(which was getting a heavy rain shower) the Wind suddenly shifted from SSW to ENE. My speed fell from 22 to 15 in about 200 yards. The last 50 miles were a slog, when I hit 40, I could barely maintain 14-15mph. The headwind subsided as I approached Richmond, and I still managed a 19.2 mph average for 115miles without hurting myself, With 42 miles yesterday, I got 157 for the weekend. I couple shy of my 160 mile goal. Cudos to the RAIN PAIN TRAIN group. I would have joined you, but Caroline wanted to sleep rather than drive, and I don't blame her as she just flew into Indy last night. The new terminal is very cool, but add 10 minutes to your drive time.
Note to self: Don't ride on hwy 3 again. Narrow shoulder, and busy. 46 was ok because the shoulder is 10 feet wide.

Bike route 214262 - powered by Bikemap

Or View the Data from Motion Based:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/email/accept.mb?senderPk.pkValue=186857&unitSystemPkValue=2&episodePk.pkValue=8449274

Let Freedom RAIN

2009-06-11T21:52:00.008-04:00

Decided to repeat the 46 mile loop from Tuesday. Thuman was really fond of the route, and who am I to argue. At Patterson and Brownsville, the group opted to head for state line. Interesting decision; but the good news is that there are pretty solid shelters at the high school where we awaited rescue by car. I ended up with about 28, but worked the hills from Brownsville pretty hard. I was a bit fatigued from yesterday when I ran 4miles at the Earlam FUN run also pretty hard for a guy running once a month. ---Pete

Have a look at my route collection, and the planned routes from Menton to Thonon les Bains

http://www.bikemap.net/user/petes-cycling-blog/routes

Concord Church TT

2009-06-05T20:46:00.003-04:00

Went out for the Concord Church TT tonight AFTER the CFW social. I had a good store of carbs and a tail wind, so I averaged about 23 to the church. My goal was to beat an hour(just under 21mph), and I spent the last 5 miles doing math in my head to determine the pace I would need. When I left the church, it was 19mph for the trip home, but I had to really push for the last 3 miles to make it, I didn't really think I would, but finished in 59:44 for about a 20.9 mph average. I don't think the wind ever helps as much as it hurts, but this year every ride has had wind and/or rain, so I cannot remember what it is like to ride in still air.

See my ride on motionbased here:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/email/accept.mb?senderPk.pkValue=186857&unitSystemPkValue=2&episodePk.pkValue=8382517

HAIL of a Loop

2009-06-02T19:53:00.007-04:00

This nice group loop from Richmond to Eaton to New Paris and back was storm plagued, we got hit by multiple Rain storms and HAIL. A few good surges with Big Steve and John laying it down, but it was really more about the weather. Pat and I waited out the hail in a shelter in Glen Miller, but not before getting pelted on the ride

Bike route 201942 - powered by Bikemap

View the activity on motion based:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/email/accept.mb?senderPk.pkValue=186857&unitSystemPkValue=2&episodePk.pkValue=8365296

Another Oxford Loop

2009-05-31T18:51:00.003-04:00

Looped down to Oxford solo again today with a little shorter ride, wanting 60 to make a 150mile weekend, but came up just a little bit short with 56 miles today at a 17.9mph average. Went out with the wind so the return trip was a bit of a challenge. Used a few more gears today, to see how it feels to spin a bit, and despite the moderate effort of this ride I managed to average 80 fpm on the climbing bits

Breakfast Ride and a Longer Loop

2009-05-30T16:22:00.004-04:00

Group Ride for Breakfast at Eaton Place, then a longer loop with Bryce and Mike Thuman. Ended up with 90 uneventful and easy miles.

Bike route 198024 - powered by Bikemap

Or view in Motion Based:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/email/accept.mb?senderPk.pkValue=186857&unitSystemPkValue=2&episodePk.pkValue=8339988

Back to Church

2009-05-25T19:43:00.003-04:00

Fatigued, but determined to get on the bike, I headed out for the Church again today, for a 21 mile loop. A strong wind from the east made this a challenge, and I was hard pressed to get back on the bike after my rest stop. I definitely need to figure out the nutrition thing if I am going to go deep on successive days. Managed to get a 17.4 mph average today, my goal was 16.5 so this is a mini success.

Oxford Hoel Camden Loop

2009-05-24T17:38:00.004-04:00

Fun Solo loop today, with 3215' of Climbing according to GPS, and a couple of really nice roads I have never been on before, Tucker, and Oxford-Middletown, both hilly, and nearly car free. Managed to limit the gears to 50-20(many times) Combo or higher, which made Hoel Hill VERY steep.

Managed an 18 mph average. This would be a great loop for a longer group ride.

Bike route 192048 - powered by Bikemap

Or View this Ride with GpS Data on MotionBased

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/email/accept.mb?senderPk.pkValue=186857&unitSystemPkValue=2&episodePk.pkValue=8296150

Eaton Breakfast

2009-05-24T10:39:00.003-04:00

With apologies to Pat, Big Steve and I met for an early one, which was quickly upgraded to a breakfast ride at the Eaton place. Got 46 quality miles with a couple of good wheel sucking runs.

Back to Eagle Creek

2009-05-21T21:22:00.002-04:00

Couldn't resist the opportunity to go back and ride more loops on the virtually car free park roads again. Managed to get the average over 20.4 for 27.6 miles. This despite the significant hills and curves on the lake side of the circuit. Rode against the grain tonight, passing other riders twice per loop while working to push back the meeting point with each revolution(of 7) I got a little satisfaction in the end when I learned that one of the guys I'd been out-pacing was the Roark Sales guy we met at the hilly.

6 consecutive daily rides is probably the longest streak of my adult life, and 191 miles(thus far) this week. I really should get a tighter cassette though because the big gear steps are bothersome, and I am leaving 4 gears unused in Indiana.

Eagle Creek Loops

2009-05-20T21:35:00.002-04:00

Working over in Indy today, so I took the bike out to Eagle Creek and did Laps. Lots of bikers and runners made it interesting, and it becomes a bit of a race, to pass and not be passed. The Park has lots of hills, and again I am working the big gears to power up the legs. Speaking of legs, I held a 19.6 aberage tonight for 25 miles, despite feeling fatigued and getting dropped last night by Brant,Chuck Chris, and David. Still today is my fifth in a row, so eventually dividends should come.
Time will tell if I can keep the streak alive Thursday.

R&R

2009-05-18T21:18:00.004-04:00

Went out tonight with Caroline for a Covered Bridge loop of about 21 miles-Legs felt a little fatigued after 5k Running Race, and 51 mile hilly, rainy ride Saturday(with Pat), and 26 hard miles yesterday. Still it is always special to ride with the kids.

Saturdays GPS track on Bikmap.net

Bike route 187596 - powered by Bikemap

Cedar Grove Hill Work

2009-05-09T17:16:00.008-04:00

Nice little 26 miler with 2500 ft of climbing in about 1:30. Scary wind pushed me up route 1 7% grade at 12mph, Map is a little off with the old Route 1 section connecting at the wrong point to 1.

First trip up English was about 7 minutes, or about 1 minute faster than the last time last year(39:27). Also again limited gearing to 34:20 This is just a bit harder than 39:23. Climbing New Trenton about 5.5mph at 20% grade. I know it's not about the bike, but the Ridley seems super smooth going up and super stable going down. A little creaky when I pull hard on the bars, I need to figure that out. I think it is coming from the spacers moving against each other.

A link to my acivity on motion based from GPS-Note that something weird in the Ascent and decent rate calculationsusing the data, 3150 ft in 42 minutes of ascent = 75 FPM, or 3.75 Watts/Kg during climbing or about 300Watts average during climbing. Not the 30fmp, or 123 Watts that equals. Not tht there is anything wrong with that!

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/email/accept.mb?senderPk.pkValue=186857&unitSystemPkValue=2&episodePk.pkValue=8228518

Bike route 176606 - powered by Bikemap

Quick Group Ride

2009-05-07T21:49:00.002-04:00

Got out for a quick group ride tonight after rushing back from Laf. 26 easy miles, with the exception of one 3 mile break with Brant. Thanks to the group for collecting me.

Concord Church TT

2009-05-04T21:09:00.003-04:00

Did the inagural Concord Church TT today, 20.81 miles via California School Rd in 59:59 for a 20.8 mph average with a semi strong cross wind. 33:17(11+) out 26:42(9ish)home

Flying Pig Marathon and Half

2009-05-03T16:14:00.004-04:00

Congatulations to Caroline and Maggie who completed the Flying Pig Marathon and Half-Marathon in 3:18:14 and 2:00:19 respectively. This is a tough and hilly course. I rode support on my mountain bike and got about 21 miles.
Pictures are on my flicker.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/petes-cycling-blog/3502013953/in/set-72157617704772908/

And a Flicker Slide Show

2009-05-01T21:19:00.001-04:00

2009-05-01T20:00:00.001-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/petes-cycling-blog/

FYI My first cut at a phot album is here

Brookville Ride April 18th

2009-05-01T17:26:00.000-04:00

&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/in/-brookville/993124016215793805"&amp;gt;Brookville Loop 32 miler&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/in/-brookville"&amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Brookville, Indiana&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

2009-04-30T21:59:00.000-04:00

Some of the Boys preparing to tear up the Blue Streak
Circa 2008-Me on the left

2009-04-30T21:37:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my new Cycling Blog! This is just a small part of my big adventure planned for the summer of 2009.

I will be joining a group (of Spanish Native Speakers) and attempting to ride across the French Alps from Nice to Geneva.
http://www.terradiversions.com/eng/Rutas8.asp

This is something I have wanted to do for 30years(off and on); but at 47 I think the window is starting to close. I had planned to do this last summer, but complications from knee arthroscopy meant I could not be at my best.

The challenge of riding 800km with 18,000 meters of climbing in 6 days is daunting, my preparation has just begun. Year to date I have ridden about 400 miles. My goal is to ride a minimum of 100miles per week, and hopefully get 2000 miles before the trip starts.

My new ride is a Ridley Excalibur. Replacing my trusted Fuji Team. This is my first Carbon Bike, and I am pretty impressed. Also I have set up with a SRAM Force Compact and a 11-28 cassette, so going up hill should be easier than on my old bike.

Tonight's ride was about 30 miles in the wind and rain. Probably good practice, as I have never been the best at getting out the door in less than perfect conditions.

More to come.