Training Log Archive: veinbuster

Snuck in a quick ride before the MS run got started on the trail. Today was mostly about enjoying the peaceful morning, but I set it out to remind myself about the best shifting strategy for the trike. I replaced the battery in the bike computer last night so I can use cadence to manage the climbs. A bit over 80 is my natural cadence so drop a gear by 77 and add a gear at 85+. Descend at 65-70 just to keep thing flowing. Short steep climbs 88-95.

Highlight of the day: a 6 year girl walking her dog. She hadn't had time to brush her hair, but plenty to throw on sweat pants, a thick hoodie and leach. Happy as a kid could be. I was a bit surprised a parent would allow that in these times, but was glad to see it.

C • Free range kid 2

Day 3 soloflex

First ride of the season on the Greenspeed so checked out the mechanicals so I could tend to anything it needed before heading west. Minor rear fender adjustment and need to look at the front derailleur to make sure it will shift to the granny if I need it. A little tap on the conveniently placed chain guard was necessary for it to drop today. Once in place the guide seemed right, so I'll start by giving a good cleaning and some new lube to see if that is all that is hanging it up.

I road a bit of hard pack trail today just to get more into the woods. I'm going to have to get a woods friendly recumbent in the next year or so. The ride is just so much easier on the body and recovering from any physical stress takes longer all the time.

I did notice that my calves are much more involved on this bike than traditional ones. And that it is hard to maintain high speeds with those tiny little 17" tires. The bad news is flight might fall asleep if she tries to pace me. The good news is that it enforces a sustainable pace.

What a beautiful morning for a ride.

C • West! 5

quickie before an early start home

Mrs. walk. Doubled her time of last Sunday. About 1 km.

Day 2 free weights and push ups

Late out of the office again today but I couldn't skip another beautiful riding day so took my chances in the commuter traffic. Huge lines at lights made for some slow segments, but pace was pretty good on the open road. I was still seeing the velodrome in flight's report so ran at a higher cadence than usual - probably 10-15 rpm more. It flattened out the hills nicely, but might also elevate my heart rate a bit. I'll have to do a more scientific experiment to judge that fairly.

Gear test: I gave some new shorts a second try. The first time I was willing to attribute some discomfort to the stiff old seat on Vinnie, but again I noticed that after a bit over an hour the perforations in the material started to irritate my skin. I really like the design, but the ventilation holes in the chamois are big enough that I can feel them after a while. I've always had a problem with fabric that has any texture, so they would probably work great for many people.

oops...post ride migraine heading in - maybe its Flight's and she can get a break from it.

Day 1 free weights