Training Log Archive: PGIn the 30 days ending Jun 30, 2017:
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Friday Jun 30, 2017 #
9 AM
biking - red bike 1:19:07 17.35 mi (4:34 / mi) +1344ft 4:15 / mi
ahr:125 max:154 weight:137lbs
From the bottom of Jackson Hill road up to Shutesbury and back. First 7 and last 3 miles on dirt. Legs felt better.
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A good month of training, a little over 600 miles and 52K feet of climb. Main thing is it has been fun, discovering new places to go and trying different things. Makes it a pleasure to get out, rather than drudgery. And nice that I am going a good job at killing off any remaining competitive instincts.
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A good month of training, a little over 600 miles and 52K feet of climb. Main thing is it has been fun, discovering new places to go and trying different things. Makes it a pleasure to get out, rather than drudgery. And nice that I am going a good job at killing off any remaining competitive instincts.
Thursday Jun 29, 2017 #
Note
C • AOWN 1
2 PM
biking - red bike 1:54:54 24.12 mi (4:46 / mi) +1830ft 4:27 / mi
ahr:121 max:155 weight:137.5lbs
Was up in Northfield, so did a loop there. Included a couple of good hills, one I'd done before many years ago, the other never, but wanted to see where it went. Perhaps the plan should have been adjusted for the fact that my legs were dead, but it wasn't....
The first, Huckle Hill Road up the north side, I remember as being steep enough I just barely made it. It hasn't changed. It is still steep enough to be a good challenge, and that's with a bike that probably has three gears lower than what I used to have back then.
The second, Fox Hill, I just started up not knowing what to expect. It turned to dirt pretty soon, but good dirt, nice hard surface with not much loose stuff on top, so good traction. Steady climb, but nothing special. Until I came around a corner, there was maybe 50 yards close to flat and then the road seemed to go straight up.
At least that part was paved, I guess the Highway Department did that to make winter maintenance easier. I had a few seconds to consider my options (one of which clearly was just turn around) and then decided I might was well give it a try. Probably only a couple hundred yards. I was turning the pedals over best as I could, but so slowly, just enough to stay upright. Thought about switchbacking, but figured that was as likely to cause a problem as help. And eventually I was up. And getting up while staying on the bike rates a complete success no matter how slow the speed. For sure. :-)
The first, Huckle Hill Road up the north side, I remember as being steep enough I just barely made it. It hasn't changed. It is still steep enough to be a good challenge, and that's with a bike that probably has three gears lower than what I used to have back then.
The second, Fox Hill, I just started up not knowing what to expect. It turned to dirt pretty soon, but good dirt, nice hard surface with not much loose stuff on top, so good traction. Steady climb, but nothing special. Until I came around a corner, there was maybe 50 yards close to flat and then the road seemed to go straight up.
At least that part was paved, I guess the Highway Department did that to make winter maintenance easier. I had a few seconds to consider my options (one of which clearly was just turn around) and then decided I might was well give it a try. Probably only a couple hundred yards. I was turning the pedals over best as I could, but so slowly, just enough to stay upright. Thought about switchbacking, but figured that was as likely to cause a problem as help. And eventually I was up. And getting up while staying on the bike rates a complete success no matter how slow the speed. For sure. :-)
Wednesday Jun 28, 2017 #
11 AM
mountain biking 1:32:46 12.01 mi (7:43 / mi) +431ft 7:28 / mi
ahr:96 max:128 weight:137lbs
Exploring the old woods roads north of Quabbin. Easy pace with lots of stops. Couldn't have been finer.
Tuesday Jun 27, 2017 #
10 AM
mountain biking 1:59:49 18.6 mi (6:26 / mi) +2606ft 5:41 / mi
ahr:123 max:153 weight:137.5lbs
I'm still wanting to get some sort of gravel/adventure bike that would fit in nicely between my road and mountain bikes when I want to go exploring on dirt/woods roads, so today was time for some research on how low the lowest gear needs to be. Counted the cogs on the lower gears on the mountain bike and decided the 4th lowest (ie. still three lower gears) was about what one bike has that I'm thinking about, and maybe 15% lower than what's on my road bike. So the plan was to see if I could get up the hills with that.
Up to Shelburne, first hill was Cooper Lane, maybe 700' climb, dirt, nothing more than 10%, got up that without any distress (which does not mean without any work). So far so good. And then a few miles around and about to get me to Patten Hill Road, maybe 900' climb, maybe up to 14-15%? Wasn't sure I could manage that without dropping into a lower gear, realizing that doing that would essentially constitute failure.
Patten Hill surprised me. The first section (first 200-300' climb) was steep but it was paved. Wasn't expecting that, actually was expecting a rutted dirt road all the way. So made it up that with a little to spare. Then, when it turned to dirt, it was actually pretty decent dirt. There was what seemed like a long section not so steep and about when I started thinking it would be that way to the end, I came around a corner and saw the road was tilting up again. That went on for more than I wished, but again, made it up with something to spare. Pretty sure I could have done the whole thing in one gear higher, not sure about 2 higher. For the record, I was using 22 on the front, 23 on the back, so a smidge lower than 1-1. And if the 26, 30, and 34 on the back were feeling left out, so be it...
So a successful test. And then, since I was in research mode and not that far away, drove up to Pennell Hill Road to see how bad it was and whether I could do that. But it had been graded within the last couple of days. Maybe a dozen cars had been over it, but I wasn't sure how well it really was packed, and there would be no hope if I got out of the track. Left it for another day.
Up to Shelburne, first hill was Cooper Lane, maybe 700' climb, dirt, nothing more than 10%, got up that without any distress (which does not mean without any work). So far so good. And then a few miles around and about to get me to Patten Hill Road, maybe 900' climb, maybe up to 14-15%? Wasn't sure I could manage that without dropping into a lower gear, realizing that doing that would essentially constitute failure.
Patten Hill surprised me. The first section (first 200-300' climb) was steep but it was paved. Wasn't expecting that, actually was expecting a rutted dirt road all the way. So made it up that with a little to spare. Then, when it turned to dirt, it was actually pretty decent dirt. There was what seemed like a long section not so steep and about when I started thinking it would be that way to the end, I came around a corner and saw the road was tilting up again. That went on for more than I wished, but again, made it up with something to spare. Pretty sure I could have done the whole thing in one gear higher, not sure about 2 higher. For the record, I was using 22 on the front, 23 on the back, so a smidge lower than 1-1. And if the 26, 30, and 34 on the back were feeling left out, so be it...
So a successful test. And then, since I was in research mode and not that far away, drove up to Pennell Hill Road to see how bad it was and whether I could do that. But it had been graded within the last couple of days. Maybe a dozen cars had been over it, but I wasn't sure how well it really was packed, and there would be no hope if I got out of the track. Left it for another day.
C • D2R2 2
Monday Jun 26, 2017 #
Note
Saw this guy yesterday, didn't look happy, but I was not about to wade in and try to help it. I think it's caught up in a cage meant to keep beavers from plugging up a pipe??
10 AM
biking - red bike 2:12:55 20.05 mi (6:38 / mi) +2284ft 5:59 / mi
ahr:106 max:131
Very leisurely ride with Walter, back roads in Conway, maybe half dirt, half paved.
Sunday Jun 25, 2017 #
8 AM
biking - red bike 4:38:36 62.02 mi (4:30 / mi) +4797ft 4:11 / mi
ahr:141 max:163 weight:137.5lbs
Nice ride mostly in CT, little bit in MA, in the vicinity of where I-84 is. Lots and lots of hills. I went here last year, did the 40+ mile version, so thought I should see the whole route this time.
Had a nice time. A good bit slower than last year, but that's nothing new.
And had an interesting chat afterward with a guy parked next to me, maybe 35-40. He'd cut the ride short, just didn't have it today. And as we talked a bit, turned out he had born with very flat feet, no arches at all, and he'd undergone quite an operation about 18 months ago that created a arch for one of his feet. The other foot will be done sometime in the next year.
The details of the operation, well, it's amazing what they do in medicine these days.
Had a nice time. A good bit slower than last year, but that's nothing new.
And had an interesting chat afterward with a guy parked next to me, maybe 35-40. He'd cut the ride short, just didn't have it today. And as we talked a bit, turned out he had born with very flat feet, no arches at all, and he'd undergone quite an operation about 18 months ago that created a arch for one of his feet. The other foot will be done sometime in the next year.
The details of the operation, well, it's amazing what they do in medicine these days.
Friday Jun 23, 2017 #
4 PM
biking - red bike 31:44 5.71 mi (5:33 / mi) +618ft 5:02 / mi
ahr:122 max:162 weight:137.5lbs
Curious as to whether I could go up Sugarloaf slowly enough to make it relatively easy. Pretty much failed, meaning I could have (and meant to) go a good bit slower, like maybe 12 minutes going up instead of the 10:34 it took. And the pulse was supposed to stay under 150. Rest of the very short ride was leisurely.
Did succeed on one thing, got home about 30 seconds before it started to pour.
No bears.
Did succeed on one thing, got home about 30 seconds before it started to pour.
No bears.
Thursday Jun 22, 2017 #
9 AM
biking - red bike 2:25:02 33.57 mi (4:19 / mi) +2013ft 4:05 / mi
ahr:129 max:159 weight:137.5lbs
Miller's Falls, Wendell, Shutesbury, Leverett. Took the dirt road on the east side of Lake Wyola to see if I could manage the climb. Still had something in reserve, but the traction was good. Not sure how I would have managed if it had been sandy or more gravel.
Regardless, a good route choice because about halfway up a bear popped out of the woods not far in front of me. This one looked fully grown. Reached for my camera (ie. phone), but it wasn't lingering, disappeared down an old woods road. By the time I got there I could barely see it, and it was moving pretty quickly. Certainly no photos to be had.
Rest of the route was fine. Easy pace much of the time, a little more effort on the two hills (hard to avoid), and then working harder the last few miles. And it was a beautiful morning.
Regardless, a good route choice because about halfway up a bear popped out of the woods not far in front of me. This one looked fully grown. Reached for my camera (ie. phone), but it wasn't lingering, disappeared down an old woods road. By the time I got there I could barely see it, and it was moving pretty quickly. Certainly no photos to be had.
Rest of the route was fine. Easy pace much of the time, a little more effort on the two hills (hard to avoid), and then working harder the last few miles. And it was a beautiful morning.
Wednesday Jun 21, 2017 #
5 PM
biking - red bike 42:37 11.12 mi (3:50 / mi) +99ft 3:48 / mi
ahr:115 max:138 weight:137lbs
Easy ride on the flats south of town. Legs a little achy so saw no reason to stress them.
Tuesday Jun 20, 2017 #
2 PM
mountain biking 2:39:25 24.93 mi (6:24 / mi) +2120ft 5:55 / mi
ahr:121 max:144 weight:137.5lbs
Really nice ride with Walter in the hills east of here.
Sunday Jun 18, 2017 #
12 PM
mountain biking 2:19:22 22.59 mi (6:10 / mi) +2237ft 5:38 / mi
ahr:120 max:146
In the hills to the east again, same first few miles to get some climbing out of the way, then some different stuff. All fine.
Warm and humid, dew point over 70 for the first time this year, or at least first time that I've noticed. Legs were dead when I got on the bike, felt like I'd never make it up the first hill, but before long they felt OK. Probably helps to have not been in a hurry.
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Walking on a dirt road in West Deerfield this morning, heard some noises off to my left and there was a bear, ambling along (as was I), though it has its nose pretty close to the ground, which I certainly did not.
I stopped and looked around for any signs of cubs, but nothing. By then I'd lost sight of the bear, but then it popped out on the road about 50 yards ahead of me. Hmm. It looked at me, I looked at it. It seemed appropriate to use the standard ice-breaking phrase in such circumstances, so I yelled at it, "Get out of here."
It looked at me some more. I wasn't sure it had heard me properly, so once again, "Get out of here."
This time it trotted down the road maybe 20 yards, then stopped and looked back at me. Then another 20 yards, stopped and looked back again. And then took off down the road and eventually out of sight at a much higher rate of speed.
Because it was so successful, and because this is what you do nowadays, first thing tomorrow morning I'll be filing to trademark the phrase, both the full version and the acronym (GOOH). I expect it won't be long before the royalties start coming in.
Warm and humid, dew point over 70 for the first time this year, or at least first time that I've noticed. Legs were dead when I got on the bike, felt like I'd never make it up the first hill, but before long they felt OK. Probably helps to have not been in a hurry.
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Walking on a dirt road in West Deerfield this morning, heard some noises off to my left and there was a bear, ambling along (as was I), though it has its nose pretty close to the ground, which I certainly did not.
I stopped and looked around for any signs of cubs, but nothing. By then I'd lost sight of the bear, but then it popped out on the road about 50 yards ahead of me. Hmm. It looked at me, I looked at it. It seemed appropriate to use the standard ice-breaking phrase in such circumstances, so I yelled at it, "Get out of here."
It looked at me some more. I wasn't sure it had heard me properly, so once again, "Get out of here."
This time it trotted down the road maybe 20 yards, then stopped and looked back at me. Then another 20 yards, stopped and looked back again. And then took off down the road and eventually out of sight at a much higher rate of speed.
Because it was so successful, and because this is what you do nowadays, first thing tomorrow morning I'll be filing to trademark the phrase, both the full version and the acronym (GOOH). I expect it won't be long before the royalties start coming in.
Saturday Jun 17, 2017 #
5 PM
biking - red bike 1:16:29 20.25 mi (3:47 / mi) +551ft 3:41 / mi
ahr:125 max:153 weight:138.5lbs
Old Deerfield - River Road loop late in the afternoon. Nice ride, moderate effort, just about as intended. Muggy but no rain.
Friday Jun 16, 2017 #
9 AM
mountain biking 2:01:36 20.74 mi (5:52 / mi) +1574ft 5:28 / mi
ahr:121 max:142 weight:138.5lbs
In the hills to the east. Mostly dirt roads, maybe 3-4 miles paved and 2-3 miles woods roads, the latter in the Quabbin watershed and pretty flat.
Excellent route, trying to string together as much interesting stuff as possible. Went for a while on the woods roads not being sure if I was at all where I thought I was. About the time I convinced myself that I was quite different than the planned route, I came out right where I was supposed to. Might have been a good idea to take a longer look at the map before I left. Trying to resurrect memories from being in the area 30 years ago was obviously not too successful.
Definitely worth repeating, plus a number of options out in that direction for further exploration.
Excellent route, trying to string together as much interesting stuff as possible. Went for a while on the woods roads not being sure if I was at all where I thought I was. About the time I convinced myself that I was quite different than the planned route, I came out right where I was supposed to. Might have been a good idea to take a longer look at the map before I left. Trying to resurrect memories from being in the area 30 years ago was obviously not too successful.
Definitely worth repeating, plus a number of options out in that direction for further exploration.
Thursday Jun 15, 2017 #
3 PM
biking - red bike 42:57 10.24 mi (4:12 / mi) +244ft 4:06 / mi
ahr:105 max:125 weight:138lbs
Leisurely ride on the flats, seemed to suit me just about right.
Wednesday Jun 14, 2017 #
9 AM
mountain biking 8:03:09 65.0 mi (7:26 / mi) +8541ft 6:37 / mi
ahr:128 max:154 weight:139lbs
So I did this 30-mile ride a week and a half ago to benefit the Vermont Land Trust, and they had a 60-mile version that seemed too much for me.
But I told my friend Walter about it (a veteran of many D2R2s while I am a veteran of exactly none), and he was keen, and I figured it would be a good adventure, and so it was on, just waiting for a day with acceptable weather. It was certainly fine weather today, bright sunshine all day and much cooler than the last couple of days, but I would not have objected at all if had 10-15 degrees cooler, especially in the afternoon when it was in the low 80s. I just don't do well in warm weather.
But the company was excellent, the route was fine. We added our own modifications -- some intentionally, like a start/finish closer to home, and excursions to Jacksonville and West Brattleboro for more fluids, and some unintentionally, in a couple of places expected roads didn't seem to exist -- and even opted not to take a couple of shortcuts towards the end, the thought being, we started this, we might as well finish.
All back roads, mostly dirt, which were sometimes less friendly than expected because the late spring road grading operations were going on and in a lot of places the road surfaces were soft and choppy. And then there were three proper mountain bike sections, two on the planned route, the other taken when we missed a turn -- by the time it was clear we must have missed the turn we had gone far enough to consider plan B, which was a road marked on the map with the minimum line width. It started out OK, but quickly turned to a woods road, and then quickly got worse, just barely ridable and only because it was going downhill. We went for a while wondering if we were going to have to haul the bikes back up the hill, but then we popped out of the forest just where we hoped. More fine adventure!
And a really good day. But boy were there some hills. And I am really tired now...
But I told my friend Walter about it (a veteran of many D2R2s while I am a veteran of exactly none), and he was keen, and I figured it would be a good adventure, and so it was on, just waiting for a day with acceptable weather. It was certainly fine weather today, bright sunshine all day and much cooler than the last couple of days, but I would not have objected at all if had 10-15 degrees cooler, especially in the afternoon when it was in the low 80s. I just don't do well in warm weather.
But the company was excellent, the route was fine. We added our own modifications -- some intentionally, like a start/finish closer to home, and excursions to Jacksonville and West Brattleboro for more fluids, and some unintentionally, in a couple of places expected roads didn't seem to exist -- and even opted not to take a couple of shortcuts towards the end, the thought being, we started this, we might as well finish.
All back roads, mostly dirt, which were sometimes less friendly than expected because the late spring road grading operations were going on and in a lot of places the road surfaces were soft and choppy. And then there were three proper mountain bike sections, two on the planned route, the other taken when we missed a turn -- by the time it was clear we must have missed the turn we had gone far enough to consider plan B, which was a road marked on the map with the minimum line width. It started out OK, but quickly turned to a woods road, and then quickly got worse, just barely ridable and only because it was going downhill. We went for a while wondering if we were going to have to haul the bikes back up the hill, but then we popped out of the forest just where we hoped. More fine adventure!
And a really good day. But boy were there some hills. And I am really tired now...
Monday Jun 12, 2017 #
11 AM
mountain biking 33:31 3.05 mi (10:59 / mi) +426ft 9:42 / mi
ahr:123 max:157 weight:137.5lbs
Way too hot to do this at mid-day, plus I'd already been on my feet for 3+ hours.
In the January Hills above Amherst. Jeep road got progressively rockier and not all that pleasant. Made it up to the height of land along the power line, decided that was enough, headed back, tried what turned out to be a parallel woods road that skipped the worst of the rocks.
Had more in mind, but it wasn't to be.
Came across this guy. Don't know what kind it is (was) --
In the January Hills above Amherst. Jeep road got progressively rockier and not all that pleasant. Made it up to the height of land along the power line, decided that was enough, headed back, tried what turned out to be a parallel woods road that skipped the worst of the rocks.
Had more in mind, but it wasn't to be.
Came across this guy. Don't know what kind it is (was) --
Sunday Jun 11, 2017 #
9 AM
mountain biking 1:10:56 12.08 mi (5:52 / mi) +1455ft 5:16 / mi
ahr:121 max:143 weight:137.5lbs
Surprisingly enjoyable ride. Was tired and a little sore from yesterday, so took the mountain bike and did a nice little loop. First a mellow 5 miles along Grren River Road (dirt, shaded, slightly up), then a stiff climb for a couple miles up West Leyden Road (paved), Then a few miles of mostly ripping downs and the occasional short up. And then there was the car and I was done. :-)
And to satisfy my curiosity, stopped just before the climb to count the cogs on my lowest gear. Awesome numbers, 22 on the front and 34 on the rear, as compared to 34 front and 32 rear on my road bike. Just moseyed up without breathing hard.
And to satisfy my curiosity, stopped just before the climb to count the cogs on my lowest gear. Awesome numbers, 22 on the front and 34 on the rear, as compared to 34 front and 32 rear on my road bike. Just moseyed up without breathing hard.
Saturday Jun 10, 2017 #
8 AM
biking - red bike 3:57:39 54.18 mi (4:23 / mi) +3227ft 4:09 / mi
ahr:140 max:161 weight:139lbs
A very informal ride offered by the Hatfield Lions on a rather warm day. Was getting quite parched by the end, and certainly not helped by a headwind the last ten miles. But you just keep turning the pedals....
Friday Jun 9, 2017 #
1 PM
biking - red bike 1:02:59 14.1 mi (4:28 / mi) +1200ft 4:08 / mi
ahr:135 max:162 weight:138.5lbs
Short ride from Bernardston up in the Leyden hills, successfully dodging thunderstorms. :-)
Working hard on the climb.
Working hard on the climb.
Thursday Jun 8, 2017 #
10 AM
biking - red bike 1:39:07 19.17 mi (5:10 / mi) +1869ft 4:44 / mi
ahr:121 max:139 weight:139lbs
From Walter's, over to Cummington at a chatting pace, where we stopped for a bite to eat.
12 PM
biking - red bike 1:56:34 25.24 mi (4:37 / mi) +1689ft 4:21 / mi
ahr:132 max:155
And then back a somewhat longer way at a slightly more energetic pace. Really fine outing.
Wednesday Jun 7, 2017 #
1 PM
biking - red bike 1:51:05 22.93 mi (4:51 / mi) +2265ft 4:26 / mi
ahr:135 max:168 weight:140lbs
Drove up to Charlemont and did a loop up along the Deerfield River to Monroe Bridge, then back via Rowe. The Deerfield was really ripping, over its banks in place and with substantial standing waves in Zoar gap. Saw some guys in kayaks getting ready to go but did see anyone out on the river. Would have been exciting.
The route back through Rowe, well, that was the point of the ride, at least the first 1.3 miles. Up Monroe Hill Road, average grade 12% (supposedly up to 18% in places), climb 800 feet, not quite 20 minutes of going very slowly but at least still going. Someday I suppose I'll have to try the road up the other side, Kingsley Hill, 13% but with a section of 24%. Think I'll need to get a lower gear first.
Hard work, but quite the pleasurable feeling when you reach the top. And the rest of the route back to the car was very quick. :-)
The route back through Rowe, well, that was the point of the ride, at least the first 1.3 miles. Up Monroe Hill Road, average grade 12% (supposedly up to 18% in places), climb 800 feet, not quite 20 minutes of going very slowly but at least still going. Someday I suppose I'll have to try the road up the other side, Kingsley Hill, 13% but with a section of 24%. Think I'll need to get a lower gear first.
Hard work, but quite the pleasurable feeling when you reach the top. And the rest of the route back to the car was very quick. :-)
Monday Jun 5, 2017 #
3 PM
biking - red bike 33:21 7.93 mi (4:12 / mi) +187ft 4:07 / mi
ahr:110 max:128 weight:139.5lbs
Short and easy ride, and just as good it was that as I was feeling low blood sugar, or something, when I was fortunately pretty close to home. Paced myself well up the driveway, so made it without needing to stop partway...
Sunday Jun 4, 2017 #
9 AM
mountain biking 2:55:32 29.8 mi (5:53 / mi) +3604ft 5:17 / mi
ahr:132 max:160 weight:139lbs
"Tour de Heifer" -- what a fine name for a ride.
Another fine outing. Was tired from the last couple of days, so I just moseyed along at whatever pace felt comfortable, which turned out to be about 10 mph, though there were lots of times when I was probably going about 4. Maybe 1/3 paved, 2/3 mostly pretty good dirt, no mud. And no complaints. :-)
Something like this is obviously a psychological replacement for various O and trail running adventures over the years. Glad that it's possible. At least for a little while.
Another fine outing. Was tired from the last couple of days, so I just moseyed along at whatever pace felt comfortable, which turned out to be about 10 mph, though there were lots of times when I was probably going about 4. Maybe 1/3 paved, 2/3 mostly pretty good dirt, no mud. And no complaints. :-)
Something like this is obviously a psychological replacement for various O and trail running adventures over the years. Glad that it's possible. At least for a little while.
Saturday Jun 3, 2017 #
Event: WCOC Hurd State Park
9 AM
mountain biking (orienteering) 30:13 2.44 mi (12:23 / mi) +221ft 11:24 / mi
ahr:126 max:146 weight:139.5lbs
At Hurd SP in CT, courses by Joe with help from Earl.
First the short course.
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First the short course.
11 AM
mountain biking (orienteering) 1:34:59 8.35 mi (11:23 / mi) +1109ft 10:06 / mi
ahr:135 max:164
And then the long course.
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A lot of fun. A good bit of single-track, some rocks and lots of roots, but not so much I couldn't manage most of it. And when it looked like I couldn't, I just hopped off and covered the hard sections on foot.
Got caught by a few minutes of unexpected rain on the second course. I was wondering if the ink would just start on my unprotected map, but not a problem. By the time I was done the sun was out and my map was dry.
Lots of caterpillars. Not sure what kind or what trees they were defoliating, but there sure were a lot of them.
And nice to see much of WCOC's geriatric membership there. It seems I'm not the only one not getting any younger.
A lot of fun. A good bit of single-track, some rocks and lots of roots, but not so much I couldn't manage most of it. And when it looked like I couldn't, I just hopped off and covered the hard sections on foot.
Got caught by a few minutes of unexpected rain on the second course. I was wondering if the ink would just start on my unprotected map, but not a problem. By the time I was done the sun was out and my map was dry.
Lots of caterpillars. Not sure what kind or what trees they were defoliating, but there sure were a lot of them.
And nice to see much of WCOC's geriatric membership there. It seems I'm not the only one not getting any younger.
C • bars 7
Friday Jun 2, 2017 #
1 PM
mountain biking 2:33:50 15.93 mi (9:40 / mi) +2010ft 8:38 / mi
ahr:112 max:140 weight:139.5lbs
Long and leisurely mountain bike ride with Walter in the lower Conway and Whately hills. Was advertised as dirt roads (as opposed to stuff with rocks and roots), but then no one ever said advertising and truth have much in common. So for a good section in the middle it was a good challenge for my bike skills. But a whole lot of fun.
Also a bit humbling. Made it up one climb I figured I had no hope on, so to avoid any feelings that I could do this stuff, in the next minute I sent myself airborne by trying to execute a sudden stop by apparently using the front brake only (how was I supposed to know which hand connects to which brake?), and then not even coming close to making the next up. Fortunately no damage done.
Also was more than a good challenge for my navigating skills, as for quite a while we had no idea where we were or where we were going. To a point that is, pretty sure all along we were west of the CT river and still in MA.
Really fine outing.
Bike-O' at Hurd tomorrow. Hoping to be in the top ten.
Also a bit humbling. Made it up one climb I figured I had no hope on, so to avoid any feelings that I could do this stuff, in the next minute I sent myself airborne by trying to execute a sudden stop by apparently using the front brake only (how was I supposed to know which hand connects to which brake?), and then not even coming close to making the next up. Fortunately no damage done.
Also was more than a good challenge for my navigating skills, as for quite a while we had no idea where we were or where we were going. To a point that is, pretty sure all along we were west of the CT river and still in MA.
Really fine outing.
Bike-O' at Hurd tomorrow. Hoping to be in the top ten.
C • brakes 10
Thursday Jun 1, 2017 #
2 PM
biking - red bike 1:58:09 24.0 mi (4:55 / mi) +1759ft 4:36 / mi
ahr:128 max:166 weight:140.5lbs
Tried the same route as yesterday, this time on my road bike, plus rode up to Conway and back (at a leisurely pace).
Made it up the hills with something to spare, both the steeper paved one (14-15%?) and the dirt one (not as steep or as long). It's clearly faster on the road bike --
MTB: 21:15 out, 19:50 back
Road: 20:15 out, 17:25 back
The one place the MTB clearly was preferable was on the downhills, definitely more stable with the wider (and softer, for now) tires and also definitely better control with the disc brakes.
Probably should try the MTB with more air in the tires. They're at about 25 to deal with rocks and roots. For regular dirt roads could probably do 40-50 (or more?) and have less rolling resistance.
Made it up the hills with something to spare, both the steeper paved one (14-15%?) and the dirt one (not as steep or as long). It's clearly faster on the road bike --
MTB: 21:15 out, 19:50 back
Road: 20:15 out, 17:25 back
The one place the MTB clearly was preferable was on the downhills, definitely more stable with the wider (and softer, for now) tires and also definitely better control with the disc brakes.
Probably should try the MTB with more air in the tires. They're at about 25 to deal with rocks and roots. For regular dirt roads could probably do 40-50 (or more?) and have less rolling resistance.