Training Log Archive: PGIn the 30 days ending Jun 30, 2018:
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Saturday Jun 30, 2018 #
7 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:02:38 16.11 mi (3:53 / mi) +60ft 3:52 / mi
ahr:109 max:129 weight:138lbs
Upper 60s/low 70s, humid, sunny. Got out on the early side, even earlier would have been better but still a lot nicer than it will be in a while.
Just an easy ride on the flats south of town. Quite a few bikers out, also beating the heat.
Just an easy ride on the flats south of town. Quite a few bikers out, also beating the heat.
Friday Jun 29, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 3:43:42 41.44 mi (5:24 / mi) +4601ft 4:53 / mi
ahr:124 max:150 weight:138.5lbs
Warm day, mid-80s and a little humid, so heading for the hills again, this time NW of Greenfield. Didn't feel zippy at all starting off, felt like what I really wanted to do was do the first 5 miles of the planned route, very gently rolling along the Green River, and then turn around and go right back to the car. But before too long my system gradually got going, and it seemed to get a little less humid, and there was plenty of shade, so on (and up) I went.
One place I'd been interested in trying was the steep and rough section of Abijah Prince Road (yup, that's really its name). I'd been down it once, had low expectations for being able to make it up, even though the hard part is only a couple hundred yards. Was about ten yards short of making it but lost my momentum on the last rocky bit. Though, to my great pleasure, I managed to unclip rather smoothly and get a foot down, almost as if I knew what I was doing. Ten yards pushing the bike and then I was on again.
After that, well, I'd go up a bunch, slow as could be, and then down a bunch, way faster but always in control. Actually had one good test of the latter, a dump truck suddenly appeared around a corner taking up about 90% of the road but I was in control of things and no problem.
Could have used a little more water, had two bottles and finished that off at the top of the last hill. Still 10 miles to go, but the first 5 were zoom downhill and the last 5 slightly downhill. And, one of the benefits of the narrow dirt roads, almost always in the shade. I'd guess about 90% was on dirt.
Trying again for an "all-day" pace. Seems like a good idea, not getting totally trashed. Certainly don't need to do that every day.
One place I'd been interested in trying was the steep and rough section of Abijah Prince Road (yup, that's really its name). I'd been down it once, had low expectations for being able to make it up, even though the hard part is only a couple hundred yards. Was about ten yards short of making it but lost my momentum on the last rocky bit. Though, to my great pleasure, I managed to unclip rather smoothly and get a foot down, almost as if I knew what I was doing. Ten yards pushing the bike and then I was on again.
After that, well, I'd go up a bunch, slow as could be, and then down a bunch, way faster but always in control. Actually had one good test of the latter, a dump truck suddenly appeared around a corner taking up about 90% of the road but I was in control of things and no problem.
Could have used a little more water, had two bottles and finished that off at the top of the last hill. Still 10 miles to go, but the first 5 were zoom downhill and the last 5 slightly downhill. And, one of the benefits of the narrow dirt roads, almost always in the shade. I'd guess about 90% was on dirt.
Trying again for an "all-day" pace. Seems like a good idea, not getting totally trashed. Certainly don't need to do that every day.
Thursday Jun 28, 2018 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:05:44 17.72 mi (3:43 / mi) +358ft 3:38 / mi
ahr:122 max:152 weight:138.5lbs
Wasn't expecting to get out today, lots of rain, but there was a break and out I went, figuring I might get a little damp but maybe not soaked. It rained lightly for about 10 minutes early on, and so I did get a little damp. Thought that was going to be the end of it, but about 10 minutes from home it started to come, much more seriously this time.
And I certainly got soaked. Not a dry spot on me, and even felt like my shoes had filled up. Haven't had to wring out a pair of socks since I stopped running/orienteering, those this time it was certainly more pleasant, no swamp creatures or odors to deal with.
And a good workout, slowly getting a little more endurance when I ride out of the saddle.
And I certainly got soaked. Not a dry spot on me, and even felt like my shoes had filled up. Haven't had to wring out a pair of socks since I stopped running/orienteering, those this time it was certainly more pleasant, no swamp creatures or odors to deal with.
And a good workout, slowly getting a little more endurance when I ride out of the saddle.
Wednesday Jun 27, 2018 #
Note
My mom would have been 100 today. She got pretty close, 97 3/4. Not so bad.
Has me thinking, as I often do, about my own life. While there would be ample reasons to feel depressed if I were so inclined, I actually have few regrets. In that regard, as in some others, I consider myself very lucky.
Has me thinking, as I often do, about my own life. While there would be ample reasons to feel depressed if I were so inclined, I actually have few regrets. In that regard, as in some others, I consider myself very lucky.
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:46:41 21.41 mi (4:59 / mi) +1073ft 4:45 / mi
ahr:114 max:158 weight:137.5lbs
Didn't seem to have much energy today (psychic or physical), so I finally decided to just head out at whatever pace was needed to match my energy. Meandered up the river with a nice tail wind, then back down towards Old Deerfield, still meandering. But along the way I decided that I should ride the trail along the top of Pocumtuck ridge, hadn't done that this year.
But first I had to do the Eaglebrook climb, just take it easy was the plan. But about halfway up that went out the window and i was getting wobbly on the last bit. Unnecessary, in retrospect, but sometimes things just happen.
And then up the dirt road to the towers, a better pace now (slower). And the ridge trail? Didn't feel any headwind because I was too busy dealing with the rocks and roots. But I survived with no incidents, and apparently the bike did too.
And, as is so often the case, even a little bit of something different was enough to turn a blah outing into something interesting. :-)
But first I had to do the Eaglebrook climb, just take it easy was the plan. But about halfway up that went out the window and i was getting wobbly on the last bit. Unnecessary, in retrospect, but sometimes things just happen.
And then up the dirt road to the towers, a better pace now (slower). And the ridge trail? Didn't feel any headwind because I was too busy dealing with the rocks and roots. But I survived with no incidents, and apparently the bike did too.
And, as is so often the case, even a little bit of something different was enough to turn a blah outing into something interesting. :-)
Tuesday Jun 26, 2018 #
2 PM
biking - dark blue bike 2:31:48 25.76 mi (5:54 / mi) +3460ft 5:14 / mi
ahr:122 max:143 weight:137.5lbs
Up in the hills above Colrain. Another perfect day, mid-70s, sunny, low humidity. A bit of wind from the south, but it doesn't matter much when you're going up and down big hills most of the time. About 135' of climb per mile (100' is a rough average for such rides around here, but I picked a route to be extra hilly).
A couple of goals:
-- do the ride at an "all-day pace" or at least a "half-day pace."
-- see if I could get up Pennel Hill Road.
Successful on both counts. Kept a pace on the climbs that kept my breathing well under control but still had me climbing at a decent pace. And made it up Pennel. It's steep, especially the first half, and it's dirt, so the traction is variable. But I was never close to bailing.
And didn't feel particularly tired when I was done. :-)
A couple of goals:
-- do the ride at an "all-day pace" or at least a "half-day pace."
-- see if I could get up Pennel Hill Road.
Successful on both counts. Kept a pace on the climbs that kept my breathing well under control but still had me climbing at a decent pace. And made it up Pennel. It's steep, especially the first half, and it's dirt, so the traction is variable. But I was never close to bailing.
And didn't feel particularly tired when I was done. :-)
Monday Jun 25, 2018 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 2:41:42 39.07 mi (4:08 / mi) +2433ft 3:54 / mi
ahr:128 max:160 weight:138.5lbs
Legs were certainly feeling better after a couple of easy days, so I decided to take a trip up Mount Lincoln in Pelham, with the return through the upper hills. Lincoln is really just a pimple on the landscape, totally insignificant, but it has a fire tower and some communications stuff and so also an access road. Also trail access but my memory of it was that it was too rough for biking for me.
It's a steady climb up from the valley floor, maybe 30 minutes, but nothing steep other than one little section of the access road, which at that point is a mix of loose gravel and old bits of pavement. So I had to pay attention for about 100 yards. But then you're up, a nice view of the trees on all sides and nothing more.
Beautiful day, 70s, low humidity, but also windy, 10-15 out of more or less the north, and gusty. The trip down to the start of the climb had a nice tailwind. Enjoy it while you can.
Took the high route going home, over to 202 and then north through Pelham and Shutesbury and eventually down the Lake Wyola road to Montague Center. Into the wind all the way, rolling road all the way, little up and downs for about 10 miles, putting out a good effort, it became an unintended interval workout, the jagged heart rate proof. But I didn't get frustrated like I sometimes do into the wind, just kept at it until the road turned seriously down. So actually a rather pleasing ride.
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Got home to find Gail had a cast on her left wrist, a smallish fracture from her fall a few days ago. She's had arthritis issues with both wrists for a long time. Hopefully this will heal up and not add to the problems.
It's a steady climb up from the valley floor, maybe 30 minutes, but nothing steep other than one little section of the access road, which at that point is a mix of loose gravel and old bits of pavement. So I had to pay attention for about 100 yards. But then you're up, a nice view of the trees on all sides and nothing more.
Beautiful day, 70s, low humidity, but also windy, 10-15 out of more or less the north, and gusty. The trip down to the start of the climb had a nice tailwind. Enjoy it while you can.
Took the high route going home, over to 202 and then north through Pelham and Shutesbury and eventually down the Lake Wyola road to Montague Center. Into the wind all the way, rolling road all the way, little up and downs for about 10 miles, putting out a good effort, it became an unintended interval workout, the jagged heart rate proof. But I didn't get frustrated like I sometimes do into the wind, just kept at it until the road turned seriously down. So actually a rather pleasing ride.
---------
Got home to find Gail had a cast on her left wrist, a smallish fracture from her fall a few days ago. She's had arthritis issues with both wrists for a long time. Hopefully this will heal up and not add to the problems.
Sunday Jun 24, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:17:45 11.44 mi (6:48 / mi) +923ft 6:19 / mi
ahr:123 max:162 weight:137.5lbs
Another short outing, though this one had something I'd been thinking about for a while, a trip up North Sugarloaf. Unlike its partner just to the south, NS has no paved road going to the top, just a couple of trails. I've run them a number of times over the years, but never tried with the bike. So time to give it a try.
Up the outer loop, counterclockwise. Made it up, but off the bike I think three times to get past tree trunks across the trail, and a couple more times for hike-a-bikes where it was too rocky/rooty on a steep section for me to handle. But I got up all the places I tried to get up and all the dismounts were planned.
Went back down the inner loop clockwise. This is single-track, made it down successfully (which is real good for me), though at a slow and careful pace. I think my skills, while certainly not good, are not as bad as they used to be. Got off twice for tree trunks. One I probably could have ridden over, but chose not to try. See, once in a while I'm smart.
Glad I did it, but it's tough enough, really just too tough for me, that it's not likely to become a favorite. But certainly good to have done once.
Up the outer loop, counterclockwise. Made it up, but off the bike I think three times to get past tree trunks across the trail, and a couple more times for hike-a-bikes where it was too rocky/rooty on a steep section for me to handle. But I got up all the places I tried to get up and all the dismounts were planned.
Went back down the inner loop clockwise. This is single-track, made it down successfully (which is real good for me), though at a slow and careful pace. I think my skills, while certainly not good, are not as bad as they used to be. Got off twice for tree trunks. One I probably could have ridden over, but chose not to try. See, once in a while I'm smart.
Glad I did it, but it's tough enough, really just too tough for me, that it's not likely to become a favorite. But certainly good to have done once.
Saturday Jun 23, 2018 #
4 PM
biking - dark blue bike 42:28 11.15 mi (3:48 / mi) +64ft 3:47 / mi
ahr:110 max:135 weight:137.5lbs
Short ride south of town. Overcast, low 60s, N 5-10. There had been some rain in Hadley, so the roads were wet for several miles. Worked harder coming back into the wind.
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Finished up the lawn mowing, which for most of the area means it is finished for the year. Time for show and tell. :-)
Lawn 1 -- Back of the house. Perhaps closest to a normal lawn, except it really isn't, as grass is just one of the many different things growing there. Mowing schedule is maybe four or five times a year. 20 minutes.
Lawn 2 -- Actually the best lawn, almost entirely moss, just an occasional bit of something else manages to appear. Same schedule as lawn 1. 2 minutes.
Lawn 3 -- Front of the house. Various things grow here. Some grass, also prickers of some sort, juniper of some sort, a bit of poison ivy, other weedy things. And also some things that turn out to be wildflowers, so if I spot them they don't get cut. So far about half a dozen kinds of flowers. Mowing schedule once a year, maybe twice. 30 minutes.
Lawn 4 -- Across the driveway. A little grass. Also grape vines, a few prickers, a little bittersweet, some oak and maple seedlings, some small areas of moss. Mowing schedule is once a year (but I think I forgot last year), just to keep it open, otherwise it would be a jungle in a few years. 45 minutes.
And then the overall look. Not so bad. :-)
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Finished up the lawn mowing, which for most of the area means it is finished for the year. Time for show and tell. :-)
Lawn 1 -- Back of the house. Perhaps closest to a normal lawn, except it really isn't, as grass is just one of the many different things growing there. Mowing schedule is maybe four or five times a year. 20 minutes.
Lawn 2 -- Actually the best lawn, almost entirely moss, just an occasional bit of something else manages to appear. Same schedule as lawn 1. 2 minutes.
Lawn 3 -- Front of the house. Various things grow here. Some grass, also prickers of some sort, juniper of some sort, a bit of poison ivy, other weedy things. And also some things that turn out to be wildflowers, so if I spot them they don't get cut. So far about half a dozen kinds of flowers. Mowing schedule once a year, maybe twice. 30 minutes.
Lawn 4 -- Across the driveway. A little grass. Also grape vines, a few prickers, a little bittersweet, some oak and maple seedlings, some small areas of moss. Mowing schedule is once a year (but I think I forgot last year), just to keep it open, otherwise it would be a jungle in a few years. 45 minutes.
And then the overall look. Not so bad. :-)
Friday Jun 22, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 3:10:46 30.97 mi (6:10 / mi) +3749ft 5:32 / mi
ahr:112 max:135 weight:137.5lbs
With Walter, up in the hills. Easy pace, perfect day. Except my Garmin acted up, stopped working right at the end. Not sure what happened, but after a bit of fiddling, it seemed it recorded everything but the last mile, and I managed to retrieve that. :-)
Legs (quads) were really sore at the start, hurt on all the ups even if we were taking it easy, but things loosened up after an hour or so and the rest was much better.
Legs (quads) were really sore at the start, hurt on all the ups even if we were taking it easy, but things loosened up after an hour or so and the rest was much better.
Thursday Jun 21, 2018 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:03:28 29.95 mi (4:07 / mi) +2099ft 3:52 / mi
ahr:132 max:162 weight:138lbs
With Phil from Northampton, out route 9 to Williamsburg and then up the long hill to Chesterfield. Back a different way, one more climb and then a downhill where Phil said it was OK to let it go, no bad corners, no bad pavement. Hit 45 there which is pretty quick for me.
Sure didn't hit 45 on the way up. More like 4.5 it seemed, though it wasn't that bad. I think I was feeling yesterday's ride (and climbs), and as I got farther up the legs just seemed a little less eager to keep pushing. But it is quite possible, had I been fresh, that Phil would have still disappeared up the road because he is just better.
But a fine outing, excellent company and some roads that were new to me. And survived to ride another day.
Sure didn't hit 45 on the way up. More like 4.5 it seemed, though it wasn't that bad. I think I was feeling yesterday's ride (and climbs), and as I got farther up the legs just seemed a little less eager to keep pushing. But it is quite possible, had I been fresh, that Phil would have still disappeared up the road because he is just better.
But a fine outing, excellent company and some roads that were new to me. And survived to ride another day.
Wednesday Jun 20, 2018 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 3:02:37 38.75 mi (4:43 / mi) +2901ft 4:24 / mi
ahr:126 max:162 weight:138lbs
To the top of Massaemont Mountain and back. Did this starting in Greenfield last December, whereas today just started from home, so it was a good bit longer though not much more in the way of hills.
All at a moderate effort except for three ups (Mountain Road in Greenfield, Old Shelburne Road, and the rough dirt road up to the tower from Davenport's), on each of those I pretty much buried myself.
Feeling a bit depleted, I stopped in Greenfield on the way home for an energy bar, and that seemed to make the last ten miles go a bit easier.
Low 70s, S 0-5 early, 5-10 later.
All at a moderate effort except for three ups (Mountain Road in Greenfield, Old Shelburne Road, and the rough dirt road up to the tower from Davenport's), on each of those I pretty much buried myself.
Feeling a bit depleted, I stopped in Greenfield on the way home for an energy bar, and that seemed to make the last ten miles go a bit easier.
Low 70s, S 0-5 early, 5-10 later.
Tuesday Jun 19, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:10:08 24.0 mi (5:25 / mi) +1200ft 5:11 / mi
ahr:102 max:137 weight:139lbs
Meandering ride with Walter, finding places he hadn't been. Very fine.
Monday Jun 18, 2018 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:20:33 18.14 mi (4:26 / mi) +507ft 4:20 / mi
ahr:117 max:149 weight:137.5lbs
Still tired legs from my ride down to Charlie's on Saturday, put a good bit of effort into it. And didn't drink enough afterwards to get my fluids back up. On started rectifying that yesterday. So I didn't feel like a foray in the hills.
Instead, did a loop on the Mt. Warner trail, plus getting there and back. Got out a little after 8 am to beat the heat. An hour earlier would have been even better, but even at 8 was better than middle of the day. Low 70s, S 5, supposed to be 95 this afternoon.
Fun going around on the trail. It's mostly single track, but I think its easier than the ones at Earl's Trails. Got around with no falls, not even any close calls, 15:51 for the loop (clockwise), 17:13 parking lot to parking lot. Rest was mostly flat roads, no hurry. Just right.
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Also a success yesterday with maintenance. The bike had been making a lot of noise for a long time. I wasn't sure what it was. It wasn't in the chain or gears, and didn't happen when I just spun the wheels, had to be some load being applied on the system, and when I was riding, applying load, I couldn't tell what was causing it.
Took Charlie about 10 seconds to determine I had a spoke problem.
Found two loose ones, tightened them up, and then found two more that were a little less tight than they should be, tightened them up too, so they all were making about the same tone when I plucked them.
And the bike is now quiet as can be. :-)
Instead, did a loop on the Mt. Warner trail, plus getting there and back. Got out a little after 8 am to beat the heat. An hour earlier would have been even better, but even at 8 was better than middle of the day. Low 70s, S 5, supposed to be 95 this afternoon.
Fun going around on the trail. It's mostly single track, but I think its easier than the ones at Earl's Trails. Got around with no falls, not even any close calls, 15:51 for the loop (clockwise), 17:13 parking lot to parking lot. Rest was mostly flat roads, no hurry. Just right.
--------
Also a success yesterday with maintenance. The bike had been making a lot of noise for a long time. I wasn't sure what it was. It wasn't in the chain or gears, and didn't happen when I just spun the wheels, had to be some load being applied on the system, and when I was riding, applying load, I couldn't tell what was causing it.
Took Charlie about 10 seconds to determine I had a spoke problem.
Found two loose ones, tightened them up, and then found two more that were a little less tight than they should be, tightened them up too, so they all were making about the same tone when I plucked them.
And the bike is now quiet as can be. :-)
Sunday Jun 17, 2018 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:42:48 20.01 mi (5:08 / mi) +954ft 4:55 / mi
ahr:91 max:123
Very mellow ride with Gail, Charlie, and Rhonda from Pleasant Valley up Sandy Brook Road. Nice to get out on the early side before it gets hot.
Saturday Jun 16, 2018 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 3:45:49 54.08 mi (4:11 / mi) +2666ft 3:59 / mi
ahr:126 max:152 weight:138.5lbs
From home to Charlie and Rhonda's. A ride I've thought about doing, but it never seemed to work out. Today the weather was fine and the schedule was flexible, and about 8:30 I was off.
And a fine ride it was. Got all those tough flat sections done within the first 40 miles, all the delightful hills saved for the end. I wasn't looking forward all that much to the Devil's Elbow, less than a mile from the end, but I seemed to get up it without a real problem, just kept moving.
And then a very pleasant afternoon evening with various WCOC folks.
Though we did miss the parade celebrating Sunderland's 300th birthday. Oh, well, life is full of compromises.
And a fine ride it was. Got all those tough flat sections done within the first 40 miles, all the delightful hills saved for the end. I wasn't looking forward all that much to the Devil's Elbow, less than a mile from the end, but I seemed to get up it without a real problem, just kept moving.
And then a very pleasant afternoon evening with various WCOC folks.
Though we did miss the parade celebrating Sunderland's 300th birthday. Oh, well, life is full of compromises.
Friday Jun 15, 2018 #
2 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:15:58 20.16 mi (3:46 / mi) +452ft 3:41 / mi
ahr:120 max:154 weight:139lbs
Up along this side of the river, back through Old Deerfield. About 70, NW 10+. I decided at some point that such rides ought to be called "No Hurry" rides, go along at whatever pace feels right, which sometimes means a little faster and often means a little slower. No pressure, no expectations.
Seemed to be an excellent idea.
Seemed to be an excellent idea.
Thursday Jun 14, 2018 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:05:35 30.43 mi (4:08 / mi) +1505ft 3:57 / mi
ahr:124 max:162 weight:138.5lbs
Nice day, mid-70s and mostly sunny but windy, WNW 15-20. Took a while to figure out what to do. The original plan was to revisit Massaemett Mountain in Shelburne, see what the ascent was like when ice would certainly not be a concern. But I looked at the wind, and I just couldn't get motivated.
So plan B, which turned out to be excellent, to Leverett, almost all with the wind, then the climb up to Shutesbury also with a helping breeze, Then a change of direction, to Montague Center almost all into the wind but also almost all downhill. And then back along the river, a ripping crosswind but also actually helping a little. Perfect. And the second part of perfect was that I decided I was in no hurry. Except perhaps for the Shutesbury climb, just because it would be a good test. If, that is, I was in the mood for a test when I got over there.
Set off in an excellent mood, and nothing in the following two hours did anything to change that. :-)
Relaxed pace over to the start of the climb. The local cycling club has a series of hill climbs in the warmer months and this of one of them. I don't know what sort of times I've done in the past, but a month ago I went up in just over 26 minutes (on a day also with a tailwind). The goal, as always in such situations, was something a little faster. And while I wasn't really eager to suffer, by the time I got over there it was clear that's what was going to happen.
A good pace all the way up, no weak moments, a pleasant surprise to see the watch stopped at 24:55. And so what if, had I been competing in a NCC climb here, it would have been good for 322nd out of 330 all-time. Nah, I'm not slow...
At the top, the hard work all done, got to enjoy another hour in the beautiful countryside we have around here, nice roads, minimal traffic. Such outings obviously won't last forever, but for now they're mighty fine.
So plan B, which turned out to be excellent, to Leverett, almost all with the wind, then the climb up to Shutesbury also with a helping breeze, Then a change of direction, to Montague Center almost all into the wind but also almost all downhill. And then back along the river, a ripping crosswind but also actually helping a little. Perfect. And the second part of perfect was that I decided I was in no hurry. Except perhaps for the Shutesbury climb, just because it would be a good test. If, that is, I was in the mood for a test when I got over there.
Set off in an excellent mood, and nothing in the following two hours did anything to change that. :-)
Relaxed pace over to the start of the climb. The local cycling club has a series of hill climbs in the warmer months and this of one of them. I don't know what sort of times I've done in the past, but a month ago I went up in just over 26 minutes (on a day also with a tailwind). The goal, as always in such situations, was something a little faster. And while I wasn't really eager to suffer, by the time I got over there it was clear that's what was going to happen.
A good pace all the way up, no weak moments, a pleasant surprise to see the watch stopped at 24:55. And so what if, had I been competing in a NCC climb here, it would have been good for 322nd out of 330 all-time. Nah, I'm not slow...
At the top, the hard work all done, got to enjoy another hour in the beautiful countryside we have around here, nice roads, minimal traffic. Such outings obviously won't last forever, but for now they're mighty fine.
Wednesday Jun 13, 2018 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:23:00 21.59 mi (3:51 / mi) +1038ft 3:41 / mi
ahr:126 max:165 weight:139lbs
Montague Center, Cave Hill, North Amherst. Low 70s, S10, caught some rain for about 20 minutes while I was in the hills, but not enough to be unpleasant. And certainly had a nice tailwind the last few miles.
It seems like a good percentage of my rides have some sort of purpose, with the possibilities including:
-- just get out and do it because when it's over you'll be glad you did.
-- go as easy as possible because you're tired (but it's too nice out to just skip the day).
-- go someplace I haven't been, or rarely go.
-- go for more than the usual distance/duration.
-- do something hard (steep/rough/long), just to see if you can do it.
-- go as hard as you can, just to see what you can do.
-- do a certain section (or sections) as hard as you can, with the rest at a lesser effort.
I suppose many of these could be called "competitive" goals, but at the most they are just competitive with myself. Because I am, and there's no avoiding it, really slow. :-)
But being competitive just with myself is rather nice. I don't have to worry that my bike may be a bit of a clunker. I don't have to worry about who else is going to show up. I just do my thing.
But I do like to know how I'm doing.
There's a website, Strava, I've looked at it a bit over the years. These days I look at it a bit more, because it has these things called segments, where it figures out what your data are -- time, speed, heart rate, watts, distance, climb -- and then shows you how you stack up against others. It's rather interesting. I assume the data are somewhat accurate. They certainly are plenty accurate enough for me, because all I'm looking for is entertainment.
The data certainly confirms that I am really slow. On most climbs I will be about twice the best time. That is just the reality, so no reason to get depressed about it since, after all, I'm 73 and still out doing this stuff.
On the positive side, I have not yet seen a segment where I am dead last. Pretty good. Got to take pleasure where you can.
And more seriously, it gives me little targets to occasionally test myself against. And that is not a bad thing.
So today it was the north side of Cave Hill. Best time before today was 6:54. Today was 6:22. Am I supposed to feel bad because the best time is 3:10? Because I don't. I'm actually feeling quite delighted. :-)
Gears (just so I remember), all in big chain ring: started in 5th, changed to 4th before long, changed to 3rd on the steeper bit before the crossroads, kept that the rest of the way, though that took some effort. Equivalent to 8th/7th/6th in the small chain ring. I think last time I'd used 5th in the small ring all the way, so this was clearly better. Better meaning that I could push a bigger gear at an OK cadence.
It seems like a good percentage of my rides have some sort of purpose, with the possibilities including:
-- just get out and do it because when it's over you'll be glad you did.
-- go as easy as possible because you're tired (but it's too nice out to just skip the day).
-- go someplace I haven't been, or rarely go.
-- go for more than the usual distance/duration.
-- do something hard (steep/rough/long), just to see if you can do it.
-- go as hard as you can, just to see what you can do.
-- do a certain section (or sections) as hard as you can, with the rest at a lesser effort.
I suppose many of these could be called "competitive" goals, but at the most they are just competitive with myself. Because I am, and there's no avoiding it, really slow. :-)
But being competitive just with myself is rather nice. I don't have to worry that my bike may be a bit of a clunker. I don't have to worry about who else is going to show up. I just do my thing.
But I do like to know how I'm doing.
There's a website, Strava, I've looked at it a bit over the years. These days I look at it a bit more, because it has these things called segments, where it figures out what your data are -- time, speed, heart rate, watts, distance, climb -- and then shows you how you stack up against others. It's rather interesting. I assume the data are somewhat accurate. They certainly are plenty accurate enough for me, because all I'm looking for is entertainment.
The data certainly confirms that I am really slow. On most climbs I will be about twice the best time. That is just the reality, so no reason to get depressed about it since, after all, I'm 73 and still out doing this stuff.
On the positive side, I have not yet seen a segment where I am dead last. Pretty good. Got to take pleasure where you can.
And more seriously, it gives me little targets to occasionally test myself against. And that is not a bad thing.
So today it was the north side of Cave Hill. Best time before today was 6:54. Today was 6:22. Am I supposed to feel bad because the best time is 3:10? Because I don't. I'm actually feeling quite delighted. :-)
Gears (just so I remember), all in big chain ring: started in 5th, changed to 4th before long, changed to 3rd on the steeper bit before the crossroads, kept that the rest of the way, though that took some effort. Equivalent to 8th/7th/6th in the small chain ring. I think last time I'd used 5th in the small ring all the way, so this was clearly better. Better meaning that I could push a bigger gear at an OK cadence.
Tuesday Jun 12, 2018 #
Note
Fun and games, got a letter from the IRS, we've been audited. Again. Actually it's 4th time. So far the IRS is 0 for 3.
Took a look at their proposed changes. Looks like they're going to be 0 for 4. :-)
Took a look at their proposed changes. Looks like they're going to be 0 for 4. :-)
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:10:17 14.6 mi (4:49 / mi) +815ft 4:34 / mi
ahr:119 max:169 weight:138.5lbs
Time for one of my standard tests, up South Sugarloaf. 9:05 for the climb last year, 9:13 about a month ago, but I thought I ought to be able to beat the latter at least. But it takes some willpower to actually do it, as it's not exactly fun.
Thought I'd try a little more of a warm-up than I usually do, so did did the short climb over Hillside Road (from the east), steady tempo, got the blood flowing. And then pedaled easily over to the Sugarloaf road and headed up.
Splits were good as I went up. One quick look at the heartrate a minute or two below the top and it was 167 (I think my max is about 170), so clearly I wasn't dogging it. And the time at the top was a very pleasing 8:49.
Coasted down, did a few gentle miles on the way home, legs feeling quite empty. A good outing.
Splits: 2:34, 5:17, 6:19, 7:28, 8:12, 8:49. Gears: 4th the first pitch, 3rd the part below the hairpin, 2nd the rest. Cadence seemed OK.
Thought I'd try a little more of a warm-up than I usually do, so did did the short climb over Hillside Road (from the east), steady tempo, got the blood flowing. And then pedaled easily over to the Sugarloaf road and headed up.
Splits were good as I went up. One quick look at the heartrate a minute or two below the top and it was 167 (I think my max is about 170), so clearly I wasn't dogging it. And the time at the top was a very pleasing 8:49.
Coasted down, did a few gentle miles on the way home, legs feeling quite empty. A good outing.
Splits: 2:34, 5:17, 6:19, 7:28, 8:12, 8:49. Gears: 4th the first pitch, 3rd the part below the hairpin, 2nd the rest. Cadence seemed OK.
Monday Jun 11, 2018 #
3 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:20:45 20.01 mi (4:02 / mi) +564ft 3:56 / mi
ahr:109 max:129 weight:138.5lbs
Lingering headache, but I thought a ride might be a good diversion, and it was. Very easy pace, mostly flat. Another nice day, upper 70s, not much wind.
Sunday Jun 10, 2018 #
Note
Celebrated our 45th yesterday. There was a Triple Crown winner this year, just as there was the day we got married, Secretariat back then. When I start hearing chatter about the Belmont Stakes coming up, it's a good reminder that we've got an anniversary coming up too. Otherwise we would quite likely forget.
Went to dinner at the Blue Heron in town. An upscale place, former Sunderland town hall, sold to them for a dollar when it was in bad need of repair and we had moved the town offices to the old elementary school. It's a beautiful spot now. Highlight of the meal was an appetizer I tried on a whim, dates and some blue cheese wrapped in bacon. Delicious, and enough to share. :-)
Went to dinner at the Blue Heron in town. An upscale place, former Sunderland town hall, sold to them for a dollar when it was in bad need of repair and we had moved the town offices to the old elementary school. It's a beautiful spot now. Highlight of the meal was an appetizer I tried on a whim, dates and some blue cheese wrapped in bacon. Delicious, and enough to share. :-)
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:27:41 23.2 mi (3:47 / mi) +679ft 3:41 / mi
ahr:118 max:146 weight:139lbs
Too nice a day not to get out, even though the legs were a little tired. Mostly an easy pace, but I did occasionally push on the pedals a bit harder.
It seems my legs are getting a little stronger, since I seem to be able to ride about a gear higher than a month or two ago. Time to do a little test. Also time to head off on some more adventurous outings.
It seems my legs are getting a little stronger, since I seem to be able to ride about a gear higher than a month or two ago. Time to do a little test. Also time to head off on some more adventurous outings.
Saturday Jun 9, 2018 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:22:57 26.88 mi (5:19 / mi) +1985ft 4:58 / mi
ahr:109 max:138 weight:137.5lbs
With Walter and Ciel, in the hills to the east at a relaxed pace with a good bit on dirt roads. Beautiful morning, good company, and just the right pace as my legs were definitely tired.
Friday Jun 8, 2018 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 3:14:42 50.91 mi (3:49 / mi) +2247ft 3:40 / mi
ahr:129 max:155 weight:138.5lbs
Felt like something different, so off to the Berkshires for a loop from West Stockbridge south just into CT and back. Another nice day though a touch warm, wind was light and variable.
Plan was just a modest effort as the legs didn't feel too spry. It turned out they felt not so bad as long as the road was flat (or down), which much of the route was. The first hilly bit was in the south end of the loop, just before halfway, and I sure felt that. The second bit of hills was towards the end and I was crawling up them.
But it was nice to see some new terrain, including quite a few mansions with immaculate landscaping. And the only congested area was Great Barrington, but there was a nice bike lane and every light was green. Seriously. :-)
Plan was just a modest effort as the legs didn't feel too spry. It turned out they felt not so bad as long as the road was flat (or down), which much of the route was. The first hilly bit was in the south end of the loop, just before halfway, and I sure felt that. The second bit of hills was towards the end and I was crawling up them.
But it was nice to see some new terrain, including quite a few mansions with immaculate landscaping. And the only congested area was Great Barrington, but there was a nice bike lane and every light was green. Seriously. :-)
Thursday Jun 7, 2018 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:14:11 20.34 mi (3:39 / mi) +512ft 3:34 / mi
ahr:125 max:158 weight:138lbs
What used to be my standard loop (Old Deerfield - River Road), until I got more adventurous. But it seemed like what I felt like doing today. Good breeze out of the south, 10-15 mph.
Had a good tailwind the first half, so didn't have to work very hard. But then on the way back along River Road and over the rollers, kept my head down and put out a real good effort. Pleasantly surprised at the progress I seemed to be making into the wind. And the overall pace was better than expected.
Had a good tailwind the first half, so didn't have to work very hard. But then on the way back along River Road and over the rollers, kept my head down and put out a real good effort. Pleasantly surprised at the progress I seemed to be making into the wind. And the overall pace was better than expected.
Wednesday Jun 6, 2018 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 2:34:02 41.88 mi (3:41 / mi) +1134ft 3:35 / mi
ahr:128 max:154 weight:138lbs
Around the Holyoke Range, counter-clockwise. Beautiful June day, about 70, low humidity, mostly sunny, light winds. Steady pace, good effort.
Checked my resting pulse this morning before getting out of bed, 53. Same as a couple of days ago. Before that I hadn't checked for a while, but over at least the last couple of years it has been consistently around 60. Before that it was in the vicinity of 50 for a long as I can remember. It never was really low.
I assumed as it meandered up to around 60 in the last few years that that was just a part of getting old, system is wearing out. I'm not sure what to make of the latest.
Checked my resting pulse this morning before getting out of bed, 53. Same as a couple of days ago. Before that I hadn't checked for a while, but over at least the last couple of years it has been consistently around 60. Before that it was in the vicinity of 50 for a long as I can remember. It never was really low.
I assumed as it meandered up to around 60 in the last few years that that was just a part of getting old, system is wearing out. I'm not sure what to make of the latest.
Tuesday Jun 5, 2018 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:00:20 16.43 mi (3:40 / mi) +85ft 3:39 / mi
ahr:121 max:142 weight:138.5lbs
Flats south of town. Got out before the rain started, but not back, but no problem, just sprinkles for the last 30 minutes. Mid-50s, S 5. Effort was some work for the legs but not much for the lungs.
Sunday Jun 3, 2018 #
4 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:39:08 27.65 mi (3:35 / mi) +1356ft 3:26 / mi
ahr:139 max:159 weight:138.5lbs
Went to Sunday lunch with Lina and Angelo (and a couple of their kids, and a couple of grandkids). Headed home about 4, it was a nice afternoon with rain predicted for Monday, so I stopped at Charlie's favorite spot and went for a ride.
The plan was up to the MA state line via Sandy Brook Road, and back. Gently uphill all the way out, wind was more or less out of the south so mostly helping as I was climbing, and then the reverse coming back, down gradually but into the wind. And for some reason I thought it was a good day to work hard. And so for the next 99 minutes that's what I did.
Well, almost 99 minutes. To resurrect a term I used to use about my orienteering efforts, there were still a couple moments of weakness, where the fighting spirit just waned. But they really were just moments.
Quite trashed when I was done, but the feeling was so fine.
The plan was up to the MA state line via Sandy Brook Road, and back. Gently uphill all the way out, wind was more or less out of the south so mostly helping as I was climbing, and then the reverse coming back, down gradually but into the wind. And for some reason I thought it was a good day to work hard. And so for the next 99 minutes that's what I did.
Well, almost 99 minutes. To resurrect a term I used to use about my orienteering efforts, there were still a couple moments of weakness, where the fighting spirit just waned. But they really were just moments.
Quite trashed when I was done, but the feeling was so fine.
Saturday Jun 2, 2018 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 4:41:31 34.81 mi (8:05 / mi) +645ft 7:57 / mi
ahr:103 max:133
Rochester Map Adventure. Wonderful event. 100 controls spread out over the city, got to all with a little time to spare. Great way to see, and learn something about, the city.
Friday Jun 1, 2018 #
4 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:22:09 18.52 mi (4:26 / mi) +688ft 4:17 / mi
ahr:113 max:145 weight:138.5lbs
Wonderful ride with Rick Worner in Rochester, all sorts of variety, the only thing really missing was cars, just a few here and there. I can deal with that. A good bit of bike trails, mostly paved, some dirt, some wood-chipped. Some loop-de-loops in a deserted cemetery. And some back roads with little or no traffic.
Though at times I had to put out a good bit of work to keep up...
Though at times I had to put out a good bit of work to keep up...