Training Log Archive: PGIn the 31 days ending Jul 31, 2018:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| « | » |
| » now | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday Jul 31, 2018 #
Note
Gail celebrates a round number today. Still gorgeous. She says she feels her age but she sure doesn't look it.
Celebrated with a fine dinner out a couple of days ago, will have another celebration on Friday.
Celebrated with a fine dinner out a couple of days ago, will have another celebration on Friday.
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:52:02 26.0 mi (4:19 / mi) +1406ft 4:06 / mi
ahr:121 max:161 weight:135.5lbs
Over to the Conway and Whately hills, including having a look at a couple of old woods roads I might explore someday, but not today. Feeling tired, perhaps a residue from Sunday's ride, perhaps just part of the normal ebb and flow of energy levels. Other than a good effort on the 5-minute climb south of Conway on the road to Haydenville, had neither the energy or the desire to put out much effort.
Two stops. One to try some more adjusting of my rear deraileur. Think I got it just about right, and certainly understand the mechanism better. The other was a side trip up Walter's mountain that he calls a driveway, but no sign of him. Today may be the day he was his back checked post-surgery.
Two stops. One to try some more adjusting of my rear deraileur. Think I got it just about right, and certainly understand the mechanism better. The other was a side trip up Walter's mountain that he calls a driveway, but no sign of him. Today may be the day he was his back checked post-surgery.
Monday Jul 30, 2018 #
4 PM
biking - dark blue bike 53:25 13.25 mi (4:02 / mi) +144ft 3:59 / mi
ahr:111 max:137 weight:135lbs
What started out as a relaxed and easy ride on the flats south of town became a relaxed and easy corn ride. Legs loosened up after a while and actually had a little zip on the way home.
And the corn was excellent. Tried some a couple of weeks ago and it was very mediocre. That's been true other years of the early stuff. Just have to be a little patient.
--------
Reevaluated my comment on yesterday's ride that I had good legs. Upon reflection decided that I should have said really good legs. :-)
And the corn was excellent. Tried some a couple of weeks ago and it was very mediocre. That's been true other years of the early stuff. Just have to be a little patient.
--------
Reevaluated my comment on yesterday's ride that I had good legs. Upon reflection decided that I should have said really good legs. :-)
C • Corn 1
Sunday Jul 29, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:26:22 23.9 mi (3:37 / mi) +1437ft 3:25 / mi
ahr:128 max:153
Off to do a charity ride with Phil in central MA, except the ride was Saturday, yesterday, so we were on our own. Which was fine, could stop at a store for fluids (or beg from a homeowner). And it meant we could start in Templeton, a good bit closer to home. Though we would miss the free beer at the finish.
Beautiful day, first day in a while with lower humidity and it sure makes a difference.
The route was relentlessly hilly. Not big climbs, nothing really steep, but up and down all day long. Sure made it more enjoyable that I had good legs.
Phil was having issues with his bike's rear derailleur on the climbs, so we stopped early on to see what might be done. I'd been having trouble with mine too for the past couple of weeks, nothing serious, just annoying, but I hadn't figured out how to fix it.
But now, looking at his bike, there seemed to be a little knob in about the right place, and it turned easily. We figured his cable had stretched a little and needed to be tightened, but the way I was turning it certainly wasn't increasing tension. So I reversed course and turned it one revolution in the other direction. Basic trial and error, after a while maybe we'd find some setting that worked.
He went off the ride up a nearby slope, can back to proclaim it was now perfect! If all of life was so easy.... :-)
Well, if we could fix his, how about mine. Found the same little knob, figured half a turn was enough for me, tried it out, bingo, perfect. Morale improved all the way around.
We went up and down some more, at some point I was distressed because my Garmin froze up, but then I got it fixed. A little later we climbed up to the top of Wachusett, quite fine. And then down, zip, zip, low 40s on the long straight part. Pretty soon we were at the Wachusett Brewery, where the loop started and finished, but since we had started in Templeton we still had 25 miles to finish our version of the loop.
And guess what. More ups and downs. But eventually we were back where we started.
I had a really fine time. A route that was new to me, weather was great, excellent company. And, of course, good legs. I was climbing well, certainly better than Phil (this was his first long ride of the year), so often I'd push it going up, then take it easy for a moment until Phil would go zipping by on the flats/downs. Pretty much a 70-mile interval workout.
And my one ailment, a sore spot on my butt, didn't really bother me much. :-)
Beautiful day, first day in a while with lower humidity and it sure makes a difference.
The route was relentlessly hilly. Not big climbs, nothing really steep, but up and down all day long. Sure made it more enjoyable that I had good legs.
Phil was having issues with his bike's rear derailleur on the climbs, so we stopped early on to see what might be done. I'd been having trouble with mine too for the past couple of weeks, nothing serious, just annoying, but I hadn't figured out how to fix it.
But now, looking at his bike, there seemed to be a little knob in about the right place, and it turned easily. We figured his cable had stretched a little and needed to be tightened, but the way I was turning it certainly wasn't increasing tension. So I reversed course and turned it one revolution in the other direction. Basic trial and error, after a while maybe we'd find some setting that worked.
He went off the ride up a nearby slope, can back to proclaim it was now perfect! If all of life was so easy.... :-)
Well, if we could fix his, how about mine. Found the same little knob, figured half a turn was enough for me, tried it out, bingo, perfect. Morale improved all the way around.
We went up and down some more, at some point I was distressed because my Garmin froze up, but then I got it fixed. A little later we climbed up to the top of Wachusett, quite fine. And then down, zip, zip, low 40s on the long straight part. Pretty soon we were at the Wachusett Brewery, where the loop started and finished, but since we had started in Templeton we still had 25 miles to finish our version of the loop.
And guess what. More ups and downs. But eventually we were back where we started.
I had a really fine time. A route that was new to me, weather was great, excellent company. And, of course, good legs. I was climbing well, certainly better than Phil (this was his first long ride of the year), so often I'd push it going up, then take it easy for a moment until Phil would go zipping by on the flats/downs. Pretty much a 70-mile interval workout.
And my one ailment, a sore spot on my butt, didn't really bother me much. :-)
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 11:20 [3] 2.1 mi (5:24 / mi) +320ft 4:43 / mi
Garmin froze up. Second time it's done that, first was maybe a month ago, don't know what's up. Took me a while to realize it. I was on a longish climb and so my interest in checking it was my elevation, and that wasn't changing. But then the elevation readings are often flakey. I just use them for general info and, of course, entertainment. The fact that I was climbing and the elevation reading was staying the same was no immediate cause for concern. Sometimes I'm climbing and the elevation reading is dropping. Eventually things always balance out.
But not this time. Pushed the button to flip to the screen showing mileage, but the button didn't work. Nor did any other button. After what I imagine were a few curse words, I thought back to the first time it froze, tried to remember what I'd done to fix it. Hmm, pressed some button for 15 seconds. Hmm, which one? Tried the upper left, and after what seemed a while the screen went dark. Progress!
What next? Pressed the same button again, I think I'd done that the time before. And after a bit the screen lit up and I was back in business. Except not quite yet. Had to find some satellites. And I think the Garmin, its guts having been reset, thought it was back in Kansas City, or maybe China. And it took a loooong time. It finally buzzed just as I reached the top of the climb in Princeton, out of the woods for the first time in a while. That may have had something to do with it.
Back in business. Back home I downloaded to AP as usual, seemed the pre-freeze data had been lost. But later I got the usual e-mail from Relive, two e-mails actually, one for the post-freeze and also one for the pre-freeze.
So the data had to be somewhere. Went to Garmin Connect, yup, it was there, just wouldn't download the usual way. But figured out a plan B. See, I'm not alway totally incompetent. :-)
But not this time. Pushed the button to flip to the screen showing mileage, but the button didn't work. Nor did any other button. After what I imagine were a few curse words, I thought back to the first time it froze, tried to remember what I'd done to fix it. Hmm, pressed some button for 15 seconds. Hmm, which one? Tried the upper left, and after what seemed a while the screen went dark. Progress!
What next? Pressed the same button again, I think I'd done that the time before. And after a bit the screen lit up and I was back in business. Except not quite yet. Had to find some satellites. And I think the Garmin, its guts having been reset, thought it was back in Kansas City, or maybe China. And it took a loooong time. It finally buzzed just as I reached the top of the climb in Princeton, out of the woods for the first time in a while. That may have had something to do with it.
Back in business. Back home I downloaded to AP as usual, seemed the pre-freeze data had been lost. But later I got the usual e-mail from Relive, two e-mails actually, one for the post-freeze and also one for the pre-freeze.
So the data had to be somewhere. Went to Garmin Connect, yup, it was there, just wouldn't download the usual way. But figured out a plan B. See, I'm not alway totally incompetent. :-)
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 3:28:12 43.66 mi (4:46 / mi) +3593ft 4:25 / mi
ahr:137 max:163
Rest of the Wachusett ride.
Saturday Jul 28, 2018 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:54:04 20.54 mi (5:33 / mi) +2131ft 5:03 / mi
ahr:118 max:152
With Charlie, from Pleasant Valley up in the hills to the north. Very enjoyable. The hills did keep coming, but that's not the worst thing as every time you go up you get to come down. And sometimes pretty fast. :-)
Some steep parts climbing, but the legs and the bike were both up to the task. And the company was great.
Some steep parts climbing, but the legs and the bike were both up to the task. And the company was great.
Friday Jul 27, 2018 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:21:31 31.63 mi (4:28 / mi) +2079ft 4:13 / mi
ahr:133 max:168 weight:137lbs
Seemed slightly less soupy today, so I headed up into the hills to the east, Lake Wyola and then Wendell. Trashed myself pretty totally on the gradual climb to Wyola, so that when I got to Locke's Hill, first time I'd ventured up that hill, the gas tank was quite empty. It's certainly less fun when you have no zip. And still nearly 20 miles to go.
Did another new section, Stone Road in Wendell, part dirt, part worse, but at least it was more down than up. I had one more new section in mind, old roads in Wendell SF, starting with a steep climb up Davis Road. Turned off the main road and dropped down a bit to the stream bed where the climb started, looked up, and didn't take long at all to decide there was no way I could make it. Maybe never, certainly not today.
So back to the paved road, and eventually got myself home, the last 10 miles into the wind but at least not much in the way of hills. Pretty depleted at the end, despite drinking a couple bottles and eating a little. Just one of those days.
Did another new section, Stone Road in Wendell, part dirt, part worse, but at least it was more down than up. I had one more new section in mind, old roads in Wendell SF, starting with a steep climb up Davis Road. Turned off the main road and dropped down a bit to the stream bed where the climb started, looked up, and didn't take long at all to decide there was no way I could make it. Maybe never, certainly not today.
So back to the paved road, and eventually got myself home, the last 10 miles into the wind but at least not much in the way of hills. Pretty depleted at the end, despite drinking a couple bottles and eating a little. Just one of those days.
5 PM
biking - dark blue bike 37:06 8.58 mi (4:19 / mi) +250ft 4:12 / mi
ahr:112 max:138
Nice ride with Charlie to christen his new gravel bike. Did his basic loop up and down the river, no need to add on any excursions into the hills. Though we did add on a half mile of dirt at the end just to make it a proper christening.
Thursday Jul 26, 2018 #
3 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:15:55 19.13 mi (3:58 / mi) +566ft 3:52 / mi
ahr:119 max:148 weight:137lbs
Heavy rain in the morning. When I went out mid-afternoon it was still steamy, and it didn't take long for whatever ambitions I had for the ride to get tossed. Working hard just didn't seem very appealing.
And so I took it easy. :-)
And so I took it easy. :-)
Wednesday Jul 25, 2018 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:50:11 25.83 mi (4:16 / mi) +1459ft 4:03 / mi
ahr:133 max:164 weight:137lbs
For lack of imagination, same route as my Saturday outing with Phil. But it did result in confirmation of what I'd noticed before, but never quite so distinctly, namely, that you can see the road a lot better when the sun isn't out. Where it matters is on the downs, where the potholes (dirt or paved) come at you a lot faster.
Case in point was Pratt Corner Road, dirt, all mottled in sun and shade Saturday and really hard to see what was coming. So you just stay loose and if you get whacked by a pothole, or hit a bunch of sand or gravel and the wheels get squirrelly, then between the tires and the frame and your arms and legs you just absorb it. But the brakes are certainly used more, because there's no point in being stupid. And there's a bit of tension.
Today, felt like I could see everything. Didn't hit a pothole, missed most of the loose gravel, and only touched the brakes once and that wasn't really necessary. And it was a lot more fun.
Even if I got rained on for the last 10 miles or so.
Case in point was Pratt Corner Road, dirt, all mottled in sun and shade Saturday and really hard to see what was coming. So you just stay loose and if you get whacked by a pothole, or hit a bunch of sand or gravel and the wheels get squirrelly, then between the tires and the frame and your arms and legs you just absorb it. But the brakes are certainly used more, because there's no point in being stupid. And there's a bit of tension.
Today, felt like I could see everything. Didn't hit a pothole, missed most of the loose gravel, and only touched the brakes once and that wasn't really necessary. And it was a lot more fun.
Even if I got rained on for the last 10 miles or so.
Tuesday Jul 24, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:28:02 20.15 mi (4:22 / mi) +924ft 4:11 / mi
ahr:134 max:165 weight:137lbs
Another day of warm and very humid, low 80s and low 70s dewpoint, also windy, S 15. A hard effort up Whately Glen, 15:45 (dirt, mud here and there but mostly avoidable), not so on the rest, but everything felt a struggle.
Would like to get in some longer (and more adventurous rides) rides, but it wasn't going to happen today.
Would like to get in some longer (and more adventurous rides) rides, but it wasn't going to happen today.
Monday Jul 23, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 36:12 9.55 mi (3:47 / mi) +357ft 3:40 / mi
ahr:126 max:173 weight:136lbs
Out between the raindrops again, though very high humidity so soaking wet by the end anyway. And lots of thunderstorms around so didn't stray too far from home.
Today's entertainment was twofold. Part one was as I was heading along River Road into about a 10 mph headwind, decided that rather than complaining about the wind, I should see how quick a mile I could do. So put out some effort, pleasantly surprised by the time (3:19), though the heart rate would suggest that I could have put out a bunch more effort. Will have to try this some more. It might even be good practice for when I am struggling to keep up with Phil.
Part two was when I was just about home, turned up Claybrook Road to see what I could do. I think my best a couple of months ago was about 2:45. It's 0.4 miles, about 140' climb. This time it was 2:23, and truly a max effort, heart rate was 173 at the top (and the Garmin gave no indication of misbehaving), been a while since I was in the 170s. Legs were certainly getting wobbly. For reference, gear 3L standing on the steep part but couldn't hold it to the top, 2L sitting the last 50 yards. Totally wasted and also quite delighted.
Needless to say, soft-pedaled home.
Today's entertainment was twofold. Part one was as I was heading along River Road into about a 10 mph headwind, decided that rather than complaining about the wind, I should see how quick a mile I could do. So put out some effort, pleasantly surprised by the time (3:19), though the heart rate would suggest that I could have put out a bunch more effort. Will have to try this some more. It might even be good practice for when I am struggling to keep up with Phil.
Part two was when I was just about home, turned up Claybrook Road to see what I could do. I think my best a couple of months ago was about 2:45. It's 0.4 miles, about 140' climb. This time it was 2:23, and truly a max effort, heart rate was 173 at the top (and the Garmin gave no indication of misbehaving), been a while since I was in the 170s. Legs were certainly getting wobbly. For reference, gear 3L standing on the steep part but couldn't hold it to the top, 2L sitting the last 50 yards. Totally wasted and also quite delighted.
Needless to say, soft-pedaled home.
Sunday Jul 22, 2018 #
Note
In looking to see how many miles I had on my current bike, I realized there was an easy way to see the activity totals for everything I'd posted on AP over the years.
Though a few things are a bit of a mystery. Jumping practice? Hard core? Zumba?
And average sleep of 12.5 hours? Resting pulse of 100? Average weight of 146.5?
But still interesting.
Though a few things are a bit of a mystery. Jumping practice? Hard core? Zumba?
And average sleep of 12.5 hours? Resting pulse of 100? Average weight of 146.5?
But still interesting.
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:14:09 20.12 mi (3:41 / mi) +429ft 3:37 / mi
ahr:123 max:152
Between the rain drops. Road was still wet in places, plus I got a little light rain a couple of times, but with the dewpoint back up in the 70s I would have been wet by the end anyways. Glad to get out.
Moderate effort on a mostly flat route, north on this side of the river, south on route 5 (which has a nice shoulder).
And then a visit from Alex and Ed. A delight.
Moderate effort on a mostly flat route, north on this side of the river, south on route 5 (which has a nice shoulder).
And then a visit from Alex and Ed. A delight.
Saturday Jul 21, 2018 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 2:02:48 25.8 mi (4:46 / mi) +1452ft 4:31 / mi
ahr:121 max:157
With Phil, up in the hills to the east in search of a few dirt roads. Very fine ride, excellent company, excellent weather, and the legs felt fine. Only times of struggle were when we popped back out onto pavement and Phil upped the pace without even thinking about it, it seemed. And I had to work to hang on.
And nice variety of terrain and pace. A few ups where I continue working on my form, a few downs to make sure I spent some time in zone one. And even a little practice seeing how long I could stay on the white line.
And nice variety of terrain and pace. A few ups where I continue working on my form, a few downs to make sure I spent some time in zone one. And even a little practice seeing how long I could stay on the white line.
Friday Jul 20, 2018 #
Note
Missed the one-year mark for my bike, first used it July 9 of last year. But a little figuring shows I put 5,903 miles on it in the first 12 months. On my third chain (and this has me thinking I'm due for a fourth), second cassette, but original tires. So far, knock on wood, no flats.
Quite sure I've already got my money's worth out of it, and then some.
Quite sure I've already got my money's worth out of it, and then some.
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:22:59 20.81 mi (3:59 / mi) +429ft 3:55 / mi
ahr:120 max:158 weight:137lbs
Around and about mostly on the valley floor, mostly roads well known, but also managed the find a couple of dirt roads I hadn't ever been on. Which, of course, substantially raises the enjoyment.
Nice day again, though the humidity is set to return by Sunday. About 80, sunny, wind light and variable.
Continue to experiment with climbing (short) hills in higher gears. Seems like I'm getting a little stronger, but maybe it's just my mind playing more tricks on me.
Nice day again, though the humidity is set to return by Sunday. About 80, sunny, wind light and variable.
Continue to experiment with climbing (short) hills in higher gears. Seems like I'm getting a little stronger, but maybe it's just my mind playing more tricks on me.
Thursday Jul 19, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:04:40 26.26 mi (4:45 / mi) +2785ft 4:19 / mi
ahr:131 max:165 weight:136lbs
Really nice ride up in the hills. Part of the reason was that it was a beautiful day, about 80 and low humidity, bright sunshine. The other reason was, well, you put out some effort and it's nice to get a reward.
Parked at the usual spot just west of Charlemont where the road to Rowe and Monroe Bridge turns off and heads up to Monroe Bridge. Done this 12-mile section a few times as it gets you to the start of several climbs and some beautiful high country in the NW corner of the state.
On today's agenda was Monroe Hill. 800 feet climb in 1.3 miles, about 12%, and since there are places where it is a lot less than 12%, there are also places where it is a good bit more. I'd done the climb twice before. Once in 2003, but no record of the time, and then once last summer just before I got my current bike (so low gear was not as low), 19:40. Thought I ought to be able to do better, because the best time on Strava for the segment is 8:55, and usually I can get under 200%. Though not always. The target was about 18.
Had a good warm-up. The road to Monroe Bridge follows the Deerfield River, climbs about 500 feet, but it has lots of ups and downs as sometimes it is right by the river and sometimes up the hillside a ways. Put out some effort on all the ups, took it easy on the rest. And also determined within the first mile that I needed nourishment, so polished off a Cliff Bar and a bottle of water. By the time I got to Monroe Bridge I was starting to feel much better.
And then up. It's not a steady grade, maybe three breaks where the grade is gentle, less than 5%, but then the rest is just steep. The plan was lowest gear, of course, but to keep up a better cadence than I usually do. Which I did, managing not to croak in the process, and at the top the watch said 17:04. Very pleased.
And then, rather than taking the most direct route back to the car, headed east a bit to pick up a few miles of rolling dirt roads, finished off with a very quick plunge of a couple miles on good pavement back to the car.
Really couldn't have been nicer. And as I've said before. don't know how long I'll be able to do this stuff, but right now it's wonderful.
Parked at the usual spot just west of Charlemont where the road to Rowe and Monroe Bridge turns off and heads up to Monroe Bridge. Done this 12-mile section a few times as it gets you to the start of several climbs and some beautiful high country in the NW corner of the state.
On today's agenda was Monroe Hill. 800 feet climb in 1.3 miles, about 12%, and since there are places where it is a lot less than 12%, there are also places where it is a good bit more. I'd done the climb twice before. Once in 2003, but no record of the time, and then once last summer just before I got my current bike (so low gear was not as low), 19:40. Thought I ought to be able to do better, because the best time on Strava for the segment is 8:55, and usually I can get under 200%. Though not always. The target was about 18.
Had a good warm-up. The road to Monroe Bridge follows the Deerfield River, climbs about 500 feet, but it has lots of ups and downs as sometimes it is right by the river and sometimes up the hillside a ways. Put out some effort on all the ups, took it easy on the rest. And also determined within the first mile that I needed nourishment, so polished off a Cliff Bar and a bottle of water. By the time I got to Monroe Bridge I was starting to feel much better.
And then up. It's not a steady grade, maybe three breaks where the grade is gentle, less than 5%, but then the rest is just steep. The plan was lowest gear, of course, but to keep up a better cadence than I usually do. Which I did, managing not to croak in the process, and at the top the watch said 17:04. Very pleased.
And then, rather than taking the most direct route back to the car, headed east a bit to pick up a few miles of rolling dirt roads, finished off with a very quick plunge of a couple miles on good pavement back to the car.
Really couldn't have been nicer. And as I've said before. don't know how long I'll be able to do this stuff, but right now it's wonderful.
Wednesday Jul 18, 2018 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 32:02 7.27 mi (4:24 / mi) +450ft 4:10 / mi
ahr:123 max:159 weight:136lbs
Up to Walter's. Much nicer day, upper 70s, dewpoint down to upper 50s, N 10.
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 32:52 9.3 mi (3:32 / mi) +210ft 3:28 / mi
ahr:117 max:147
And back home after a nice visit.
Tuesday Jul 17, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:14:07 18.51 mi (4:00 / mi) +462ft 3:55 / mi
ahr:116 max:152 weight:136lbs
Got out on the late side as I had a meeting to go to and didn't get up early enough to get out before it. As it was, cut it closer with the weather than I expected. There were some serious thunderstorms off to the northwest, but they weren't moving too fast and I figured I had at least half an hour to spare.
It turned out to be much less. Caught some rain the last 20 minutes, no problem. But 5 minutes after I got home it was pouring. Quite happy to be inside.
Not dry, of course. Low 80s and a dewpoint of low 70s meant I was dripping wet from the sweat. And that was on a ride where I wasn't putting out much of an effort.
Pleased to get it done.
It turned out to be much less. Caught some rain the last 20 minutes, no problem. But 5 minutes after I got home it was pouring. Quite happy to be inside.
Not dry, of course. Low 80s and a dewpoint of low 70s meant I was dripping wet from the sweat. And that was on a ride where I wasn't putting out much of an effort.
Pleased to get it done.
Monday Jul 16, 2018 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 9:00 [3] 2.0 mi (4:30 / mi)
weight:135.5lbs
First time out for a while, and it felt like I had never ridden. Had zero energy. Was feeling weak. Plus my front derailleur needed adjusting (dropped the chain in the first minute). Plus had forgotten to charge my Garmin.
So, in a sign of extraordinary good judgement, I turned around and went home. :-)
Plugged in the Garmin. Had a little more to eat and drink. Spent longer than should have been needed to adjust the derailleur, but eventually got it done.
So, in a sign of extraordinary good judgement, I turned around and went home. :-)
Plugged in the Garmin. Had a little more to eat and drink. Spent longer than should have been needed to adjust the derailleur, but eventually got it done.
biking - dark blue bike 44:03 11.11 mi (3:58 / mi) +77ft 3:56 / mi
ahr:116 max:135
And then headed off again, south of town where it is virtually dead flat. Warmer now, low 80s, and humid. Took it real easy at first but I was feeling a good bit better, so did one of my loops for winter (when 45 minutes is all I can stand). Went OK. Got to get back to getting out early.
Sunday Jul 15, 2018 #
Note
Spent the last week checking out various things great (Hoffmann's two-toed sloth) and small (Strawberry poison-dart frog), and lots in-between.
Sunday Jul 8, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1 [0]
Thursday Jul 5, 2018 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:21:42 20.74 mi (3:56 / mi) +776ft 3:48 / mi
ahr:123 max:160 weight:139lbs
Out early, but would have been better an hour (or two) earlier. But a whole lot better than in the afternoon.
A ride similar in attitude to many I take these days. Prior to the last couple of years, my rides (usually at times when ailments were limiting my running) didn't vary a great deal. I had a few standard loops that I did often, and then a few more that I did very occasionally. And the pace was almost always reasonably hard.
Nowadays that attitude -- let's see what time I can do on Loop X today -- has disappeared. Instead, I try to come up with a route that offers something of interest. Maybe some place I haven't been. Maybe some sort of challenge. Something to get a bit of unknown into the ride, which seems to make things much more appealing. Sometimes it's going on trails just to see where they go, or see if I can manage to ride them. Sometimes the challenge is just to see how I do on a small part of the ride.
And so for 5 or 10 (or 20 or 30) minutes I am a bit on edge, not knowing how things will play out. And then you see. I really seem to like that.
Today's bit of interest was a few miles on route 63 heading north from the Amherst-Leverett town line. There was a time back in the early 80s when we lived in Amherst and I used to ride along there a lot. But rarely now. But it's got good pavement and a nice shoulder and a series of gently rolling hills. And so the standard hard/easy pattern that often happens, get the heart going, let the heart recover. Just fine.
The challenge came just after this, turned up Jackson Hill Road (dirt), wanted to see how long the climb up to Cave Hill Road would take. I've ridden that section a number of times, but always as the first part of a much longer climb, and therefore not with any sense of urgency.
Today there was a sense of urgency. My reference in such matters is Strava's segments, which are particularly useful because the best local rider seems to have done most any segment you can find, and he sets a nice standard. Usually it seems that on climbs I'll be about twice his time, or a little less.
So on Jackson Hill his best was 4:04, so I thought 7 minutes would be a good goal. I put in a real good effort. 6:24. Very pleased. Enjoyed the effort, enjoyed the result, enjoyed the rest of the no-stress ride home.
A ride similar in attitude to many I take these days. Prior to the last couple of years, my rides (usually at times when ailments were limiting my running) didn't vary a great deal. I had a few standard loops that I did often, and then a few more that I did very occasionally. And the pace was almost always reasonably hard.
Nowadays that attitude -- let's see what time I can do on Loop X today -- has disappeared. Instead, I try to come up with a route that offers something of interest. Maybe some place I haven't been. Maybe some sort of challenge. Something to get a bit of unknown into the ride, which seems to make things much more appealing. Sometimes it's going on trails just to see where they go, or see if I can manage to ride them. Sometimes the challenge is just to see how I do on a small part of the ride.
And so for 5 or 10 (or 20 or 30) minutes I am a bit on edge, not knowing how things will play out. And then you see. I really seem to like that.
Today's bit of interest was a few miles on route 63 heading north from the Amherst-Leverett town line. There was a time back in the early 80s when we lived in Amherst and I used to ride along there a lot. But rarely now. But it's got good pavement and a nice shoulder and a series of gently rolling hills. And so the standard hard/easy pattern that often happens, get the heart going, let the heart recover. Just fine.
The challenge came just after this, turned up Jackson Hill Road (dirt), wanted to see how long the climb up to Cave Hill Road would take. I've ridden that section a number of times, but always as the first part of a much longer climb, and therefore not with any sense of urgency.
Today there was a sense of urgency. My reference in such matters is Strava's segments, which are particularly useful because the best local rider seems to have done most any segment you can find, and he sets a nice standard. Usually it seems that on climbs I'll be about twice his time, or a little less.
So on Jackson Hill his best was 4:04, so I thought 7 minutes would be a good goal. I put in a real good effort. 6:24. Very pleased. Enjoyed the effort, enjoyed the result, enjoyed the rest of the no-stress ride home.
Wednesday Jul 4, 2018 #
7 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:56:18 21.13 mi (5:30 / mi) +1342ft 5:12 / mi
ahr:123 max:162 weight:140lbs
Out for almost 2 hours but only 30 minutes was hard work, the rest being a warm-up for about 20 minutes and then just taking a round-about way home. But the 30 minutes in the middle, well, just throwing down the gauntlet for Mr. Phil, his choice, "running" or with his brand new bike.
29:45 to be precise, jeep road to the top of Mt. Toby. I've run up many times, and much quicker, as has he, but just once before on a bike, last September, 32:22. There are two real steep places. I'd made it up the lower one, the traction was reasonable, but the upper one seemed impossible (for me), lots of loose rocks, so maybe 4 minutes of hike-a-bike.
This time the lower one was actually harder, an erosion gulley right down the middle, had to cross it at one point, but had enough momentum, and pretty soon it was behind me. Then just a long slog. Got to the upper steep section. Again, no way. But not so far this time, got back on sooner and managed the upper part of it. And then a good effort on the last flatter bit to get under 30 minutes. Very satisfying.
Quite a few people out. A couple of runners on the mountain plus about 10 walkers, it seemed there must be some rule that walkers had to have a dog with them, because they all did. Then on the roads coming home there were lots of bikers, maybe 30 or 40. Even though by then it was already getting hot and anyone with any sense would already be done for the day. Did I say I overslept? :-)
29:45 to be precise, jeep road to the top of Mt. Toby. I've run up many times, and much quicker, as has he, but just once before on a bike, last September, 32:22. There are two real steep places. I'd made it up the lower one, the traction was reasonable, but the upper one seemed impossible (for me), lots of loose rocks, so maybe 4 minutes of hike-a-bike.
This time the lower one was actually harder, an erosion gulley right down the middle, had to cross it at one point, but had enough momentum, and pretty soon it was behind me. Then just a long slog. Got to the upper steep section. Again, no way. But not so far this time, got back on sooner and managed the upper part of it. And then a good effort on the last flatter bit to get under 30 minutes. Very satisfying.
Quite a few people out. A couple of runners on the mountain plus about 10 walkers, it seemed there must be some rule that walkers had to have a dog with them, because they all did. Then on the roads coming home there were lots of bikers, maybe 30 or 40. Even though by then it was already getting hot and anyone with any sense would already be done for the day. Did I say I overslept? :-)
Tuesday Jul 3, 2018 #
7 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:46:11 24.56 mi (4:19 / mi) +1270ft 4:07 / mi
ahr:121 max:157 weight:140lbs
Another hot day expected so out early enough to have pleasant enough conditions -- upper 70s, light breeze from the south, and humid. But a lot better than going later.
Really nice outing with lots of variety -- some flat with little or no traffic to get started, occasional modest ups to get the heart going, some lovely dirt road sections, and even a section I hadn't been on, though the Horse Mountain saddle just east of Mountain Street Reservoir. Didn't know how bad the short steep section would be. Turned out to be just right, not easy and not impossible. I had good bike control in the rocky section and made it up. Maybe I'm getting a little better at this stuff. :-)
Really nice outing with lots of variety -- some flat with little or no traffic to get started, occasional modest ups to get the heart going, some lovely dirt road sections, and even a section I hadn't been on, though the Horse Mountain saddle just east of Mountain Street Reservoir. Didn't know how bad the short steep section would be. Turned out to be just right, not easy and not impossible. I had good bike control in the rocky section and made it up. Maybe I'm getting a little better at this stuff. :-)
Monday Jul 2, 2018 #
7 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:25:39 19.3 mi (4:26 / mi) +1165ft 4:12 / mi
ahr:120 max:159 weight:139lbs
Easy ride mostly, with a few short sections of a harder effort, all the ups except for Rattlesnake Gutter, dirt, which I just sort of moseyed up. Had to get off a couple of times as there were logs across the old road, clearly intended to block any sort of vehicles that couldn't be lifted over. RG is rocky ravine, Gail and I went caving there once many decades ago.
Sunday Jul 1, 2018 #
Note
Had a good month of training in June. Out all but one day, 767 miles. More importantly, I don't recall a day where I wasn't pretty eager to get out, and I don't recall a day where I had any ailments. No muscles or joints acting up, no colds, no headaches, not even any saddle sores. The one exception might be various aches around my butt, but the cure seems to be getting out of the saddle regularly, so I do that and it seems to take care of things.
Count my blessings. Don't know how much longer it will last, but sure is nice right now.
Count my blessings. Don't know how much longer it will last, but sure is nice right now.
7 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:15:26 20.09 mi (3:45 / mi) +385ft 3:41 / mi
ahr:123 max:152 weight:138lbs
Old Deerfield - Montague City loop, mostly flat with the occasional little up or down. 70s, high humidity (dewpoint about 70), pretty calm when I headed out but breeze picking up from the south by the time I was done. Supposed to be near 100 later.
I'd hoped to get out earlier, but actually this was early enough, not unpleasant at all. An earlier start would have been useful if I'd been on a more ambitious ride, but I decided yesterday there was no need for such until it's cooler again. As it was, took me several miles to get some life in the legs, but after that felt pretty good.
And overall pretty pleasant. I think there were more bikers out than cars. And nobody tried to run me over like yesterday. Well, the guy actually didn't try to run me over, he just wasn't really looking as he pulled out of his driveway without slowing down in the slightest. Fortunately my defensive riding skills are pretty well established. I'd already pulled out closer to the center of the road, both to make myself more visible (that didn't work) and to give more and easier options for evasion. And the latter did work, with still a reasonable space between us. Didn't even have to get the brakes seriously involved.
Sure am glad I'm not trying to run in this weather. The few runners I saw didn't look like they were having all that much fun.
I'd hoped to get out earlier, but actually this was early enough, not unpleasant at all. An earlier start would have been useful if I'd been on a more ambitious ride, but I decided yesterday there was no need for such until it's cooler again. As it was, took me several miles to get some life in the legs, but after that felt pretty good.
And overall pretty pleasant. I think there were more bikers out than cars. And nobody tried to run me over like yesterday. Well, the guy actually didn't try to run me over, he just wasn't really looking as he pulled out of his driveway without slowing down in the slightest. Fortunately my defensive riding skills are pretty well established. I'd already pulled out closer to the center of the road, both to make myself more visible (that didn't work) and to give more and easier options for evasion. And the latter did work, with still a reasonable space between us. Didn't even have to get the brakes seriously involved.
Sure am glad I'm not trying to run in this weather. The few runners I saw didn't look like they were having all that much fun.