Training Log Archive: PGIn the 31 days ending Jul 31, 2019:
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Wednesday Jul 31, 2019 #
7 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:00:40 15.27 mi (3:58 / mi) +217ft 3:55 / mi
ahr:121 max:150 weight:137lbs
Pleasant ride up along the river. Temperature and dew point were both about 70, the former balancing out the latter. Certainly better than going later in the day.
Had a pretty serious thunderstorm sit over us for a while yesterday, quite a few trees down, or parts of trees. None affected us, or cut off power. This morning it looked like a good bit of clean-up was going to be needed, some of it already in progress.
So when I was just about home and saw flashing lights ahead, I figured it was something storm related. Nope, just another car accident. Two cars involved, both being loaded onto tow trucks, one just by our driveway, the other about 100 yards up the road.
I got up to the house, then did what I'd meant to do and headed back down, asked the guy there if he was OK. He was. Did he need a ride somewhere -- I was heading to Greenfield in a few minutes and would be glad to take him in that direction. Nope, he was heading to Whately and the cop had already offered to give him a ride. Apparently the other guy, just off a night-shift job, had dozed off and crunched him. He said the other guy was OK too.
I certainly was impressed by the guy I was talking to. No anger, no rancor, just glad no one was hurt. Said he had good insurance, would cover a rental car. Just a generally positive attitude in circumstances that were just bad luck.
He worked for an area human services agency. My experience has been that such folks are of high character and get paid very little. He certain was the former, and I'm guessing he had to deal with the latter. A fine guy.
Had a pretty serious thunderstorm sit over us for a while yesterday, quite a few trees down, or parts of trees. None affected us, or cut off power. This morning it looked like a good bit of clean-up was going to be needed, some of it already in progress.
So when I was just about home and saw flashing lights ahead, I figured it was something storm related. Nope, just another car accident. Two cars involved, both being loaded onto tow trucks, one just by our driveway, the other about 100 yards up the road.
I got up to the house, then did what I'd meant to do and headed back down, asked the guy there if he was OK. He was. Did he need a ride somewhere -- I was heading to Greenfield in a few minutes and would be glad to take him in that direction. Nope, he was heading to Whately and the cop had already offered to give him a ride. Apparently the other guy, just off a night-shift job, had dozed off and crunched him. He said the other guy was OK too.
I certainly was impressed by the guy I was talking to. No anger, no rancor, just glad no one was hurt. Said he had good insurance, would cover a rental car. Just a generally positive attitude in circumstances that were just bad luck.
He worked for an area human services agency. My experience has been that such folks are of high character and get paid very little. He certain was the former, and I'm guessing he had to deal with the latter. A fine guy.
Tuesday Jul 30, 2019 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:22:40 21.9 mi (3:46 / mi) +288ft 3:44 / mi
ahr:118 max:140 weight:137lbs
So clearly the best way to keep from working too hard is to avoid any hills. Certainly worked this time.
Warm and humid, but got out early enough so it was perfectly pleasant, just I was sweating a lot. About 70 when I started upper 70s when I finished. Light breeze from the south, but enough to certainly make a difference.
Warm and humid, but got out early enough so it was perfectly pleasant, just I was sweating a lot. About 70 when I started upper 70s when I finished. Light breeze from the south, but enough to certainly make a difference.
Monday Jul 29, 2019 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:14:58 18.89 mi (3:58 / mi) +506ft 3:52 / mi
ahr:122 max:153 weight:137lbs
Relaxed pace most of the time. It would be nice to be able to ride uphill easily, but that seems like it is only going to happen if I'm an e-bike, and maybe not even then.
Sunday Jul 28, 2019 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:28:03 23.35 mi (3:46 / mi) +622ft 3:41 / mi
ahr:131 max:158
A loop from Bernardston -- route 10, 142, Tyler Hill Rd, back on route 5. A little warm, breeze out of the south. So the first dozen miles were easy, the next two up Tyler Hill the usual hard work, but then the last 11, very gently rolling but into the wind, were hard work too. But the legs were OK. :-)
Though that doesn't mean I was pretty tired when I was done. So what else was there to do but stop at the nearest ice cream place?
Though that doesn't mean I was pretty tired when I was done. So what else was there to do but stop at the nearest ice cream place?
Saturday Jul 27, 2019 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:46:08 27.2 mi (3:54 / mi) +559ft 3:50 / mi
ahr:124 max:161 weight:137lbs
To Amherst and vicinity, most flat, though two hard efforts up short hills (3 and 4 minutes). Then another summit, perhaps not impressive to some, but having an observatory certainly adds a lot of class.
And then an incident that left me wondering. On the bike path, which was a little more busy than I wished, so I was paying attention. And glad that I was. I was along the right edge of the pavement, a family of 4 coming the other way, parents on bikes, kids on some sort of three-wheel things.
When I was about 20 yards from them, one of the kids, maybe age 5 or 6 (?), suddenly turned sharply left and headed right at me, pedaling energetically. Some sort of game they play? It was very close to him getting crunched and me taking a tumble. I hit the brakes hard, thank goodness for disc brakes and good tires (and not too much pressure in them so there was a lot of rubber on the pavement), and I avoided contact by about a foot. And then swore a couple of times.
Mom called out to her kid, "You have to be more careful." I think I swore again and then said, "Yeah, a lot more careful." At which point dad, riding in the back, seemed to take offense, as he added, "He's just a kid."
And then we were gone our different directions. And I didn't know what to make of the parents' reactions showing not much (or any) concern about what I considered unacceptable behavior.
But then I'm not a parent, so what do I know....
And then an incident that left me wondering. On the bike path, which was a little more busy than I wished, so I was paying attention. And glad that I was. I was along the right edge of the pavement, a family of 4 coming the other way, parents on bikes, kids on some sort of three-wheel things.
When I was about 20 yards from them, one of the kids, maybe age 5 or 6 (?), suddenly turned sharply left and headed right at me, pedaling energetically. Some sort of game they play? It was very close to him getting crunched and me taking a tumble. I hit the brakes hard, thank goodness for disc brakes and good tires (and not too much pressure in them so there was a lot of rubber on the pavement), and I avoided contact by about a foot. And then swore a couple of times.
Mom called out to her kid, "You have to be more careful." I think I swore again and then said, "Yeah, a lot more careful." At which point dad, riding in the back, seemed to take offense, as he added, "He's just a kid."
And then we were gone our different directions. And I didn't know what to make of the parents' reactions showing not much (or any) concern about what I considered unacceptable behavior.
But then I'm not a parent, so what do I know....
Friday Jul 26, 2019 #
2 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:28:59 22.25 mi (4:00 / mi) +1164ft 3:49 / mi
ahr:122 max:162 weight:137.5lbs
With Charlie, standard route for him, up Sandy Brook Road as far as 183.
Way better than expected. Legs were tired. We started up Stony Brook and I was already suggesting an alternative that started with doing a u-turn. But we just kept going along, and having a nice chat, and a few miles went by, and my pulse was staying pretty low (130s), so I obviously wasn't working hard. So we even did the last steep little up to 183 before turning around. And then cruised back, chatting away.
How hard can a ride be when you can converse the whole way?
Certainly felt better at the end than I did at the start. :-)
And then dinner with the ladies and with Zack back at Ratlum Mountain. Great day.
Except maybe for the TdF getting shortened....
Way better than expected. Legs were tired. We started up Stony Brook and I was already suggesting an alternative that started with doing a u-turn. But we just kept going along, and having a nice chat, and a few miles went by, and my pulse was staying pretty low (130s), so I obviously wasn't working hard. So we even did the last steep little up to 183 before turning around. And then cruised back, chatting away.
How hard can a ride be when you can converse the whole way?
Certainly felt better at the end than I did at the start. :-)
And then dinner with the ladies and with Zack back at Ratlum Mountain. Great day.
Except maybe for the TdF getting shortened....
Thursday Jul 25, 2019 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:17:22 31.99 mi (4:18 / mi) +2024ft 4:03 / mi
ahr:129 max:161 weight:138.5lbs
Nice enough loop (though not a candidate for a repeat) mostly in NH with little bits in MA and VT. One longer hill, Rt. 63 heading north from Hinsdale, seemed more of a struggle than I expected, as did every up thereafter. A few miles of dirt, the only up part having just been graded and was more of a challenge than expected. Plus two wrong turns, both corrected within 50 yards.
Legs pretty tired afterwards.
On the other hand, didn't seem to aggravate my hamstrings. That normally wouldn't be any concern, but when I came downstairs for breakfast this morning I noticed they were already aggravated. Hmmm.
And then I remembered that I'd gone running yesterday. Roughly 2 x 25 yards at a decent effort. The reason being I got to the check-out line at Whole Foods and realized my wallet was still in the car. Zip, zip, back to get it, got back just as the register guy was finishing.
But that's all it seems to take. Reinforced my decision to consign running to an earlier part of my life. Though that may be challenged come corn maze time. Will have to pace myself better....
Legs pretty tired afterwards.
On the other hand, didn't seem to aggravate my hamstrings. That normally wouldn't be any concern, but when I came downstairs for breakfast this morning I noticed they were already aggravated. Hmmm.
And then I remembered that I'd gone running yesterday. Roughly 2 x 25 yards at a decent effort. The reason being I got to the check-out line at Whole Foods and realized my wallet was still in the car. Zip, zip, back to get it, got back just as the register guy was finishing.
But that's all it seems to take. Reinforced my decision to consign running to an earlier part of my life. Though that may be challenged come corn maze time. Will have to pace myself better....
Wednesday Jul 24, 2019 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 2:10:42 25.77 mi (5:04 / mi) +2360ft 4:40 / mi
ahr:124 max:159 weight:138lbs
Time to visit some dirt roads that I've done before, but certainly not often. Picked out a nice route, about half along the Green River so either slightly up or slightly down depending on which way you were heading. The other half had hills. Almost all dirt, just a mile of pavement, and another mile or two that were getting into mountain bike mode, including a couple of spots where it took all my skills to make it up.
The plan was to go at no hurry pace, which I mostly did. No hurry pace does not mean no work pace, because that is impossible in places. So I did a bunch of work, but not really at a high intensity. Which was just fine.
And a beautiful day, low humidity, in the low 80s, breeze from the north.
Passed Rich Larsen about a mile from the end. When I got to my car there was another car in the small parking area. I guessed it might be his, and it was. He's 67 now, terrific runner, won the 65-69 age group last month at Mt. Washington, 1:26:58, 11 minutes up on the next guy. (The onetime I ran it, age 66, 1:42. He's way out of my league.)
He showed up a couple of minutes after I got there. Had a real nice chat, catching up on things, as I hadn't seen him for quite a while. Nice end to a fine outing.
The plan was to go at no hurry pace, which I mostly did. No hurry pace does not mean no work pace, because that is impossible in places. So I did a bunch of work, but not really at a high intensity. Which was just fine.
And a beautiful day, low humidity, in the low 80s, breeze from the north.
Passed Rich Larsen about a mile from the end. When I got to my car there was another car in the small parking area. I guessed it might be his, and it was. He's 67 now, terrific runner, won the 65-69 age group last month at Mt. Washington, 1:26:58, 11 minutes up on the next guy. (The onetime I ran it, age 66, 1:42. He's way out of my league.)
He showed up a couple of minutes after I got there. Had a real nice chat, catching up on things, as I hadn't seen him for quite a while. Nice end to a fine outing.
Tuesday Jul 23, 2019 #
3 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:10:28 19.6 mi (3:36 / mi) +359ft 3:32 / mi
ahr:127 max:158 weight:138.5lbs
No hurry the first few miles, but then I seem to have started working harder. Now that I think back, the reason was that my bike was making noises, which I figured was from the gears being a little off (cables stretch). Seventh and eighth, my usual spots on flattish terrain, were noisy, so I tried ninth and that was quieter, so that's where I stayed. And worked harder pushing it.
First part was heading north on Rt. 5 through Deerfield, bit of a headwind. Stopped three times to fiddle with the gears, but nothing helped. And the bike was making more and more noise. So left it in ninth, working pretty hard as a result, seemed to take my mind off the noise.
Eventually got home. Quickest ride of the year. Nothing had broken (me or the bike). No hills to speak of but the quads had had a good workout. :-)
And then took the bike off to the shop, where I seem to be on the VIP list for service. Took care of me immediately, a little adjustment here and there, a little lube (which I had been neglecting recently, boo), and I was good to go.
Or at least good to go for a test ride tomorrow to see if that really solved the problem. If not, well, the bottom bracket might need some attention.
First part was heading north on Rt. 5 through Deerfield, bit of a headwind. Stopped three times to fiddle with the gears, but nothing helped. And the bike was making more and more noise. So left it in ninth, working pretty hard as a result, seemed to take my mind off the noise.
Eventually got home. Quickest ride of the year. Nothing had broken (me or the bike). No hills to speak of but the quads had had a good workout. :-)
And then took the bike off to the shop, where I seem to be on the VIP list for service. Took care of me immediately, a little adjustment here and there, a little lube (which I had been neglecting recently, boo), and I was good to go.
Or at least good to go for a test ride tomorrow to see if that really solved the problem. If not, well, the bottom bracket might need some attention.
Monday Jul 22, 2019 #
7 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:07:47 17.22 mi (3:56 / mi) +290ft 3:52 / mi
ahr:122 max:158 weight:139lbs
Supposed to rain as the day goes on, so figured if I was going to get out, it had to be early. Only about 70, but very humid. Modest effort except for the short climb up Randall Road which I flew up like a scorched rabbit.
Sunday Jul 21, 2019 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:20:54 19.33 mi (4:11 / mi) +1042ft 3:59 / mi
ahr:124 max:153 weight:139lbs
Just about perfect. With Phil from his place, out to Westhampton. Early start before it got hot and a mellow pace. Really enjoyed it, even the places where got to experience some of Northampton's fine collection of potholes.
Friday Jul 19, 2019 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:52:24 28.76 mi (3:55 / mi) +1213ft 3:46 / mi
ahr:133 max:162 weight:137.5lbs
Another early start meant pleasant conditions, mid-70s, dewpoint about 60, light breeze from the south. Headed off with no desire to work hard, but somehow that changed on the climb up to Conway. Happens sometimes. That croaked my legs enough that there was really no desire to work hard on the climb out of Conway, and this time I really did take it easy.
The rest of the way was just putting in a few more miles, home and done before it started getting hot. :-)
The rest of the way was just putting in a few more miles, home and done before it started getting hot. :-)
Thursday Jul 18, 2019 #
7 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:17:17 19.91 mi (3:53 / mi) +309ft 3:50 / mi
ahr:121 max:143 weight:138.5lbs
Nice enough outing. Very humid, a few sprinkles, but low 70s so easy to take. Bit of a breeze from the north, so moving along a good bit better on the second half.
Wednesday Jul 17, 2019 #
7 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:15:38 19.97 mi (3:47 / mi) +347ft 3:44 / mi
ahr:117 max:150 weight:138lbs
Mid-70s, humid, not much wind. Rained a bit just after I got up, but by the time I went out the roads were just damp. Good time to be out. More traffic, but I have places to ride that are just fine.
Legs felt OK again. Modest effort but going right along.
Legs felt OK again. Modest effort but going right along.
Tuesday Jul 16, 2019 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:15:43 18.96 mi (4:00 / mi) +262ft 3:56 / mi
ahr:111 max:138 weight:138lbs
South of town, looped around Mt. Warner. Really nice morning, mid-70s, humidity not bad, light SW breeze. Very easy effort, legs felt good, though they were exactly tested.
Monday Jul 15, 2019 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:49:46 28.02 mi (3:55 / mi) +1021ft 3:47 / mi
ahr:130 max:159 weight:138lbs
Real nice ride with Phil, especially after the first 15 minutes or so, when I was working harder than I am used to at the beginning of a ride. Nothing new there, my motor just takes a while to get going, whereas his seems to get going with no problem at all. But after that things seemed to balance out. Maybe 6 or 8 small ups, sometimes one of us was feeling friskier than the other, but generally happy going at the same pace. Which is great.
North on River Road to Greenfield, back on Upper and Stillwater roads, and then wandering around a bit to make it close to two hours. And to finish in time to join Dave for a nice lunch at Wild Roots.
And now it seems to be nap time....
North on River Road to Greenfield, back on Upper and Stillwater roads, and then wandering around a bit to make it close to two hours. And to finish in time to join Dave for a nice lunch at Wild Roots.
And now it seems to be nap time....
Sunday Jul 14, 2019 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:02:14 15.54 mi (4:00 / mi) +518ft 3:53 / mi
ahr:126 max:161 weight:137.5lbs
Warm and humid, but a lot better going in the morning than the afternoon. Wasn't sure if I'd do something today or not. Pulled out the map to have a look at possibilities and it was like a route held its hand up and said, "How about me?" And I thought, perfect, two hills, work hard on them, they're only 4 or 5 minutes each, and then take the rest easy.
I was out the door in 5-10 minutes. And did exactly that. Just right.
I was out the door in 5-10 minutes. And did exactly that. Just right.
Saturday Jul 13, 2019 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:17:47 34.65 mi (3:59 / mi) +1341ft 3:50 / mi
ahr:127 max:154 weight:138lbs
Nice ride up into Vermont, though not starting from home (that would have made it about 70 miles). Drove up 91 to Bernardston. Gives a chance to do different roads without doing more miles than I want.
Warm day, sunny. Computer said there would be a bit of a breeze from the NW, so I did the loop clockwise, going north where hills/woods minimize the wind, back south along the river, much more out in the open.
Except when I turned south the wind was right in my face, and it stayed that way for the next 45 minutes. Certainly not strong, but enough that you notice. But, actually, I did a good job of not getting annoyed, just pushed the pedals a little harder and kept my head down a little more.
So really the only negative for the ride was breaking a tooth.
Warm day, sunny. Computer said there would be a bit of a breeze from the NW, so I did the loop clockwise, going north where hills/woods minimize the wind, back south along the river, much more out in the open.
Except when I turned south the wind was right in my face, and it stayed that way for the next 45 minutes. Certainly not strong, but enough that you notice. But, actually, I did a good job of not getting annoyed, just pushed the pedals a little harder and kept my head down a little more.
So really the only negative for the ride was breaking a tooth.
Friday Jul 12, 2019 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:02:27 15.65 mi (3:59 / mi) +352ft 3:54 / mi
ahr:118 max:140 weight:137.5lbs
About 80 and humid, but better now than later in the day. Mostly on the flats on the other side of the river, easy pace, just wanting to do about an hour. Pleasant enough.
Thursday Jul 11, 2019 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:01:59 12.76 mi (4:51 / mi) +1114ft 4:29 / mi
ahr:122 max:157 weight:137.5lbs
A ride with no plan, which is unusual for me. I was up in the hills, checking out a couple of spots, and had my bike in the car just in case I felt the urge to use it, not that I really expected to as storms were supposedly approaching. But around noon I was in Florida (the town), and no rain yet nor any vibes that rain might be imminent, so I thought I really ought to get some exercise.
Turned out to be wonderful, a trip down memory lane.
I was parked right at the bottom of Tilda Hill Road, and I sort of wanted to head up it, just to see what I could do, but I thought I really should get warmed up a bit first. So I headed west on Rt. 2, over to the western summit, where the road plunges down to North Adams. Took in the nice view, at the same time remembering the time I'd biked up that hill from North Adams, maybe 30 miles into the Mount Greylock century, fortunately with Greylock already done, unfortunately with many many more hills still to come.
On that day, maybe 15 years ago, I'd been totally wasted by the time I hit an aid station around 80 miles. Sat down, got something to drink, looked around for something to eat. There was a Twinkie. Inhaled it. Awesome. There was another Twinkie. Inhaled it too. Even more awesome. Waited a few minutes for the sugar and fat and caffeine to start pumping through my arteries and then headed off to finish things up. 100 miles, 9,800' climb, you had the option at the end to go up the street about 3/4 of a mile to get the other 200'. I passed.
Back to today. Right by the western summit was a little parking area, and a trailhead, and a map of the trail and the surrounding roads. Hmm, there's a road I haven't been on, goes to Savoy State Forest. Off I go, as usual any new (to me) road is a bonus, and pretty soon I'm at the SF headquarters, and then the parking area and the pond.
And I've been there quite a few times, because that was the start/finish for the Savoy 20 Mile, a trail race back in the days when there weren't many trail races, and so most anyone who ran trail races showed up. Lots of hills, almost always some mud. Looking back in my archives, it seems I ran it in 1989 (3:04), 1990 (3:14), 1992 (3:07), 1993 (2:47), 1997 (3:01), 1998 (3:11), 1999 (2:55). There might have been one or two more as my records have a few gaps.
Two were memorable, one in a good way, one not. The good one was '93, the 2:47. I reached the turn-around in 1:25. At some point on the way back, with still quite a few miles left, I remember thinking, You're going too fast. And then thinking, You're either going to have a really good time, or totally blow up. And then just deciding to go for it. And having one of those rare days when the legs never failed.
The not good? Don't remember which year, but 3 or 4 miles in I was suddenly feeling very weird, my balance off, the ground seemingly at weird angles. Got better after a bit. Kept going, perhaps unwisely. It happened 3 or 4 more times. Eventually finished. Didn't feel like I could handle much food or drink. Went and lay down on the grass, curled up in a fetal position, and just felt awful. Eventually someone came to inquire how I was doing. And more eventually some saint drove me home, his spouse bringing their car along.
As I biked past that bit of grass above the pond, I guess the one thing I could add is that in the 20 or so years since then, I don't think there's been a repeat episode of whatever was happening. Fortunately.
Heading on. There used to be a shortcut from Route 2 to Savoy. Dirt road, maybe rough, some sort of hills. Of course I had to try it. Pretty quick it was heading seriously downhill, also freshly paved, that was a surprise. Reached the little bridge at the bottom, start of a steep uphill, also the end of the pavement, now dirt/gravel. I got past that, took one other back road, then up the last bit on route 2, past where Sam and Ross got married, memories of that lovely event.
And then the car, and a look up Tilda Hill Road, now that I was surely warmed up, and no hesitation in deciding that could wait for another day.
Turned out to be wonderful, a trip down memory lane.
I was parked right at the bottom of Tilda Hill Road, and I sort of wanted to head up it, just to see what I could do, but I thought I really should get warmed up a bit first. So I headed west on Rt. 2, over to the western summit, where the road plunges down to North Adams. Took in the nice view, at the same time remembering the time I'd biked up that hill from North Adams, maybe 30 miles into the Mount Greylock century, fortunately with Greylock already done, unfortunately with many many more hills still to come.
On that day, maybe 15 years ago, I'd been totally wasted by the time I hit an aid station around 80 miles. Sat down, got something to drink, looked around for something to eat. There was a Twinkie. Inhaled it. Awesome. There was another Twinkie. Inhaled it too. Even more awesome. Waited a few minutes for the sugar and fat and caffeine to start pumping through my arteries and then headed off to finish things up. 100 miles, 9,800' climb, you had the option at the end to go up the street about 3/4 of a mile to get the other 200'. I passed.
Back to today. Right by the western summit was a little parking area, and a trailhead, and a map of the trail and the surrounding roads. Hmm, there's a road I haven't been on, goes to Savoy State Forest. Off I go, as usual any new (to me) road is a bonus, and pretty soon I'm at the SF headquarters, and then the parking area and the pond.
And I've been there quite a few times, because that was the start/finish for the Savoy 20 Mile, a trail race back in the days when there weren't many trail races, and so most anyone who ran trail races showed up. Lots of hills, almost always some mud. Looking back in my archives, it seems I ran it in 1989 (3:04), 1990 (3:14), 1992 (3:07), 1993 (2:47), 1997 (3:01), 1998 (3:11), 1999 (2:55). There might have been one or two more as my records have a few gaps.
Two were memorable, one in a good way, one not. The good one was '93, the 2:47. I reached the turn-around in 1:25. At some point on the way back, with still quite a few miles left, I remember thinking, You're going too fast. And then thinking, You're either going to have a really good time, or totally blow up. And then just deciding to go for it. And having one of those rare days when the legs never failed.
The not good? Don't remember which year, but 3 or 4 miles in I was suddenly feeling very weird, my balance off, the ground seemingly at weird angles. Got better after a bit. Kept going, perhaps unwisely. It happened 3 or 4 more times. Eventually finished. Didn't feel like I could handle much food or drink. Went and lay down on the grass, curled up in a fetal position, and just felt awful. Eventually someone came to inquire how I was doing. And more eventually some saint drove me home, his spouse bringing their car along.
As I biked past that bit of grass above the pond, I guess the one thing I could add is that in the 20 or so years since then, I don't think there's been a repeat episode of whatever was happening. Fortunately.
Heading on. There used to be a shortcut from Route 2 to Savoy. Dirt road, maybe rough, some sort of hills. Of course I had to try it. Pretty quick it was heading seriously downhill, also freshly paved, that was a surprise. Reached the little bridge at the bottom, start of a steep uphill, also the end of the pavement, now dirt/gravel. I got past that, took one other back road, then up the last bit on route 2, past where Sam and Ross got married, memories of that lovely event.
And then the car, and a look up Tilda Hill Road, now that I was surely warmed up, and no hesitation in deciding that could wait for another day.
Wednesday Jul 10, 2019 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:23:40 20.3 mi (4:07 / mi) +569ft 4:01 / mi
ahr:113 max:135 weight:138.5lbs
Couldn't get out earlier, so into the hotter part of the day, about 90 by the time I was done. So I put in an effort that was, well, I wasn't sure what to call it. It was less than "easy" or "no hurry" which are probably about the same. I considered "gentle" but that also didn't seem to get to the essence of the ride.
But then the right word popped up -- elderly. Perfect.
So I did a familiar route, done many times over the years, across the river, north to Old Deerfield part mostly flat farm fields, back south along River Road, several modest hills -- all at an elderly pace. Had to pay attention on the ups to keep the effort down, but I managed.
Pretty sure it's a PW for the loop. But on a very warm day with no desire to work hard, it was perfect.
But then the right word popped up -- elderly. Perfect.
So I did a familiar route, done many times over the years, across the river, north to Old Deerfield part mostly flat farm fields, back south along River Road, several modest hills -- all at an elderly pace. Had to pay attention on the ups to keep the effort down, but I managed.
Pretty sure it's a PW for the loop. But on a very warm day with no desire to work hard, it was perfect.
Tuesday Jul 9, 2019 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:24:47 21.62 mi (3:55 / mi) +541ft 3:50 / mi
ahr:125 max:150
Warm (mid-80s) but not humid, not much wind. Took it easy for a while, then a little more effort. Felt just about right.
Would have been nicer earlier in the day, but two medical appointments were in the way. The first was with a PT guy to see if something can be done about my right shoulder, which has been a little unhappy the last 6 months, and my left butt, which has been unhappy for a long time. We'll see. The second was with a dermatologist, just for a general skin check-up to see if there were any bad things going on. Apparently he thought things were fine, as the word from him was -- Whatever you're doing, just keep on doing it. :-)
Would have been nicer earlier in the day, but two medical appointments were in the way. The first was with a PT guy to see if something can be done about my right shoulder, which has been a little unhappy the last 6 months, and my left butt, which has been unhappy for a long time. We'll see. The second was with a dermatologist, just for a general skin check-up to see if there were any bad things going on. Apparently he thought things were fine, as the word from him was -- Whatever you're doing, just keep on doing it. :-)
Monday Jul 8, 2019 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:20:51 20.75 mi (3:54 / mi) +900ft 3:45 / mi
ahr:135 max:164
Up to Lake Wyola and back. Worked harder than planned, which happens sometimes, but felt good.
Perfect morning. Sunny, light N breeze, about 70, low humidity.
Perfect morning. Sunny, light N breeze, about 70, low humidity.
Sunday Jul 7, 2019 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 48:58 12.48 mi (3:55 / mi) +158ft 3:53 / mi
ahr:113 max:142 weight:138lbs
Sunny, low 80s, not humid (dewpoint upper 50s), modest breeze from the north. Very easy pace heading south, harder work coming back. Just right overall, no ailments.
---------
I was really hurting after riding up Okemo on Thursday. Some muscle or part of muscle (or something else?) in the first few inches heading down the front inside of my right leg. It was fine on the way up, except when I started hauling the bike over the rocks at the very top, just started hurting. Really hurt hauling it down that same set of rocks masquerading as a trail. I did a couple very easy flat miles back down at the bottom to see if things might loosen up, but nope. Hmmm.
Funny thing is, I'd been talking to Gail a few days ago about how it seems that most logs I read on AP seem to report a never-ending stream of ailments. I certainly had my share too when I was orienteering/running. But now, just riding my bike, almost never. (Just being tired doesn't count as an ailment.)
Wondered how long I'd be off my bike.
Friday morning it still hurt, but not near so bad. But I had no interest in a ride until it got better. Headed instead for the hills. Took a very slow walk up to the tower on the top of Massaemont Mountain, had my camera and binoculars with me to make sure the pace was slow enough.
Saturday morning a lot better, just a little discomfort and barely that at times. Another trip to the hills, really fine.
And this morning, nothing. Headed for the hills one more time, mainly to keep myself from starting off on some ambitious ride. Got home late morning, it was getting warmer. Something short, easy, and flat suited me just fine. And whatever it was that was hurting, well, it wasn't anymore.
I'm not complaining.
------------
I think the following is my favorite photo of the last few days --
---------
I was really hurting after riding up Okemo on Thursday. Some muscle or part of muscle (or something else?) in the first few inches heading down the front inside of my right leg. It was fine on the way up, except when I started hauling the bike over the rocks at the very top, just started hurting. Really hurt hauling it down that same set of rocks masquerading as a trail. I did a couple very easy flat miles back down at the bottom to see if things might loosen up, but nope. Hmmm.
Funny thing is, I'd been talking to Gail a few days ago about how it seems that most logs I read on AP seem to report a never-ending stream of ailments. I certainly had my share too when I was orienteering/running. But now, just riding my bike, almost never. (Just being tired doesn't count as an ailment.)
Wondered how long I'd be off my bike.
Friday morning it still hurt, but not near so bad. But I had no interest in a ride until it got better. Headed instead for the hills. Took a very slow walk up to the tower on the top of Massaemont Mountain, had my camera and binoculars with me to make sure the pace was slow enough.
Saturday morning a lot better, just a little discomfort and barely that at times. Another trip to the hills, really fine.
And this morning, nothing. Headed for the hills one more time, mainly to keep myself from starting off on some ambitious ride. Got home late morning, it was getting warmer. Something short, easy, and flat suited me just fine. And whatever it was that was hurting, well, it wasn't anymore.
I'm not complaining.
------------
I think the following is my favorite photo of the last few days --
Friday Jul 5, 2019 #
Note
Looking at some recent photos and remembered the fine Orgyia antiqua that was keeping us company at Ratlum Mountain last weekend.
Thursday Jul 4, 2019 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:59:49 13.81 mi (8:41 / mi) +2448ft 7:26 / mi
ahr:135 max:164 weight:137.5lbs
Ooof, that was hard....
And that was just the paved part of the climb up Okemo. And then the dirt part, harder. And then the hike-a-bike to get to the fire tower, a lot harder still. And by then I had been croaked for some time.
But Gail had said a couple of days ago that I was getting a nice collection of fire tower photos, so I couldn't really come home without one.
Mission accomplished --
Not easy. Don't think I had good legs. And it was too warm, for sure, about 80 when I started, mid to upper 80s when I was done. Could have used some cloud cover, or a breeze, but neither was forthcoming.
The paved part is 3.8 miles, 2,100' climb. I figured something between 55 and 60 minutes. Took 59. Then the dirt part, not far, just a few minutes, barely made it up, right at my limit.
I'd been up to the fire tower before, on the trail up the north side, which goes right to the tower, no sign of the lifts. So I didn't really know the lay of the land.
I'd made it up to a saddle on the dirt road. Saw the top of a lift to my left up a short but steep slope, went to check that out, lost traction in the gravel but got off successfully. And then could just barely push the bike up the rest, legs totally shot. A sign of what's coming, I suppose.
No fire tower there, but I could see the road continued a little more. Dropped back down, followed it, got to the top of another lift, no fire tower in sight, but a trail that looked like it might be heading there. Went 10 yards on it. A mix of big rocks and mud holes. Backed out.
Back to the original saddle, a well-used trail left from there. Debated for perhaps the third time whether I really had to get up to the fire tower. Decided, again, that I did. Very rocky, but I managed, 4 or 5 minutes, not much.
Glad to finally be there. The black flies were certainly glad too. The tower was non-committal. Took my standard bike selfie (bike and tower). Played photographer for a couple and their dog. Chatted up a biker who on this day was only a hiker.
And then thought, I should be able to get a three-way selfie. Turned out to be easy, no gymnastics required --
Going down was a lot more fun (once I got off the trail). And the road surface was decent. Let it go some, but not nearly as much as I could have.
Did a couple more miles easy, but my legs were in no mood for any further activity, so called it a day. I've had better days. I've had worse too.
And that was just the paved part of the climb up Okemo. And then the dirt part, harder. And then the hike-a-bike to get to the fire tower, a lot harder still. And by then I had been croaked for some time.
But Gail had said a couple of days ago that I was getting a nice collection of fire tower photos, so I couldn't really come home without one.
Mission accomplished --
Not easy. Don't think I had good legs. And it was too warm, for sure, about 80 when I started, mid to upper 80s when I was done. Could have used some cloud cover, or a breeze, but neither was forthcoming.
The paved part is 3.8 miles, 2,100' climb. I figured something between 55 and 60 minutes. Took 59. Then the dirt part, not far, just a few minutes, barely made it up, right at my limit.
I'd been up to the fire tower before, on the trail up the north side, which goes right to the tower, no sign of the lifts. So I didn't really know the lay of the land.
I'd made it up to a saddle on the dirt road. Saw the top of a lift to my left up a short but steep slope, went to check that out, lost traction in the gravel but got off successfully. And then could just barely push the bike up the rest, legs totally shot. A sign of what's coming, I suppose.
No fire tower there, but I could see the road continued a little more. Dropped back down, followed it, got to the top of another lift, no fire tower in sight, but a trail that looked like it might be heading there. Went 10 yards on it. A mix of big rocks and mud holes. Backed out.
Back to the original saddle, a well-used trail left from there. Debated for perhaps the third time whether I really had to get up to the fire tower. Decided, again, that I did. Very rocky, but I managed, 4 or 5 minutes, not much.
Glad to finally be there. The black flies were certainly glad too. The tower was non-committal. Took my standard bike selfie (bike and tower). Played photographer for a couple and their dog. Chatted up a biker who on this day was only a hiker.
And then thought, I should be able to get a three-way selfie. Turned out to be easy, no gymnastics required --
Going down was a lot more fun (once I got off the trail). And the road surface was decent. Let it go some, but not nearly as much as I could have.
Did a couple more miles easy, but my legs were in no mood for any further activity, so called it a day. I've had better days. I've had worse too.
Wednesday Jul 3, 2019 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:57:55 28.79 mi (4:06 / mi) +693ft 4:00 / mi
ahr:116 max:142
Easy ride around the valley. Nice to get out before it gets hot.
Tuesday Jul 2, 2019 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:25:14 28.42 mi (5:07 / mi) +2659ft 4:42 / mi
ahr:129 max:166 weight:138lbs
Time for some new territory. Drove up to Jaffrey, NH, to do a loop, the crux of which was Pack Monadnock, a poor relative of Monadnock, not so big, not so steep, not so rocky. But it has a paved road going to the top and so a summit is possible without carrying the bike most of the way.
But it's a steep road. 1.25 miles, 800' climb. Average about 12%, with sections above 20%, especially right at the top. Profile.
Actually I'd been up it once before, "running" (ie. a mix of running and walking), 2002, a 10-mile race up from Wilton with the finish on top. My notes from then say my last mile was about 14 minutes.
But never on a bike.
Good warm-up, for sure, 10 miles over from Jaffrey with roughly a thousand feet of climb, mostly in the last three miles. Paced myself up that appropriately, stopped at the parking lot to pay my fee, and then, well, no point in putting it off.
Just for a reality check, the best time on Strava for the climb is just over 8 minutes, or a minute per hundred feet of climb. These days I seem to be capable of somewhere in the 2:15 to 3:00 per hundred range, getting down to 2:00 is pretty much no longer possible, and 2:15 is real hard. So I figured I ought to be able to do 24 minutes, and 20 would be very satisfying but unlikely. Assuming, of course, that I could actually make it without getting off.
The first half is steep. Not a consistent grade, always changing, lots of short sections I wasn't sure I could get up, lots of small sections where it eases quite a bit. And then it gets easier, still climbing but not idiotic. All the time I knew what was coming, the last steep pitch. That took about 3 minutes, don't think I ever came close to falling off but I was going less than 3 mph, and then suddenly it was flat and I was done.
19:33. Delighted.
There is often the sense after a hard timed effort of whatever sort that you could have done it faster, just pushed harder. There's some reason to think that here. All the way up I knew the last pitch was coming, and I think I kept something in reserve. That's what the heart rate shows, just getting up into serious territory the last couple of minutes. But then, if I'd pushed harder earlier, I might have croaked at the end. You never know.
For perspective, the lady collecting the money -- $4 for the day, ride up as might times as I wished -- said that lots of bikers do 6 repeats, because that works out to be the equivalent of once up Washington. I told her if I could make it up once that would be plenty.
Rode back down, really glad to have good disc brakes, out on the main road for a couple hundred yards, and then turned off to the other side, because the plan was for a second summit, Temple Mountain. Much less of a climb, 400', 0.8 mile, about 10%, but this one was not paved and I had no idea what it was like. Headed up, got in a few hundred yards of gentle stuff, came around a corner and pretty much immediately got off my bike, turned around, and headed back. Steep slope, rocky, sand between the rocks, narrow trail. Essentially no hope. And so why be stupid?
Finished the rest of the loop, included a bit of dirt road and then some on a dirt rail trail just out of curiosity. Put the bike back in the car and headed to a spot I'd passed maybe a mile away, ordered up some ice cream. I think Phil and I stopped there once after a trail race, not sure. The ice cream tasted OK, but not really good, no reason to finish it al and so part went in the trashl. With old age comes wisdom, right?
But it's a steep road. 1.25 miles, 800' climb. Average about 12%, with sections above 20%, especially right at the top. Profile.
Actually I'd been up it once before, "running" (ie. a mix of running and walking), 2002, a 10-mile race up from Wilton with the finish on top. My notes from then say my last mile was about 14 minutes.
But never on a bike.
Good warm-up, for sure, 10 miles over from Jaffrey with roughly a thousand feet of climb, mostly in the last three miles. Paced myself up that appropriately, stopped at the parking lot to pay my fee, and then, well, no point in putting it off.
Just for a reality check, the best time on Strava for the climb is just over 8 minutes, or a minute per hundred feet of climb. These days I seem to be capable of somewhere in the 2:15 to 3:00 per hundred range, getting down to 2:00 is pretty much no longer possible, and 2:15 is real hard. So I figured I ought to be able to do 24 minutes, and 20 would be very satisfying but unlikely. Assuming, of course, that I could actually make it without getting off.
The first half is steep. Not a consistent grade, always changing, lots of short sections I wasn't sure I could get up, lots of small sections where it eases quite a bit. And then it gets easier, still climbing but not idiotic. All the time I knew what was coming, the last steep pitch. That took about 3 minutes, don't think I ever came close to falling off but I was going less than 3 mph, and then suddenly it was flat and I was done.
19:33. Delighted.
There is often the sense after a hard timed effort of whatever sort that you could have done it faster, just pushed harder. There's some reason to think that here. All the way up I knew the last pitch was coming, and I think I kept something in reserve. That's what the heart rate shows, just getting up into serious territory the last couple of minutes. But then, if I'd pushed harder earlier, I might have croaked at the end. You never know.
For perspective, the lady collecting the money -- $4 for the day, ride up as might times as I wished -- said that lots of bikers do 6 repeats, because that works out to be the equivalent of once up Washington. I told her if I could make it up once that would be plenty.
Rode back down, really glad to have good disc brakes, out on the main road for a couple hundred yards, and then turned off to the other side, because the plan was for a second summit, Temple Mountain. Much less of a climb, 400', 0.8 mile, about 10%, but this one was not paved and I had no idea what it was like. Headed up, got in a few hundred yards of gentle stuff, came around a corner and pretty much immediately got off my bike, turned around, and headed back. Steep slope, rocky, sand between the rocks, narrow trail. Essentially no hope. And so why be stupid?
Finished the rest of the loop, included a bit of dirt road and then some on a dirt rail trail just out of curiosity. Put the bike back in the car and headed to a spot I'd passed maybe a mile away, ordered up some ice cream. I think Phil and I stopped there once after a trail race, not sure. The ice cream tasted OK, but not really good, no reason to finish it al and so part went in the trashl. With old age comes wisdom, right?
C • Pack 3
Monday Jul 1, 2019 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:20:35 21.17 mi (3:48 / mi) +543ft 3:43 / mi
ahr:125 max:148 weight:138.5lbs
Millers Falls, Turners Falls. So much better getting out early in the morning -- sunny, about 70, humidity not bad, not much wind.