Seriously busy on many fronts. I'm stringing a series of rides together this week. 45 miles yesterday, 100 +/- today, and another 65 tomorrow to gauge recovery time and how well I'm eating/drinking during and after riding. Other than the gusty winds, riding weather had been pretty good. New cycling vest made world of difference in keeping core warm.
Had visit with my cycle coach yesterday. Picked up some spare wheel spokes, a cycling cap w/visor to use under my helmet, bottle of electrolyte tablets, and some final tips and encouragement. The biggest challenge will be the first 4 or 5 days to see how I settle into daily routine. Again, refueling and rehydrating will be keys to success.
I had my bike shipped to LA last Friday after adding new tires and a rearview mirror. I just checked and looks like it's in Bloomington, CA. FedX should deliver it to the designated Bike Shop today.
Can't spend all day writing as I've got to hit the road. More frequent updates to follow.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Five Weeks Out
Went for my first outdoor ride since last September's tumble on April 1st with new friends Chris and Charlie. It was cold and I only dressed in my Spring gear. Charlie insisted he lend me some leg warmers, vest, ear muffs, with hand and toe warmers. After a quick dash to Charlie's - a mile or so from our starting point - I was adequately bundled up and good to go.
Anxious to see how the indoor training translated to real riding glad to report my cadence was really improved. We covered a 50 mile route averaging about only 13+ MPH which is slower than my 15-16 MPH goal but with a few stops I count this as a good ride on a really cold day. Roads were in pretty good shape rain having washed much of the sand and snow aside. Some nasty potholes still demanded constant concentration.
Found I received 2 duffle bags and bike jersey from the tour operator when I got home from ride. Now I'm really psyched. Getting pile of gear set up in living room for a practice packing session. Limited to total of 30 pounds (15 per bag). Need to make final decisions on take / don't take items.
Deciding on how to set up my tech gear so I can capture ride stats, pictures, and continue to post blogs. Will run proof of concept tests with equipment next week. This is almost like working only fun.
Last thought. When I got out of the gym the other night, the moon hung brightly in a dark sky. It always gives me a sense of wonder. As I looked up I thought of the moon and chuckled as I said to myself "Now that's far."
Anxious to see how the indoor training translated to real riding glad to report my cadence was really improved. We covered a 50 mile route averaging about only 13+ MPH which is slower than my 15-16 MPH goal but with a few stops I count this as a good ride on a really cold day. Roads were in pretty good shape rain having washed much of the sand and snow aside. Some nasty potholes still demanded constant concentration.
Found I received 2 duffle bags and bike jersey from the tour operator when I got home from ride. Now I'm really psyched. Getting pile of gear set up in living room for a practice packing session. Limited to total of 30 pounds (15 per bag). Need to make final decisions on take / don't take items.
Deciding on how to set up my tech gear so I can capture ride stats, pictures, and continue to post blogs. Will run proof of concept tests with equipment next week. This is almost like working only fun.
Last thought. When I got out of the gym the other night, the moon hung brightly in a dark sky. It always gives me a sense of wonder. As I looked up I thought of the moon and chuckled as I said to myself "Now that's far."
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
7 Week Countdown
Seven weeks from today I'll be boarding the plane to LA. There's now a large map on wall in the breakfast nook that traces the route from LA to Revere Beach (Thanks, Mike!). I stare at it while eating my oatmeal and ponder....Man, it's a long trip.
The tour operator has been sending weekly emails consisting of training tips, favorite products and tools to consider, and an essay on her first cross country tour. It's intent is to encourage us and keep us motivated to keep training. It's working.
I'm now getting focused on compiling lists of things to do.
-Order shipping box for getting bike to LA
-Set up Bill payments for when I'm away
-Coordinate prescriptions for two month supply prior to departure
-Compile Email list of contacts
-Get fitted for new helmet (Smashed my other one in crash last September, broke clavicle)
-Get fitted for new shoes (starting to get hot foot in training. No. Not good)
Equipment:
-New tires / spare tubes / patch kit / CO2 cartridges
-Estimate in-ride and recovery nutrients. (Chewy vs Gels)
-Clothing- bibs, jerseys socks, arm/leg warmers/coolers, rain gear, jacket.
-Chamois Butt'er
-Check battery sizes and get new for Heart Rate Monitor, Speed Cadence sensors
-Test portable power-rechargers for cell phone and bike computer
-Test Bike Lights
-120 to USB connectors for daily recharging
I could go on but this is just a start.
In last two weeks I was able to set up a trainer in the attic and have spent 20 plus hours running drills recommended by my coach. Set up a TV with DVD and have been running through some old movies and a season of The Simpsons - a guilty pleasure. The final 4 indoor class training sessions started last night. Depending on weather and if snow banks continue to recede, Coach may take us out for road ride the next two Saturdays. I can't wait to see how I'll perform after the winter training program. Stay tuned for update.
My concern now is the foot issue I mentioned above. In last night's training I really noticed a hot foot issue I'd been ignoring. The ball of my right foot really began to burn so much that I had to stop pedaling in the middle of a drill to reposition my foot. Worse, favoring that foot made me overcompensate using left leg so I started feeling a shin strain. Coach believes its a shoe issue so we'll see what a new shoe does and if spraying Icy Hot on shin prior to riding alleviates the shin issue. Just a problem to be solved. Still optimistic.
The tour operator has been sending weekly emails consisting of training tips, favorite products and tools to consider, and an essay on her first cross country tour. It's intent is to encourage us and keep us motivated to keep training. It's working.
I'm now getting focused on compiling lists of things to do.
-Order shipping box for getting bike to LA
-Set up Bill payments for when I'm away
-Coordinate prescriptions for two month supply prior to departure
-Compile Email list of contacts
-Get fitted for new helmet (Smashed my other one in crash last September, broke clavicle)
-Get fitted for new shoes (starting to get hot foot in training. No. Not good)
Equipment:
-New tires / spare tubes / patch kit / CO2 cartridges
-Estimate in-ride and recovery nutrients. (Chewy vs Gels)
-Clothing- bibs, jerseys socks, arm/leg warmers/coolers, rain gear, jacket.
-Chamois Butt'er
-Check battery sizes and get new for Heart Rate Monitor, Speed Cadence sensors
-Test portable power-rechargers for cell phone and bike computer
-Test Bike Lights
-120 to USB connectors for daily recharging
I could go on but this is just a start.
In last two weeks I was able to set up a trainer in the attic and have spent 20 plus hours running drills recommended by my coach. Set up a TV with DVD and have been running through some old movies and a season of The Simpsons - a guilty pleasure. The final 4 indoor class training sessions started last night. Depending on weather and if snow banks continue to recede, Coach may take us out for road ride the next two Saturdays. I can't wait to see how I'll perform after the winter training program. Stay tuned for update.
My concern now is the foot issue I mentioned above. In last night's training I really noticed a hot foot issue I'd been ignoring. The ball of my right foot really began to burn so much that I had to stop pedaling in the middle of a drill to reposition my foot. Worse, favoring that foot made me overcompensate using left leg so I started feeling a shin strain. Coach believes its a shoe issue so we'll see what a new shoe does and if spraying Icy Hot on shin prior to riding alleviates the shin issue. Just a problem to be solved. Still optimistic.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Eight weeks before departure...
February was a rush of activity. Mid-month, on Friday the 13th, after nearly 30 years, I turned over my current office responsibilities to my successors and said good-bye to a company I've been proud to be associated with for a long time. Although leaving was hard, it was a good time to go. Had great fun compiling a list of people I encountered over those years with two other folks that have been there with me nearly as long - since 1985. The list was long and full of lots of laughs and some sighs, too. It's true. It's the people that give a company its spirit and sense of humor...
So what about the biking? Starting back in the first week of December, I started a Winter Training program for cyclists offered at a bike shop I support. I didn't know it at the time but it's exactly what I was looking for to help me prepare for my trip in May.
There are between 8 and 12 of us in each class depending on weather/work-life commitments. We each have our own bike set up on a trainer with a rubber mat and individual fans. Over the course of 90 minutes twice a week, our coach runs us through a series of drills. It was a 13 week commitment and this week is our final week.
Never having participated in any sport specific training before now, I'm surprised by what I was able to learn relative to pedaling efficiency, body positioning, nutrition and hydration. The classes have been progressively tougher each week. Using a heart rate monitor and bike computer, I learned how to use the data on my cadence/RPMs, heart rate and calories expended. Really can see the improvement since our first classes back in early December. (I never thought I could get my legs to spin that fast.) Although we had to reschedule 3 Monday classes to a Saturday morning due to the unending snow, I haven't missed a single one.
A couple weeks ago I talked to the coach about my goals for the spring ride because I was concerned that I might lose some of the skills I've built up before I can actually get outside. He decided I should add an hour on the the start of our last 5 classes. That's a long time riding. He also heard the same concern from others in our group and decided to offer an additional 2 weeks of "Endurance" sessions to the Winter Training group participants. Very cool.
So although tomorrow is my final "Winter Training" session, I'm set for 4 additional two and a half hour training days over the next three weeks. There's also a bonus Saturday classes, so I'm likely going to pick up those, too. Still lots of work to do.
With only 8 weeks left.... Should start outside training soon....Can't wait!
So what about the biking? Starting back in the first week of December, I started a Winter Training program for cyclists offered at a bike shop I support. I didn't know it at the time but it's exactly what I was looking for to help me prepare for my trip in May.
There are between 8 and 12 of us in each class depending on weather/work-life commitments. We each have our own bike set up on a trainer with a rubber mat and individual fans. Over the course of 90 minutes twice a week, our coach runs us through a series of drills. It was a 13 week commitment and this week is our final week.
Never having participated in any sport specific training before now, I'm surprised by what I was able to learn relative to pedaling efficiency, body positioning, nutrition and hydration. The classes have been progressively tougher each week. Using a heart rate monitor and bike computer, I learned how to use the data on my cadence/RPMs, heart rate and calories expended. Really can see the improvement since our first classes back in early December. (I never thought I could get my legs to spin that fast.) Although we had to reschedule 3 Monday classes to a Saturday morning due to the unending snow, I haven't missed a single one.
A couple weeks ago I talked to the coach about my goals for the spring ride because I was concerned that I might lose some of the skills I've built up before I can actually get outside. He decided I should add an hour on the the start of our last 5 classes. That's a long time riding. He also heard the same concern from others in our group and decided to offer an additional 2 weeks of "Endurance" sessions to the Winter Training group participants. Very cool.
So although tomorrow is my final "Winter Training" session, I'm set for 4 additional two and a half hour training days over the next three weeks. There's also a bonus Saturday classes, so I'm likely going to pick up those, too. Still lots of work to do.
With only 8 weeks left.... Should start outside training soon....Can't wait!
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Let's get started
Welcome to my blog.
On this snowy January Saturday, afternoon I'd like to start documenting a fairly crazy trip I've planned to launch my retirement years.
It will become apparent I'm not a professional writer but I'd still like to share this event with family members and friends who are interested in what was going through my mind as I prepare to travel from LA to Boston on my bicycle. I hope you enjoy this as much as I expect to as I make the trip.
Two years ago, on a perfect New England September day, I was riding in the CoVaC Century and noticed a "PAC-ATL" jersey on a rider ahead of me. Curious, I pedaled up to her and asked where she picked up the jersey and what the name meant. Yes, she rode from the Pacific to the Atlantic earlier in the year.
Somewhat awestruck I asked her if she was crazy, if she had done it alone, would she do it again. I learned "Elizabeth" wasn't crazy, had participated in an organized, supported ride, and she would like to do it again. After offering some details about how hot it was going through the southwest dessert, how tough your seat gets after "a lot of riding" and the name of the company she rode with, 70 year old Elizabeth proceeded to pick up her pace and left me behind while my mind started racing faster than my legs. That's how the seed was planted.
I did some research.
There are several companies that sponsor rides across the continent. You can take a northern route, (Washington to Portsmouth ME) a mid continent route (San Francisco to Boston), or Southwest to Northeast (LA to Boston) with many different paces. You can also choose between several comfort ranges from really rough (i.e. pack gear on your bike and ride campsite to campsite) to upscale.(supported rides where your bags are moved from hotel to hotel and with provided meals and mechanical support when needed.
I'll be taking a mid range comfort package and as mentioned, the Southwest to Northeast route.
I've just completed my travel arrangements to LA so it's starting to get real. Although I've sent in my down payment, the final check is due next week so the point of no return is looming.
In future posts I'll include information on how I'm preparing for this trip and what I plan to do to keep you informed as I start pedaling. As you can imagine, I'm both excited and a bit daunted. Here we go!
On this snowy January Saturday, afternoon I'd like to start documenting a fairly crazy trip I've planned to launch my retirement years.
It will become apparent I'm not a professional writer but I'd still like to share this event with family members and friends who are interested in what was going through my mind as I prepare to travel from LA to Boston on my bicycle. I hope you enjoy this as much as I expect to as I make the trip.
Two years ago, on a perfect New England September day, I was riding in the CoVaC Century and noticed a "PAC-ATL" jersey on a rider ahead of me. Curious, I pedaled up to her and asked where she picked up the jersey and what the name meant. Yes, she rode from the Pacific to the Atlantic earlier in the year.
Somewhat awestruck I asked her if she was crazy, if she had done it alone, would she do it again. I learned "Elizabeth" wasn't crazy, had participated in an organized, supported ride, and she would like to do it again. After offering some details about how hot it was going through the southwest dessert, how tough your seat gets after "a lot of riding" and the name of the company she rode with, 70 year old Elizabeth proceeded to pick up her pace and left me behind while my mind started racing faster than my legs. That's how the seed was planted.
I did some research.
There are several companies that sponsor rides across the continent. You can take a northern route, (Washington to Portsmouth ME) a mid continent route (San Francisco to Boston), or Southwest to Northeast (LA to Boston) with many different paces. You can also choose between several comfort ranges from really rough (i.e. pack gear on your bike and ride campsite to campsite) to upscale.(supported rides where your bags are moved from hotel to hotel and with provided meals and mechanical support when needed.
I'll be taking a mid range comfort package and as mentioned, the Southwest to Northeast route.
I've just completed my travel arrangements to LA so it's starting to get real. Although I've sent in my down payment, the final check is due next week so the point of no return is looming.
In future posts I'll include information on how I'm preparing for this trip and what I plan to do to keep you informed as I start pedaling. As you can imagine, I'm both excited and a bit daunted. Here we go!
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