Rolling
Saturday, January 28, 2006
The Open Road
It seems like forever and a day since I started a post with a picture from a ride. But with the sun shining and the temperatures nearing the upper 40s here in the Northeast, it proved to be a perfect day for whipping out the camera-phone mid-ride for snapshot or two.
Today was a good one. Rolling out west and keeping things flat for the first hour or so, I cruised through little town by little town until it was time turn things up a notch. Swinging north and heading up one of my favorite little climbs, I stopped near the top to take the above picture of the farmhouse and to grab a little bite to eat. The only problem was that I was a little light on the packing today and somehow left my food behind. Not really an issue, I thought, as I could surely find a coffee shop to grab some sweets. Alright, so coffee shops really aren't a dime a dozen up in Nowhere, NY... But Stewart's Shops are! And though I was
tempted to take in a $0.99 milkshake made up from some fresh Columbian Coffee ice cream, I kept it real and stuck to my 3 Musketeers bar. Probably the better decision, as it wasn't quite warm enough for an icy cold milkshake today.Stepping out of the Stewart's, some guy came up to me and asked if he'd just seen me a 1/2 hour or so ago climbing up High Road. "Yeah. That was me." I told him, a little nervous I had pissed off a local by riding in the middle of the farm-road or something. "Damn! You're motoring! I saw you climbing up those roads like they's was nothing! And here ya are now all the way here at the Stewart's!" He went on to ask me if I was training for something. I told him I was a local triathlete, and to this he replied: "You got a heck of a start on the summer I'll tell you that!"
Looks like he knows a little something.
I rolled for a little over two and a half hours today, and it was supremo. The power numbers were right on, and I felt good the whole way... Much stronger than I did this time last year, which is always a strong motivational factor going into the later winter months. With one weekend workout completed, I'm looking forward to the next. And so I'll be looking forward to enjoying three of my favorite things tomorrow: Coffee, Pancakes and The Long Run.
Thanks for reading, and keep'em turning.
10 Comments:
Joseph,
I have two stupid bike question to ask you.
First, are u riding your tri bike outdoor right now? Do you have special tires to catch grip on ice or snow?
Second, have you ever done long rides that are like 4-5 hours long. If so, do you just leave your bike out when u go in store to buy drinks (unless u carry all the drinks on your bike?). And also what do u do with the bike when you go to washroom (ie. number 2)?
Thanks :)
That's some nice riding....
It's always warm enough for a Columbian Coffee ice cream milkshake!
Awesome ride! Nice to be able to get out in the warm weather.
Cliff, those are some good questions. Right now, I'm riding my Clunker road bike. The salt and grime on the road will stick around here until mid- to late-March and so my race bikes stay inside until then. During the season, I ride my road bike about 90% of the time, and will only do specific training and race-prep on my tri bike.
On long rides with frequent stops (like 4-6 hours), I usually end up rolling with a partner or two, just to keep things interesting. So I never have to worry about leaving my stuff unattended. But when I'm out alone and need to make a stop, I always give the good people of rural America the benefit of the doubt and just leave my bike outside. I do, however, always lean it against a window so it can be seen from inside, and always keep my cell on me.
Happy riding!
Great ride! I'm jealous! :) Way to hit it strong. Hope the run, pancakes, and coffee turned out just as well!
Mmmm... pancakes... coffee....
How long is your "long" run? And which power meter are you using on your bike?
Tammy - My long runs are generally between 1.5 and 2.5 hours for this time of year. As for power meters, I personally prefer (and use) the Polar kit with s-710 and s-625x monitors. Powertaps are nice, and SRMs are nicer, but as a triathlete I like to have all my data in one place.
However, for pure cyclists, I completely recommend the Powertap and SRM units. The data from the Polar can be just as accurate, but only after you really take the time to dial in the set-up.
Thanks!
Hey, I was just going to reply to the last comment you left me, and ....gasp!... I don't have your email address. And you sent it via "no reply comment @ blogger.com". How can this be?? I've sent you emails before. Guess I just never hit "save" on your email address. what was I thinking??
Anyway, I prob won't post my excel spreadsheet because it's a work in progress, but thanks for the info on how to do it! geek. :)
awesome ride. looks totally beautiful.
Looks like a nice ride. I love being out on the back Hwy.
Cheers.
Rice.
Great photo! Enjoy the pancakes and the long run.
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