Had to visit some friends in Forest Grove this morning, so i decided to ride home from there before it got to hot out.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Hood River Ride
I've been back on the bike for a bit, although work is getting the best of me right now. We had a photo shoot to help with most of last week, which usually means m off the bike for a while. But this time i was able to sneak in a ride with a rather unusual group, well unusual for me that is. I rode with local frame builder Ira Ryan, Embrocation Cycling Journals Jeremy Dunn, and Hood River local Greg Johnson. Together these three gents all ride for the Rapha Continental Team.
We rode out of Hood River through the Mosier tunnels, up some long dirt rode were the three aforementioned riders promptly made me realize that i am far from a strong all around rider, then back down some great winding back roads back to Hood River. We only had 2 hours but we made the most of it. Pictures can be found here.
We rode out of Hood River through the Mosier tunnels, up some long dirt rode were the three aforementioned riders promptly made me realize that i am far from a strong all around rider, then back down some great winding back roads back to Hood River. We only had 2 hours but we made the most of it. Pictures can be found here.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
tendons, and time off......
Note to all cyclists. When a co worker tries to talk you into playing basketball during lunch, stay away. While we may be fit to ride 100 miles, this doesn't mean we can cross over to all sports and expect our bodies to be ready for it. I found this out today, while scrambling for the ball i felt a pop in the back of my right knee. Assuming the worst i made an appointment at the doctor that could get me in the soonest.
Thoughts of torn tendons, surgeries, long rehabs and crutches filled my head all the way to the doctor. While it turned out not as dire as i had thought, i have a pulled/strained calf muscle that may or may not have micro tears in it (that was the popping i felt), it will still keep me sidelined for a couple week. This means no Mt Tabor, and a very short Short Track season.
Thoughts out to Tom Tom, Yakima's kick ass IT developer and his gnarly ankle which he also suffered in the intense game of basketball. You definitely win the "Worst Looking Injury Award".
Thoughts of torn tendons, surgeries, long rehabs and crutches filled my head all the way to the doctor. While it turned out not as dire as i had thought, i have a pulled/strained calf muscle that may or may not have micro tears in it (that was the popping i felt), it will still keep me sidelined for a couple week. This means no Mt Tabor, and a very short Short Track season.
Thoughts out to Tom Tom, Yakima's kick ass IT developer and his gnarly ankle which he also suffered in the intense game of basketball. You definitely win the "Worst Looking Injury Award".
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday Ride: Elevator and ferry rides.....
Did a nice little ride this morning from home. Rolling hills through West Linn to Oregon City where i rode the elevator up the hill. Then on to Canby where i took the Canby Ferry across the Willamette and back home. A pretty ride with lots of little steep pitches, made 30 miles hurt a little more than usual.
Friday, May 29, 2009
PIR 2nd Place
This Tuesdays PIR started out like any other, a quick exit from work at 4:45 to beat the HWY 26 traffic. Dave and I arrived in time for a few laps on the track to warm up and figure out the wind. We both were figuring on staying chill through the race, staying at the front to avoid any danger and seeing where that gets us. We were feeling ok, till we heard them announce the race would be a full16 laps with 3 hot laps. We kind of just sighed and prepared for the pain to begin.
After the first 3 laps we were actually starting to come around, the pace was slower than we anticipated and we began to take part in a few breaks that were starting to form. None of them stuck of course, but we were starting to have some fun attacking the field. We didn’t take part in any hot laps, we just made sure to stay at the front to avoid getting to far back and to prepare for and breaks that may ensue once the sprint was over. With about 5 to go Dave got into a break that gained some solid distance from the field before they were eventually reeled in.
Dave noted once he returned to the group that a strong break could survive about a lap and a half. We went through the 3 to go and the group was together, we rounded the first corner into wind and three guys went off the front. I was riding about 5th wheel and saw them go thinking it was perfect timing and that they looked pretty strong. When we hit the back stretch I made my move and bridged up to the first rider, took a moment and then bridged up to the other two riders. We went through the S turns and the group settled at three strong. Along the finishing stretch we were neutralized by the Cat 1/2 field, getting neutralized was the key to this break. After they rolled past we dropped the hammer and rode all out for the next lap. With one to go I knew we had a good chance to make it to the finish before we got caught, but I didn’t know just how close. The other two in the break seemed a little reluctant to pull to much on the last half of the lap, I kept saying we need to work together and work harder if we are going to make it. On the last corner I took what would be the biggest pull of my short racing career. I went all out for the full last kilometer, I’m talking a tongue dragging, legs on fire, eyes crossed sprint to the finish. I knew if I did anything else then we would get caught by the group before the finish and all would be lost. With 100 meters to go the guy running second wheel made his move to come around and gained a half bike length on me, not wanting to give an inch I dug deep, scraped up what little energy I had left and surged forward. As we crossed the line I knew it was close but I felt as if I was just a little short, but I didn’t think it was this close……….
Now 2nd place may not be the winner, but I felt as if I had won. We crossed the line a mere second before the group caught us; in fact the third man in the break was beat by the first sprinter in the group and had to settle for fourth.
I talked with the other guys that were in the break after the race, they actually came up and apologized. When we had gone through with one lap to go the lap counter was changed a little late and only I noticed that they were behind and that the bell was for final lap, not a hot lap. Had they known that it was final lap they both said they would have pulled harder along the backstretch, saying that they thought they were just sprinting for a few points not the finish. They then thanked me for pulling so hard to the finish and giving us an opportunity to win.
When the dust settled and the points were tallied I ended up third, due to my absence from any of the hot laps. And it is by far the best third place finish ever.
After the first 3 laps we were actually starting to come around, the pace was slower than we anticipated and we began to take part in a few breaks that were starting to form. None of them stuck of course, but we were starting to have some fun attacking the field. We didn’t take part in any hot laps, we just made sure to stay at the front to avoid getting to far back and to prepare for and breaks that may ensue once the sprint was over. With about 5 to go Dave got into a break that gained some solid distance from the field before they were eventually reeled in.
Dave noted once he returned to the group that a strong break could survive about a lap and a half. We went through the 3 to go and the group was together, we rounded the first corner into wind and three guys went off the front. I was riding about 5th wheel and saw them go thinking it was perfect timing and that they looked pretty strong. When we hit the back stretch I made my move and bridged up to the first rider, took a moment and then bridged up to the other two riders. We went through the S turns and the group settled at three strong. Along the finishing stretch we were neutralized by the Cat 1/2 field, getting neutralized was the key to this break. After they rolled past we dropped the hammer and rode all out for the next lap. With one to go I knew we had a good chance to make it to the finish before we got caught, but I didn’t know just how close. The other two in the break seemed a little reluctant to pull to much on the last half of the lap, I kept saying we need to work together and work harder if we are going to make it. On the last corner I took what would be the biggest pull of my short racing career. I went all out for the full last kilometer, I’m talking a tongue dragging, legs on fire, eyes crossed sprint to the finish. I knew if I did anything else then we would get caught by the group before the finish and all would be lost. With 100 meters to go the guy running second wheel made his move to come around and gained a half bike length on me, not wanting to give an inch I dug deep, scraped up what little energy I had left and surged forward. As we crossed the line I knew it was close but I felt as if I was just a little short, but I didn’t think it was this close……….
On the outside lunging, for 2nd.Now 2nd place may not be the winner, but I felt as if I had won. We crossed the line a mere second before the group caught us; in fact the third man in the break was beat by the first sprinter in the group and had to settle for fourth.
I talked with the other guys that were in the break after the race, they actually came up and apologized. When we had gone through with one lap to go the lap counter was changed a little late and only I noticed that they were behind and that the bell was for final lap, not a hot lap. Had they known that it was final lap they both said they would have pulled harder along the backstretch, saying that they thought they were just sprinting for a few points not the finish. They then thanked me for pulling so hard to the finish and giving us an opportunity to win.
When the dust settled and the points were tallied I ended up third, due to my absence from any of the hot laps. And it is by far the best third place finish ever.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
reach the beach - 100 miles
Today was the annual Reach the Beach fundraising ride for the American Lung Association of Oregon. I know the promoters and the ride is beautiful so i try to do the ride if possible. Thanks to everyone who donated the the ALAO and allowing me to partake in this great ride! Its 100 miles starting at Scholls Heights Elementary School winding through beuatiful farmland before climbing the coast range and following the Little Nestucca River to Pacific City on the coast.
Typically when doing a century ride you don't want to start out too fast, that way you have the energy to finish. Well the Vigilantes are not your typical bunch of Guys. 7 of us left the school and proceeded to set a mean starting tempo averaging 24 mph. We summited the first climb with the group split up but fairly close together. With the climbs done we set out at another 24mph clip into Amity. We would collect riders along the way that would sit in and draft for a bit then get dropped, seemed only a few could handle the pace set by Condon, Sautter, Chuck, and myself.
While keeping with our high pace we rolled through Sheridan and Grande Rhonde, hammered over the Nestucca hills, and pacelined it in Pacific City.
It was a great day and good company, we finished with a rolling time of 5 hours and 2 minutes averaging 19.75mph.
Typically when doing a century ride you don't want to start out too fast, that way you have the energy to finish. Well the Vigilantes are not your typical bunch of Guys. 7 of us left the school and proceeded to set a mean starting tempo averaging 24 mph. We summited the first climb with the group split up but fairly close together. With the climbs done we set out at another 24mph clip into Amity. We would collect riders along the way that would sit in and draft for a bit then get dropped, seemed only a few could handle the pace set by Condon, Sautter, Chuck, and myself.
While keeping with our high pace we rolled through Sheridan and Grande Rhonde, hammered over the Nestucca hills, and pacelined it in Pacific City.
It was a great day and good company, we finished with a rolling time of 5 hours and 2 minutes averaging 19.75mph.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
lately....
Been a while since i posted, which i will blame squarely on work. This weekend is the first weekend at home with my family since Apr 12th. I have been all over the map...here is a quick update.
Sea Otter Classic: Joel, Nick and i headed out of Portland around 9:00pm on April 15th and headed toward Monterey, CA for the Annual Sea Otter Classic. We made in the Grants Pass before finding a hotel for the night. We got up bright and early the next morning and rolled into Monterey around 6 that night. The weekend was in stark contrast to the last two years, were rain and wind had marked the event. This year was sun and warm temperatures, so warm in fact the race organizers shortened the PRO XC race. We left Sunday night and rolled back into Portland around 5 on Monday.
Ultimate 3Day Weekend: the following Friday Dylan and i packed up and headed down to Bend, OR to take 6 lucky winners on the Ultimate 3Day Weekend. Saturday was spent on Mt Bachelor sliding down the ice hard slopes for a couple of hours. Sunday we were on the trails around bend for some epic mountain biking. Monday started of with mountain biking for some and ended with paddling up the Deschutes river before taking everyone to the airport. Fun was had by all and some new friendships made, definitely an Ultimate 3Day weekend. Dyaln and i rolled back into Portland around 11:00pm Monday night.
REI Sale: After two straigth weekends away Katy and Logan, i was happy to be able to take them with me to Spokane for the REI Sale. The sale was good, but the best part was doing Bloomsday together. I ran it in just under an hour (59:45) then walked it with Katy and Logan. It was fun, and definitely worth the pain.
With no traveling in the next couple weeks i look forward to spending time with Katy and Logan riding around with Logans new Burley bike trailer and getting ready for Katy and 's wedding in August. I also plan on riding a bunch over the next month or two to get in shape for short track. I might even attempt the Tabor Series again, i cant let it get the best of me! Till we meet again.....
Sea Otter Classic: Joel, Nick and i headed out of Portland around 9:00pm on April 15th and headed toward Monterey, CA for the Annual Sea Otter Classic. We made in the Grants Pass before finding a hotel for the night. We got up bright and early the next morning and rolled into Monterey around 6 that night. The weekend was in stark contrast to the last two years, were rain and wind had marked the event. This year was sun and warm temperatures, so warm in fact the race organizers shortened the PRO XC race. We left Sunday night and rolled back into Portland around 5 on Monday.
Ultimate 3Day Weekend: the following Friday Dylan and i packed up and headed down to Bend, OR to take 6 lucky winners on the Ultimate 3Day Weekend. Saturday was spent on Mt Bachelor sliding down the ice hard slopes for a couple of hours. Sunday we were on the trails around bend for some epic mountain biking. Monday started of with mountain biking for some and ended with paddling up the Deschutes river before taking everyone to the airport. Fun was had by all and some new friendships made, definitely an Ultimate 3Day weekend. Dyaln and i rolled back into Portland around 11:00pm Monday night.
REI Sale: After two straigth weekends away Katy and Logan, i was happy to be able to take them with me to Spokane for the REI Sale. The sale was good, but the best part was doing Bloomsday together. I ran it in just under an hour (59:45) then walked it with Katy and Logan. It was fun, and definitely worth the pain.
With no traveling in the next couple weeks i look forward to spending time with Katy and Logan riding around with Logans new Burley bike trailer and getting ready for Katy and 's wedding in August. I also plan on riding a bunch over the next month or two to get in shape for short track. I might even attempt the Tabor Series again, i cant let it get the best of me! Till we meet again.....
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