The 2010 Mercury training log

[Mercury]

As I have mentioned before, I bicycle. 1,700 miles this year. I also race Time Trials. I know 2010 is not quite here yet, but the first race of the series is March 13. Thats only 11 weeks away. I hereby start training!

My onboard computers show 6 things at once... speed, average speed, trip odometer, total odometer, cadence (crank rpm - how fast i'm pedaling), and my heartrate. I ride with groups sometimes, but train alone alot. Me vs the computer. This explains where I get numbers from.

December 26 - Saturday (45 degrees)
Schwinn Single Speed
20 miles
17.9 mph average
20 miles training total

[The Batman]

That sounds like effort. Prolly why I never got involved. :roflback:

Good on ya for having a healthy hobby. We should all have those.

[Jonas]

As I have mentioned before, I bicycle. 1,700 miles this year. I also race Time Trials. I know 2010 is not quite here yet, but the first race of the series is March 13. Thats only 11 weeks away. I hereby start training!

My onboard computers show 6 things at once... speed, average speed, trip odometer, total odometer, cadence (crank rpm - how fast i'm pedaling), and my heartrate. I ride with groups sometimes, but train alone alot. Me vs the computer. This explains where I get numbers from.

December 26 - Saturday (45 degrees)
Schwinn Single Speed
20 miles
17.9 mph average
20 miles training total

AVG of 18mph on a one speed(for over an hour). That is doing some pumping. Hope it was down hill.

[Mercury]

I wish. No, we ride pre-determined loops or do an out-n-back. Either way, the roads ain't flat. I did an out-n-back today. Ride down a hill out... climb it coming back. I rode with 5 other people today. They all had gears. They were doing a 50 mile ride. I told them I was only gonna do 20. I rode the first 10 miles with them, then turned around & rode back by myself. It was a challenge to stay in line & run the pace. The line rotates. You get a couple of minutes on the front, then to the back of the line. Every minute or two, you move a spot closer to the front. I train alot on my single speed to push myself. What's really funny is... we ride alot on US 41 out of Macon. (yeah, what a dumbass. cold and no gears)

[unchained]

Good going, Bob!! I'll look forward to seeing your workouts!

I'm wishing my spin bike had an on-board computer. All I know is how long I go.

[IRONMAN]

Go get em Bob! Maybe you can provide some inspiration. I used to bicycle a lot but quit in my 20's. In a moment of male ego I bet a buddy of mine I could complete the local annual MS Pedal to the Point. It's 80 miles each way. 80 to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, and 80 back. I did it once twenty years ago. I'm 40 lbs heavier and nowhere close to the shape I was in then. I got a stationary bike for my birthday so I plan to start hitting it daily for this August pissing contest. Any advice on how to train would be appreciated. Also, advice on the right bike without spending $1000 would help. :unsure:

[fxr4mikey]

very interesting thread ... Thanks for posting up Bob ...... I might, just might, get my bike out and get back out on the road ........

single speed will sure teach you how to spin !!

[RoadWolf]

I'm already tired Bob...

[Mercury]

December 28 - Monday (44* & 15-25 mph winds)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
16 miles
16.6 mph average
36 miles training total

Today sucked. I guess it was good for me to struggle. It was cold and it seemed like I rode into a headwind the whole ride. I rode the Trek today so I'd be packing some gears to take on a hilly course. My heartrate stayed at 153-157 most of the ride. There's one long climb that I was in the low 170's for at least 3 minutes while trying to get to the top. Testing the pump and plumbing. Even though my ipod was rockin, I could still hear tha pump working hard! The wind kicked my butt today. No excuses.

[Hodawwg]

What do you wear when it is cold?

[Mercury]

December 29 - Tuesday (mid 40's & dark)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
15 miles
16.2 mph average
51 miles total training

Got a call today. Some people from the Tue & Thurs group rides are hitting the Bass Pro Shop in Macon at 6pm. It's an almost 2 mile divided road with 2 lanes on each side and lit up like the interstate from the main road to the parking lot. I have a red blinking 3 bulb l.e.d. tail light for dark situations. I also have a bright l.e.d. light mounted on one of my helmets. Long sleeve jersey, full length tights (grape smugglers as a buddy calls them) and booties on the front of shoes to block vents & help sorta keep toes warm, and gloves. Ears got cold. I did 8 laps for 15 miles. It was really strange. Sorta hilly. Single speed was a handfull. I rode with 2 guys that had gears & I was standing up pedaling to keep pace up the hills. I normally woulda let them go and rode at my own pace, but didn't want to ride alone at night. My good buddy that called me & said "hey... let's take our single speeds".... I'll give him grief when I see him tomorrow and ask him where was you? So much for a rest day.

[unchained]

Good on you, Bob! You can rest another day. :DD

You need one of those fleece ear wrap headbands to keep your ears warm.

[Mercury]

Saturday - January 2nd (39* and winds gusting to 18 mph)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
16.9 mph average
61 miles total training

[Mercury]

Monday - January 4 (35*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
18.3 mph average
71 miles total training

[Mercury]

Wednesday - January 6th (40* & windy)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
20 miles
17.1 mph average
91 miles total training

[unchained]

Good job, Bob! Great start to the new year!! :woohoo:

[Mercury]

Same course. Very aggressive climbing the hills and setting a blistering pace on the flats. This was supposed to be an off day, but I felt good and wanted to ride.

Thursday - January 7th (49* & windy)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
19.1 mph average
101 miles total training

[Mercury]

Saturday - January 9th (36*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
18.0 mph average
111 miles total training

[Mercury]

Monday - January 11th (49*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
20 miles
16.8 mph average
131 miles total training

[unchained]

20 miles is slacking?? :blink:

[Mercury]

I rode that same course last week & averaged 17.1 mph, so the pace was down. I refused to look at my computer, because I didn't want to see my speed or average. It was a relaxed day. I did get some miles in, though.

[unchained]

I was on the spin bike last night and the whole time thinking, "OMG! How does Bob DO this all the time?!?" Especially on the uphill runs. :Hurt:

:bowdown:

[Hodawwg]

what kind of spin bike do you have?

[unchained]

what kind of spin bike do you have?

This one:

[Hodawwg]

nice

[Mercury]

I loaded my stuff in my truck & talked Puddin into driving my truck to work. On her way, she dropped me off at a parking lot 26 miles from home. As she drove off, I'm looking at my bicycle... and there's my ride home. I made it home in 1 hour & 28 minutes.

Wednesday - January 13th
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
26 miles
17.7 mph average
157 miles total training

[unchained]

What was the temp this morning?

[Mercury]

I rode about noon. It was about 50*, so the cold wasn't a factor. I just got through washing her car in short sleeves. It's nice outside. Junior just rolled out of the driveway on his FatBob. It's a nice sunny day.

[Mercury]

Thursday - January 14th (52*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
18.7 mph average
167 miles total training

[Redleg]

Those off days are bad for breaking momentum, aren't they?

[BigSwede]

Nice riding! I haven't ridden a bicycle for distance like that since about 2001, I ended up selling my bike because it didn't get much use.

[Mercury]

I was checking out my local bicycle shop's website
www.biketechmacon.com
On the first page, there is a slide show with pics from the shop and pics from our Tuesday/Thursday group rides. My pic's there!!!!
I'm riding "Dolly", my single speed Schwinn Madison (yeah yeah... laugh)
I have on a grey Fox jersey, black biker shorts, and....
my championship winning beautiful baby blue single speed "Dolly"

I ride the group rides sometimes on my single speed to push myself. I can hang with the B group for the first 15 miles on a 30 mile ride. After about 15 miles, the 20 mph pace takes it's toll on the dumbass that doesn't have any gears, and I get dropped.

A group averages 22+ mph & rides 35 to 45 mile rides.
B group averages 20 mph & rides 30 to 35 mile rides.
C group averages 13 to 15 mph & does 20 to 25 mile rides.

I ride the B group. Late last summer, I was leaving with the A group and not getting dropped for the first 25 miles. It's a brutal pace. I hated looking at my heart rate monitor during those rides. When you see your at 105% of your maximum heart rate... and at the back struggling to keep in line... it sux. When the group rides start back in March, I'm leaving with the A group every time. They're just gonna have to drop me. I hope "one day".... I'm gonna finish with them.
To be continued...

[unchained]

I saw you!! Can I have your autograph?? :DD

I have no doubt you'll finish with the A group before long. Your perseverance will pay off. Keep it up!

I'd be dying just trying to keep up with the C group.

[Mercury]

Monday - January 18th (65*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed - FIXED
10 miles
18.5 mph average
177 miles total training

The single speed group is sorta a cult following. I'm not hardcore like these guys. Most of these guys ride on the "fixed" side and with no brakes. Supposedly, all the messenger riders in N.Y. City ride this way. They can bunny hop the rear wheel & lock a leg straight and skid stop the rear wheel, or simply slow down pedaling to slow down the bike. On a freewheel gear, you can stop pedaling and coast. On the "fixed" side, the gear is mounted straight to the rear hub, and if the wheel is turning, so are the pedals. I've only ridden like this once, and had a climbing gear on the rear, so my top speed was about 18 (even down hills) or you would start bouncing on the seat from pedaling too fast. You can not stop pedaling on the fixed side. Alot of single speed bikes have flip flop rear wheels. A freewheeling gear on one side, turn the whole wheel around backwards & there's a fixed gear on that side. I didn't like riding fixed. I have brakes, and I've already turned my wheel back around. It was an adventure, though.

[unchained]

Monday - January 18th (65*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed - FIXED
10 miles
18.5 mph average
177 miles total training

Most of these guys ride on the "fixed" side and with no brakes. Supposedly, all the messenger riders in N.Y. City ride this way. They can bunny hop the rear wheel & lock a leg straight and skid stop the rear wheel, or simply slow down pedaling to slow down the bike.

That can't be good on the knee. *ouch*

[Mercury]

Wednesday - January 20th (65*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
21.5 miles
17.7 mph average
198.5 miles total training

New cassette on rear. Was 12-27 Now 11-28
The big number is climbing gear. +1 gives a little more climbing power
The small number is speed gear. -1 overdrives a touch more
It spread the ratios a little wider. Gotta get used to it. I liked it.

[unchained]

:w00t:

[RoadWolf]

The boys at the motorcycle shop said Bob looks plum spiffy in his spandex ridin' clothes.
Not quite sure why he wears 'em to the motorcycle shop though...?

[Mercury]

Funny Don. You know the motorcycle shop in right in the heart of middle georgia bike routes. I park there sometimes & ride from there. I look GOOD in those pants....:roflback:

[BigSwede]

Awesome training!

[Mercury]

Saturday - January 23th (46* and 10 mph wind with gusts to 20)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
15 miles
17.7 mph average
213.5 miles total training

It felt like I rode into the wind the whole ride.

[BigSwede]

It felt like I rode into the wind the whole ride.

That always makes it feel like you've travelled twice as far. I feel for ya! Nice ride though!

[Mercury]

Monday - January 25th
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
16.5 miles
17.5 mph average
230 miles total training

[Redleg]

Ride on, Smilin' Bob, Ride On!

[Mercury]

Wednesday - January 27th (upper 50's)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
30 miles
17.8 mph average
260 miles total training

[unchained]

Wow! You must have been feeling really strong and rested today. :woohoo:

[BigSwede]

30 miles, that's some ridin!

[Mercury]

Thursday - January 28th (upper 50's)
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
10 miles
18.7 mph average
270 miles total training

Unchained
Big Swede
Blondie

LET'S GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Took the Red Rocket up to Atlanta Trek this morning. She'll come home Saturday. They can rebuild her. Stronger. Lighter. Faster. Better.
:woohoo:

They're running a special on a total rebuild. Complete disassembly to bare frame. Clean and grease crank bearings, steering stem bearings, and wheel bearings. True Wheels. Re-assemble spotlessly clean with new bar tape, cables/housings, and brake pads.

Before I left it with them, they put it/me on the dyno....





1 Whorepower :roflback:

[unchained]

Whorepower ... :roflback:


I'll have a good workout this afternoon. I'll try not to wimp out on cardio this time.

Edit: Dangit! My workout partner just postponed until tomorrow. No weights today. Just cardio now.

[BigSwede]

We are workin it! We are back in the gym tomorrow evening. Gonna be a 1.5-2 hour ordeal. should be fun. Long sprints on Saturday morning for me........

[Mercury]

Sunday - January 31 (mid 40's)
Scott Reflex 60 - 21 speed Mountain Bike
5 miles - on the road
15.5 mph average
224 miles in January
275 miles total training

Dammit, it's cold. I did a short ride on the road on my mountain bike. It's geared for climbing. Fat tires. I was strokin it to get that average.

I'm going to drop the miles I rode in December and only count 2010 miles starting now. I counted the miles I rode in December on my 2009 total. My goal was to ride 2000 miles in 2009, but because of my work schedule, I barely rode the last 2 months. I ended the year with 1,725 miles. I'm off & running...:outtahere:

[unchained]

Looks like you're well on your way to 2000 miles for 2010! :w00t:

[BigSwede]

Keep "strokin it" like that, and you'll make it to 2k miles before you know it!

[Mercury]

Sunday - February 7 (mid 50's)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
20 miles
17.3 mph average
244 miles in 2010

Been in Alabama at a paper mill working a shutdown. 12's on night shift. Been draggin ass last 2 days trying to get days/nights back right. Haven't been on a bike in 7 days.

[unchained]

There you are!! I'd been wondering about you. Figured you must have gotten busy.

[Mercury]

Wednesday - February 10 (39* w/ 10 mph wind gusting to 22)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
16 miles
17.3 mph average
260 miles in 2010


Miserable ride :badmood:

[unchained]

But you still managed to get 16 miles in! :clap:

[Mercury]

Thursday - February 11 (47*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
12 miles
18 mph average
272 miles in 2010

"Supposed" to do a group ride Saturday morning, depending on what the weather does tomorrow. Either way, Friday wasn't gonna be a good day to ride, so I rode today to make Saturday fall into the schedule.

[Mercury]

Sunday - February 14
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
18.9 mph average
282 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Wednesday - February 17 (39*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
17.7 mph average
292 miles in 2010

[BigSwede]

keep riding that thing! We've been out of it with the weather, headed back into the gym tomorrow!

[Mercury]

Nice... almost 60* after work.

I put the hammer down today & let it roll!!!!!!

Friday - February 19 (59*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
19.2 mph average
302 miles in 2010

[unchained]

It sure was a nice day today for a ride! :woohoo:

[Mercury]

Sunday - February 19 (70*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
20 miles
19.5 mph average
322 miles in 2010

I was hitting on all cylinders today. Loaded up & took Puddin to Penney's to shop. I hit the road from the the parking lot. Did a 20 mile round trip in 1 hour and 2 minutes. I upped Friday's average and doubled the miles.
:outtahere:

[unchained]

:woohoo: Bob!!

Do your legs ever get really sore??

[Mercury]

Uuuuummmmm yeah, like every day I ride. I ain't as young as I used to be.
My legs are sore this morning. I get up and it's like... what were you thinking?

[unchained]

I was just wondering. My workout partner tells me to get on the treadmill anyway, even when my legs are so sore I seriously cannot walk normally. I tried Friday immediately after the workout, but I felt like they were totally gonna give out and I was gonna go down. I made it a little over a mile that evening, but I've been recovering ever since. Still walking funny today. I'm wondering how it's even possible?

[Mercury]

It was 24* at work time. My toes hurt till 11. The wind was at least 25mph on the roof at the airport. I stayed on my knees bent over welding decking. My back hurts.

So what do I do when I get home?

9 miles was all I could do. I had nothing left.

Monday - February 25 (38* + 20 mph wind)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
9 miles
17.4 mph average
331 miles in 2010

[unchained]

:bowdown:

Cold and tired and sore and you still went out. Aren't you glad you did? :DD

[Mercury]

Sorta. I'm still questioning the sanity logistics of it.

[Mercury]

Saturday - February 27 (48* & breezy)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
18.4 mph average
341 miles in 2010

Milestone: I bought this bike in Sept of 08. During today's ride... the odometer hit 1,000 miles. I was listening the Fleetwood Mac "Sarah" at that exact moment.

I was sore today. It always seems like after the first 3 miles, the sweat starts rolling... the bicycle motor loosens up a bit... I don't have a care in the world & my mind is a zillion miles away. Yeah, I'll be sore tomorrow. :doh:

[unchained]

:woohoo:

I know what you mean about getting into that zone. When I'm in the gym, it's as if the world outside doesn't even exist. No phones, no work stress, no distractions or interruptions, nobody needing my attention. Time seems to stand still. Then I have to leave. :banghead:

[Mercury]

Sunday - February 28 (60* & windy)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
19.4 mph average
351 miles in 2010

I pushed very hard today on back to back riding days. At the halfway point my average was just over 20, but I couldn't keep the pace that high. Single speed kicking my ass. I have a race on the 13th. I'm hoping when I hop on the Trek, it's gonna feel like someone shot me out of a cannon! :outtahere:

[BigSwede]

Been riding awesome, Merc! I've been avoiding the gym both the real gym and in here. Keep kickin ass! Loved the milestone post above. I remember days like those! they existed when I was riding a bike and then when I started lifting heavy. I remember making it past milestones in mileage and then 50 and 100 pound lifting gains. Keep up the awesome work!

[Mercury]

Thursday - March 4 (48* & windy)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
12 miles
18.3 mph average
363 miles in 2010


In my defense (or my excuse), I worked all day & was up & down scaffolds prolly 50 times today.

First group ride of the year. An average group is 50 to 75 people in 3 different groups, all starting out together.

Early start & cold. 17 riders. Most local team riders and "A" group riders. Only about 3 "B" riders, including myself. 20 mile ride. Hilly territory. First 5 miles I'm right up front & feeling full of piss & vinegar. First good hill, I pull about a 25 bike length break on the group. Over the top, I ease up & they close the gap. Long stretch & a viscious 30 mph pace & start up another long hill. I'm blowing up... heart monitor showing 173 bpm (100% of my max heart rate for my age) & the group is easing away from me & I can't do shit about it. My 2 fellow B riders also get dropped & ease up just enough to let me close the gap. We hang a left at the next intersection (they go straight) & shorten the ride to 12 miles & finish up together.

I know fatigue from work played a part, but I've got to ride with the groups more. It pushes me more than you can do alone. A group rides at a pace you just can't match by yourself. What a reality check.

[unchained]

Awesome, Bob! You hit the nail on the head as far as challenging you to do more. That's why I prefer working out at the gym and with a serious partner. On my own, I wouldn't push myself nearly as much.

Do you know what your rpm's are at 18 mph?? I'm just wondering because on the stationary bikes at the gym, I usually maintain about 75-90 rpm's for 30 minutes, but my distance is nowhere close to what you do on the road.


Edit: Wait, have I ever mentioned I'm terrible with numbers?? I think I halved where I should have doubled. I figured that I was moving at 3mph, and it should have been 12mph. I feel better now. :laugh:

[Mercury]

I have the cadence computer on my bike. I spin between 80 and 90. These little 10 mile rides I've been doing last about 31 to 33 minutes on my single speed. The 35 mile 90 minute rides are the killers. The "B" group does those on Tuesdays & Thursdays. I just wasn't ready for the attack on the hills last night. Those guys know what they're doing and really turn up the heat when they sense people are struggling. You just have to survive the first 20 miles with them. It's no easier after that, but the brutal attacks calm down & they work together more later in the ride.

My buddy called me this morning and asked me wtf was I thinking when I jumped out front last night. I wasn't. I should have been in the line riding tempo & surviving.

[unchained]

I have the cadence computer on my bike. I spin between 80 and 90. These little 10 mile rides I've been doing last about 31 to 33 minutes on my single speed. The 35 mile 90 minute rides are the killers. The "B" group does those on Tuesdays & Thursdays. I just wasn't ready for the attack on the hills last night. Those guys know what they're doing and really turn up the heat when they sense people are struggling. You just have to survive the first 20 miles with them. It's no easier after that, but the brutal attacks calm down & they work together more later in the ride.

My buddy called me this morning and asked me wtf was I thinking when I jumped out front last night. I wasn't. I should have been in the line riding tempo & surviving.

Well, that's not very nice. Unless that's their way of challenging the others.

[Mercury]

Saturday - March 6 (60*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
30 miles
18.1 mph average
393 miles in 2010

Todays ride was 1 hour & 39 minutes. (99 minutes-level 18 mph)
There ya go :Poke:Cindy. Now, hit the spin bike. :roflback:
Your workouts are pretty intense. Proud of You!

[unchained]

:roflback: No way I can even try to match you there! :blink:

I'm on vacation right now though, so I'm taking a break from workouts for a few days. :whistling:

That's no license for YOU to slack though. :Poke: :DD

Keep up the good work!! Great ride yesterday!! :cheers:

[Mercury]

Since you warned me about slacking, and I have a race this Saturday... I figured I'd better get off my ass & test the motor on my bicycle to see how all these mods to it since December are working.

I rode the same 10 mile course at the house that I ride often during the week. I usually do 17 to 19 mph on this route. Stretches... quick warm up ride... stop at beginning and reset the computer. 10 miles at *supposedly* race speed.

Monday - March 8 (70*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
10.05 miles
20.3 mph average
29 minutes and 34 seconds BOOYAH!!!!!!!!
403 miles in 2010

The motor felt strong. The last mile my heart rate stayed over 170 bpm. That's a mile every 2 minutes & 57 seconds!

That said, enjoy your "vacation" from the gym. :Poke:

[unchained]

:roflback: Good on ya, Bob!!

:thumbsup:

[Mercury]

Thursday - March 11 (69*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10.05 miles
19.4 mph average
30 minutes and 58 seconds
413 miles in 2010

Weather threw schedule off. Planned to ride Sat, Mon, & Wed. and have 2 days rest before the race Saturday. Had to skip yesterday due to heavy rain. It's been raining most of today, but slacked off a couple of hours ago. Roads were still wet and tires slingin some water. Legs & back wet. Enough crying. Rode the same course that I did a personal best on Monday. Rode the single speed today and legs were just ooozing with torque (probably due to the new toque that I was wearin). Was less than 1mph slower and time was 1 min 24 secs longer... but with NO gears.

Race Saturday
The Dark Side of the Force will be with me.
The Streets will flow with the Blood of the Non-Believers.

[unchained]

Good luck this weekend!! :woohoo:

[Mercury]

Race Day. 56* with 18 mph wind gusting to 22

Road Bike Class.
No Time Trial Bikes. No Aero Bars.
3 riders

It was windy beyond belief. 10 mile course. 5 miles out & 5 miles back. At mile 4, there was a 3% grade that was 1 mile long to the turn around. Vicious climb. I started 30 seconds before the guy behind me. At the turn around, I was averaging 22 mph & had the guy behind me covered. He was still climbing that hill while I was blazing down it. The wind was in my face so hard that if you stopped pedaling downhill, you would start losing speed. At mile 7, that guy caught me, which meant he actually was 30 seconds ahead of me, on the clock. His bike was smaller and he was shorter, so he was catching less wind... and it doesn't amount to any excuse other than he beat me. He won the class with a 20.9 mph average. I finished second with a 20.2 mph average... 58 seconds slower. This was only round 1 of 8 in the series, and I will be on the line next weekend to do battle again. I had alot of fun. I turned it loose and did my best.

Heart Rate My max HR is 220-48(age)=172
30 seconds into the ride, my HR was 170 (98%) It never dropped out of the 170's for the entire 30 minute race. While climbing the 3% grade, it was at 178 (103%). I was thinking.... shit! sumthins gonna blow!!!!!
My conditioning was good. I'll be back...

423 miles in 2010

[unchained]

That is awesome, Bob!!! :woohoo: And I'm SO glad your heart didn't explode! :blink: I can't help but wonder whenever I see my heart rate up like that what would happen if I pushed just a little harder. :laugh: I don't think I've ever kept it up that high for that long though. :bowdown:

So your mission for the next race is to BEAT THAT GUY!! Less than 60 seconds behind him - I bet you can do it!

Bob's #1!! Bob's #1! :DD

[Mercury]

Monday - March 15 (55*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
12 miles
16.8 mph average (low, means nothing)
42 minutes of pain
435 miles in 2010

:badmood:
This Saturday's race is 8 miles and has 2 big climbs.
Today, I hit the hills. I rode a punishing route today that was loaded with big long hills. I pushed myself hard today. It wasn't a fun ride at all. It was work. "Eye of the Tiger".

[Mercury]

Thursday - March 18 (65*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
25 miles
18 mph average
460 miles in 2010

The Silver Comet Trail is an abandoned railway that has been paved and is for runners and cyclists. It goes from the north side of Atlanta to the state line and 60 miles into Alabama. It's rolling terrain through the woods, tunnels under roads, bridges over roads & creeks, by a golf course, apartments, behind houses... just beautiful scenery. I get off at the airport at 3:30. It was union meeting nite and that ain't till 7:00. I took a bike with me, and hit the Comet between work & the meeting. I'm just getting home. Looooong day. Fun ride.

[unchained]

I love those trails. N00dles and I used to ride bicycles on one of the Rails to Trails back home. Wish we had one close by around here.

[Mercury]

Saturday - March 20 (50*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
8 miles
20.98 mph average
468 miles in 2010

Road Bike Class
2 riders - 2nd place

I got beat by 32 seconds. Closer, but not enough

My legs felt tired. It rained Wednesday... the day I wanted to ride. Riding 25 miles late Thursday afternoon was stupid. There was alot of hills today. I had a faster average & was closer, but I should have limited how far I rode Thursday.

[unchained]

Live and learn. Looks like a great average to me. :w00t: When's the next one?

[Mercury]

Sunday - March 21 (65*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
12 miles
12.9 mph average
480 miles in 2010

Warm, drizzling, rode with a friend just starting riding. He has a Trek 2.1 20 speed. I rode my single speed just to mess with him. It was a nice little Sunday drive. I have 3 weeks till my next race. It's a nasty 14 miles. It'll be fun the first 7, but then I'll have to turn around and climb the 4% grade hill.

[Mercury]

Tuesday - March 23 (65*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
25 miles
18.5 mph average
1 hour and 23 minutes
505 miles in 2010

There were 60 riders in tonights group. We all rode together for the first few miles. It was awesome.... 2 wide & 30 deep. After 5 or 6 miles, the A Group pulled away as we hit some really big hills. I went to the front of the B group and applied alot of pressure, leading and staying in the front 2 or 3 the rest of the ride. I pushed really hard up the hills, setting a hard pace. I had a great ride, and met my quartely quota in my quest to ride 2000 miles this year.

[BigSwede]

Awesome!

[unchained]

Tuesday - March 23 (65*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
25 miles
18.5 mph average
1 hour and 23 minutes
505 miles in 2010

There were 60 riders in tonights group. We all rode together for the first few miles. It was awesome.... 2 wide & 30 deep. After 5 or 6 miles, the A Group pulled away as we hit some really big hills. I went to the front of the B group and applied alot of pressure, leading and staying in the front 2 or 3 the rest of the ride. I pushed really hard up the hills, setting a hard pace. I had a great ride, and met my quartely quota in my quest to ride 2000 miles this year.

..and you've still got a week to go before the end of the quarter! Might as well get some extra miles in just in case your last quarter becomes lacking because of the holidays or weather. :whistling:

[Mercury]

Thursday - March 25 (low 60's)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
19.5 mph average
515 miles in 2010

Roads wet and steady drizzle. Felt strong.

[Mercury]

Saturday - March 27 (high 40's)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
28 miles
19.1 mph average
543 miles in 2010

Started at 8am with 6 riders. At 10 miles, 5 riders. At the 20 mile mark, there a 5 mile stretch that turns into a drag race of the survivors. With 2 miles to go, there was 3 of us left and I jumped out front to make a statement. They quickly bridged back & passed me. With 1 mile to go, the 2nd dude in line made a break and I went with him. It was all out... but at 30 mph I was pedaled out and ran out of gear. I finished 2nd, maybe 50 yards behind the leader, but I had a decent gap on the 3rd guy. Both of them had gears and were late 20's/early 30's. I had a strong ride and alot of fun. :outtahere:

[thrasher]

Checked out your Schwinn Madison online.

Its good to see that some manufacturers are making road bike frames with horizontal dropouts again. This hasn't been the case for quite a while (since the 80's that I'm aware of). Track frames aren't very comfortable to ride on the road for any distance,... and then you should retrofit at least a front brake.

My fixed gear road bike I built from a 1988 Olmo (old Italian steel). Built a back wheel for it using an old freewheel hub and clincher rim. Its not much to look at and weighs a lot, but is very comfortable. Also have a Colnago Dream track bike with Record components and a GT time trial aluminum track frame with Suntour components.

I haven't raced the track in years, but have been yearning to get back on and train regularly having read your workout thread here, Mercury. Consistency in training is what its all about.

Drop the hammer on them boys and keep the rubber side down!

[unchained]

Sounds like a great ride today, Bob! :woohoo:

[Mercury]

Sounds like you need to dust off a bike, Thrasher.

I've got brakes f/r on mine. It has a flip flop rear wheel. I ride on the freewheeling side. It's basically set up as a road bike. It's a steel frame and weighs 24 lbs. I use it as a training tool, but it's alot of fun to ride and it freaks people out when you can keep up or go faster than them with it. :outtahere:

The pink chain and water bottle cages really piss off a riding buddy that is extremely homophobic. :roflback:

I call her "Dolly". Dolly Madison! :woohoo:

28328

[unchained]

:roflback:

[Mercury]

Tuesday - March 30 (high 60's)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
30 miles
19.2 mph average - 1 hour & 34 minutes
573 miles in 2010

Man! They hit the hills today. We all left together and when they started hitting the hills, I stayed with the A group. At 13 miles, I was the 14th and last rider with the A's. At 16 miles, there was a turn and me & a buddy were about 10 seconds behind. We just couldn't bridge the gap and settled into our own pace. The B group never did catch us. I'm exhausted.

[unchained]

So that makes you an A- group? :DD

Sounds like you're getting stronger!

[Mercury]

Thursday - April 1 (80*)
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
18.7 mph average
583 miles in 2010

I didn't feel like riding today. I damn sure wasn't up for 30 miles of hell at the Thursday group ride. I made myself go do 10 miles.

[Mercury]

Saturday - April 3 (62*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
27 miles
17.5 mph average
610 miles in 2010

Sorta relaxed ride today. Had a couple of C riders in the group today, so we toned it down & let them stay onboard.

I won the 5 mile sprint today. I got to the front of the line with 1.5 miles to go. I escalated the pace to 32 mph & held it. A couple of riders dropped off. 2 stayed with me, but neither could make a pass.

[thrasher]

Have you been watching any of the spring classic bike races, Bob? Pretty motivating!

[unchained]

I won the 5 mile sprint today. I got to the front of the line with 1.5 miles to go. I escalated the pace to 32 mph & held it. A couple of riders dropped off. 2 stayed with me, but neither could make a pass.

You did it!! :woohoo:

[Mercury]

Monday - April 5 (89*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
20 miles
18.2 mph average
630 miles in 2010

[Hodawwg]

any video of your races?

[Mercury]

No. I do want to get a helmet video cam and film some rides.

[Mercury]

Wednesday - April 7 (80*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
25 miles
18.2 mph average
655 miles in 2010

Last 5 rides, every other day.
Gonna rest Thursday and Friday
Race Saturday

[unchained]

Good luck on Saturday!! You'll be rested and ready to kick a$$!!! :woohoo:

[Mercury]

Saturday - April 10 (high 40's)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
14 miles
20.3 mph average
669 miles in 2010

I had a good run going. At 13 & 1/2 miles, I ran over some gravel in the road from a driveway and it caused an immediate flat on the rear. :badmood:

I changed a tube in about 5 minutes and finished 3rd of 3 riders in my class.

[unchained]

Dang!! Sorry for the bad luck. :badmood:

[Mercury]

Sunday - April 11th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
19.3 mph average
679 miles in 2010

Tuesday - April 13th Group Ride in Macon
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
30 miles
21 mph average
709 miles in 2010

Thursday - April 15th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
19.3 mph average
719 miles in 2010

Saturday - April 17th Atlanta Trek Store Group Ride
Schwinn Madison - single speed
28 miles
18.2 mph average
747 miles in 2010

[RoadWolf]

You're ahead of the pace for your annual goal! Keep it up Bob!

[unchained]

Nice mileage today on the single speed. :woohoo:

[Mercury]

Sunday 18th
Scott Reflex mountain bike
2 miles

Tuesday 21st
Schwinn Madison single speed
10 miles, 18.7 mph average

Thursday 23rd
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
20 miles, 18.1 mph average

779 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Sunday - April 25th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
30 miles
16.4 mph average
809 miles in 2010

Low average. Rode with a dude that wanted to ride with me, but bitched, pissed, moaned & cried the whole ride. It's windy... blah blah blah. I waited on him the whole ride. I'll know better next time.

[unchained]

Sunday - April 25th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
30 miles
16.4 mph average
809 miles in 2010

Low average. Rode with a dude that wanted to ride with me, but bitched, pissed, moaned & cried the whole ride. It's windy... blah blah blah. I waited on him the whole ride. I'll know better next time.

Don't you hate when that happens?? That's why I was always relunctant to work out with anyone. It's difficult to find a well-matched partner.

[RoadWolf]

Sunday - April 25th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
30 miles
16.4 mph average
809 miles in 2010

Low average. Rode with a dude that wanted to ride with me, but bitched, pissed, moaned & cried the whole ride. It's windy... blah blah blah. I waited on him the whole ride. I'll know better next time.

:roflback::roflback::roflback:

Bob, you'll never fully realize how much frustration I saved you the day I didn't take you up on your invitation to ride!!!

[Mercury]

Yeah, but this guy was on a 20 speed Trek 2.1 and I was blistering his ass up the big hills on a single speed and his response was blaming it on the strong winds we were riding into. I guess the winds just went around me :huh:

I still got 30 miles in...

[Mercury]

Tuesday - April 27th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
19.2 mph average
819 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Since you warned me about slacking, and I have a race this Saturday... I figured I'd better get off my ass & test the motor on my bicycle to see how all these mods to it since December are working.

I rode the same 10 mile course at the house that I ride often during the week. I usually do 17 to 19 mph on this route. Stretches... quick warm up ride... stop at beginning and reset the computer. 10 miles at *supposedly* race speed.

Monday - March 8 (70*)
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
10.05 miles
20.3 mph average
29 minutes and 34 seconds BOOYAH!!!!!!!!
403 miles in 2010

The motor felt strong. The last mile my heart rate stayed over 170 bpm. That's a mile every 2 minutes & 57 seconds!

That said, enjoy your "vacation" from the gym. :Poke:

That was the first time I ever broke the 20 mph threshold on that course in the 5 years that I have been riding. I ride it several times a week when I get home from work.

I've been knockin on the door with consistant 19's on my single speed. I left the house today with one thing on my mind... and I kicked the damn door in. (and I'm exhausted)

Wednesday, April 28th
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
10.09 miles
20.1 mph average
29 minutes and 57 seconds
829 miles in 2010 (162 miles ahead of schedule)

[unchained]

:w00t: Congratulations, Bob!!

[Mercury]

Yesterdays race was a disaster. I'm carrying too much weight and it bit me in the ass. I should be at 220 lbs and I'm at 245. I raced against alot of college team guys in their early 20's that weighed 160 lbs. I'm dragging an extra 85 lbs and I'm 48 years old. I know the solution and I'm focused. Some of these guys should have been in Cat 4 or Cat 3, not entry level Cat 5 where I race. I'm over that.

I stayed with the pack for the first 3 laps. My average was 24 mph and my heart rate was over 180 (105% of my max heart rate). It was a 35 minute race and I couldn't sustain that pace. I averaged 19.1 mph for the race. There was 19 riders and I finished somewhere around 15th. I didn't go check final results. I was ready to go, and they weren't gonna be posted for 30 minutes.

Here's a link to video that aired on channel 13 news. It lasts about 90 seconds. I'm in there 2 times. I'm riding with a striped referee's jersey. My mom was there, and that made it easy for her to follow me, although she coulda just looked towards the back. :doh:
http://www.13wmaz.com/video/default.aspx?aid=75773&storyid=78489#/Cycling+Classic+Draws+Hundreds+to+Macon/82422837001

Here's me on the starting line. Damn, those other guys look young and slim! Holy shit... look at the calves on that dude with the striped jersey!
29201

[Redleg]

Sounds like they were letting the younger guys in to fill out the field and get their $$$. At least you got out there. Keep on keepin' us posted, my friend!

[RoadWolf]

On my coffee mug at work for the last several years:

"Old age and treachery always overcomes youth and skill."

Keep after 'em Bob.

[Mercury]

I just saw results. 14th out of 19
3 didn't finish (crashes)
I lived through it.

[unchained]

You're still doing great, Bob! At least you recognize that it was not your skill, but an uneven playing field by pitting you against competitors half your age, that put you at a disadvantage. But you finished, and I'd say a 19.1 mph average for 35 minutes is damn good! Don't get discouraged!

[Mercury]

Broke 20 mph average

Tuesday, May 4th
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
10.05 miles
20.1 mph average
29 minutes and 58 seconds
856 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Thursday, May 6th
Trek 1500 - 20 Speed
10 miles
18.5 mph average
866 miles in 2010

cruisin...

[Mercury]

Saturday, May 8th
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
26 miles
19.1 mph average
892 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Sunday, May 9th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
Trek Pilot 1.2 WSD - 18 speed (Puddin's)
4 miles
8.8 mph average
896 miles in 2010

Oh yea... we was burnin it up

[unchained]

:laugh: I'm sure she loved riding with you though just to spend the time with you.


Do you realize that you've ridden almost 1,000 miles this year already?!? :blink:

[RoadWolf]

Sunday, May 9th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
Trek Pilot 1.2 WSD - 18 speed (Puddin's)
4 miles
8.8 mph average
896 miles in 2010

Oh yea... we was burnin it up

still faster and farther than it would have been when you asked me to ride with you... :whistling:

[Mercury]

Tuesday - May 11th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
9 miles
18.4 mph average
905 miles in 2010

forced myself to ride. not motivated

[Mercury]

Wednesday - May 12th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
30 miles
16.7 mph average
935 miles in 2010

Rode with a friend that was alot slower, keeping average down. Did get in 30 miles, though. Closing in on 1,000 miles a month early.

[unchained]

30 miles is awesome on the single-speed! :woohoo:

[Mercury]

Saturday - May 15th
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
12 miles
19.9 mph average
947 miles in 2010

Road Bike class
4 riders, 4th place
just didn't have it today, but had fun

29588

29589

29590

[Git Real]

Great job Bob! But if 'n' when we get to ride with you sometime......I really, really, really want to ride one that you don't have to pedal.

[Redleg]

Havin fun's what matters and great job throwin' the 43 sign!!!

[RoadWolf]

I want one of those aerodynamic helmets for the Road Glide! :D

Even on your slow days -- you'd dust me in the first mile.

[Mercury]

Just as I was pre-ride stretching, I hear rain hitting the driveway. I was 2 minutes from riding. Dumped the ipod and cell, changed into my old shoes, and left out in a steady rain. It never let up while I was riding.
I never noticed it. Inner peace conquers all.

Sunday - May 16th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
19.8 mph average
957 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Havin fun's what matters and great job throwin' the 43 sign!!!

That's because I am Doof.

[Mercury]

Son called this afternoon. Wanna ride? Wow. He doesn't ride bikes much.
It was fun. Have ridden 3 days in a row. Was supposed to be an off day.

Monday - May 17th
Schwinn Madison - single speed
Trek 1200 - 18 speed (Jr's)
10 miles
16.4 mph average
967 miles in 2010

[Redleg]

Spinning wheels, got to go round...

[Mercury]

I gotta get a job!

Tuesday - May 18th
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
10 miles
19.8 mph average
977 miles in 2010

[unchained]

I kinda like the job you have now. I'm jealous! :laugh:

[Mercury]

I'm wearin myself down. A couple of miles into the ride, Jr tells me that he's gonna cut it short and just do 8 miles. We was averaging about 15 mph. I told him that I was gonna do the whole 10... I'll catch back up to you on the ride back... and pulled away. :outtahere:I ran him down about a 1/2 mile from home. He called me something that wasn't nice as I passed him. :doh:

I'll break the 1,000 mile mark 5 weeks early, probably Friday. :woohoo:
I'll let the motor rest tomorrow. maybe...

Wedsday - May 19th
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
Trek 1200 - 18 speed (Jr's)
10 miles
18.7 mph average
987 miles in 2010

[Git Real]

Stop it.... you're making the rest of us look bad. :roflback:

[Mercury]

Test rode a real Time Trial bike this morning. My back said "wtf are you thinkin?" It was really fast, but I can't stay down in that position. Once you get going, you put your elbows on the pads directly over the handlebars and hold the aero bars. Shifters are on the bar ends, brakes are on the upright position grips. Basically no brakes when you're tucked into the aero position. Your legs are at a right angle to your back, and I can't stay leaned over that damn far. I was haulin ass, though. It was brand new & didn't have a computer yet. But, I was haulin ass! It was sorta creepy, like I was diving over the front end.

Thursday - May 20th
Schwinn Prolouge TT - 20 speed
3 miles
no recorded speed
990 miles in 2010

29776

[unchained]

Is that your new bike??

[Mercury]

It's not my new bike, but I was trying it out. My friend bought it yesterday and loaned it to me this morning. (He's a Schwinn dealer... he was fishin... gave me the bait & was giving me some line to see if I would hook myself). Just couldn't lean over that far. I did buy my single speed from him. Just got my single speed back. Had the handlebars wrapped with some new grip tape. I can't wait for my homophobic friend to see it when we ride in the morning. :roflback:

It already hurts his feelings that I can smoke his ass on it. We're doing the Silver Comet in the morning.

29777

[RoadWolf]

Just got my single speed back. Had the handlebars wrapped with some new grip tape. I can't wait for my homophobic friend to see it when we ride in the morning. :roflback:

It already hurts his feelings that I can smoke his ass on it. We're doing the Silver Comet in the morning.

29777

Matches the water bottle holder.
At least it's not as bad as a purple Harley. :whistling:

(Not many people venture into the gym, so Y2kmybikeisgay probably won't see this...)

[ms_tapestry]

It's not my new bike, but I was trying it out. My friend bought it yesterday and loaned it to me this morning. (He's a Schwinn dealer... he was fishin... gave me the bait & was giving me some line to see if I would hook myself). Just couldn't lean over that far. I did buy my single speed from him. Just got my single speed back. Had the handlebars wrapped with some new grip tape. I can't wait for my homophobic friend to see it when we ride in the morning. :roflback:

It already hurts his feelings that I can smoke his ass on it. We're doing the Silver Comet in the morning.

29777

My son just bought a Surly with a 60cm frame. . .that's about all I know about it. . .except it isn't pink. :Tonya:

[unchained]

Matches the water bottle holder.


... and the chain!

[RoadWolf]

... and the chain!


:roflback::roflback:

Good eye!

[Mercury]

Speeds a little low. Had a couple of slugs at the back of the pack.

Saturday - May 22nd
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
28 miles
17.4 mph average
1,018 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Sunday - May 23
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
12 miles
18.7 mph average
1,030 miles in 2010

Ipod rockin... I was a million miles away...

[Mercury]

Monday - May 24
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
19.5 mph average
1040 miles in 2010

Working on July's miles. 205 miles ahead of schedule

[Mercury]

Didn't feel like riding after working 10 hours outside
Made myself suffer

Thursday - May 27
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
17.5 mph average
1050 miles in 2010

[unchained]

Not even 5 months into the year and you're already over half way to your goal! :w00t:

[Redleg]

Ride on Bob. Know how you feel about not wanting to do it, but we keep going on!

[Mercury]

Elevated pace this morning. Was wondering for a while if riding the single speed was a mistake. Won the sprint out at the end of the 5 mile blow out at the end. Max speed was 32.5 mph. I was peddling my ass off!

Saturday - May 29
Schwinn Madison - single speed
28 miles
19.5 mph average
1078 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Rode with a friend today on a real hilly course and he really pushed me to the limits. Of course, like a dumbass, I showed up with my single speed.

Monday - May 31
Schwinn Madison - single speed
18 miles
19.2 mph average
1096 miles in 2010
-835 miles by May 31 to be on schedule for 2,000 miles
*261 miles ahead!

[Mercury]

Tuesday - June 1
Schwinn Madison - single speed
7 miles
18.5 mph average
1,103 miles in 2010

[Jackwagon]

We saw a bunch of bicycles down on the cherohola skyway in Tenessee when we were down there. That is one hilly and curvy road. Those guys (and I'm guessing you) are nuts. It looked exhausting.

[Mercury]

10 hour work day... felt like shit... rode like it too
not motivated

Thursday - June 3
Schwinn Madison - single speed
7 miles
18.3 mph average
1,110 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Installed a new Fizik: seat on the Trek, and moved the exact same seat (slightly used, from the Trek) to the Schwinn <---- needed a new seat.

Using a 4' level and plumbing up from centerline of the crank, and then measuring to nose of seat, I cheated both seats forward a 1/2" for a more forward position and "supposedly" a better angle of thrust to the pedals. Also installed 20mm shorter stems on both to bring the handlebars back to me slightly. (The stem connects the top of the forks to the handlebars) This let me bend my elbows slightly instead of them being straight out and locked.

Project took about 3 hours. We got rained out at 1pm, so I been piddlin. Just got back from a 5 mile sprint. Felt good. New seat sux. It takes a couple of hours to break in.

Yes, I am obsessed with details & trickness.
No, I'm never satisfied (ask Puddin) I don't tell her 1/2 tha shit I buy.

Friday - June 4
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
5 miles
19.2 mph average
1,115 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Sunday - June 6
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
22 miles
18.2 mph average
1,137 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Tuesday - June 8
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
10 miles
19.3 mph average
1,147 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

I was dying the last 2 miles. Had a 20 mph average and working my ass off the stay over 20 the last 6 minutes. The last 3/4 mile to the house is uphill.

10 miles in 29 minutes and 34 seconds.

Thursday - June 10
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
10 miles
20.3 mph average
1,157 miles in 2010

[unchained]

It was stuffy here today. Hard to breathe in that kind of weather. I can't imagine riding a bike in it.

[Mercury]

Sunday - June 13
Schwinn Madison - single speed
15 miles
17.9 mph average
1,172 miles in 2010

July miles complete. About 6 weeks ahead of schedule.

Interestingly, I rode down US 41 for a few miles on my ride, which was appropriate for how hot it was and I was riding a bicycle

[Jackwagon]

You get more miles on your bike then you do on your motorcycle, don't you?

[Mercury]

After working 10 hours outside, I showed total 41ism by heading for the Tuesday night group ride when I got off. They were doing a 35 mile route, with an optional turn at the 15 mile mark that shortens the route to 20 miles. There were over 60 riders. The A group left out as about 40 riders, and set a blistering pace as they hit roller coaster hills that just drained me of anything I had left after work. I stayed with the A group for 10 miles. I had nothing left. As we made a right turn... I eased up and let them go. We were averaging 21+ mph at that point. I rode by myself for a mile or so till 3 riders that got dropped earlier caught me, and I fell in line with them as 4. We caught 1 more, then 2 guys... to set our group at 7. We rode back in together... finishing at 20 miles with a 20.3 mph average.

Tuesday - June 15
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
20 miles
20.3 mph average
1,192 miles in 2010

[RoadWolf]

After working 10 hours outside, I showed total 41ism by heading for the Tuesday night group ride when I got off. They were doing a 35 mile route, with an optional turn at the 15 mile mark that shortens the route to 20 miles. There were over 60 riders. The A group left out as about 40 riders, and set a blistering pace as they hit roller coaster hills that just drained me of anything I had left after work. I stayed with the A group for 10 miles. I had nothing left. As we made a right turn... I eased up and let them go. We were averaging 21+ mph at that point. I rode by myself for a mile or so till 3 riders that got dropped earlier caught me, and I fell in line with them as 4. We caught 1 more, then 2 guys... to set our group at 7. We rode back in together... finishing at 20 miles with a 20.3 mph average.

Tuesday - June 15
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
20 miles
20.3 mph average
1,192 miles in 2010

I dont' know if you're crazy, or a true ironman!

Well, actually I do know -- it's two separate questions...

...and the answer is YES.

[unchained]

Sunday - June 13
Schwinn Madison - single speed
15 miles
17.9 mph average
1,172 miles in 2010

July miles complete. About 6 weeks ahead of schedule.

Interestingly, I rode down US 41 for a few miles on my ride, which was appropriate for how hot it was and I was riding a bicycle

You'll be able to take the whole month of December off. :DD

[Mercury]

Hit the Thursday night group ride. About 40 left out as the fast group. I stayed in the first 3 rows... 2 or 3 wide. At 9.5 miles, I took the lead up a hill (had no choice but to pedal) and stayed on the front row to mile 11. At the stop sign, a few of us turned & took the shorter route. The A group was doing 40 miles, and I was toast at 11 miles. I was averaging 20.1 mph when I backed it down. I was riding my Single Speed tonight.

Thursday - June 17
Schwinn Madison - single speed
27 miles
18.2 mph average
1,219 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Headed out for a grueling 20 mile ride in the heat & sun at 4pm. Rode a hilly course that pushed me hard. Didn't wear my heart rate monitor because I really didn't want to see the numbers soaring as I climbed some tough hills.

:blink: <---- what I looked like after the ride

Sunday - June 20
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
20 miles
17.5 mph average
1,239 miles in 2010

[unchained]

Meanwhile, I'm sitting here sweating just sitting still. :blink:

You're killing me! Keep up the good work!

[Mercury]

Hours worked in the sun: 10
Temperature: H.M.F

We left out as a group of about 50. I made it to the 10 mile point where the A group gets away from me. At 11 miles, there was a split in the group and I went with the front 25. They accelerated up a hill and I could not match their pace. Not that I didn't try. Then, the B group eases by me... still climbing... and I burned so much energy trying to stay with the A's, that the B's slipped right by and I couldn't do anything about it. I rode solo the rest of the ride.

Tuesday - June 22
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
19 miles
19.7 mph average
1,258 miles in 2010
currently on pace for 2,500 miles

[Mercury]

Thursday - June 24
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
17.1 mph average
1,268 miles in 2010

hot, didn't feel good.

[Mercury]

Thursday - June 24
Schwinn Madison - single speed
10 miles
17.1 mph average
1,268 miles in 2010

hot, didn't feel good.

Continuing the didn't feel good statement... I was hammered on that ride. Heart rate soared to 185 bpm and I felt like I was gonna puke and pass out. Stayed there a couple of miles as I limped back home. Felt like shit. Went to bed early. Got up feeling like I'd run into a brick wall, body aching and had a bad headache. Was at the Dr's office when he opened. Suffering from dehydration. Loaded up on fluids. Went to work Saturday feeling a little better. Got up Sunday feeling puny. Sunday afternoon, I started feeling strange and vision blurring... trip to the emergency room. Still dehydrated... was given fluids through an IV and went home later. Stayed off my bike a week. Have backed it down severely. It's been in the high 90's every day for the last 6 weeks. I've been working 6-10's for the past 10 weeks and I work outside. It's basically kicking my ass right now. My distances are way down & I'm choosy about when I ride. It's either early on Sunday, or almost dark on any other days. I've been draggin ass for the last month. Forecast calls for 99* through Sunday. Geeeeesh.

7/1 Schwinn - 7 miles, 18.5 mph average

7/5 Trek - 10 miles, 18.9 mph average

7/7 Trek - 8 miles, 19.0 mph average

7/11 Trek - 10 miles, 19.0 mph average

7/13 Trek - 7 miles, 18.3 mph average

7/18 Trek - 14 miles, 18.4 mph average

7/20 Trek - 6 miles, 18.1 mph average

7/25 Trek - 6 miles, 18.0 mph average

1336 miles in 2010
still on schedule... August miles already ridden

[unchained]

I wondered what had happened to you, Bob! Dehydration can be very serious. Glad you figured out what was wrong and you're taking it easier now. :Tonya:

Still ahead of schedule. :w00t:

[Mercury]

Sunday August 8th 7:30 am 73*
Schwinn single speed
7 miles (B.F.D.) 18.2 mph average (legs felt like rubber)
1343 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Sunday August 15th
Schwinn single speed
10 miles 18.1 mph average
1353 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

OH! The humidity!!!!!

Tuesday August 17th
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
6.5 miles 16.2 mph average
1359.5 miles in 2010

[unchained]

Thanks for keeping this forum going, Bob! :thumbsup:

[Redleg]

Keep it up & stay hydrated!

[Mercury]

Hot & Humid as Hell, still at 7:30 with cloud cover and thundering

Picked up the pace a little up the hills...

Wednesday August 18th
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
6.5 miles 17.7 mph average
1366 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

3 days in a row... tired legs
gonna rest till Sunday maybe

Thursday August 19th
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
6.5 miles 16.5 mph average
1372.5 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

I have let my buddy talk me into doing the 22nd annual 3 Gap/6 Gap race next month.

6 Gap is a 100 mile course through the mountains of north Georgia. It's a stage in the Tour de Georgia bicycle race.

3 Gap is 58 miles. It's still insanity. I registered today. It's a race... but to many it's just a social event and group ride. There will be hundreds of riders. My goal? Survival. Have fun and finish.

I made drivetrain changes today. Changed to a compact crank and matching rear cassette. Standard cranks are doubles... 53/39 tooth chainrings with 12 to 25 tooth rear cassettes. Climbing combo is the 39 up front and the 25 in the rear. Every turn of the crank turns the rear wheel over 1 time + 14 more teeth. I've been running a 12 to 27 rear... for 1 wheel turn + 12 more teeth. More climbing power by not turning the wheel over as much for each revolution of the crank.

The compact crank is a 50/34 mated to a 11 to 28 tooth rear. In the 34 front / 28 rear combo... it's 1 wheel turn + only 6 more teeth... less wheel travel per crank revolution for even more climbing power.

The compact crank also produces more top speed. The 53 & 12 turns the wheel over 4 times + 5 teeth for every turn of the crank. The compact 50 & 11 combo goes 4 wheel revolutions + 6 teeth. Doesn't sound like much, but I ride spinning the crank at 80+ rpm's... so that's 80 extra teeth per minute... and an 11 tooth rear would turn the rear wheel over an extra 7 & 1/2 times per minute with the new set-up.

Here's the elevation map for the 3 Gap race. I know... Dumbass
32795

[RoadWolf]

I think I could probably manage that from about the 42.5 mile mark on...

Maybe.

Good luck Bob!

[Hodawwg]

huh

[Mercury]

Been back on the bike for 10 days, but haven't ridden with other people for a couple of months. Went out in a group of 4 today and was struggling to stay with them. Groups always push harder than an individual. They told me to pick a route, so I picked one with alot of big hills. My bad! My new gearing worked great... the legs just weren't there.

Sunday August 22
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
18 miles - 16.8 mph average
1390.5 miles in 2010

[Ken R]

Good for you, Mercury.

I haven't read all the replies in the thread yet, it's a long thread.

I bicycle, too; have been since 1984. I'm a CAT-3 racer. Hold a few state championship medals. My mileage is down this year, from 8,300 last year to only 3,800 so far this year. It's just too hot and I'm too old to ride like I used to. But did 130 miles just this past week.

Ken

[Mercury]

Cat 3... impressive! I'm Cat 5. I work too many shutdowns and overtime jobs to ride as much as I'd like to. I have fun, though.

[Mercury]

Just rode... nowhere in particular or set pace

Tuesday August 24
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
10 miles - 17.2 mph average
1400.5 miles in 2010

[Redleg]

Ride on, Bob!

[Mercury]

Almost waited too late. It's getting dark a little earlier

Thursday August 26
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
12 miles - 18.2 mph average
1412.5 miles in 2010

[unchained]

Are you still on target for your 2010 goal? I know you were way ahead of schedule for a while.

[Redleg]

Almost waited too late. It's getting dark a little earlier

Thursday August 26
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
12 miles - 18.2 mph average
1412.5 miles in 2010

Starting to deal with that with my weekday runs up here. At least when I've been in Atlanta on the weekends there's a bit more daylight.

[Mercury]

I am working on September's scheduled miles right now. Yes, I'm slightly ahead!

[Mercury]

Sunday August 29
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
26.5 miles - 18.4 mph average
1439 miles in 2010

September 30 milage target = 1500 miles

[Mercury]

Thursday Sept 2
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
6 miles - 16.1 mph average
1445 miles in 2010

Noteworthy: odometer on single speed rolled past 1500 miles

[Mercury]

Saturday Sept 4
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
8 miles - 17.4 mph average
1453 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Monday Sept 6
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
10 miles - 18.5 mph average
1463 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Wednesday Sept 8
Trek 1500 - 20 speed
13.5 miles - 17.7 mph average
1476.5 miles in 2010

[unchained]

You're doing great, Bob! :thumbsup:

[Mercury]

Me & Puddin went to the Silver Comet today. It was sunny & low 80's. There were 100's of people biking, roller blading, & running. We had a great time.

Sunday Sept 12
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
10 miles - 9.6 mph average
1486.5 miles in 2010


Puddin
33849

Mercury
33850

[unchained]

Hey, Bob, do you know what a fair asking price would be for a 2000 18" Diamondback Wildwood DX and a 2002 17" Giant Sedona DX? Ridden maybe a half dozen times each and then stored for 8 years. I'm thinking about listing them on Craigslist.

[Mercury]

Not sure what they cost new, but you can get a low end mountain bike at a bike shop for 350 to 400 bucks. Look on craigs list & see what others are going for & price accordingly.

[unchained]

I tried looking there yesterday, but bikes were ranging anywhere from $75 - $1,800. :blink: I was thinking maybe $100-$150 for each. I'm sure they both need new tires, since they've sat for 8 years, and have no idea what tires would cost. I may just stop by the local bicycle shop and get their thoughts. :cheers:

[dzlfitr]

:nothing1:

[Mercury]

Tuesday Sept 14
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
7 miles - 18.7 mph average
1493.5 miles in 2010

[Hodawwg]

Hey, Bob, do you know what a fair asking price would be for a 2000 18" Diamondback Wildwood DX and a 2002 17" Giant Sedona DX? Ridden maybe a half dozen times each and then stored for 8 years. I'm thinking about listing them on Craigslist.

send me a pic of the Sedona DX

[Hodawwg]

i'll give you 100 for it.

[unchained]

send me a pic of the Sedona DX

Ok. I'll snap one tomorrow when there is some light in the shed. :cheers:

[Hodawwg]

I just noticed it is a 17 inch bike. Kevin is going to see if his wife wants it.

[unchained]

Works for me. Someone will take it at that price.

[unchained]

Back to Mercury's training log...

:sofa:

:outtahere:

[Mercury]

Thursday Sept 16
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
3 miles - 9.5 mph average
1496.5 miles in 2010

[RoadWolf]

Remind me what your annual mileage goal is Mercury??

[Mercury]

Friday Sept 17
Trek 1500 - 20 Speed
12 miles - 18.2 mph average
1508.5 miles in 2010

2000 miles is the goal
Should be at 1500 by Sept 30 (Done!)

[Mercury]

Monday Sept 20
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
6.5 miles - 18.2 mph average
1515 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Warm up ride, short & sweet. Sunday... 58 miles of hell in the mountains of North Georgia with 1,000 other riders. Worst one is 7 mile climb up a 7% grade. Will rest till then.

Wednesday Sept 22
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
5 miles - 18 mph average
1520 miles in 2010

[Redleg]

Ride on Bob. Looking forward to hearing the gory details...

[unchained]

Warm up ride, short & sweet. Sunday... 58 miles of hell in the mountains of North Georgia with 1,000 other riders. Worst one is 7 mile climb up a 7% grade. Will rest till then.



:blink: Your thighs are gonna be screaming for mercy!

[Mercury]

Packed all my stuff. Bike clean, waxed, lubed, and far more capable than I am. Gonna run errands in the A.M. & we're heading out early tomorrow afternoon. I'm actually nervous about leaving out with 1,000 riders. My longest ride has been 40 miles, so 58 will be pushing the limits. There's a couple of hills along the way...

[unchained]

Good luck!! :w00t:

[Mercury]

Sadly, we opted to stay home yesterday & watched the forecast all day. Called for 70% chance of thunderstorms for today, but we didn't see where it was coming from. Radar showed clear all day. We was going to get up at 4am & make the call & meet at 5 if favorable.
:badmood: It's raining. Radar shows green everywhere w/ yellow and red cells & more heading that way behind those. I'm going back to bed.

[Mercury]

Tuesday Sept 28
Trek 1500 - 20 Speed
12 miles - 17.5 mph average
1532 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Monday - Oct 4
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
10 miles - 18.2 mph average
1542 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Friday - Oct 8
Trek 1500 - 20 Speed
10 miles - 18.9 mph average
1552 miles in 2010

Working 7-10's right now. Hard to get much riding in.

Was mid 50's this morning. Rode tha Softail to work. Mid 80's for the ride home. High 70's when I hit the streets on my bicycle. Not a cloud in the sky. Dooftastic!

[Mercury]

Monday - Oct 11
Schwinn Madison - Single Speed
10 miles - 18.5 mph average
1562 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Wednesday - Oct 13
Trek 1500 - 20 Speed
10 miles - 18.7 mph average
1572 miles in 2010

Thursday - Oct 14
Trek 1500 - 20 Speed
8 miles - 18.2 mph average
1580 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Saturday - Oct 16
Trek 1500 - 20 Speed
10 miles - 18.3 mph average
1590 miles in 2010

[Mercury]

Monday - Oct 18
Trek 1500 - 20 Speed
10 miles - 19.1 mph average
1600 miles in 2010

[unchained]

Yay!! Still on track?

[Mercury]

OK, I suck and I stunk up the last 2 months of 2010.

11/7 10 miles, 17.8 avg
11/9 7 miles, 18.5 avg
11/11 12 miles, 18.3 avg
11/16 20 miles, 16.9 avg
11/18 17 miles, 18.0 avg
11/23 20 miles, 18.4 avg

12/4 21 miles, 14.5 avg
12/5 10 miles, 17.1 avg 1,717 miles in 2010

12/6 I broke my toe. It was a bad break of the toe next to my littlest toe.

12/31 I am 8 miles short of at least matching last years total of 1,725 miles. It hurt to put a cycling shoe on my foot. I haven't been on a bike in 25 days. I rode 34 miles today with a 17.5 mph average.

2009 - 1,725 miles
2010 - 1,751 miles

I had a good year.

[Jackwagon]

Excellent Job Merc! Hope that toe gets to feeling better.

[RoadWolf]

Good work Bob! Hope all is well on your end.

[unchained]

2010 didn't turn out quite the way you planned, but you still had a great year. Those numbers are nothing to be ashamed of!! :woohoo: