Archive for May, 2009
First 100+km Ride
Despite overindulgence last night, I woke up at my regular Saturday time of 5:30am and got on the bike by 6:50am. Rode out on my Lewisville-to-Grapevine course (2 circuits) and chocked up 65.3 miles (105km). It was a terrible ride for the last half. My stomach did not agree with the snacks I took along and I had a bellyache for the last 30+ miles. Oh yeah, and I bonked at about 45 miles. Sucked.
I did see some interesting wildlife on the ride. A garter snake, a couple of beautiful bluebirds (quite uncommon around here), a roadrunner (I won that race!) and of course, lot of cows.
- 105k (65.3 mi)
- 3 hr 22 min
- 31kph average (19.5mph)
- 93 ave. Cadence
- 53kph max speed (33mph)
- 3000 calories burned
I Suck at Intervals
I’ve decided to work more structured interval workouts into my rides. Today was the first day in a while that I did that. And I suck at it. I dunno what happened to my high-intensity endurance, but it has fled me. I guess that long leisurely rides @18 to 24mph just don’t do the trick. Pride goeth before a fall and I fell. I suck. Time to work hard.
- 49k (30.5 mi)
- 1 hr 35 min
- 31kph average (19.5mph)
- 92 ave. Cadence
- 65kph max speed (40mph)
- Sprint Intervals – yuck
Lance’s Pre-race Vid with Jens Voight
Posted by Andy in News, Pro Cycling on May 26th, 2009
Lance continues his pre-race video series from the Giro with The Man, Jens Voight. Interesting to get Jens’ take on Team Cervelo’s tactics on stage 15. But anyway, Lance, Levi, and Jens: ’nuff said.
Lance, Levi and Jens — powered by http://www.livestrong.com
Easy Sunday
I had an easy 1.5hr ride this morning in the wind. Didn’t take it too easy and had to fight the wind, but it was not much of a workout. Looked like a storm was blowing in and the humidity was killer. I was totally soaked when I got home. I think I wore the wrong jersey for a humid ride. Yuck.
- 43k (26.7 mi)
- 1 hrs 23 min
- 32 kph average (19.3 mph)
- 92 ave. Cadence
- 52 kph max speed (32.2 mph)
Nice Long Ride
Had a nice 61-miler today (@ just under 19mph average). I went exploring and found a new course today. Really pretty diving, twisting, turning hills behind the lake. I look forward to more rides out there.
- 98k (61 mi)
- 3 hrs 12 min
- 30.44kph average (18.94mph)
- 92 ave. Cadence
- 59.7kph max speed (37mph)
- fun
Armstrong Sparks Media Boycott of Twitter
Posted by Andy in News, Pro Cycling on May 23rd, 2009
Found this gem today:
“FLORENCE, Italy (AFP) – Lance Armstrong’s refusal to speak directly to the press at the Tour of Italy has sparked a boycott by some sections of the Italian and anglophone media of the American’s online messages…“
Lance’s response? “Good luck with that, and welcome to 2009.” Brilliant.
Taylor Phinney Fleche du Sud Prologue
Posted by Andy in Pro Cycling, Racing on May 21st, 2009
Taylor Phinney totally killed this 4k prologue course for the Fleche du Sud on his way to victory for the Trek/Livestrong team. An no wonder, his coach was yelling at him almost constantly for the entire 4k. Early on in the course you can hear the guys in the chase car talking about how Taylor’s already 10 seconds faster than any previous rider. Awesome.
This guy is definitely a major talent, a sure champion in the future of grand racing, and a great addition to the Trek/Livestrong team.
Hilly Humpday
Had a nice 2-hour ride today out on my usual course (2 hrs, for 63.3k (39.25 mi) @ 30.6kph (19mph)). For some reason I was fatigued for the last 30 mins. It’s likely that I need more interval work rather than just cruising along. Will address that next week for sure.
My farmer’s tan is coming along just fine. Oh, yeah.
Easy Ride on Rollers
Posted by Andy in Bike Stuff, Training on May 20th, 2009
Just had a very enjoyable ride in beautiful weather out on my usual course (1.5 hrs. for 30.5 mi @ 19.5mph ave.). I wish all days could be like this …mmm except for the breeze in my face for 1/2 of it. C’est la vie. I met another cyclist on a really nice Kuota Iron Man bike at a stoplight. He was preparing for an Iron Man in Switzerland in a couple weeks. Awesome.
Gearing today was much smoother after some slight tweaks and a good washdown on Sunday. I’m really diggin the CAAD9 these days.
Giro Images of Astana + Live Action
Posted by Andy in Pro Cycling, Racing on May 20th, 2009
Speaking of Astana, here’s a huge photo gallery featuring Astana’s Giro team. Great stuff!
By the way, you can catch the entire Giro (sometimes with commentary) at Universal Sports. They’re a lifesaver since Versus decided not to televise the race. Unbelievable.