Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/4614320
After Sunday's ride and last night's rain, I suppose it's understandable that only 7 of us made it out today. I wanted to try out new hoops with a Power Tap, so I came out wanting to stay in the back and break it all in. I didn't realize, however, that the guys who did come out would snap me off so quickly. Vin, Seon, Mitchell, Jaffe and Hiroshi began pulling away once we got on E. Peltason and Eric would join them on Culver where I was STILL working to try and latch on.
Once making the right on Turtle Rock, I was finally able to latch onto the group. However, after all that chasing, I opted to sit in back for a while to recover while the others rotated up front. Seon and Hiroshi were leading the pack 2/3 of the way up when I decided to help out. We kept a nice steady pace all the way up to the end and to start the climb up Shady.
After the first bridge where it pitches up, I decided to turn it up a notch and sprinted up the hill from the front to see if anyone/everyone would come with. No one responded, so I decided to make it interesting and break away at this point. I was able to stay away through the 405 bike trail but was caught by the group at the light on Ridgeline.
On Ridgeline, Vin and Hiroshi led the pack and I sat in to recover for a bit thinking about another breakaway. Hiroshi and Vin had a good pace though, so when I did jump to the front, it was just enough to stay up front to the top where everyone latched on behind me.
As we made our way to Shady, it was either Mitchell and/or Hiroshi who led most of the way up but Vin got up front and started to separate a little just before we hit the crest. I was able to reel him in eventually after some time and made my way past to pull everyone down to the bike trail. I was waiting to see if anyone wanted to sprint at this point, but....
As we went up Turtle Ridge and eventually up Summit, I was pacing Hiroshi up the hill to his left with Vin just behind both of us (Mitchell was probably behind all of us too but I didn't look), where we were holding a solid speed going up. As it flattened out just before the gate, I opted for another breakaway here and gapped them both enough just before the gate. I was able to increase the gap on the downhill and ultimately breakaway at one of the lights that held the others back.
Since the guys never caught me, I ended up doing the condo solo. No records broken today, but still a good day's worth of training. Thanks to those who made it out today.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Climb to Crystal Lake Cafe and East Fork
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/4550027
Steve, Shannon, Galen and I started out just after 7 a.m. donning full arm/leg warmers, full gloves and a base layer since it was a bit chilly when we started. It never really warmed up too much where the Garmin reported an average 58 degrees for the ride. Even after getting back to the high school where we started, I eventually jumped in a sweater, so it was that kind of day. Perfect for climbing, although hard to breath for me initially, but otherwise never got too cooked despite the climbs.
Now about this route...it is definitely a good one for training on the hills, BUT man the climbing was pretty unrelenting for 25+ miles straight. We started out at Glendora High School and basically went toward the 39 and started to climb up it vs. usually going down. And rather than going right on East Fork, the route went straight up to the Crystal Lake Cafe, which is off the 2. Then, we descended the way we came up (which was a long ass descent), and went up East Fork toward the GMR/GRR intersection. We finished with a GMR descent all the way back down to the high school.
On the way out, we were together up until we started climbing up the 39. I was not feeling it early on having trouble inhaling the cold air, so I popped off the back pretty early on content to just doing my own pace. Galen came back for me a couple times wanting to tow me back to the others, but I asked him to just go on and I'll make my way on my own. What a nice guy though for offering.
I eventually met up with the 3 guys waiting at the East Fork intersection taking a little break. I didn't want to wait to long, so I went ahead and got a little head start just to keep moving. Steve and Galen were soon with me, and both subsequently passed me. I was able to keep Steve in sight but Galen continued to increase his lead on both of us. Steve had a great pace just ahead of me, but slowed enough on one of the climbs where I was able to get by. He stayed with me for a while, but then I started to pull away.
At one point, I thought he was coming back on me, but it turned out to be Shannon who had started later. As Shannon was chasing Galen down, it wasn't long before he started to gap me and make his way ahead eventually not to be seen again until the Cafe with Galen. I kept thinking Steve would be coming up on me as I was trying to manage my HR to not go over 180 as much as possible, but he was enjoying the scenery on his way up. It was a beautiful ride up for sure. Shannon had made his way up to Galen and did get to show him why he's considered a monster on the hills.
After we regrouped at the Cafe, the all began the descent together. Steve started out first followed by Galen and then Shannon and me (with my GoPro on). The descent was definitely fun since it seemed like we were descending forever. Galen had gotten away on the 2, but waited and descended ahead of us on the two. He's fast on the descent and broke off from Shannon and I after a while. Shannon and I had gotten by Verm and were reeling in one gal who was moving down pretty quick where we could see her on some of the bends, and eventually we were able to get by her but it took some time.
We regrouped at the East fork intersection eventually and really, I would have been just as happy to head back down the 39 from there. I led us originally, but once the other guys started to pass, I again was just not for keeping their pace. It turns out, they had a great pace leading up to the climb with Verm even scoring a KOM to just before the climb.
I was so far off the back I just couldn't see the guys much anymore. I could see Verm well ahead of me at one point, but could never really make any ground...mostly because I was granny gearing it since I was just beat. Shannon and Galen mixed it up a bit, but Galen (I hear) got to see what a monster Shannon was again. Again, I didn't see any of it since I was waaay off the back.
By the time I got to the top of GMR, the 3 guys were sitting taking a break. I didn't want to take a break and told them I'm going to get going since I just want to start the descent and get back to the truck. Shannon was riding with me initially, but opted to take a bio break, so I just went on. I also GoPro'd the GMR downhill so I was having fun just taking the turns and trying to get some good footage. I didn't see anyone behind me for the longest time, but then just before the last few turns near the bottom, Galen had caught up to me and passed. I was able to get some footage of him, but with people standing in the middle of the road and a car that decided to stop and basically park at the corner of the last turn messed up our momentum. Galen had been working hard and started cramping but stayed with me still as I pulled us to finish to the stop sign at the bottom.
Overall, it was rough ride for me but it was awesome to see the other guys just killing it. Very humbling for sure. It's awesome to ride with guys with such good work ethics. I feel bad they had to wait for me so much though. On a positive note, I did keep my HR under 180. Yes!
Thanks for coming out, gents!
Steve, Shannon, Galen and I started out just after 7 a.m. donning full arm/leg warmers, full gloves and a base layer since it was a bit chilly when we started. It never really warmed up too much where the Garmin reported an average 58 degrees for the ride. Even after getting back to the high school where we started, I eventually jumped in a sweater, so it was that kind of day. Perfect for climbing, although hard to breath for me initially, but otherwise never got too cooked despite the climbs.
Now about this route...it is definitely a good one for training on the hills, BUT man the climbing was pretty unrelenting for 25+ miles straight. We started out at Glendora High School and basically went toward the 39 and started to climb up it vs. usually going down. And rather than going right on East Fork, the route went straight up to the Crystal Lake Cafe, which is off the 2. Then, we descended the way we came up (which was a long ass descent), and went up East Fork toward the GMR/GRR intersection. We finished with a GMR descent all the way back down to the high school.
On the way out, we were together up until we started climbing up the 39. I was not feeling it early on having trouble inhaling the cold air, so I popped off the back pretty early on content to just doing my own pace. Galen came back for me a couple times wanting to tow me back to the others, but I asked him to just go on and I'll make my way on my own. What a nice guy though for offering.
I eventually met up with the 3 guys waiting at the East Fork intersection taking a little break. I didn't want to wait to long, so I went ahead and got a little head start just to keep moving. Steve and Galen were soon with me, and both subsequently passed me. I was able to keep Steve in sight but Galen continued to increase his lead on both of us. Steve had a great pace just ahead of me, but slowed enough on one of the climbs where I was able to get by. He stayed with me for a while, but then I started to pull away.
At one point, I thought he was coming back on me, but it turned out to be Shannon who had started later. As Shannon was chasing Galen down, it wasn't long before he started to gap me and make his way ahead eventually not to be seen again until the Cafe with Galen. I kept thinking Steve would be coming up on me as I was trying to manage my HR to not go over 180 as much as possible, but he was enjoying the scenery on his way up. It was a beautiful ride up for sure. Shannon had made his way up to Galen and did get to show him why he's considered a monster on the hills.
After we regrouped at the Cafe, the all began the descent together. Steve started out first followed by Galen and then Shannon and me (with my GoPro on). The descent was definitely fun since it seemed like we were descending forever. Galen had gotten away on the 2, but waited and descended ahead of us on the two. He's fast on the descent and broke off from Shannon and I after a while. Shannon and I had gotten by Verm and were reeling in one gal who was moving down pretty quick where we could see her on some of the bends, and eventually we were able to get by her but it took some time.
We regrouped at the East fork intersection eventually and really, I would have been just as happy to head back down the 39 from there. I led us originally, but once the other guys started to pass, I again was just not for keeping their pace. It turns out, they had a great pace leading up to the climb with Verm even scoring a KOM to just before the climb.
I was so far off the back I just couldn't see the guys much anymore. I could see Verm well ahead of me at one point, but could never really make any ground...mostly because I was granny gearing it since I was just beat. Shannon and Galen mixed it up a bit, but Galen (I hear) got to see what a monster Shannon was again. Again, I didn't see any of it since I was waaay off the back.
By the time I got to the top of GMR, the 3 guys were sitting taking a break. I didn't want to take a break and told them I'm going to get going since I just want to start the descent and get back to the truck. Shannon was riding with me initially, but opted to take a bio break, so I just went on. I also GoPro'd the GMR downhill so I was having fun just taking the turns and trying to get some good footage. I didn't see anyone behind me for the longest time, but then just before the last few turns near the bottom, Galen had caught up to me and passed. I was able to get some footage of him, but with people standing in the middle of the road and a car that decided to stop and basically park at the corner of the last turn messed up our momentum. Galen had been working hard and started cramping but stayed with me still as I pulled us to finish to the stop sign at the bottom.
Overall, it was rough ride for me but it was awesome to see the other guys just killing it. Very humbling for sure. It's awesome to ride with guys with such good work ethics. I feel bad they had to wait for me so much though. On a positive note, I did keep my HR under 180. Yes!
Thanks for coming out, gents!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Lunch Ride - BB PCH CDM NPC Vista San Joaq HorseShoe McArthur Loop
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/4439398 (Used Todd's since mine malfunctioned and Shannon got a flat just before the 73)
Since it was a beautiful day outside, we opted to hit the BB CDM NPC Vista route vs. the Starcrest route that I had solicited earlier. The winds were fairly tame and the sun just felt good...for me anyway. It was a good sized group that came out with Shannon, Todd, Hiroshi, Jaffe, Vin, Seon and Marc making it out with me.
I had disclaimed up front my plans to take it easy given my recent admission of being an "overtrainer;" the first step to resolving a problem is admitting you have one...write that down. I was content to ride the back for the most part just to manage my heart rate given recent rides should have killed me, but I still did my share of work when I felt the need.
Todd and Vin had a little breakaway on Back Bay, so I sat to watch Shannon up front holding the chase group together. I think there may have been one rotation out to help him, but Shannon led a lot probably muttering the whole time "wtf!" At some point, guilt got the best of me and I decided to help close the gap on Todd and Vin jumping up front to pull also. Once we caught them, I was again fine with just being a shadow.
When we got on Jamboree, Todd and Shannon had gone straight but the rest of us made the left turn light. Hiroshi and Jaffe (or was it Seon) took off and Vin held the front of the chase group. However, I got up front to help and somehow managed to stay up front keeping a fairly reasonable pace but still not closing on the two ahead. Todd and Shannon had caught up to our group at some point, so by the time we hit Avocado, we all were pretty much together.
Hiroshi and Vin had broken away at one point again through CDM, but I think they were caught sometime just after getting back on PCH. I didn't want to be part of the chase, so I held back from being in the chase group and just managed a decent pace on PCH with either Jaffe or Marc in tow. Ultimately, we ended up catching up to everyone at the light to cross onto NPC.
Up to this point, I had done pretty good with keeping my heart rate down, but I knew the climb would still be taxing. Once the light turned green, everyone took off and I just started a pace that I thought I could hold off the seat going up. Despite the lights, I did manage to get by Marc, Jaffe, and Seon in that order but Vin and Hiroshi were just ahead of me. Shannon and Todd were up there.
On Vista, I did the same thing and managed to find a rhythm that let me get by Vin and Hiroshi, and finish just a bit behind Shannon at the top where Todd was waiting. Hiroshi came up after as did Vin, who kept going, and with no one in sight, we ended up going ahead.
On the left to San Joaquin, the 5 of us made our way to the horseshoe where Todd led initially. Shannon took over at some point, and I watched from the back to see if anyone would relieve him. Guilt set in again so I went to jump up to the front letting Shannon know to jump on, when Todd came by as did Vin to finish the loop strong.
Back on San Joaquin, the pace down hill was pretty fast where off the back, I had to work to close on Todd and Shannon who were bombing down. Eventually, the pace had gotten pretty fast after Marguerite so the 3 of us ended up breaking away from the others. Todd and Shannon were moving on McArthur and after skipping 1-2 rotations, I took my mandatory guilt pull. When Shannon opted to keep the pace up after Ford, I waved Todd on or face a relapse to my 12-step program.
Shannon ended up getting a flat on Bison, and after confirming he was okay where he was going to just walk back to BRCM since it was close, Todd and I went on and finished the ride.
The weird thing about this ride for me was, I was able to manage my HR better, but managed to acquire PRs on NPC and Vista. Hmmm....
Thanks for coming out, gents!
Since it was a beautiful day outside, we opted to hit the BB CDM NPC Vista route vs. the Starcrest route that I had solicited earlier. The winds were fairly tame and the sun just felt good...for me anyway. It was a good sized group that came out with Shannon, Todd, Hiroshi, Jaffe, Vin, Seon and Marc making it out with me.
I had disclaimed up front my plans to take it easy given my recent admission of being an "overtrainer;" the first step to resolving a problem is admitting you have one...write that down. I was content to ride the back for the most part just to manage my heart rate given recent rides should have killed me, but I still did my share of work when I felt the need.
Todd and Vin had a little breakaway on Back Bay, so I sat to watch Shannon up front holding the chase group together. I think there may have been one rotation out to help him, but Shannon led a lot probably muttering the whole time "wtf!" At some point, guilt got the best of me and I decided to help close the gap on Todd and Vin jumping up front to pull also. Once we caught them, I was again fine with just being a shadow.
When we got on Jamboree, Todd and Shannon had gone straight but the rest of us made the left turn light. Hiroshi and Jaffe (or was it Seon) took off and Vin held the front of the chase group. However, I got up front to help and somehow managed to stay up front keeping a fairly reasonable pace but still not closing on the two ahead. Todd and Shannon had caught up to our group at some point, so by the time we hit Avocado, we all were pretty much together.
Hiroshi and Vin had broken away at one point again through CDM, but I think they were caught sometime just after getting back on PCH. I didn't want to be part of the chase, so I held back from being in the chase group and just managed a decent pace on PCH with either Jaffe or Marc in tow. Ultimately, we ended up catching up to everyone at the light to cross onto NPC.
Up to this point, I had done pretty good with keeping my heart rate down, but I knew the climb would still be taxing. Once the light turned green, everyone took off and I just started a pace that I thought I could hold off the seat going up. Despite the lights, I did manage to get by Marc, Jaffe, and Seon in that order but Vin and Hiroshi were just ahead of me. Shannon and Todd were up there.
On Vista, I did the same thing and managed to find a rhythm that let me get by Vin and Hiroshi, and finish just a bit behind Shannon at the top where Todd was waiting. Hiroshi came up after as did Vin, who kept going, and with no one in sight, we ended up going ahead.
On the left to San Joaquin, the 5 of us made our way to the horseshoe where Todd led initially. Shannon took over at some point, and I watched from the back to see if anyone would relieve him. Guilt set in again so I went to jump up to the front letting Shannon know to jump on, when Todd came by as did Vin to finish the loop strong.
Back on San Joaquin, the pace down hill was pretty fast where off the back, I had to work to close on Todd and Shannon who were bombing down. Eventually, the pace had gotten pretty fast after Marguerite so the 3 of us ended up breaking away from the others. Todd and Shannon were moving on McArthur and after skipping 1-2 rotations, I took my mandatory guilt pull. When Shannon opted to keep the pace up after Ford, I waved Todd on or face a relapse to my 12-step program.
Shannon ended up getting a flat on Bison, and after confirming he was okay where he was going to just walk back to BRCM since it was close, Todd and I went on and finished the ride.
The weird thing about this ride for me was, I was able to manage my HR better, but managed to acquire PRs on NPC and Vista. Hmmm....
Thanks for coming out, gents!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Lunch Ride - Portola OAB + Jamboree (ouch)
Strava: http://app.strava.com/activities/4377000
What a nice day for a ride. The winds have actually calmed down enough to where it was actually pleasant outside. It did feel warm at some spots, but overall, it's definitely one of the better days as of late. The guys waited for me to come out at noon, and while I'm thankful, I somewhat wish in the back of my mind I went solo...less pain. Shannon, Galen, Adrian, Seon, Vin, Mitchell and Hiroshi came out for today's ride, and although a decent sized group, it would have been nice to share the pain with more. Seriously. PV did come out on his mountain bike but with a different agenda, and David and Peter had come out too but had their own group ride going as well.
Galen, Shannon, Adrian and I got the pace going pretty good all the way to Harvard and it did make it hard for some of the others to keep up. We did manage to regroup at the light though. We stayed together on Harvard throughout, and Vin did take a pull from one of the lights before the bike trail. Some time after we got on the bike trail though, the 4 of us were alone. Understandably so, though, given that by the time we hit Portola, we had averaged over 24 mph. Adrian had dropped during the last climb, and I popped off just before the top.
Despite Galen having gone out and blazed nearly a 22 mph average on a 30 mile loop with 2K elevation this morning, he launched a breakaway at the turnaround that was just brutal. Although strung out from the start with Adrian turning around early to join me, the 3 of us were working hard to pull Galen in. It took almost until the end of the bike trail for Adrian and Shannon to catch up to him as I popped off just before doing so.
I was hoping not to have to ride with those guys anymore, and even missed one light right before catching back up to Adrian. However, fate saw it today that I suffer where I ended up running into all 3 of them as they crossed Barranca to get back on the bike trail. I was hoping not to have to get up front anymore after that since I was still trying to catch my breath, but after the bridge and 1 skipped rotation, I jumped back in.
While we weaved and dodged all the traffic on the bike trail as we made our way (just as we had done on the way out), we stayed together for the most part. On the straight by Main (where the church is) though, Galen cranked it up a notch and while I hung on as best as I could, I eventually waved Shannon and Adrian on as it was just too much. I think you can call me Orville Redenbacher because no one popped on today's ride as much as I did.
I did manage to catch up to Adrian again on University and we rode together only to run into Shannon and Galen on the intersection before the Jamboree climb. Galen saw to it that he broke away here also. I tried to give chase using a steady pace, but he had such a good gap early on that it was just enough not to let him continue to increase it at some point.
Galen made the left turn on Bison, while the 3 of us regrouped to cross. We thought we were done with him, but he ended up waiting for us at McArthur just to dole out even more pain. At the light, I cautiously got up front and tried to time the lights accordingly. Shannon had setup the first light on the bridge just right and got a jump, but I entered full sprint mode soon after. I thought I was moving at a pretty good clip, but to my left I see Galen making his way past me. Adrian, however, had set it up just right and came by both of us to get to California first. Nice!
Yeah, I'm thinking that the group riding dynamics now warrant more planning than just pure execution. It is way too fast not to do so unless one enjoys riding alone or in a chase group. The bar is definitely high now, but it wouldn't be BAM not to welcome the opportunity to improve. That's what I'll keep telling myself anyway.
Thanks for the workout, gents!
What a nice day for a ride. The winds have actually calmed down enough to where it was actually pleasant outside. It did feel warm at some spots, but overall, it's definitely one of the better days as of late. The guys waited for me to come out at noon, and while I'm thankful, I somewhat wish in the back of my mind I went solo...less pain. Shannon, Galen, Adrian, Seon, Vin, Mitchell and Hiroshi came out for today's ride, and although a decent sized group, it would have been nice to share the pain with more. Seriously. PV did come out on his mountain bike but with a different agenda, and David and Peter had come out too but had their own group ride going as well.
Galen, Shannon, Adrian and I got the pace going pretty good all the way to Harvard and it did make it hard for some of the others to keep up. We did manage to regroup at the light though. We stayed together on Harvard throughout, and Vin did take a pull from one of the lights before the bike trail. Some time after we got on the bike trail though, the 4 of us were alone. Understandably so, though, given that by the time we hit Portola, we had averaged over 24 mph. Adrian had dropped during the last climb, and I popped off just before the top.
Despite Galen having gone out and blazed nearly a 22 mph average on a 30 mile loop with 2K elevation this morning, he launched a breakaway at the turnaround that was just brutal. Although strung out from the start with Adrian turning around early to join me, the 3 of us were working hard to pull Galen in. It took almost until the end of the bike trail for Adrian and Shannon to catch up to him as I popped off just before doing so.
I was hoping not to have to ride with those guys anymore, and even missed one light right before catching back up to Adrian. However, fate saw it today that I suffer where I ended up running into all 3 of them as they crossed Barranca to get back on the bike trail. I was hoping not to have to get up front anymore after that since I was still trying to catch my breath, but after the bridge and 1 skipped rotation, I jumped back in.
While we weaved and dodged all the traffic on the bike trail as we made our way (just as we had done on the way out), we stayed together for the most part. On the straight by Main (where the church is) though, Galen cranked it up a notch and while I hung on as best as I could, I eventually waved Shannon and Adrian on as it was just too much. I think you can call me Orville Redenbacher because no one popped on today's ride as much as I did.
I did manage to catch up to Adrian again on University and we rode together only to run into Shannon and Galen on the intersection before the Jamboree climb. Galen saw to it that he broke away here also. I tried to give chase using a steady pace, but he had such a good gap early on that it was just enough not to let him continue to increase it at some point.
Galen made the left turn on Bison, while the 3 of us regrouped to cross. We thought we were done with him, but he ended up waiting for us at McArthur just to dole out even more pain. At the light, I cautiously got up front and tried to time the lights accordingly. Shannon had setup the first light on the bridge just right and got a jump, but I entered full sprint mode soon after. I thought I was moving at a pretty good clip, but to my left I see Galen making his way past me. Adrian, however, had set it up just right and came by both of us to get to California first. Nice!
Yeah, I'm thinking that the group riding dynamics now warrant more planning than just pure execution. It is way too fast not to do so unless one enjoys riding alone or in a chase group. The bar is definitely high now, but it wouldn't be BAM not to welcome the opportunity to improve. That's what I'll keep telling myself anyway.
Thanks for the workout, gents!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Como Street Live Oak Loop Part II
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/4310969
It was fairly cold this morning, so Gary and I started off from the BJ's parking lot with a base layer and some arm warmers. We met Hiroshi at the corner who also had some arm warmers on. We probably needed them for the first 5 miles, but once on Irvine Blvd., we probably could have done without them.
The pace on Irvine Blvd was faster than it's ever been after Sand Canyon. There were a couple times I had to stand and sprint just to close the small gaps that would form from the bursts of speeds in some sections. Hiroshi and Gary were holding their own ahead of me in the pack.
When we got on El Toro, I did start to make my way up closer to the front since I had been in the last 3rd of the pack earlier on. When we were making the right on Santa Margarita, it was perfect since both Hiroshi and Gary were right next to me.
As we started the ascend, I got into a tempo and came around the right and began passing people...including the guys up front. I actually thought they were going to jump on after I passed, but when I looked back, I had broken away and created a pretty good gap over the pack. I was unsure why they seemed to be holding back, but I moderated my pace and ended up stopping at the light on Marguerite where the pack rolled up on me.
Since I was up front when the light turned green, I thought I may as well stay up front and lead until relieved. I started pedaling off the seat again, and after looking back, saw that no one was with me again. I looked back a couple more times thinking they must be rolling up on me, and I didn't notice anyone on my wheel. Then, as I was nearing the top, a few guys started to pass me, so I spun up and rode with them to the top and to ride down the other side with them.
I saw Gary and Hiroshi after as we started making our way toward Antonio Pkwy, so I rode up with them all the way to the end. Once we made the left to head toward Live Oak, I started looking to be in a good position and make sure I was ready for the fast descent. This time, I took a little more chances and rode down a little bit more aggressively taking the switchback a little tighter this time. This worked to keep the front pack in sight. There was a little accordian affect after making a left over the bridge, but the guys in front of me reeled in the front pack.
While making our way up, it seemed the front group checked up a bit but I wasn't going to get too aggressive since I wanted to get further with them to see where they power up. For the most part, I was able to stay with the front group, watching some people pop off in the process, to almost the final ascent. When they started climbing the last steep ascent, I just didn't have enough to match the rest of them, so I just watch as the group crested while I was by myself trying to finish the hill and with no one to work with.
I descended on my own not seeing anyone in front of me at this point, and I only saw 2 guys not climbing too fast on the hill past Cook's. I thought I'd hold a steady pace up the hill and hope that others would catch up so I can work with them. As I started nearing the top of the first crest, I could hear someone behind me and lo and behold, it was Hiroshi and someone behind him. Nice!
Hiroshi took the lead after the first crest and I jumped to the front just before the 2nd crest to start off the descent. I was pleasantly surprise that Hiroshi was jumping up front and rotating with me as we were all alone at that point. It was quite revealing in that before, I would think he passed aggressively to attack but this I come to find is just how he passes to take his turn. His passes always required a sprint just to latch on, but this was definitely better than being alone or just towing the whole time. Great job, Hiroshi!
We were passing people here and there, but at one point by the lake, a group of about 6 guys made their way toward us so we jumped on and started rotating in their draft. It's always so nice to work with more than just 1 or 2 guys, so I was digging it.
When we got to Dump, I was anticipating that some of the guys who picked us up might charge it aggressively, so I stood and found allowed momentum to push me past these guys and pull away from them. While I thought I kept a good pace, 2 guys pass me about 3/4 of the way up and a 3rd guy after that. This time, I thought we'd make a race out of it, so I dropped and started to spin up passing all 3 of them before the top. They let me lead them down over the 261 as well and after the incline that heads to the Jamboree, one of the guys started to sprint by me. After looking over my shoulder to make sure no one was going, I started sprinting to close the gap on the guy but he checked up just as I was coming up on him.
On the left on Jamboree, it seemed the guys who ended up making it to the intersection with us waited to see who would jump up front. I went ahead and took the lead but one of the Cash Call guys jumped ahead where the others (about 4-5 other guys) stayed back where I jumped behind to be #2. As we started the climb, I started to stand and climb but the Cash Call guy started to match my pace rather than let me pass so I dropped back behind him. Then I started to sit and spin up and made my way past him and lead the guys over the hill. The cash call guy took over after the downhill, and basically it was just he and I who were willing to take the front at this point.
After watching others hold the Cash Call guy up front for a while, I moved up to the front from the #5-6 spot, just to bring the pace back up and to reel in another group ahead of us. We ended up passing this group eventually since they weren't in a race pace, and caught another few guys in Specialized kits.
After Portola, I thought we could mix it up a little, but no one seemed interested and eventually I found myself broken away just trying to keep my average up. I did look over a few times thinking they were going to charge as a group, but no one ever came and I ended up finishing on my own.
Hiroshi came in shortly after and Gary followed him in as well. We reflected on the ride for a little bit, but none of us stayed since we all had things to do. We're just going to have to find a way to get more guys out and then drink beer after. That's the team MO.
Baldy next week?
It was fairly cold this morning, so Gary and I started off from the BJ's parking lot with a base layer and some arm warmers. We met Hiroshi at the corner who also had some arm warmers on. We probably needed them for the first 5 miles, but once on Irvine Blvd., we probably could have done without them.
The pace on Irvine Blvd was faster than it's ever been after Sand Canyon. There were a couple times I had to stand and sprint just to close the small gaps that would form from the bursts of speeds in some sections. Hiroshi and Gary were holding their own ahead of me in the pack.
When we got on El Toro, I did start to make my way up closer to the front since I had been in the last 3rd of the pack earlier on. When we were making the right on Santa Margarita, it was perfect since both Hiroshi and Gary were right next to me.
As we started the ascend, I got into a tempo and came around the right and began passing people...including the guys up front. I actually thought they were going to jump on after I passed, but when I looked back, I had broken away and created a pretty good gap over the pack. I was unsure why they seemed to be holding back, but I moderated my pace and ended up stopping at the light on Marguerite where the pack rolled up on me.
Since I was up front when the light turned green, I thought I may as well stay up front and lead until relieved. I started pedaling off the seat again, and after looking back, saw that no one was with me again. I looked back a couple more times thinking they must be rolling up on me, and I didn't notice anyone on my wheel. Then, as I was nearing the top, a few guys started to pass me, so I spun up and rode with them to the top and to ride down the other side with them.
I saw Gary and Hiroshi after as we started making our way toward Antonio Pkwy, so I rode up with them all the way to the end. Once we made the left to head toward Live Oak, I started looking to be in a good position and make sure I was ready for the fast descent. This time, I took a little more chances and rode down a little bit more aggressively taking the switchback a little tighter this time. This worked to keep the front pack in sight. There was a little accordian affect after making a left over the bridge, but the guys in front of me reeled in the front pack.
While making our way up, it seemed the front group checked up a bit but I wasn't going to get too aggressive since I wanted to get further with them to see where they power up. For the most part, I was able to stay with the front group, watching some people pop off in the process, to almost the final ascent. When they started climbing the last steep ascent, I just didn't have enough to match the rest of them, so I just watch as the group crested while I was by myself trying to finish the hill and with no one to work with.
I descended on my own not seeing anyone in front of me at this point, and I only saw 2 guys not climbing too fast on the hill past Cook's. I thought I'd hold a steady pace up the hill and hope that others would catch up so I can work with them. As I started nearing the top of the first crest, I could hear someone behind me and lo and behold, it was Hiroshi and someone behind him. Nice!
Hiroshi took the lead after the first crest and I jumped to the front just before the 2nd crest to start off the descent. I was pleasantly surprise that Hiroshi was jumping up front and rotating with me as we were all alone at that point. It was quite revealing in that before, I would think he passed aggressively to attack but this I come to find is just how he passes to take his turn. His passes always required a sprint just to latch on, but this was definitely better than being alone or just towing the whole time. Great job, Hiroshi!
We were passing people here and there, but at one point by the lake, a group of about 6 guys made their way toward us so we jumped on and started rotating in their draft. It's always so nice to work with more than just 1 or 2 guys, so I was digging it.
When we got to Dump, I was anticipating that some of the guys who picked us up might charge it aggressively, so I stood and found allowed momentum to push me past these guys and pull away from them. While I thought I kept a good pace, 2 guys pass me about 3/4 of the way up and a 3rd guy after that. This time, I thought we'd make a race out of it, so I dropped and started to spin up passing all 3 of them before the top. They let me lead them down over the 261 as well and after the incline that heads to the Jamboree, one of the guys started to sprint by me. After looking over my shoulder to make sure no one was going, I started sprinting to close the gap on the guy but he checked up just as I was coming up on him.
On the left on Jamboree, it seemed the guys who ended up making it to the intersection with us waited to see who would jump up front. I went ahead and took the lead but one of the Cash Call guys jumped ahead where the others (about 4-5 other guys) stayed back where I jumped behind to be #2. As we started the climb, I started to stand and climb but the Cash Call guy started to match my pace rather than let me pass so I dropped back behind him. Then I started to sit and spin up and made my way past him and lead the guys over the hill. The cash call guy took over after the downhill, and basically it was just he and I who were willing to take the front at this point.
After watching others hold the Cash Call guy up front for a while, I moved up to the front from the #5-6 spot, just to bring the pace back up and to reel in another group ahead of us. We ended up passing this group eventually since they weren't in a race pace, and caught another few guys in Specialized kits.
After Portola, I thought we could mix it up a little, but no one seemed interested and eventually I found myself broken away just trying to keep my average up. I did look over a few times thinking they were going to charge as a group, but no one ever came and I ended up finishing on my own.
Hiroshi came in shortly after and Gary followed him in as well. We reflected on the ride for a little bit, but none of us stayed since we all had things to do. We're just going to have to find a way to get more guys out and then drink beer after. That's the team MO.
Baldy next week?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Lunch Ride - Triple Bypass Route (Windy!)
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/4210268
Attendees: Galen, Adrian, Hiroshi, Vin, Mitchell, Jaffe and me. Ken, Gary's friend came out, too, but I didn't see him once we got on the bike trail.
I just finished looking up the word "humbling" and honestly, I was expecting to see Galen's face as part of the definition. I probably should also look up wind-resistant, monsterous, and in some ways, MEAN. HA HA
Going out today, I knew it was going to be ridiculous out there given the wind conditions. While the first pass out would be good, the 2 passes back through Back Bay were going to be painful. I guess Galen didn't get the memo and decided to hit Back Bay a 3rd time...something I just wasn't going to sign up for to try to go with him. I should probably look up beast as well.
On the way out, Adrian led the group out to Back Bay while I sat comfortably in the back. The pace was moderate considering that we did have a tail wind once on the trail, so I figured I'd take advantage and actually warm up. Well, the moment we hit back bay, Galen started to work his way up front and both he and Adrian started to gap the group pretty good. This is where sitting in the back is no fun. Before they could get away too much (although they may have slowed a bit at one point), I started to sprint towards them to latch on. Galen had just taken a pull by the time I caught up and was rolling around, and since I caught my breath, let him in. I'm not sure if the other guys latched on behind me, but I did look back at one point and they were coming up behind me...fast.
I did rotate in up front with Adrian and Galen and we were moving at a pretty good clip. Thinking today would be opportune to shoot for the gate-to-gate KOM, I took off after Galen took another one of his monster pulls. It worked. Cheap? Maybe but that's racing.
I stayed up front all the way around to PCH, but when I looked back saw that only Galen was with me before we hit Bayside. Great. While trying to work with Galen, although he obviously didn't need any help, it just got too much. When the guy would hoot and holler during the ride while I hung onto dear life, I knew it was just a bad situation. Further, he waited for me here and there where I wasn't sure if it was to be helpful or just to continue crushing me. Even on Jamboree, he climbed away from me easily where I seriously just wanted to turn to Bison after the 2nd BB pass. Seriously.
I did man up and do the 3rd pass as planned, but 90% of the time was just where I tried to hang on. When I did get up front at one point, I think Galen said "oh you don't have to...I don't mind pulling." I went ahead anyway trying to salvage the little ego I had left (HA HA), and then said "well, if you want to pull, go ahead." He did.
On the last pass up Jamboree, Galen broke away from me again but rather than turning on Bison, the guy decided to do it one more time. I think that's where the "MEAN" part comes in. I did try to call him to let him know that we were suppose to turn left on Bison, but I think all I heard was him laughing dastardly...that or my mind was playing tricks on me by that point.
Good training ride today, gents. It's the first ride I've ever done where I feel the need to go to Victoria's Secret after and buy myself some undergarments. Thanks!
Attendees: Galen, Adrian, Hiroshi, Vin, Mitchell, Jaffe and me. Ken, Gary's friend came out, too, but I didn't see him once we got on the bike trail.
I just finished looking up the word "humbling" and honestly, I was expecting to see Galen's face as part of the definition. I probably should also look up wind-resistant, monsterous, and in some ways, MEAN. HA HA
Going out today, I knew it was going to be ridiculous out there given the wind conditions. While the first pass out would be good, the 2 passes back through Back Bay were going to be painful. I guess Galen didn't get the memo and decided to hit Back Bay a 3rd time...something I just wasn't going to sign up for to try to go with him. I should probably look up beast as well.
On the way out, Adrian led the group out to Back Bay while I sat comfortably in the back. The pace was moderate considering that we did have a tail wind once on the trail, so I figured I'd take advantage and actually warm up. Well, the moment we hit back bay, Galen started to work his way up front and both he and Adrian started to gap the group pretty good. This is where sitting in the back is no fun. Before they could get away too much (although they may have slowed a bit at one point), I started to sprint towards them to latch on. Galen had just taken a pull by the time I caught up and was rolling around, and since I caught my breath, let him in. I'm not sure if the other guys latched on behind me, but I did look back at one point and they were coming up behind me...fast.
I did rotate in up front with Adrian and Galen and we were moving at a pretty good clip. Thinking today would be opportune to shoot for the gate-to-gate KOM, I took off after Galen took another one of his monster pulls. It worked. Cheap? Maybe but that's racing.
I stayed up front all the way around to PCH, but when I looked back saw that only Galen was with me before we hit Bayside. Great. While trying to work with Galen, although he obviously didn't need any help, it just got too much. When the guy would hoot and holler during the ride while I hung onto dear life, I knew it was just a bad situation. Further, he waited for me here and there where I wasn't sure if it was to be helpful or just to continue crushing me. Even on Jamboree, he climbed away from me easily where I seriously just wanted to turn to Bison after the 2nd BB pass. Seriously.
I did man up and do the 3rd pass as planned, but 90% of the time was just where I tried to hang on. When I did get up front at one point, I think Galen said "oh you don't have to...I don't mind pulling." I went ahead anyway trying to salvage the little ego I had left (HA HA), and then said "well, if you want to pull, go ahead." He did.
On the last pass up Jamboree, Galen broke away from me again but rather than turning on Bison, the guy decided to do it one more time. I think that's where the "MEAN" part comes in. I did try to call him to let him know that we were suppose to turn left on Bison, but I think all I heard was him laughing dastardly...that or my mind was playing tricks on me by that point.
Good training ride today, gents. It's the first ride I've ever done where I feel the need to go to Victoria's Secret after and buy myself some undergarments. Thanks!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Shannon's Tuesday Lunch Ride Report
Good turnout today, and pretty good ride, would have been stellar except for that one mechanical.
Jaffe was giving me a hard time today, asked if I was taking it easy.
I think it’s more like everyone else is just getting faster, A LOT faster.
Galen and Adrian made an early break, Vin, Jaffe, Gary, Mitch and Seon rallied up and went after them. The rabbits got everyone moving pretty good, we might have caught the leaders even if they knew the route?!
Gary set a nice pace up Shady. Some attacks ensued (of course). The mechanical at the top split us up, so about half made Summit and Rich’s Condo.
Hiroshi launched an attack up Summit. Almost made it.
Winds were ideal on Jamboree, making it the third time for me to match Rich there. Someday.
I saw Vin made a loop around the Turtle, not sure about Adrian.
Might be our last chance for a good one this week. Who knows about the weather.
-Shannon.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
2012 Tour de Palm Springs
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/4115809
Garmin Connect: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/149231165
Note: not sure why the GPS data is so inconsistent between the two.
One benefit of having done centuries, even several centuries, is that a routine can be established such that nutrition, rest, and execution can be repeated based on things learned from previous rides. Since we deviated from the norm by inviting our significant other out with us (with Pam, Heather and Lisa gracing our presence), we pretty much deviated everywhere else throwing caution to the wind and just enjoy the time with the ladies. Personally, I ate differently (had taro buns for example), hydrated differently (3 beers the night before and not too much water), and even rested differently (didn't sleep until almost midnight). It was supposed to be an easier ride in contrast to last month's race anyway, but you can always rely on BAM being a factor despite disclaimers to the contrary.
Todd and I stayed at the same hotel where when we left, the weather did not seem too bad, but once we headed over to pick up Vin and Galen, we noted how strong the winds were blowing and knew we were in for an adventure. We managed to find a place near where we've parked the last couple years, and took off from there rather than going to the start point since riders were already going by. Once we headed out, the cross winds were unbelievable...easily 20-30 mph gusts. When we hit an open area, a sandstorm had kicked up and was literally pelting us from head to toe requiring us to stop to let it go by. From the news, we heard this was enough to turn several riders around because of the severity. It was "ridiculous."
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Once we could see again, we went on. Now I thought we were going to take it easy, but Galen seemed intent on pushing the pace. I played along for a bit, but once we turned left directly into that wind, I was not too game to try and keep their pace. They were passing people not seemingly accounting for the entire length of the ride, no one working with them in the winds, etc., where I decided I'll just use other riders until we get out of that headwind and work to catch up on the hills.
Once we turned towards the hill, I decided to kick it up a notch and pick up my pace where I could see that I was making ground again on the other guys. I was passing a bunch of people and looking for others to see if they wanted to work with me, but not one person even jumped on to try and keep up. Almost within reach of the others, the S-G curse hit and I could feel the stem to my rear wheel bouncing off the course pavement. Yup...a flat.
I wasn't able to locate the culprit so I changed the tube and got on my way shortly after. I was again passing people but had concluded that I will probably not see the guys until the 50 mile SAG since that was the planned stop. On the right down the hill, I figured I would surely find others to work with but still no luck. Just passing rider after rider. Then, on a right turn where they appeared to either have changed the route this year, I see Galen, Todd and Vin waiting for me. Sweet!
When we got going, the pace picked up pretty fast. Galen is a beast and Todd was helping to push the pace too, and with the winds not as big of a factor, I was game. After one ridiculously fast descent, I looked back and Vin was gone leaving just 3 of us to move forward. I'm sure the climbs through the residential area didn't help at the pace these guys were pushing.
The rolling hills with the long descents were fun too. On occasion, some people would jump on but they wouldn't be able to sustain the pace and fall off eventually. There were a couple guys who tried to work our paceline, but that didn't work either and they just fell off. We also saw team Velosport out there with at least 10-12 riders and with Sol up front, so we said hi as we passed and went by them on our merry way.
As planned, we stopped at the 50 mile SAG and it wasn't too long before Vin had pulled in as well. We had a nice little break and actually had a chance to eat a sandwich. The PB&J was tops. The other guys indulged in the turkey and/or other sandwiches they had to offer. I also ran into Chaz, a friend of mine who had filmed the first OC Gran Fondo with team BRCM.
Once we got going again, we ended up getting a little lost and did a couple u-turns until we could finally got back on the right route. We were able to talk Galen into working with others for a little bit since it was pretty windy, but after a while only the 4 of us were doing rotations up front. At one point, I think someone had asked one of the guys if we could slow down a bit just so they can stay on. Ummm...no? Soon enough, it was just the four of us working together alone.
After making our way to an inadvertent SAG stop, we were off and saw a large group ahead of us. Galen, who had been pulling like a mule, offered to chase them down, so we let him. It took a few stop lights but finally we were part of a big group and finally could "relax." Good job, Galen. I would have been content to just sit in the draft the whole time, but we still got pushed up in the rotation here and there involuntarily...okay involuntarily for me anyway...Galen and Todd less so.
The group broke up at a light at one point, but we all still managed to sprint at the green and close back in on the guys up front. There were some aggro behavior from other groups out there as though they owned the paceline, but whatever...this happens on occasion on big rides.
Near the last 10 miles, I felt like I was working extra hard to just keep up as my bike just seemed sluggish. I didn't want to stop to check it out though, so I just kept pushing on feeling like I can make it to the end this way. At one point, however, we had to slow/stop for an accident where there were guys pulling a bike out from under a truck. As I stopped, I felt my rear tire and it was probably only at half pressure, so I called out to Vin given I only brought one spare. He looked at me and took off indicating he thought I was just warning him. Weird since we were already both stopped. Anyway, since the tire wasn't fully deflated, I pulled out my last remaining CO2 and just refilled the tire.
After getting it filled, I picked up the pace and managed to make my way to the other guys at one of the lights ahead. It was nice to still be able to finish with them. We had looked around to see if the women were around to cheer us on for the finish, but they were enjoying the poolside and alcohol early on. Nice! My rear had gotten flat again by the time the girls had arrived to join the after party.
It ended up being a good ride despite the harrowing winds, and Galen is definitely legit. Todd is always an animal and Vin did great as well. The ladies made the pre-ride and post ride festivities even more fun despite making the ride somewhat a bit more "challenging." We have to invite them out more often. HA HA. Actually, this is the perfect ride for the ladies to accompany us, so next year should be killer.
Garmin Connect: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/149231165
Note: not sure why the GPS data is so inconsistent between the two.
One benefit of having done centuries, even several centuries, is that a routine can be established such that nutrition, rest, and execution can be repeated based on things learned from previous rides. Since we deviated from the norm by inviting our significant other out with us (with Pam, Heather and Lisa gracing our presence), we pretty much deviated everywhere else throwing caution to the wind and just enjoy the time with the ladies. Personally, I ate differently (had taro buns for example), hydrated differently (3 beers the night before and not too much water), and even rested differently (didn't sleep until almost midnight). It was supposed to be an easier ride in contrast to last month's race anyway, but you can always rely on BAM being a factor despite disclaimers to the contrary.
Todd and I stayed at the same hotel where when we left, the weather did not seem too bad, but once we headed over to pick up Vin and Galen, we noted how strong the winds were blowing and knew we were in for an adventure. We managed to find a place near where we've parked the last couple years, and took off from there rather than going to the start point since riders were already going by. Once we headed out, the cross winds were unbelievable...easily 20-30 mph gusts. When we hit an open area, a sandstorm had kicked up and was literally pelting us from head to toe requiring us to stop to let it go by. From the news, we heard this was enough to turn several riders around because of the severity. It was "ridiculous."
.JPG)
Once we could see again, we went on. Now I thought we were going to take it easy, but Galen seemed intent on pushing the pace. I played along for a bit, but once we turned left directly into that wind, I was not too game to try and keep their pace. They were passing people not seemingly accounting for the entire length of the ride, no one working with them in the winds, etc., where I decided I'll just use other riders until we get out of that headwind and work to catch up on the hills.
Once we turned towards the hill, I decided to kick it up a notch and pick up my pace where I could see that I was making ground again on the other guys. I was passing a bunch of people and looking for others to see if they wanted to work with me, but not one person even jumped on to try and keep up. Almost within reach of the others, the S-G curse hit and I could feel the stem to my rear wheel bouncing off the course pavement. Yup...a flat.
I wasn't able to locate the culprit so I changed the tube and got on my way shortly after. I was again passing people but had concluded that I will probably not see the guys until the 50 mile SAG since that was the planned stop. On the right down the hill, I figured I would surely find others to work with but still no luck. Just passing rider after rider. Then, on a right turn where they appeared to either have changed the route this year, I see Galen, Todd and Vin waiting for me. Sweet!
When we got going, the pace picked up pretty fast. Galen is a beast and Todd was helping to push the pace too, and with the winds not as big of a factor, I was game. After one ridiculously fast descent, I looked back and Vin was gone leaving just 3 of us to move forward. I'm sure the climbs through the residential area didn't help at the pace these guys were pushing.
The rolling hills with the long descents were fun too. On occasion, some people would jump on but they wouldn't be able to sustain the pace and fall off eventually. There were a couple guys who tried to work our paceline, but that didn't work either and they just fell off. We also saw team Velosport out there with at least 10-12 riders and with Sol up front, so we said hi as we passed and went by them on our merry way.
As planned, we stopped at the 50 mile SAG and it wasn't too long before Vin had pulled in as well. We had a nice little break and actually had a chance to eat a sandwich. The PB&J was tops. The other guys indulged in the turkey and/or other sandwiches they had to offer. I also ran into Chaz, a friend of mine who had filmed the first OC Gran Fondo with team BRCM.
Once we got going again, we ended up getting a little lost and did a couple u-turns until we could finally got back on the right route. We were able to talk Galen into working with others for a little bit since it was pretty windy, but after a while only the 4 of us were doing rotations up front. At one point, I think someone had asked one of the guys if we could slow down a bit just so they can stay on. Ummm...no? Soon enough, it was just the four of us working together alone.
After making our way to an inadvertent SAG stop, we were off and saw a large group ahead of us. Galen, who had been pulling like a mule, offered to chase them down, so we let him. It took a few stop lights but finally we were part of a big group and finally could "relax." Good job, Galen. I would have been content to just sit in the draft the whole time, but we still got pushed up in the rotation here and there involuntarily...okay involuntarily for me anyway...Galen and Todd less so.
The group broke up at a light at one point, but we all still managed to sprint at the green and close back in on the guys up front. There were some aggro behavior from other groups out there as though they owned the paceline, but whatever...this happens on occasion on big rides.
Near the last 10 miles, I felt like I was working extra hard to just keep up as my bike just seemed sluggish. I didn't want to stop to check it out though, so I just kept pushing on feeling like I can make it to the end this way. At one point, however, we had to slow/stop for an accident where there were guys pulling a bike out from under a truck. As I stopped, I felt my rear tire and it was probably only at half pressure, so I called out to Vin given I only brought one spare. He looked at me and took off indicating he thought I was just warning him. Weird since we were already both stopped. Anyway, since the tire wasn't fully deflated, I pulled out my last remaining CO2 and just refilled the tire.
After getting it filled, I picked up the pace and managed to make my way to the other guys at one of the lights ahead. It was nice to still be able to finish with them. We had looked around to see if the women were around to cheer us on for the finish, but they were enjoying the poolside and alcohol early on. Nice! My rear had gotten flat again by the time the girls had arrived to join the after party.
It ended up being a good ride despite the harrowing winds, and Galen is definitely legit. Todd is always an animal and Vin did great as well. The ladies made the pre-ride and post ride festivities even more fun despite making the ride somewhat a bit more "challenging." We have to invite them out more often. HA HA. Actually, this is the perfect ride for the ladies to accompany us, so next year should be killer.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Lunch Ride - Anteater San Miguel Spyglass San Joaq Pelican Vista Loop
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/3996267
It was a nice day for a ride, but the group size was smaller given that it was a Wednesday whereas our normal days of riding are Tues/Thurs. Eddie decided to come out of the woods today and join us for some riding...wha? There goes his quota.
I had prefaced today's ride when I solicited it as one that I plan to hold a moderate pace only, and for the most part it was. That didn't keep the guys from staying back behind me though...bastages. HA HA. Vin was the only exception and was not only taking pulls, he would charge up the hills also making it interesting.
Both Vin and Mitchell kept me company on the hills, and I had to chase Vin down pretty much on all of them just for fun. He had some good momentum though and broke away on almost every single one of them (except the last part of Pelican).
On the way back on San Joaquin, Mitchell and Vin had gotten away a little bit while I could feel my left calf starting to cramp. They were working together pretty well where it took some time to catch them on the descent. When we got on McArthur, I was behind both of them and just as I was going to make my way up front again, POP...my calf locked up pretty bad where all I could do was just stop pedaling. Vin and Mitchell kept going, and David eventually passed me but asking what was wrong as he did. I'm glad we were descending somewhat at the time, so I had to wait until my calf released again. At least it looked sexy when it cramped. HA HA. It still hurts though. Not so HA HA.
Definitely a modest pace on this route, but a good day to be out and about. Good job, guys!
It was a nice day for a ride, but the group size was smaller given that it was a Wednesday whereas our normal days of riding are Tues/Thurs. Eddie decided to come out of the woods today and join us for some riding...wha? There goes his quota.
I had prefaced today's ride when I solicited it as one that I plan to hold a moderate pace only, and for the most part it was. That didn't keep the guys from staying back behind me though...bastages. HA HA. Vin was the only exception and was not only taking pulls, he would charge up the hills also making it interesting.
Both Vin and Mitchell kept me company on the hills, and I had to chase Vin down pretty much on all of them just for fun. He had some good momentum though and broke away on almost every single one of them (except the last part of Pelican).
On the way back on San Joaquin, Mitchell and Vin had gotten away a little bit while I could feel my left calf starting to cramp. They were working together pretty well where it took some time to catch them on the descent. When we got on McArthur, I was behind both of them and just as I was going to make my way up front again, POP...my calf locked up pretty bad where all I could do was just stop pedaling. Vin and Mitchell kept going, and David eventually passed me but asking what was wrong as he did. I'm glad we were descending somewhat at the time, so I had to wait until my calf released again. At least it looked sexy when it cramped. HA HA. It still hurts though. Not so HA HA.
Definitely a modest pace on this route, but a good day to be out and about. Good job, guys!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Como St Live Oak Route + Extra Credit
Strava (Como): http://app.strava.com/rides/3915739
Strava (Extra Credit): http://app.strava.com/rides/3915732
Attendees: Gary, Jaffe, Hiroshi, Seon, Vin, and Craig
Weather-wise, the temp started out a little cool (48 derees) but it warmed up fairly quickly. It was definitely the right choice not wearing the arm warmers. Hiroshi started with them on but they were sticking out of his back pocket by the time we hit Irvine Blvd.
We had a pretty good showing with a lot wearing BRCM red except Vin. We weren't together too much from the beginning as I saw Sol pass by and wanted to see what his team was doing for today's ride. I pushed up to the front earlier than normal as a result, and some of the guys did eventually push up as well.
We got a little bit more toward the middle of the pack on Irvine Blvd, but by Trabuco was pushed up a little closer to the front again. I think this was a good idea since we wanted to be ready for the charge up Santa Margarita and being in the back would have been bad.
When we did start going up the hills on Santa Margarita, I only saw Hiroshi, Craig, and Gary on here. Vin also came out of nowhere to ride up here for a bit, but I didn't see him anymore after this.
Going down Live Oak is downright scary. After we made a left turn from Santa Margarita, it took a bit but once we rounded the corner, the pace started to pick up where I thought, they can't possibly all head down the tight switchbacks at this pace. When we started descending, it definitely made me nervous, so I checked up a little right at the tight turn. One of the girl racers pulled up on my inside, and I thought she was going to be good enough to keep up with everyone ahead of us. However, after we went over the bridge, I realized she wasn't as fast as I thought she was and I waited for someone to help bridge the gap as everyone in front of us took off and took off fast!
When no one responded, it was full sprint time and I just jammed away from everyone else and made my way to the front group who was a pretty good distance away from me. While I was able to get to the back of the pack, the work to do so took it's toll and I popped off twice. I was able to jump back on once by myself, but the 2nd time, I had to jump on someone else's wheel to jump back on to the rear. Still having problems with recovery, I just couldn't hold the pace anymore and just popped off the back completely.
As riders would go by, I would try to match pace but just didn't have it. Eventually, Hiroshi, Craig and Gary were passing me as well, and all I could do is watch. Hiroshi took off like he usually did where he tempo'd up pretty quickly past me. Craig had a good pace and managed to latch on to a chase group as he went up and over the top. I had managed to recover enough to get past Gary and Hiroshi before the top and just caught my breath all the way down the other side.
Here's how it looked:
The same girl racer who strung us out ended up passing me, and then took off up the hill past Cooks. I was able to reel her in though and get past. I tried to encourage her to come along, but she couldn't. Hiroshi was trying to make his way past me again, but eventually he fell off before the first crest. Upon the 2nd crest, I had found two guys to work with and the 3 of us started rotating.
At one point, I thought we were catching a group that was on the Como Street ride, so I told the two I was working with I was going to reel them in. I brought us pretty close, but when I realized they were not Como Street riders, I slowed because I had spent a lot just to close the gap. The two that were with me took off around them and started to pull away. Not wanting to lose them, I made my way around the group and was able to reel these two guys in again.
We kept working together and then one of the riders just didn't have enough leaving two of us. We did make our way to Craig who was riding on his own, and he got into our rotation with some really good pulls. When we started rotating with the 3rd guy though, he would hold us out and then take a real short pull. Eventually, we popped him off as well.
Going up Dump Hill, I wasn't sure how Craig was going to do, but he was there with me pushing as well and even got beside me just as we were cresting. Someone has definitely been training and it showed. We kept jamming all the way down the other side and to Jamboree.
At the light, the 3rd guy caught up to us again and the 3 of us started working together on Jamboree again. We were alternating pulls and had a real good pace working together. We had pretty good luck with the lights as well, so the pace stayed high throughout. On the last stretch, Craig opened it up and I used him as a lead out for a full on sprint to Irvine Blvd. Although there wasn't anyone left by that point, it was still fun. We finished with a 21.4 average for 40 miles with 2400+ feet of climbing. Thanks, Craig!
For extra credit, some of us decided to do a reverse short como loop and take it easy. We saw Shannon and Dina at Jamboree/Portola corner and stopped to say hi. Vin and Hiroshi led us out from there and I told Gary let's have them set our pace. We started going backwards (almost) at one point though, so Gary and I took up the front to help.
Gary and I also did some stand up drills going up Dump to moderate the pace. When we were going down the other side through the canyon, Jaffe, Gary and I were doing rotations while Hiroshi and Vin stayed in the back. When I had taken the front, I inadvertently broke off but then saw someone behind me. I thought it was someone we past, but after taking a better look back, I saw it was Vin.
I was maintaining a decent pace, and by the way, it was pretty windy. Lo and behold at one point, Vin decided to pass and take a turn up front. I took it as an opportunity to help him get stronger and kept him up front all the way to Modjeska. As we were climb the hill towards Cooks, I was pace matching him and encouraging to have him stand up. He stayed up for a bit, but then said "I thought this was suppose to be an easy pace." After confirming to him that it was, I took off. ha ha
We regrouped just after Cooks with Vin, Gary, Hiroshi and I left. Jaffe had turned around. Gary led us out in the beginning and when I relieved him and pulled for a bit, Vin decided he wanted to launch an random attack. Rather than just neutralize him, I chased him down and returned the pass favor where again, he claims he wasn't doing anything. Okay.
As we made our way down and hit a light, Hiroshi and Vin were in front and I encouraged them to again launch an attack, to which they obliged. I still had legs so I showed them what I thought of their attacks. BAM!
Vin made a left on Santa Margarita to head home, so the three of us made our way to Trabuco/Irvine Boulevard. After we passed Bake, Gary led us and we started rotating. At one point, however, I saw that only Hiroshi was left and he started to pass me where I wanted to see what kind of pace he could hold up front. Once we dropped down to 19, I decided that I was done with attacks and sprints for the day. To neutralize them, I pulled a Vince and just broke off and hit some pretty good speeds to stay ahead. It worked. I'm not used to doing that, but it was in the interest of training. Sorry, S-G, since that's not normally our mode when we ride together.
Overall, I think everyone had a good training day. Damn wind always makes rides like these not as fun, but we got it done. Thanks, gents!
Strava (Extra Credit): http://app.strava.com/rides/3915732
Attendees: Gary, Jaffe, Hiroshi, Seon, Vin, and Craig
Weather-wise, the temp started out a little cool (48 derees) but it warmed up fairly quickly. It was definitely the right choice not wearing the arm warmers. Hiroshi started with them on but they were sticking out of his back pocket by the time we hit Irvine Blvd.
We had a pretty good showing with a lot wearing BRCM red except Vin. We weren't together too much from the beginning as I saw Sol pass by and wanted to see what his team was doing for today's ride. I pushed up to the front earlier than normal as a result, and some of the guys did eventually push up as well.
We got a little bit more toward the middle of the pack on Irvine Blvd, but by Trabuco was pushed up a little closer to the front again. I think this was a good idea since we wanted to be ready for the charge up Santa Margarita and being in the back would have been bad.
When we did start going up the hills on Santa Margarita, I only saw Hiroshi, Craig, and Gary on here. Vin also came out of nowhere to ride up here for a bit, but I didn't see him anymore after this.
Going down Live Oak is downright scary. After we made a left turn from Santa Margarita, it took a bit but once we rounded the corner, the pace started to pick up where I thought, they can't possibly all head down the tight switchbacks at this pace. When we started descending, it definitely made me nervous, so I checked up a little right at the tight turn. One of the girl racers pulled up on my inside, and I thought she was going to be good enough to keep up with everyone ahead of us. However, after we went over the bridge, I realized she wasn't as fast as I thought she was and I waited for someone to help bridge the gap as everyone in front of us took off and took off fast!
When no one responded, it was full sprint time and I just jammed away from everyone else and made my way to the front group who was a pretty good distance away from me. While I was able to get to the back of the pack, the work to do so took it's toll and I popped off twice. I was able to jump back on once by myself, but the 2nd time, I had to jump on someone else's wheel to jump back on to the rear. Still having problems with recovery, I just couldn't hold the pace anymore and just popped off the back completely.
As riders would go by, I would try to match pace but just didn't have it. Eventually, Hiroshi, Craig and Gary were passing me as well, and all I could do is watch. Hiroshi took off like he usually did where he tempo'd up pretty quickly past me. Craig had a good pace and managed to latch on to a chase group as he went up and over the top. I had managed to recover enough to get past Gary and Hiroshi before the top and just caught my breath all the way down the other side.
Here's how it looked:
The same girl racer who strung us out ended up passing me, and then took off up the hill past Cooks. I was able to reel her in though and get past. I tried to encourage her to come along, but she couldn't. Hiroshi was trying to make his way past me again, but eventually he fell off before the first crest. Upon the 2nd crest, I had found two guys to work with and the 3 of us started rotating.
At one point, I thought we were catching a group that was on the Como Street ride, so I told the two I was working with I was going to reel them in. I brought us pretty close, but when I realized they were not Como Street riders, I slowed because I had spent a lot just to close the gap. The two that were with me took off around them and started to pull away. Not wanting to lose them, I made my way around the group and was able to reel these two guys in again.
We kept working together and then one of the riders just didn't have enough leaving two of us. We did make our way to Craig who was riding on his own, and he got into our rotation with some really good pulls. When we started rotating with the 3rd guy though, he would hold us out and then take a real short pull. Eventually, we popped him off as well.
Going up Dump Hill, I wasn't sure how Craig was going to do, but he was there with me pushing as well and even got beside me just as we were cresting. Someone has definitely been training and it showed. We kept jamming all the way down the other side and to Jamboree.
At the light, the 3rd guy caught up to us again and the 3 of us started working together on Jamboree again. We were alternating pulls and had a real good pace working together. We had pretty good luck with the lights as well, so the pace stayed high throughout. On the last stretch, Craig opened it up and I used him as a lead out for a full on sprint to Irvine Blvd. Although there wasn't anyone left by that point, it was still fun. We finished with a 21.4 average for 40 miles with 2400+ feet of climbing. Thanks, Craig!
For extra credit, some of us decided to do a reverse short como loop and take it easy. We saw Shannon and Dina at Jamboree/Portola corner and stopped to say hi. Vin and Hiroshi led us out from there and I told Gary let's have them set our pace. We started going backwards (almost) at one point though, so Gary and I took up the front to help.
Gary and I also did some stand up drills going up Dump to moderate the pace. When we were going down the other side through the canyon, Jaffe, Gary and I were doing rotations while Hiroshi and Vin stayed in the back. When I had taken the front, I inadvertently broke off but then saw someone behind me. I thought it was someone we past, but after taking a better look back, I saw it was Vin.
I was maintaining a decent pace, and by the way, it was pretty windy. Lo and behold at one point, Vin decided to pass and take a turn up front. I took it as an opportunity to help him get stronger and kept him up front all the way to Modjeska. As we were climb the hill towards Cooks, I was pace matching him and encouraging to have him stand up. He stayed up for a bit, but then said "I thought this was suppose to be an easy pace." After confirming to him that it was, I took off. ha ha
We regrouped just after Cooks with Vin, Gary, Hiroshi and I left. Jaffe had turned around. Gary led us out in the beginning and when I relieved him and pulled for a bit, Vin decided he wanted to launch an random attack. Rather than just neutralize him, I chased him down and returned the pass favor where again, he claims he wasn't doing anything. Okay.
As we made our way down and hit a light, Hiroshi and Vin were in front and I encouraged them to again launch an attack, to which they obliged. I still had legs so I showed them what I thought of their attacks. BAM!
Vin made a left on Santa Margarita to head home, so the three of us made our way to Trabuco/Irvine Boulevard. After we passed Bake, Gary led us and we started rotating. At one point, however, I saw that only Hiroshi was left and he started to pass me where I wanted to see what kind of pace he could hold up front. Once we dropped down to 19, I decided that I was done with attacks and sprints for the day. To neutralize them, I pulled a Vince and just broke off and hit some pretty good speeds to stay ahead. It worked. I'm not used to doing that, but it was in the interest of training. Sorry, S-G, since that's not normally our mode when we ride together.
Overall, I think everyone had a good training day. Damn wind always makes rides like these not as fun, but we got it done. Thanks, gents!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Lunch Ride - Turtle Ring Route (Attack!)
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/3826842
Nice day out today with a littl wind here and there, but overall pretty decent. Pretty decent sized group today and nice to see Paul B. out there joining us again (especially nice to run into him on Turtle Rock for some much needed wind protection).
The ride started out with us waiting for Vince, but he ended up rolling ahead of us and immediately creating a gap with Gary just between us. It took some ways up the hill to get Gary back in the line and to Anteater where we were finally able to catch up to Vince. Some time afterwards, either Vin and/or Hiroshi launched an attack, which I've come to expect and even slightly appreciate given that it's almost race season. I may appreciate an occasion pull too, but that may be asking for much.
We made our way to Turtle Rock and I eventually took the front and tried to hold a decent pace off the seat where everyone seemed to have been able to stay with. Before the last rise just prior to the stop sign, Hiroshi launched another attack and Vince followed where it took a little doing but I managed to get up front to the stop sign with Mitchell serving my wingman.
While recovering, Vince launched another attack just after the stop sign and all I could do was watch . I picked it up after and gave chase with Mitchell in tow thinking I'd be able to close by the top of Shady, but that didn't happen. I made up some ground, but Vince increased it again on the bike trail through the turns. Mitchell had fallen off just before the final climb, so it became even more of a solo attempt to try to get back up to Vince.
On Ridgeline, Vince had started up on the sidewalk ahead of me, so I opted to the same. Turning my head to the left though, I saw 3-4 other guys but I was unable to make out who due to delirium. I was just off Vince's pace going up, so I was so glad to run into Paul B. as I was heading down on Turtle Rock. He ended up taking the front after I passed for a much needed rest and got us up to the Culver light where Vince was waiting to turn left.
On Bonita Canyon, more attacks ensued and I, like the submissive servant, only opted to close gaps and lead only to prepare others for more attacks. Vin had some good ones, but the breakaways were not persistent like sir Vince's.
I think by the time we got to Bison, more attacks were planned by Hiroshi and Vin so Vince took off where I followed just after him to, for the most part, just stop the madness. HA HA.
I felt that one today, boys, so another good training day for sure. Hiroshi and Vin had some good averages too, so props for your efforts today. Vince and I were talking after though, and I may have to revert to different tactics during lunch just to be able to play the crits out a little better. The figurative wheels are spinnin'.
Thanks!
Nice day out today with a littl wind here and there, but overall pretty decent. Pretty decent sized group today and nice to see Paul B. out there joining us again (especially nice to run into him on Turtle Rock for some much needed wind protection).
The ride started out with us waiting for Vince, but he ended up rolling ahead of us and immediately creating a gap with Gary just between us. It took some ways up the hill to get Gary back in the line and to Anteater where we were finally able to catch up to Vince. Some time afterwards, either Vin and/or Hiroshi launched an attack, which I've come to expect and even slightly appreciate given that it's almost race season. I may appreciate an occasion pull too, but that may be asking for much.
We made our way to Turtle Rock and I eventually took the front and tried to hold a decent pace off the seat where everyone seemed to have been able to stay with. Before the last rise just prior to the stop sign, Hiroshi launched another attack and Vince followed where it took a little doing but I managed to get up front to the stop sign with Mitchell serving my wingman.
While recovering, Vince launched another attack just after the stop sign and all I could do was watch . I picked it up after and gave chase with Mitchell in tow thinking I'd be able to close by the top of Shady, but that didn't happen. I made up some ground, but Vince increased it again on the bike trail through the turns. Mitchell had fallen off just before the final climb, so it became even more of a solo attempt to try to get back up to Vince.
On Ridgeline, Vince had started up on the sidewalk ahead of me, so I opted to the same. Turning my head to the left though, I saw 3-4 other guys but I was unable to make out who due to delirium. I was just off Vince's pace going up, so I was so glad to run into Paul B. as I was heading down on Turtle Rock. He ended up taking the front after I passed for a much needed rest and got us up to the Culver light where Vince was waiting to turn left.
On Bonita Canyon, more attacks ensued and I, like the submissive servant, only opted to close gaps and lead only to prepare others for more attacks. Vin had some good ones, but the breakaways were not persistent like sir Vince's.
I think by the time we got to Bison, more attacks were planned by Hiroshi and Vin so Vince took off where I followed just after him to, for the most part, just stop the madness. HA HA.
I felt that one today, boys, so another good training day for sure. Hiroshi and Vin had some good averages too, so props for your efforts today. Vince and I were talking after though, and I may have to revert to different tactics during lunch just to be able to play the crits out a little better. The figurative wheels are spinnin'.
Thanks!
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