Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/20298040
Attendees: Jaffe, Adrian, Vince and Jeremy
Small group today where we thought we had one more (Hiroshi), but he did his own TT thing. The 5 of us got started and early on (E. Peltason), I was already off the back but with Vince in tow. Vince seeing that the gap wasn't closing eventually left me behind as well. I was just fortunate that they got caught at the first light on Anteater where I was able to ride with them again.
We all pretty much stayed together going up Anteater as I tried desperately to warm up (funny I use the turn warm up considering how hellacious the heat and humidity was) and I did end up finally taking a pull once we got on Bonita Canyon heading toward San Miguel. When we went to make the left turn toward San Miguel, Adrian and I opted to do so from the left turn lane while the other 3 crossed and ended up going straight from the light which turned green ahead of ours.
We weren't too far behind once we got on San Miguel and Adrian and I were able to make some ground hoping to catch them before Spyglass. They did make the left turn ahead of us where we had to stop and wait for an ambulance and some traffic to go by, so Jeremy, Vince and Jaffe were not visible once we finally got on that street.
My plan was to pace Adrian so that we can hopefully ride and work together to reel the others ahead of us in at a later point of the route. However, he ended up kicking it up a notch right away on Spyglass and began to pull away from me. I almost started to pick my pace up just to try and not get dropped, but I didn't think his pace was doable for the length of the hill. Sure enough, he slowed and slowed a lot allowing me to pass him midway up. I could see Jaffe ahead of me where I didn't want to expend too much energy to catch him, but I'll stay behind just enough to maybe work with him once we got on San Joaquin. However, he opted for his own creative way of crossing the street (details withheld but you can just imagine what that was like) whereas I decided to wait and do so less creatively.
When the light wouldn't turn green, I opted to hit the button and sure enough, this allowed for an approaching Adrian to catch it just perfectly where he used the momentum to take off and gap me pretty good. I wasn't going to kill myself here to try and catch him, but I kept the gap relatively manageable hoping to close it once we got near the top. I was almost on him when we got to Ridge Park, but he decided to go straight whereas Jaffe had stopped to see what we were doing. I called out to Adrian telling him he missed the turn and told Jaffe to get going, but I kept pedaling after I made the turn where the two eventually made their way back onto my rear wheel.
It was nice to see that Jeremy and Vince had waited for us but they took off ahead of me where it took some work just to be able to get on their wheel with the two guys in tow behind me. By the time we reached Pelican, we were all together.
Jeremy led us onto Pelican, but Adrian and Jaffe decided to kick it up a notch as we climbed the first section where Jeremy and Vince didn't seem to panic and still managed to reel both of them back in. Vince had taken the front eventually and was taking turns with Adrian while I got low and let gravity do its thing allowing me to get some momentum right before the climb at the bottom. I took off and Vince jumped on and we had a pretty good pace going but had to stop just at the top due to a light. We may have been able to contest the KOM had that not been the case based on running a comparison between our run and Adrian's or Galen's, but now we'll never know.
Having to stop and start all over again took my breath away, so once the light turned green, Adrian, Vince and Jeremy had taken off ahead of me. I was slowly trying to make my way onto their rear wheel but they had a pretty good gap on me and started working together on PCH. Fortunately, Adrian had taken the front at one point and while his pace was fast initially, it dropped to a pace where I was able to latch onto them eventually. I even took a pull at the end before hitting CDM, but I felt worked given the heat and humidity once we got to the stop light. Jaffe had caught up to us here as we were waiting to make the right onto Poppy.
When we crossed, I was again off the back since they guys like to take off fast and it took until after getting onto Ocean to get back behind Vince. In all honesty, I was ready to quit but the thought of never hearing the end of it plagued my mind forcing me to continue.
Jeremy and Adrian led us through CDM and eventually onto Avocado. Jeremy started us off on PCH and had a pretty good pull where I really had to drop down low just to be able to latch on. We got caught on the first light after, but Jeremy started us off again. This time, Adrian was behind him and I was behind Adrian. Adrian eventually relieved Jeremy and started pulling pretty hard, but I was on him and just waiting for my turn. Once he started to slow, I made my way past and led us to Jamboree.
We all crossed onto Back Bay drive together, and Vince had us going from there. Eventually, Jeremy and Adrian took the front and then I relieved them trying to keep a good pace on Back Bay. Jaffe eventually ended up relieving me and then the rotations continued. Due to a quick rotation out from Jaffe and some separation at one of the turns, I ended up getting behind him in the pace, but I did make my way past him eventually to take another pull.
It was during my last pull that Vince goes sprinting by attempting the breakaway. I don't know why I'm not better prepared for that given how often he's done that in the past, but I just sat and watched him go by along with Adrian who ended up sprinting after him as well. I looked back and waited for Jeremy to pass, and he started working to close the gap ahead of us. Eventually, Jeremy did manage to reel Adrian in where we both were able to pass him just before the hill pitch at the end.
On Jamboree, Vince kept the lead up and Jeremy eventually caught him and both stayed ahead of me all the way to the top. Fortunately, I was able to catch the left turn light onto Bison with them along with Jaffe as well. The all took off ahead of me as I desperately tried to recover, but I was fortunate enough that the light on McArthur turned red allowing me to regroup with them. It was here where Jeremy asked, "Hey Rich, I think I know what you're always talking about with regard to Adrian blowing up" or something to that effect. Obviously, Jeremy now knows I just call it the way I see it.
When we took off from the light, we stayed together for the most part and then Jeremy started turning it up after the last light over the 73. Vince took the next pull keeping the pace up, and in order for Vince not to say he made me his son, I cranked it up just a little bit more after to separate from the two. I'm sure I'll pay for that in the future.
Despite the small group, the pace was still pretty fast today and definitely not a pace one should run under these weather conditions. I was on the verge of a heat stroke at the gym and could almost sense people pointing and laughing at me based on how hot and sweaty I was from today's ride.
Great trainer today, folks. My stomach still hasn't fully recovered. Thanks!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Morning Ride - Shady Jeffrey Orchard Hills Peters Canyon Bike Trail BB PCH NPC
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/20042856
Shannon wanted to get an early morning ride in to beat the heat vs. riding at lunch, and boy was this a good call. It was about 77 degrees already when we got back, and that was only 8 a.m. We sent out an e-mail to recruit others, and Gary answered the call although not realizing it was not the standard 30 mile route we typically do. We were thinking of doing a 46 miler originally through the canyons, but we decided to opt for a 40 mile loop we used to train in the past for the Stagecoach. Another good call.
When we were about to start, my Garmin (or actually my wife's) was showing low battery. It must have kicked on at some point and drained, so I opted to use the Strava app on my iPhone instead. Some data is better than none, but I like Garmin better for sure.
The pace initially was pretty mild, and Gary and I would take turns (or at least I would try to pass him) all the way out to Bonita Canyon/Culver. Every time I'd pass, he'd sneak by again and personally, I ain't complaining.
I started us off going up Shady, but Shannon and Gary relieved me and we started rotating reminiscent of the good ol' days. Up and over Shady we went, down the bike path beside the 405, and up and over the bridge to get on Jeffrey. We saw a few crews here and there and thought some may jump in our paceline as we passed, but no one ever did. Good.
The rotations continued until up and over the 5 freeway, but Shannon and I started alternating after a while to help Gary who hasn't been out with us in like forever. :) We passed a couple more people on the way to Portola, and Shannon had mentioned that he'd probably let me do more work than normal today. Thanks? HA HA. I don't mind as I 1) need the workout and 2) owe the guy for towing me as much as he typically does.
We regrouped at Portola with Gary, and Shannon led us initially, but I took the front and led us up and over the Orchard Hills loop. We kind of got a way from Gary a little here, but not too much and we were shortly able to regroup back on Portola.
When we started heading down the bike trail on Peter's Canyon, I had set up a good pace, but both Shannon and Gary kept pushing it up a notch when they'd pass and rotate up front. Toward the tail end of the trails, I was on TT mode while the other two guys hung back probably because they were tired of getting my sweat all over them.
I led us on Harvard us well, but Shannon took the front at one of the lights and led us back to the bike trail on Barranca. I took the front just before the bridge, and then the two of us started working together to keep the pace up with Gary also taking a pull or two. When we got to University, I took the front and had a pretty decent pace as we headed to California when Gary comes beside me and says something like "let's go." Then he starts to sprint away with Shannon following him. I was a little worked for a sprint to California, so I just kept my pace steady instead, which hopefully would also allow me to have some left in the tank for the rest of the ride being that we still had to make our way down BB and up NPC.
After the two guys sprinted, I slowly made my way past them and took the front again leading us out to Back Bay. As we neared Back Bay, however, Shannon asked if I knew whether or not Gary would turn off since he wasn't anywhere to be seen. I told him I figure he might since I don't think he was planning to do the whole 40 with us, but we waited at the top of Back Bay for him just in case. When we saw he wasn't coming, we took off.
Shannon fell a little off in the beginning of Back Bay, but quickly reeled me in and started rotating with me all the way throughout. He picked it up a notch after we passed San Joaquin, so all I could do was hang on until we got to the gate. I took the front then and led us up Jamboree and on PCH initially. Then we started rotating again albeit at longer intervals. We did reel a guy in on a TT bike in CDM, and he looked a bit surprised as we passed him. I hope he saw the jersey we were wearing (BRCM black) and thought to himself, "I heard those guys were fast...now I know!" HA HA
Shannon led the last part of PCH just before we got to NPC, and we got a little separated after crossing PCH to start the hill climb. Shannon was just a little bit ahead of me, and I was trying to pace myself and not try and jump on his wheel and blow myself up in the process. So much for that strategy as Shannon started pulling away continuously after the passing the first Pelican. He gapped me so bad, I had to turn around and make sure I wasn't going backwards. I mean, the dude lit me up like doobage in a Fridays movie (not condoned by any means, boys and girls...it's just a movie reference).
By the time I got to the top, he was gone. I thought he bailed and went into TT mode, but fortunately I saw he had waited for me just after the Ridge Park light. Yippee! We started going down the other side together, but had to slow/stop for a couple of the lights (now that school is in session). After we got past the last light, I took off and led us down to Bonita Canyon. I also led on Bonita Canyon after making sure we both made the light at the bottom, and just put my head down to finish out the rest of the ride strong. I wanted to purge what energy I had left, so I just kept going until I got back to Bldg 11.
Now I saw Gary as I was going in the gym and he asked me about NPC. I told him how Shannon did what Shannon does on there and that's pretty much what anyone should expect who's in the know. What a beast.
Glad that's over with, now what to do for lunch? Thanks, gents!
Shannon wanted to get an early morning ride in to beat the heat vs. riding at lunch, and boy was this a good call. It was about 77 degrees already when we got back, and that was only 8 a.m. We sent out an e-mail to recruit others, and Gary answered the call although not realizing it was not the standard 30 mile route we typically do. We were thinking of doing a 46 miler originally through the canyons, but we decided to opt for a 40 mile loop we used to train in the past for the Stagecoach. Another good call.
When we were about to start, my Garmin (or actually my wife's) was showing low battery. It must have kicked on at some point and drained, so I opted to use the Strava app on my iPhone instead. Some data is better than none, but I like Garmin better for sure.
The pace initially was pretty mild, and Gary and I would take turns (or at least I would try to pass him) all the way out to Bonita Canyon/Culver. Every time I'd pass, he'd sneak by again and personally, I ain't complaining.
I started us off going up Shady, but Shannon and Gary relieved me and we started rotating reminiscent of the good ol' days. Up and over Shady we went, down the bike path beside the 405, and up and over the bridge to get on Jeffrey. We saw a few crews here and there and thought some may jump in our paceline as we passed, but no one ever did. Good.
The rotations continued until up and over the 5 freeway, but Shannon and I started alternating after a while to help Gary who hasn't been out with us in like forever. :) We passed a couple more people on the way to Portola, and Shannon had mentioned that he'd probably let me do more work than normal today. Thanks? HA HA. I don't mind as I 1) need the workout and 2) owe the guy for towing me as much as he typically does.
We regrouped at Portola with Gary, and Shannon led us initially, but I took the front and led us up and over the Orchard Hills loop. We kind of got a way from Gary a little here, but not too much and we were shortly able to regroup back on Portola.
When we started heading down the bike trail on Peter's Canyon, I had set up a good pace, but both Shannon and Gary kept pushing it up a notch when they'd pass and rotate up front. Toward the tail end of the trails, I was on TT mode while the other two guys hung back probably because they were tired of getting my sweat all over them.
I led us on Harvard us well, but Shannon took the front at one of the lights and led us back to the bike trail on Barranca. I took the front just before the bridge, and then the two of us started working together to keep the pace up with Gary also taking a pull or two. When we got to University, I took the front and had a pretty decent pace as we headed to California when Gary comes beside me and says something like "let's go." Then he starts to sprint away with Shannon following him. I was a little worked for a sprint to California, so I just kept my pace steady instead, which hopefully would also allow me to have some left in the tank for the rest of the ride being that we still had to make our way down BB and up NPC.
After the two guys sprinted, I slowly made my way past them and took the front again leading us out to Back Bay. As we neared Back Bay, however, Shannon asked if I knew whether or not Gary would turn off since he wasn't anywhere to be seen. I told him I figure he might since I don't think he was planning to do the whole 40 with us, but we waited at the top of Back Bay for him just in case. When we saw he wasn't coming, we took off.
Shannon fell a little off in the beginning of Back Bay, but quickly reeled me in and started rotating with me all the way throughout. He picked it up a notch after we passed San Joaquin, so all I could do was hang on until we got to the gate. I took the front then and led us up Jamboree and on PCH initially. Then we started rotating again albeit at longer intervals. We did reel a guy in on a TT bike in CDM, and he looked a bit surprised as we passed him. I hope he saw the jersey we were wearing (BRCM black) and thought to himself, "I heard those guys were fast...now I know!" HA HA
Shannon led the last part of PCH just before we got to NPC, and we got a little separated after crossing PCH to start the hill climb. Shannon was just a little bit ahead of me, and I was trying to pace myself and not try and jump on his wheel and blow myself up in the process. So much for that strategy as Shannon started pulling away continuously after the passing the first Pelican. He gapped me so bad, I had to turn around and make sure I wasn't going backwards. I mean, the dude lit me up like doobage in a Fridays movie (not condoned by any means, boys and girls...it's just a movie reference).
By the time I got to the top, he was gone. I thought he bailed and went into TT mode, but fortunately I saw he had waited for me just after the Ridge Park light. Yippee! We started going down the other side together, but had to slow/stop for a couple of the lights (now that school is in session). After we got past the last light, I took off and led us down to Bonita Canyon. I also led on Bonita Canyon after making sure we both made the light at the bottom, and just put my head down to finish out the rest of the ride strong. I wanted to purge what energy I had left, so I just kept going until I got back to Bldg 11.
Now I saw Gary as I was going in the gym and he asked me about NPC. I told him how Shannon did what Shannon does on there and that's pretty much what anyone should expect who's in the know. What a beast.
Glad that's over with, now what to do for lunch? Thanks, gents!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Aliso Viejo to Long Beach OOB with Supertrain (i.e. Shannon)
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/19836605
It's been a while since I've blogged about a ride on the weekend since I've been riding solo for the last few weeks. It was nice, however, to plan a ride with Gary and Shannon as it's been a while since we've ridden together. Unfortunately, Gary ended up not being able to make it out, so it was just Supertrain and me.
We met at the Starbucks parking lot at Pacific Park and Alicia where we used to meet all the time back in the day. As always, Shannon was already there when I arrived despite me being there 15-20 minutes before our departure. The guy is always raring to go. What a great attitude.
After he downed his coffee, we decided to make or way to PCH via Alicia to Crown Valley. I was hoping for a slightly slower warm-up, but Shannon got in front early on and was already moving out. Now it wasn't lunch ride crazy, but it was definitely something I had to get used to again for a weekend ride.
Now the weather was a little cool, so it was pretty ideal except we could not ever really identify what direction the wind was going. When we were going through Laguna Beach, Shannon thought he felt a tail wind, but I was like holy ish...he's moving. I would take my turns up front when I could, but my pace was probably just slightly under his desired pace, so it wouldn't be long before he would jump up front again.
We both were working pretty hard and by CDM, I told him I think I had a good enough workout and was ready to turn around already. HA HA. After that didn't work, we kept pushing forward and noticed Jaffe in the Strava Hunter jersey, the same I was wearing, going the opposite direction. After he realized who we were, he turned around and caught us at a light to ride with us. Sweet.
While Shannon and I were pushing a pretty good pace, Jaffe did get in the rotation for a couple pulls. After a while, however, he was relegated to just stay in the back and let us two work keeping the pace up all the way to Huntington Beach. It was around here that Jaffe had to turn back around since he had time constraints and needed to get back early.
Shannon and I pressed on and we were on a TTT pace where it wasn't necessarily maxed out, but it was fast where all we were doing were reeling people in ahead who were ahead of us. No one cared to join us on the way out, but we could see a whole bunch of cyclists going the opposite direction and couldn't wait to turn around.
Once we got to 2nd street, we did a check to see if we needed to stop or can we make it back with what we had. I was still good food and fluid wise, and Shannon was too so we opted not to stop and just kept going. Now we had agreed to try to continue our managed pace and not kill it at any one point just to keep our pace up. Then, one guy hopped in our draft and as expected, that changed everything.
I was still trying to manage my pace, but I was able to hold a good speed. Shannon was definitely pushing it a lot harder since he was in drop mode, so I would just jump on and then relieve him as much as I could while we tried to drop the guy in the yellow jersey who was riding behind us.
Impressively, the guy was able to stay back there for a while, but we were able to drop him after a small incline and after passing a group of other riders. No one else ventured to try and hang on either, and understandably so given we were carrying speed upwards of 25 mph and holding it.
When we got back to Huntington Beach, we did get caught at a few lights and the guy with the yellow jersey caught us there again. We dropped him pretty early after the road stretched out again, but Shannon was starting to get some cramps so i offered to keep a good pace just to haul us both back. I was feeling pretty good and was able to find that "sweet spot" of resistance and cadence where I was able to hold it for a while.
As we neared Newport Beach and hit a light, I was leading when the guy in the yellow jersey caught up and finally decided to pass. As Shannon was spinning out his cramp, I decided to mix it up with this guy since we were almost at the point where we were going to descend. I jumped on his rear wheel and waited until we crested, and as I hoped he would try and take off, he instead opted to pull off and make a left turn. Darn!
Shannon was feeling better after we crested, to we started rotating again and worked all the way back to Aliso Viejo via 133/El Toro/Aliso Creek. In the end, we averaged ~21.2 mph. According to Garmin Connect, our move average was almost 22 mph.
Now I felt good when we got back, but after the adrenalin/endorphins were gone, my body crashed pretty hard and my legs felt pretty cooked. I went to watch my son's soccer game after the ride, and toward the end of the game I just lost consciousness. At least I was there in spirit.
Great training with Shannon again. Hopefully, we can get more out for these longer rides. I'm sure we'll need to get more elevation training as well, but we can start that next month. Go Team BRCM!
P.S. Happy Anniversary, Shannon and Dina.
It's been a while since I've blogged about a ride on the weekend since I've been riding solo for the last few weeks. It was nice, however, to plan a ride with Gary and Shannon as it's been a while since we've ridden together. Unfortunately, Gary ended up not being able to make it out, so it was just Supertrain and me.
We met at the Starbucks parking lot at Pacific Park and Alicia where we used to meet all the time back in the day. As always, Shannon was already there when I arrived despite me being there 15-20 minutes before our departure. The guy is always raring to go. What a great attitude.
After he downed his coffee, we decided to make or way to PCH via Alicia to Crown Valley. I was hoping for a slightly slower warm-up, but Shannon got in front early on and was already moving out. Now it wasn't lunch ride crazy, but it was definitely something I had to get used to again for a weekend ride.
Now the weather was a little cool, so it was pretty ideal except we could not ever really identify what direction the wind was going. When we were going through Laguna Beach, Shannon thought he felt a tail wind, but I was like holy ish...he's moving. I would take my turns up front when I could, but my pace was probably just slightly under his desired pace, so it wouldn't be long before he would jump up front again.
We both were working pretty hard and by CDM, I told him I think I had a good enough workout and was ready to turn around already. HA HA. After that didn't work, we kept pushing forward and noticed Jaffe in the Strava Hunter jersey, the same I was wearing, going the opposite direction. After he realized who we were, he turned around and caught us at a light to ride with us. Sweet.
While Shannon and I were pushing a pretty good pace, Jaffe did get in the rotation for a couple pulls. After a while, however, he was relegated to just stay in the back and let us two work keeping the pace up all the way to Huntington Beach. It was around here that Jaffe had to turn back around since he had time constraints and needed to get back early.
Shannon and I pressed on and we were on a TTT pace where it wasn't necessarily maxed out, but it was fast where all we were doing were reeling people in ahead who were ahead of us. No one cared to join us on the way out, but we could see a whole bunch of cyclists going the opposite direction and couldn't wait to turn around.
Once we got to 2nd street, we did a check to see if we needed to stop or can we make it back with what we had. I was still good food and fluid wise, and Shannon was too so we opted not to stop and just kept going. Now we had agreed to try to continue our managed pace and not kill it at any one point just to keep our pace up. Then, one guy hopped in our draft and as expected, that changed everything.
I was still trying to manage my pace, but I was able to hold a good speed. Shannon was definitely pushing it a lot harder since he was in drop mode, so I would just jump on and then relieve him as much as I could while we tried to drop the guy in the yellow jersey who was riding behind us.
Impressively, the guy was able to stay back there for a while, but we were able to drop him after a small incline and after passing a group of other riders. No one else ventured to try and hang on either, and understandably so given we were carrying speed upwards of 25 mph and holding it.
When we got back to Huntington Beach, we did get caught at a few lights and the guy with the yellow jersey caught us there again. We dropped him pretty early after the road stretched out again, but Shannon was starting to get some cramps so i offered to keep a good pace just to haul us both back. I was feeling pretty good and was able to find that "sweet spot" of resistance and cadence where I was able to hold it for a while.
As we neared Newport Beach and hit a light, I was leading when the guy in the yellow jersey caught up and finally decided to pass. As Shannon was spinning out his cramp, I decided to mix it up with this guy since we were almost at the point where we were going to descend. I jumped on his rear wheel and waited until we crested, and as I hoped he would try and take off, he instead opted to pull off and make a left turn. Darn!
Shannon was feeling better after we crested, to we started rotating again and worked all the way back to Aliso Viejo via 133/El Toro/Aliso Creek. In the end, we averaged ~21.2 mph. According to Garmin Connect, our move average was almost 22 mph.
Now I felt good when we got back, but after the adrenalin/endorphins were gone, my body crashed pretty hard and my legs felt pretty cooked. I went to watch my son's soccer game after the ride, and toward the end of the game I just lost consciousness. At least I was there in spirit.
Great training with Shannon again. Hopefully, we can get more out for these longer rides. I'm sure we'll need to get more elevation training as well, but we can start that next month. Go Team BRCM!
P.S. Happy Anniversary, Shannon and Dina.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Lunch Ride - BB PCH CDM NPC Pelican San Joaquin Horseshoe McArthur
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/19505966
Attendees: Todd, Adrian, Jeremy, Vin, Hiroshi, Jaffe and Mitchell
Weather: warm and muggy, but the overcast helped although you couldn't tell from how sweaty I was
Highlights
Attendees: Todd, Adrian, Jeremy, Vin, Hiroshi, Jaffe and Mitchell
Weather: warm and muggy, but the overcast helped although you couldn't tell from how sweaty I was
Highlights
- My wingman, Mitchell, was finally back out with us again. We may need to talk to him about his shorts selection though (wink wink)
- My BMC was back, and while she finally rode great again (don't ask me about the bike shop debacle unless you want to see me look annoyed), I was not looking forward to climbing up Pelican on it.
- Todd was actually in somewhat of a mood to regroup today. Maybe that explains the unusual weather. This was only until he ditched us on San Joaquin though. :)
- We actually had a nice warm up pace in the beginning. Once we realized Adrian and Vin got caught at the light at the bottom of California, we took it easy all the way to the top of Back Bay. Wha?!? I took the front and set a mild pace initially, but Todd kicked it up just a little after (more to help me than anything else I'm sure...whatta guy)
- Once we regrouped, we had a pretty good pace on BB with Todd and Jeremy getting a bit of a gap early on. However, we were able to close the gap (which I did help out early on but went to the back as I indicated I would since my legs still recovering from yesterday's commute + run and this morning's spin...but who's counting?)
- It was a good pace and everyone 'seemed' okay to rotate in front of me. What they said about me behind my back, however, may be all together different.
- I think at the end of BB, Hiroshi kicked it up a notch for a sprint finish? Or was I hallucinating?
- When we made a right on Jamboree to head to PCH, Todd and Jeremy kicked it up a notch up the hill of course, so I picked up my pace a little and led the rest behind me. See? I do some work.
- When we got on PCH, Todd and Jeremy had started to gap Jaffe and Hiroshi, so seeing as to no one else taking an interest to help, I once again jumped to the front not to close the gap per se but just to keep the gap manageable unless someone wanted to help otherwise. Of course, no one did, so when they got through a light that stopped us, all I got was a bunch of yapping from the others about why I didn't close the gap. Typical.
- Based on the above, I once again decided the back would be fine for me once the light turned green.
- Todd and Jeremy slowed their pace allowing us to catch up right before we got back on Poppy to head toward PCH. Cool.
- The group got strung out again once we started going, so I made my way in front of Jaffe and pulled him past Hiroshi as we made our way toward NPC. Of course, it took seconds for the light to turn green to cross after.
- Going up NPC, it was no surprise the first person I pass was Adrian, who had clung to the front on PCH. ha ha.
- I made my way up to the group as we made the left onto Pelican and I was content with staying with Mitchell, Hiroshi and Vin while Todd and Jeremy broke away. Heck, the plan was to regroup after Pelican anyway, so why kill it? (as if I could have done anything differently)
- It was cool to stay with the guys as we climbed up the first couple crests, but Hiroshi had gapped us on the final climb. I tried to manage my pace and hoped to pull Jaffe and Vin with me as I made my way to Hiroshi, but I guess they were a no-go.
- I passed Hiroshi as he seemed to tire a bit, but his Samurai spirit wanted to push on, so he made his way past me afterwards. Of course, my "Pacquio" spirit saved it to just before the crest and I once again returned the favor before making it over the hill.
- We regrouped after turning left onto NPC, and the funny thing is, Todd and a few others already started gapping everyone as I tried to sit in the back hoping we would stay together. When I realized that those in front of me weren't interested, once again I made my way past to try to keep the gap from being outright ridiculous.
- Todd must have been tired of the waiting game, and opted to breakaway catching the light on Ridge Park while the rest of us were relegated to stopping. That was the last we seen of LTJ.
- The rest of us, except for Adrian, made our way onto San Joaquin together. I'm still unsure if his choice to stop was based on being a lawful citizen and fully adhering to traffic signals or just needing to rest, but we'll leave that for the imagination.
- On the Horseshoe, Jeremy and Mitchell (or was it Hiroshi) broke away and once again (almost like a chorus to a song) no one seemed to want to respond. Of course, I took the front and tried to keep the gap manageable, and Vin did end up helping a bit here to do so. I did have to finish the loop and work towards closing in on the two ahead of us, which fortunately was able to occur just after the first stop light after the descent down San Joaquin.
- Jeremy took the lead for a bit and traded pulls with me, but he let me start us off on McArthur. He and Adrian (who skipped the Horseshoe...now did I really need to mention this?) went by and started hammering where I looked to see if anyone else was going to keep the paceline (insert chorus here), but seeing that no one did, I picked up the pace and started working my way toward and past Jeremy first, and then toward and past Adrian after. Of course, it was at this point Vin decided to sprint by to an awaiting red light on Bonita Canyon/Ford. I would have given chase if I were only able to stand and sprint, which my thighs clearly were absent of any water and minerals at that point.
- After rounding to Bison behind some truck with Adrian as others had once again gapped us at that point, I was waiting to see (or watch) who was going to sprint since this is customary after the 73. Oddly enough, no one did so I cruised by everyone seated expecting to be passed (and laughed at) but that didn't happen either. What a weird day.
Good training ride, gents. I'll be commuting again tomorrow. Cheers!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Lunch Ride - Turtle Rock Ring Loop
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/19288666
Attendees: Marc, Adrian, Jeremy, Hiroshi, Jaffe and me
Highlights:
Attendees: Marc, Adrian, Jeremy, Hiroshi, Jaffe and me
Highlights:
- Another hot AND windy ride today making for less than desirable conditions
- Small group came out with original intentions to take it easy, but you know how that goes
- Adrian, Hiroshi, Jeremy and Jaffe were kicking it up early on and I struggled as early as E. Peltason. When Marc passes you, it's going to be a long day. Just kidding, Marc!
- I was off the back going toward Sunnyhill on the first Shady rise, so it was just enough to keep everyone in sight. This continued down Turtle Rock where I just couldn't hold the pace of the group as they descended down toward Campus.
- I was finally able to breathe a little once we started climbing the other side, but 4 of the guys had a good lead ahead of me with Adrian actually leading the pack. Jeremy reeled him in eventually though, and I was able to catch up to both of them just before we got on the bike trail heading up Shady.
- A cyclist coming the opposite direction nearly took Jeremy out as he rode the center of the sidewalk just as we were getting on it. Jeremy was able to keep the bike up but he was concerned about what may have happened to his wheels. I, too, ended up riding into the dirt but I was a little slower going onto it where the bike was fine.
- Adrian had kept going and got ahead of us for a while and ended up mixing it up with a female. He passed her, but she returned the favor riling up his BAM instincts. He ended up passing her again, but she was definitely chasing him down according to him.
- We got going again after the off trail incident, and Jeremy led first but I finally took the front and led us up and over the hill.
- Once we got on the bike trail by the 405, Jeremy, Jaffe and I started taking turns and slowly reeled Adrian in by the time we got to Ridgeline.
- Once we went up Ridgeline, Jeremy gapped early, which I knew was our mistake. He kept his distance all the way up to the top and down to Campus, but I was just able to come up behind him once we got to Culver. Adrian and Jaffe rolled in shortly after.
- Jaffe started us off on Culver, but Adrian and I started to take turns after.
- Jeremy and Jaffe rotated in after we passed Anteater/Shady.
- Since Jeremy rode in this morning, he opted to take McArthur back instead of hitting the condo. Thanks for holding back today!
- Adrian, Jaffe and I continued to the condo, where Adrian had a good run up it where he didn't seem to run out of energy all the way to Bison. He told me he must have eaten some of Jeremy's Wheaties this morning.
- I tried to setup Adrian for a sprint after the 73, and was able to snap early on. However, when I thought I had gapped him and decided to look behind me to my right, he pulls up to my left and passes me just before California. Nice.
- These lunch rides are tough and the Roscoe's chicken with gravy and grits I had yesterday did not serve me well today. HA HA
Thanks for the training, gents.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Lunch Ride - BB PCH CDM NPC Bonita Canyon Jamboree CA
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/18515805
Attendees: Shannon, Vince, Todd, Jeremy, Marc, Vin and Jaffe
I know it's been a little quiet on the blog, but that's only because I was doing my own thing last week including the last 2 weekends. The team is still training as always, but I haven't been out with anyone to be able to write about it. Now it's been kind of nice to train at my own pace, pick on "normal" people on the roads, and feel somewhat like I have some riding ability, but the guys wouldn't have it and "pressured" me to ride with the group at lunch again. That's right...I said pressured...ha ha. It's reminiscent of this scene in Godfather part 3:
Anyway, today was hella hot, so it was nice to do a coastal ride with the guys. Since I strained my back just this morning when coming in to work (from pulling my heavy backpack out of my car of all things), I was just going to sit in the back as much as possible until I got dropped. I knew I couldn't use it as an excuse to get out of the ride with these guys given last week's fiasco (and rule #5), so I hope they could at least appreciate that I came out.
Now, sitting in the back sounds easy enough, but there is still plenty of work to do just to stay there. With everyone rotating ahead of me to keep the pace up, it was definitely not the same as riding on my own where I can keep the pace/effort in the sweet spot the whole time. These guys make you work. On Back Bay, my HR was still hitting max in the back and at points considered just dropping since I didn't want to strain my back further. I kept on though since the thought of disappointing looks in the locker room motivated me. At the very end, I watched Shannon practice his sprint for the gate with no one contesting it. Smart.
Todd, Vince and Jeremy also stayed up front and pulled the group up PCH just after Bayside drive. Even that pace hurt and eventually took it's toll on Marc, the first casualty of the ride. Everyone else just hung on...including me. I was content to stay behind those behind Shannon since we knew it would just be a matter of time before he reels in any breakaways.
The first breakaway came at one of the intersections where Todd and Jeremy took off at the intersection before the steep hill heading towards Ocean. Vince gave chase but the rest of us stayed behind Shannon still, probably frustrating him somewhat. I thought about helping though...does that count?
We were able to regroup before we got back on PCH, and Vince, Todd and Jeremy had gapped the rest of us. Jaffe and Vin were still content on staying behind Shannon, so I finally decided to help out here and worked to get us up to Jeremy's wheel. Before we arrived to NPC, however, Jeremy's front tire got flat. He waved us on to keep going, so I did thinking he'd probably catch us up NPC anyway, but Shannon and Vin stayed with him to help out.
On NPC, Vince was encouraging me to ride with Todd, and I wasn't having any of it. Jaffe actually took off pretty fast and was riding with Todd for a little bit, but Vince predicted Jaffe woul be like Adrian where eventually he'll run out of steam. I had set the hill up just to keep a steady pace, and did find my way up to Jaffe who latched on after I passed him. I had inadvertently dropped to my small ring up front, so I was in spin mode while Jaffe stayed with me. However, after a few clicks to a taller gear in the back, I stood back up and it was too much for the distinguished engineer.
I could see Todd ahead of me when I got to the top, and although I thought a regroup would be nice, he was in non-stop mode never to be seen again until the locker room. After getting caught on a light or two, Vince passed me up before San Joaquin and was able to stay outside my reach all the way down the other side...even splitting me off at a light just underneath the 73. Fortunately, I met him down at the bottom again.
We worked together from there, and even climbed and descended the other side of Jamboree together. We almost missed University and had to work our way back to the route, and Jaffe ended up catching us at the first light going up California. From there, I again worked to set a good pace up the hill and Vince got up front toward the end to keep us even more honest.
Great workout today, gents. I think I like riding solo better. Thanks!
Attendees: Shannon, Vince, Todd, Jeremy, Marc, Vin and Jaffe
I know it's been a little quiet on the blog, but that's only because I was doing my own thing last week including the last 2 weekends. The team is still training as always, but I haven't been out with anyone to be able to write about it. Now it's been kind of nice to train at my own pace, pick on "normal" people on the roads, and feel somewhat like I have some riding ability, but the guys wouldn't have it and "pressured" me to ride with the group at lunch again. That's right...I said pressured...ha ha. It's reminiscent of this scene in Godfather part 3:
Anyway, today was hella hot, so it was nice to do a coastal ride with the guys. Since I strained my back just this morning when coming in to work (from pulling my heavy backpack out of my car of all things), I was just going to sit in the back as much as possible until I got dropped. I knew I couldn't use it as an excuse to get out of the ride with these guys given last week's fiasco (and rule #5), so I hope they could at least appreciate that I came out.
Now, sitting in the back sounds easy enough, but there is still plenty of work to do just to stay there. With everyone rotating ahead of me to keep the pace up, it was definitely not the same as riding on my own where I can keep the pace/effort in the sweet spot the whole time. These guys make you work. On Back Bay, my HR was still hitting max in the back and at points considered just dropping since I didn't want to strain my back further. I kept on though since the thought of disappointing looks in the locker room motivated me. At the very end, I watched Shannon practice his sprint for the gate with no one contesting it. Smart.
Todd, Vince and Jeremy also stayed up front and pulled the group up PCH just after Bayside drive. Even that pace hurt and eventually took it's toll on Marc, the first casualty of the ride. Everyone else just hung on...including me. I was content to stay behind those behind Shannon since we knew it would just be a matter of time before he reels in any breakaways.
The first breakaway came at one of the intersections where Todd and Jeremy took off at the intersection before the steep hill heading towards Ocean. Vince gave chase but the rest of us stayed behind Shannon still, probably frustrating him somewhat. I thought about helping though...does that count?
We were able to regroup before we got back on PCH, and Vince, Todd and Jeremy had gapped the rest of us. Jaffe and Vin were still content on staying behind Shannon, so I finally decided to help out here and worked to get us up to Jeremy's wheel. Before we arrived to NPC, however, Jeremy's front tire got flat. He waved us on to keep going, so I did thinking he'd probably catch us up NPC anyway, but Shannon and Vin stayed with him to help out.
On NPC, Vince was encouraging me to ride with Todd, and I wasn't having any of it. Jaffe actually took off pretty fast and was riding with Todd for a little bit, but Vince predicted Jaffe woul be like Adrian where eventually he'll run out of steam. I had set the hill up just to keep a steady pace, and did find my way up to Jaffe who latched on after I passed him. I had inadvertently dropped to my small ring up front, so I was in spin mode while Jaffe stayed with me. However, after a few clicks to a taller gear in the back, I stood back up and it was too much for the distinguished engineer.
I could see Todd ahead of me when I got to the top, and although I thought a regroup would be nice, he was in non-stop mode never to be seen again until the locker room. After getting caught on a light or two, Vince passed me up before San Joaquin and was able to stay outside my reach all the way down the other side...even splitting me off at a light just underneath the 73. Fortunately, I met him down at the bottom again.
We worked together from there, and even climbed and descended the other side of Jamboree together. We almost missed University and had to work our way back to the route, and Jaffe ended up catching us at the first light going up California. From there, I again worked to set a good pace up the hill and Vince got up front toward the end to keep us even more honest.
Great workout today, gents. I think I like riding solo better. Thanks!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Lunch Ride - Not Portola and Back
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/16134327
So last year, I vowed to the others that I would not turn down any hill training rides due to all that we did last year: L'Etape, Bear, Death Ride, Foothills, etc. This year, I made no such promise. When I originally proposed the route today, it was to go up Portola and Back with a California finish for Jeremy to give that segment a go again. Lo and behold I was Shanghai'd into changing the route for a more hilly ride despite my attempts to keep it flatter...at least it wasn't the Puke Route. Ironically, my attempts to keep the group together was in vain because the guys who wanted to charge the hills ended up breaking away and riding on their own anyway. Sorry to those who may have been disappointed with the expectation to do Portola.
Todd, Jeremy and Galen are definitely intent on intensifying their workouts and broke away from the group early on. They were off the front already on Anteater, but fortunately were caught on the light heading toward San Miguel where a majority of us were able to regroup again. From there, they led up to Spyglass, but we got split up due to some misunderstanding as to how to cross onto the street (from across vs. the right turn lane). At the pace they were going, I took advantage along with Shannon as we made our way to Spyglass where I was able to save some for San Joaquin.
The light had turned green to go left on San Joaquin just as the guys were approaching, so they had some momentum for that climb. Fortunately, Shannon and I were able to latch on to both Todd and Galen who were alternating to reel Jeremy in, since Jeremy made an early break attempt.
After we all reached the top together, Todd and Galen waited to cross Ridge Park on San Joaquin but after seeing Shannon turn right on Ridge Park to hit NPC, I was all over it. Jeremy thought it was a good idea also, and decided to follow subsequently. He reeled me in pretty easily, and then worked to close the gap on Shannon. Galen and Todd caught all of us up, and we headed down NPC toward Pelican together.
On the rise, I was struggling to keep the pace of the guys in front of me, and may have inadvertently slowed Shannon up in the process (sorry). Anyway, the 4 guys broke me off before the last rise, and I was on my own to the top.
Thankfully, Vin and Jaffe had caught me at the light and they charged ahead on NPC where as Vin passed, he asked me if I was doing Vista. I really didn't want to, but I told him yes. The two got a little head start on me as we rounded to Vista, and we could see the 4 guys ahead of us making their way up the hill. I was able to make my way past Vin and Jaffe, but Vin ended up catching me on the false flat after. I gapped him a little on the last climb up, but he was able to reel me back in at the top. Nice work.
Shannon had been waiting for us at the top to regroup, but Vin went ahead. I decided to wait a little too, but I was pretty cooked so I ended up going ahead. I ended up meeting Vin at the bottom as he waited, and Jaffe caught both of us at the light to San Joaquin. We took turns up front as we headed up and over the other side, but as we neared McArthur, I was able to squeeze between a truck and the curb and chose it as a moment to go into TT mode.
Now I thought I was moving pretty fast, but when I looked over my shoulder, I saw a guy in a white jersey closing in on me and doing so fast. I remembered Adrian wore yellow, Vin wore black and Jaffe wore blue (yup, that same blue one he's had for the last 3 years), so I realized it must be Shannon. I tried to keep the pace up, but I considered him passing me like death and taxes...inevitable. Once he passed, I did try to latch on, but just couldn't really get on his wheel. He broke away at the light by the shopping center after Bison, and Vin and Jaffe had caught me at that point. We rode together for the rest of the way where thankfully, no one wanted to sprint.
Another hill trainer in the books, gents. Sorry again and thanks.
So last year, I vowed to the others that I would not turn down any hill training rides due to all that we did last year: L'Etape, Bear, Death Ride, Foothills, etc. This year, I made no such promise. When I originally proposed the route today, it was to go up Portola and Back with a California finish for Jeremy to give that segment a go again. Lo and behold I was Shanghai'd into changing the route for a more hilly ride despite my attempts to keep it flatter...at least it wasn't the Puke Route. Ironically, my attempts to keep the group together was in vain because the guys who wanted to charge the hills ended up breaking away and riding on their own anyway. Sorry to those who may have been disappointed with the expectation to do Portola.
Todd, Jeremy and Galen are definitely intent on intensifying their workouts and broke away from the group early on. They were off the front already on Anteater, but fortunately were caught on the light heading toward San Miguel where a majority of us were able to regroup again. From there, they led up to Spyglass, but we got split up due to some misunderstanding as to how to cross onto the street (from across vs. the right turn lane). At the pace they were going, I took advantage along with Shannon as we made our way to Spyglass where I was able to save some for San Joaquin.
The light had turned green to go left on San Joaquin just as the guys were approaching, so they had some momentum for that climb. Fortunately, Shannon and I were able to latch on to both Todd and Galen who were alternating to reel Jeremy in, since Jeremy made an early break attempt.
After we all reached the top together, Todd and Galen waited to cross Ridge Park on San Joaquin but after seeing Shannon turn right on Ridge Park to hit NPC, I was all over it. Jeremy thought it was a good idea also, and decided to follow subsequently. He reeled me in pretty easily, and then worked to close the gap on Shannon. Galen and Todd caught all of us up, and we headed down NPC toward Pelican together.
On the rise, I was struggling to keep the pace of the guys in front of me, and may have inadvertently slowed Shannon up in the process (sorry). Anyway, the 4 guys broke me off before the last rise, and I was on my own to the top.
Thankfully, Vin and Jaffe had caught me at the light and they charged ahead on NPC where as Vin passed, he asked me if I was doing Vista. I really didn't want to, but I told him yes. The two got a little head start on me as we rounded to Vista, and we could see the 4 guys ahead of us making their way up the hill. I was able to make my way past Vin and Jaffe, but Vin ended up catching me on the false flat after. I gapped him a little on the last climb up, but he was able to reel me back in at the top. Nice work.
Shannon had been waiting for us at the top to regroup, but Vin went ahead. I decided to wait a little too, but I was pretty cooked so I ended up going ahead. I ended up meeting Vin at the bottom as he waited, and Jaffe caught both of us at the light to San Joaquin. We took turns up front as we headed up and over the other side, but as we neared McArthur, I was able to squeeze between a truck and the curb and chose it as a moment to go into TT mode.
Now I thought I was moving pretty fast, but when I looked over my shoulder, I saw a guy in a white jersey closing in on me and doing so fast. I remembered Adrian wore yellow, Vin wore black and Jaffe wore blue (yup, that same blue one he's had for the last 3 years), so I realized it must be Shannon. I tried to keep the pace up, but I considered him passing me like death and taxes...inevitable. Once he passed, I did try to latch on, but just couldn't really get on his wheel. He broke away at the light by the shopping center after Bison, and Vin and Jaffe had caught me at that point. We rode together for the rest of the way where thankfully, no one wanted to sprint.
Another hill trainer in the books, gents. Sorry again and thanks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)