Strava - http://app.strava.com/rides/22683725 (Galen's since my refurbed 500 won't connect to computer now)
Before I talk about the ride, have you ever noticed that the functionality, or lack thereof, of your Garmin can absolutely have an effect on how good or bad your day is going? This last 500 they sent me is just absolutely horrible. It may be time to consider other options, but must we only be limited to Garmin as the means to track GPS data (aside from our phones)?
Anyway, it was just Galen and I today and this is possibly due to some big training sessions planned for this weekend. I know Todd's doing Baldy and I believe I heard Shannon talk about plans to do the sisters with his mountain bike buds. With Galen having missed two ride plans yesterday though, it would prove to be painful enough to go out with him alone.
Rather than starting off fast though, we actually help a respectable warm-up pace up through Anteater. When we crossed Bonita Canyon, we still didn't pick it up too much, but when Galen did, I just hung back and held on. It took cresting before I was able to get up front and start to offer pulls. I even started us off on the bike trail for a bit, but Galen finished us off where it was already starting to get painful trying to keep up.
We hit Quail hill with him up front, but I did take a pull as we were climbing up the last part of the hill. After he passed, I thought the best thing to do here is just tire him out a little or 133 will be absolutely nutty. He was down with it, and my plan worked...barely. Galen still blazed up the 133 climb, but it was a bear just to stay on his wheel the whole time. I didn't take the front until after we got past the last crest (I think) and even then, it took a while to get past the guy.
We took turns going down the hill (him probably more than me), but I did what I could when I could. I remember being on the tallest gear at one point thinking I hope I can keep this up, and fortunately today, I did. When we hit the little sprinter hill at the bottom that leads to PCH, he had been pulling us at a mad pace for a bit, so that allowed me to get a little jump where I could rest until he could latch on. When he approached, however, he just past me and took the lead instead. Gotta love that.
We kept the pace up taking turns through the rollers and staying together the whole time. He gave me kudos for the climb just before the school at El Moro where I led, but little did he know I was cooked after. HA HA.
We continued to alternate and had opted to go to Back Bay vs. NPC. My thoughts on it are that riding with Galen to BB keeps the intensity that much higher given his pulling power, whereas NPC would be more individual based dependent on how each of us wanted to go up the hill. Plus, I was already in the red just working to keep up with him on the 133 descent that I thought it was the only way we could both continue to push each other.
While we rotated heading to CDM, Galen decided going through downtown CDM would be better if we matched the pace of the cars. It seemed safer in that regard, but man oh man I was getting turned inside out just trying to keep him within reach. We slowed a little for McArthur and the following light, but he kicked it back up after and was just lighting it up on PCH. Had we not caught the light before Jamboree, I'm sure records may have been broken for that stretch.
I opted to take the front after the light and with Galen pushing and cheering me on, we were climbing and going toward Jamboree at around 29-31 mph. Would I have enough for Back Bay though? Fortunately, we got to rest at the light to cross over to BB drive, so when we took off, I was ready...mostly.
Back Bay was fast, but I think we were both feeling it from the earlier parts of the ride where the average was not record setting. When we got to the end, Galen had just taken a final pull so I was able to make it up to the top ahead of him. However, he was behind me in no time as we headed toward Jamboree and ultimately toward California Ave. Once we got past the bridge, Galen took over and he was just moving. All I could do was just hang on at that point as he pulled us all the way to the base of California. Super pull!
Going up California, I led us up since Galen did so much work earlier in the ride. It wasn't fast or anything, but it was a decent pace while Galen got to spin it out behind me. Overall, it was a great training ride. It would have been more fun with other people as well, but I'm just glad I finished it. Thanks, Galen!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Lunch Ride - What We Lack in Miles, We Make Up for In Intensity
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/22618413
Attendees: Shannon, Vince, Todd, Jeremy, Vin, Jaffe and me
As the title states, we didn't do our typical ~20 mile distance during the ride, and it definitely wasn't because there was a ton of elevation gain, but nevertheless, the intensity was still there. Although Galen didn't make it out having sent out an e-mail indicating he couldn't make it (to which everyone breathed a sigh of relief), the pain was definitely still there. In fact, it may even be due to his absence given that more people had to work that made it so painful. It's a toss up really...it hurts both ways...especially when Shannon, Todd, Vince, Jeremy and others are out for punishment.
Weather-wise, it was fairly warm in the beginning, but once we headed toward the coast, the weather did cool down a little making it more tolerable. That didn't keep me from sweating a bunch, but then again, nothing does.
In typical fashion, the pace was fast heading out through Anteater all the way to Bonita Canyon. Gaps form even that early, so you just have to go with the flow I guess. Despite this, everyone was still together by the time we started up NPC.
I was still "warming up" at that point, but my goal was just to let Shannon set my pace. Jeremy and Todd had their own intentions, with Jeremy breaking away early on. Shannon did pull me past others as we made our way up, but his pace got too hot for me where I opted out before we got to the light before the 73 underpass. I saw him make his way to Todd where the two of them chased Jeremy down. Jeremy had indicated that his Garmin was not started, so there was no point in trying to keep the pace up and stay ahead of Todd and Shannon. Not sure why he didn't jump on with them though (wink wink). I did make my way closer to Jeremy by the top, and Vince and Vin also caught us at San Joaquin. We caught Shannon and Todd and the subsequent light.
In order to follow rule #5, I did opt to start helping with the rotations after that light and would do my fair share of pulls. Hopefully, the others agree, but I wouldn't hold my breath. On Pelican, I did pull up to the front as we started to near the crest for the first downhill. Then, everyone was swarming as we headed down to the bottom for the climb up the other side. We all pretty much stayed together climbing up and then making our way down the other side. Vin was even leading at one point. Wha? J/K.
As we rounded PCH from NPC, Todd and Vince were looking like they were going for a little breakaway and had a fairly good gap on the rest of us. We were, however, able to close that gap and make it to CDM pretty much together (despite the cluster that downtown CDM traffic has to offer).
Going through the Ocean way was rather uneventful, so let's put you back in the action by talking about getting back on PCH from Avocado. The pace was pretty amped as we headed toward Jamboree, and after being caught a light, was even more so right after. I think Shannon was up front doing what he does...causing pain.
When we got to Back Bay, it was definitely nutty. Jeremy led us off and everyone took their turn to keep the pace up...way up. It was no surprise to me that Todd was able to move up on the Strava ladder to 4th based on today's pace. Being that segment leader (ahem), it was my 3rd best time. Considering that it didn't feel like we had any type of massive tailwind or anything to achieve this, pretty damn fast if you ask me.
It was a little race to the top between Jeremy, Todd and I, and after that run, that was no small feat. I think Jeremy may have nosed me out but I was on the inside closest to the sidewalk, so I got on it first. I was in recovery mode at that point and tried to keep the pace up, but Todd jumped ahead and started cranking once again. I was on his wheel as we made the left onto Jamboree, but got a little snapped off after going under the Jamboree underpass. Jeremy came around from behind me at that point and started to close on Todd and eventually took the front. Todd was rotating off the front, and I was still not close enough where I called out to let him know to jump in behind Jeremy. They were moving, so I had to dig deep just to be able to make my way up to Todd's wheel again. When Todd started to pass Jeremy, all I could do was hang on until we got to California. At the light, there was a lady who was on a bike that had arrived there before us, and it was a little embarrassing to look like I was having an asthma attack right in front of her. Thanks, guys.
When the light turned green, Todd and Jeremy took off and I wasn't even sure I'd be able to hang on at that point given the madness on BB. I'm still not sure how Todd described that section in an e-mail as the "easy part." Anyway, the two got caught at the first light and this was just enough for me to be able to recover more. When it turned green, Todd took off with Jeremy in tow, but I had latched on along with Vin behind me.
Todd had a good pace climbing California, so we all sat comfortably in his draft as he towed us up the hill. In typical BAM fashion though, I decided to amp it up a notched at the last little climb to see if anyone would follow. Kinda cheesy, but we do what we do during these lunch rides, am I right fellas? Fellas? Hello?
Definitely another intense ride today. Thanks for coming out, gents!
Attendees: Shannon, Vince, Todd, Jeremy, Vin, Jaffe and me
As the title states, we didn't do our typical ~20 mile distance during the ride, and it definitely wasn't because there was a ton of elevation gain, but nevertheless, the intensity was still there. Although Galen didn't make it out having sent out an e-mail indicating he couldn't make it (to which everyone breathed a sigh of relief), the pain was definitely still there. In fact, it may even be due to his absence given that more people had to work that made it so painful. It's a toss up really...it hurts both ways...especially when Shannon, Todd, Vince, Jeremy and others are out for punishment.
Weather-wise, it was fairly warm in the beginning, but once we headed toward the coast, the weather did cool down a little making it more tolerable. That didn't keep me from sweating a bunch, but then again, nothing does.
In typical fashion, the pace was fast heading out through Anteater all the way to Bonita Canyon. Gaps form even that early, so you just have to go with the flow I guess. Despite this, everyone was still together by the time we started up NPC.
I was still "warming up" at that point, but my goal was just to let Shannon set my pace. Jeremy and Todd had their own intentions, with Jeremy breaking away early on. Shannon did pull me past others as we made our way up, but his pace got too hot for me where I opted out before we got to the light before the 73 underpass. I saw him make his way to Todd where the two of them chased Jeremy down. Jeremy had indicated that his Garmin was not started, so there was no point in trying to keep the pace up and stay ahead of Todd and Shannon. Not sure why he didn't jump on with them though (wink wink). I did make my way closer to Jeremy by the top, and Vince and Vin also caught us at San Joaquin. We caught Shannon and Todd and the subsequent light.
In order to follow rule #5, I did opt to start helping with the rotations after that light and would do my fair share of pulls. Hopefully, the others agree, but I wouldn't hold my breath. On Pelican, I did pull up to the front as we started to near the crest for the first downhill. Then, everyone was swarming as we headed down to the bottom for the climb up the other side. We all pretty much stayed together climbing up and then making our way down the other side. Vin was even leading at one point. Wha? J/K.
As we rounded PCH from NPC, Todd and Vince were looking like they were going for a little breakaway and had a fairly good gap on the rest of us. We were, however, able to close that gap and make it to CDM pretty much together (despite the cluster that downtown CDM traffic has to offer).
Going through the Ocean way was rather uneventful, so let's put you back in the action by talking about getting back on PCH from Avocado. The pace was pretty amped as we headed toward Jamboree, and after being caught a light, was even more so right after. I think Shannon was up front doing what he does...causing pain.
When we got to Back Bay, it was definitely nutty. Jeremy led us off and everyone took their turn to keep the pace up...way up. It was no surprise to me that Todd was able to move up on the Strava ladder to 4th based on today's pace. Being that segment leader (ahem), it was my 3rd best time. Considering that it didn't feel like we had any type of massive tailwind or anything to achieve this, pretty damn fast if you ask me.
It was a little race to the top between Jeremy, Todd and I, and after that run, that was no small feat. I think Jeremy may have nosed me out but I was on the inside closest to the sidewalk, so I got on it first. I was in recovery mode at that point and tried to keep the pace up, but Todd jumped ahead and started cranking once again. I was on his wheel as we made the left onto Jamboree, but got a little snapped off after going under the Jamboree underpass. Jeremy came around from behind me at that point and started to close on Todd and eventually took the front. Todd was rotating off the front, and I was still not close enough where I called out to let him know to jump in behind Jeremy. They were moving, so I had to dig deep just to be able to make my way up to Todd's wheel again. When Todd started to pass Jeremy, all I could do was hang on until we got to California. At the light, there was a lady who was on a bike that had arrived there before us, and it was a little embarrassing to look like I was having an asthma attack right in front of her. Thanks, guys.
When the light turned green, Todd and Jeremy took off and I wasn't even sure I'd be able to hang on at that point given the madness on BB. I'm still not sure how Todd described that section in an e-mail as the "easy part." Anyway, the two got caught at the first light and this was just enough for me to be able to recover more. When it turned green, Todd took off with Jeremy in tow, but I had latched on along with Vin behind me.
Todd had a good pace climbing California, so we all sat comfortably in his draft as he towed us up the hill. In typical BAM fashion though, I decided to amp it up a notched at the last little climb to see if anyone would follow. Kinda cheesy, but we do what we do during these lunch rides, am I right fellas? Fellas? Hello?
Definitely another intense ride today. Thanks for coming out, gents!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
BRCM Lunch - Starcrest Shady Summit Condo Loop (loaded!)
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/22417806
Attendees: Shannon, Galen, Vince, Todd, Adrian, Jeremy, Vin, Hiroshi and me
In the locker room, I had indicated I was running later and hiding in the back for the ride. Shannon expressed his disappointment with me...again. Sorry, big guy!
Got new shoes and cleats where my left foot had my toe in too much during the ride. Not really relevant, but I'm writing the blog so....
Jeremy led us out pretty much all the way out to Bonita Canyon/Campus. Damn, kid, that was NOT a warm-up pace. Todd, being the gracious man that he is, did thank him for the tow.
On Culver, the pace was pretty fast where I was already off the back early on. Vince went by and closed the gap that was created and we both just hung out in back while we watched Galen and Adrian go for that segment. Way too windy though. In fact, it was pretty windy throughout.
We all were together again as we made our way onto Campus and up Turtle Rock. Okay, so most of us were together, but Todd broke away early and pretty much stayed ahead all the way to the top of Starcrest.
I started to make my way up Starcrest and was just behind Galen and Jeremy when Shannon passed us all. I was trying to downshift to spin up, and failed after a few attempts, but got on it just after I stood back up again. This helped me get by Jeremy, who hates this hill, and come up with Galen to the regroup point at the top. Jeremy, Vin, Hiroshi and Adrian made their way up and we were all off and together again.
Going down Ridgeline, I was able to get some momentum just after the Turtle Rock stop sign and was able to make my way just behind Galen. I tried to pass at one point, but this guy isn't easy to pass, so I fell back in line behind him. Adrian, with his standard crank, started to jam past us, but Galen was able to reel him back in just before we got to the light at the bottom.
We got on the bike path and already the pace started to pick up right away. I was toward the back again and I felt like I was just always struggling to close on the guy in front of me. Vince had even come around at one point, but even staying on his wheel was a chore. I think I did start to drop at one point and hoped that Adrian, who was behind me, would help close that gap. When Adrian passed me, I was like "Yes!" Then without any notification, he slowed down taking me with him off of their wheel. Thanks?
Vince was conserving his power, and rightfully so in this group especially after having to pass me and close the gap that I left, so he was having other people rotate in front of him. When he tried to let Jeremy rotate after taking his pull in front of him, the pace picked up just at that time, and Jeremy pulled a Roberto Duran and proclaimed "no mas." Vince was able to respond just in time and get back on the pain train.
Now I know I wasn't going to catch the pain train, so I was fine just trying to manage my pace. Jeremy was a bit behind me, but he made his way back up to me as we were getting ready to go up Shady. He did pass me, but I jumped on and then worked my way beside him as we climbed. I was certain he'd pull ahead again, but then I started to pass and pull away. Wha? I thought he was on my wheel, but when I looked back, he wasn't.
I thought he was closing in at one point on the descent, but once I got back on the road, I didn't see him until I got to the light at Bonita Canyon. I saw the other guys make the left turn in front of me, but got caught on the red light. There, Jeremy caught me and he did not look too happy. I think I tried talking to him a little bit, but he seemed more interested in catching the other guys at the time.
When we took off, I knew he had some pent up energy so I rode behind him at first on Bonita Canyon. However, as we climbed up Turtle Ridge, I led us up to Summit where I know he likes that hill. Given his youthful enthusiasm, I thought a good goal would just be to set the pace up the hill. Another good goal was to pass at the last section as deemed protocol for BRCM lunch rides. Check and check. Thanks again, Jer!
We regrouped some at the top of Summit as planned, and more so by the time we got on Bonita Canyon, even bringing Hiroshi and Vin back into the bunch. Then we were off again. I was a little more willing to take pulls at this point, so I did. I even got some instant kudos from Galen at one point when I jumped back up in front of Todd on the 2nd to the last climb before McArthur. That got the group riled up though, and everyone went whizzing by after. Thank the Lord the light was red at that point.
Once we took off from the light, the group kept a fairly mellow pace in anticipation of the condo climb. After hitting the light up top, Vince decided to be the first to bring the pace up and broke away for a bit with others giving chase. I rounded the turn just behind Vin, so it was perfect for me given I had plenty of targets to aim for. After all, it is still my condo, right?
Being in the right gear and having saved just enough, I found a rhythm that allowed me to close in and pass the group that was climbing together at a pretty good clip. I was feeling good but Galen was a pretty good distance away from me. He crested ahead of me, but I had momentum where I was able to pass him just before Bison. That just goes to show that anyone can live in my condo, but in the end, I can still clean the house. HA HA. I'm sure I'll pay for saying that.
I think the guys were setting up a sprint to California on Bison, but I just wanted to make it back at that point after the Condo run. Not sure who took it, but it looked like Adrian, Vin and Galen were giving that last section a go. I was too far back to see.
Good training today, gents! Thanks!
Attendees: Shannon, Galen, Vince, Todd, Adrian, Jeremy, Vin, Hiroshi and me
In the locker room, I had indicated I was running later and hiding in the back for the ride. Shannon expressed his disappointment with me...again. Sorry, big guy!
Got new shoes and cleats where my left foot had my toe in too much during the ride. Not really relevant, but I'm writing the blog so....
Jeremy led us out pretty much all the way out to Bonita Canyon/Campus. Damn, kid, that was NOT a warm-up pace. Todd, being the gracious man that he is, did thank him for the tow.
On Culver, the pace was pretty fast where I was already off the back early on. Vince went by and closed the gap that was created and we both just hung out in back while we watched Galen and Adrian go for that segment. Way too windy though. In fact, it was pretty windy throughout.
We all were together again as we made our way onto Campus and up Turtle Rock. Okay, so most of us were together, but Todd broke away early and pretty much stayed ahead all the way to the top of Starcrest.
I started to make my way up Starcrest and was just behind Galen and Jeremy when Shannon passed us all. I was trying to downshift to spin up, and failed after a few attempts, but got on it just after I stood back up again. This helped me get by Jeremy, who hates this hill, and come up with Galen to the regroup point at the top. Jeremy, Vin, Hiroshi and Adrian made their way up and we were all off and together again.
Going down Ridgeline, I was able to get some momentum just after the Turtle Rock stop sign and was able to make my way just behind Galen. I tried to pass at one point, but this guy isn't easy to pass, so I fell back in line behind him. Adrian, with his standard crank, started to jam past us, but Galen was able to reel him back in just before we got to the light at the bottom.
We got on the bike path and already the pace started to pick up right away. I was toward the back again and I felt like I was just always struggling to close on the guy in front of me. Vince had even come around at one point, but even staying on his wheel was a chore. I think I did start to drop at one point and hoped that Adrian, who was behind me, would help close that gap. When Adrian passed me, I was like "Yes!" Then without any notification, he slowed down taking me with him off of their wheel. Thanks?
Vince was conserving his power, and rightfully so in this group especially after having to pass me and close the gap that I left, so he was having other people rotate in front of him. When he tried to let Jeremy rotate after taking his pull in front of him, the pace picked up just at that time, and Jeremy pulled a Roberto Duran and proclaimed "no mas." Vince was able to respond just in time and get back on the pain train.
Now I know I wasn't going to catch the pain train, so I was fine just trying to manage my pace. Jeremy was a bit behind me, but he made his way back up to me as we were getting ready to go up Shady. He did pass me, but I jumped on and then worked my way beside him as we climbed. I was certain he'd pull ahead again, but then I started to pass and pull away. Wha? I thought he was on my wheel, but when I looked back, he wasn't.
I thought he was closing in at one point on the descent, but once I got back on the road, I didn't see him until I got to the light at Bonita Canyon. I saw the other guys make the left turn in front of me, but got caught on the red light. There, Jeremy caught me and he did not look too happy. I think I tried talking to him a little bit, but he seemed more interested in catching the other guys at the time.
When we took off, I knew he had some pent up energy so I rode behind him at first on Bonita Canyon. However, as we climbed up Turtle Ridge, I led us up to Summit where I know he likes that hill. Given his youthful enthusiasm, I thought a good goal would just be to set the pace up the hill. Another good goal was to pass at the last section as deemed protocol for BRCM lunch rides. Check and check. Thanks again, Jer!
We regrouped some at the top of Summit as planned, and more so by the time we got on Bonita Canyon, even bringing Hiroshi and Vin back into the bunch. Then we were off again. I was a little more willing to take pulls at this point, so I did. I even got some instant kudos from Galen at one point when I jumped back up in front of Todd on the 2nd to the last climb before McArthur. That got the group riled up though, and everyone went whizzing by after. Thank the Lord the light was red at that point.
Once we took off from the light, the group kept a fairly mellow pace in anticipation of the condo climb. After hitting the light up top, Vince decided to be the first to bring the pace up and broke away for a bit with others giving chase. I rounded the turn just behind Vin, so it was perfect for me given I had plenty of targets to aim for. After all, it is still my condo, right?
Being in the right gear and having saved just enough, I found a rhythm that allowed me to close in and pass the group that was climbing together at a pretty good clip. I was feeling good but Galen was a pretty good distance away from me. He crested ahead of me, but I had momentum where I was able to pass him just before Bison. That just goes to show that anyone can live in my condo, but in the end, I can still clean the house. HA HA. I'm sure I'll pay for saying that.
I think the guys were setting up a sprint to California on Bison, but I just wanted to make it back at that point after the Condo run. Not sure who took it, but it looked like Adrian, Vin and Galen were giving that last section a go. I was too far back to see.
Good training today, gents! Thanks!
Friday, September 14, 2012
BRCM Morning Trainer - Hot Potato Ride
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/21925746
Attendees: Galen and Shannon
I think the title of this blog is fitting given the objective for this morning's trainer (at least that's what I indicated the night before) was for Galen to drop me (playing spud boy wheelsucker). If I was able to stay on for the length of the ride, I'd try to do the same as we go up California. Of course, once I found out Jeremy, Vince and Shannon were coming out, I had second thoughts (i.e. doubt), but I thought I'd change up our training a little to keep it interesting. We have had rides where we chase the rabbit, so this was something new and different to try. Unfortunately (fortunately for me), Vince didn't make it out, and Jeremy opted to rest to ride tomorrow instead (getting a #5 reference from Galen as a result...haha). That still left me having to keep up with Galen and Shannon, so this was definitely going to not be a small feat.
The weather was pretty cool starting off and remained rather pleasant throughout, but there was one pocket of warm air we hit on Shady that instantly fogged up my glasses. Either that or Galen or Shannon squeezed out a warm one.
Now starting off, I like to warm up, but I think the two guys knew this and seemed to immediately amp up the pace early on. However, it was one of those days where miraculously, I didn't seem to have too much trouble getting oxygen in, but I wouldn't let the two guys know or they may actually force me to work and bypass what I originally set as the objective. What fun would that be?
Both guys seemed to be crushing it all the way up through Shady and over to Laguna Canyon. I stayed low and hung on letting them rotate in front of me always trying to stay prepared for a coordinated attack. They could both work together to do so, or one can conspire to help the other break away. In any case, I was going to be ready.
Once on the 133, Galen launched an assault on the climb and started to gap the both of us where in my mind, I had to respond or be dropped. I started to pass Shannon, who I called out to latch on, and then started making my way off the seat to Galen who was just throwing down some power. As I started making my way toward him, he looked back and seemed to have decided to wait. Cool for me.
After regrouping past the crest and heading down the other side, I decided I would take some chances and take some pulls here and there but not so often or so long where I wouldn't be able to respond to their combined coordinated power. If you think this was a rule #5 violation, you try riding with these guys. HA.
On the bottom of the 133 on the little sprinter hill that leads to PCH, Galen decided to sprint from the bottom. Having saved it, I responded with a sprint of my own and somewhat caught him off guard as I made my way past him before the 2nd stop sign. Of course, doing so blew me the hell up but I wasn't about to lead on that it was a good time to attack. Instead, I just latched back on once both guys passed me and rode it out behind them through most of the rollers as we made our way toward NPC. After we had passed one guy on a TT bike, I thought I could help out and keep the gap away from him and pushed the pace from the front a little as we were climbing the last hill before NPC.
I also ended up taking the first pull after the light on NPC as a token of sportsmanship (haha) but the boys took over through CDM and most of the way after McArthur. I did take the last pull that led us to Jamboree, but wondered if that was a mistake as we headed over to Back Bay. Fortunately, we caught a light on the left turn to Back Bay drive and this allowed me some time to recover.
Back Bay was as you would expect...nutty. I did get in the rotation more and took some pulls trying to keep our pace up along with the others since I figured I've saved enough where I thought it would be more difficult to drop me through here. However, everytime they passed me, I felt like I had to sprint just to latch back on. I was getting scared.
When we reached the end of Back Bay though, I was able to push up to the front on the final hill just before jumping onto the sidewalk. I stayed up front for a while, but as we made the left at the corner of Jamboree, I was spooked by a rider that was coming from the opposite direction and was relegated to the back. Shannon took the front and led us to the bridge, and Galen decided to open it up there and blaze the path to California. I just ducked in real low and sat behind him holding on, but near the end, I rolled by and told him how impressive that pull was.
Now once the light turned green to cross and head up California, I'm not sure if the guys remembered the premise I set earlier, but I didn't take any chances. I just stood up and took off up the hill and regularly peaking over my shoulder to make sure they weren't coming after me. Neither had latched on, so maybe they just didn't know. Either that or they just didn't care. HA HA. In any case, I was totally worked by the time I got to the light on Bison.
We'll have to try this out again with more people next time. I say this now because it's fun to stay in the back for a good portion of the ride. Maybe the next time, I won't even have to pull. Oh yeah. The only thing is we definitely had enough to be able to beat our last time out on this route, but with me not contributing as much, it didn't work out to where we beat our last time. I'm sure this will not be the case in our next outing.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Lunch Ride - San Miguel Spyglass San Joaq NPC Pelican PCH CDM BB Loop
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/21651345
Attendees: Jeremy, Shannon, Vince, Todd, Galen, Adrian, Vin, Jaffe, Paul B., and Hiroshi
Highlights:
Attendees: Jeremy, Shannon, Vince, Todd, Galen, Adrian, Vin, Jaffe, Paul B., and Hiroshi
Highlights:
- Jeremy called out for a big group today and the BAMMERs responded. Not always a good thing.
- It was a wet ride today starting with a little drizzle from the beginning and turning into a wet drizzly mess up NPC. We were fortunate to not have any incidents given the slick grounds.
- I know we ALL train a lot, but I opted to sit in back for the ride since I didn't want to get worked with all the firepower we had on today's ride.
- We actually stayed together for the most part all the way to San Miguel, but Vince, Todd and Jeremy rushed up Spyglass like there was a party up top. Shannon and Galen were close behind. I was behind them but everyone was just behind me it seemed.
- We all got on San Joaquin together, and although it was a little strung out, the group was still fairly close together.
- We regrouped on NPC after Todd and Galen did their little extra credit and it was down Pelican.
- Adrian took off on Pelican, and Galen gave chase, while the rest of us tried to set up the hill at the bottom. I got by Galen and Jeremy rolled past me near the top just as we were coming up on Adrian but stopped at the light.
- Despite the wet grounds, we all pretty much handled it very well and still made the turn onto NPC and subsequently PCH at a good speed even with wet tires.
- Galen and Shannon, the two worst people you want to try and chase down, broke away together, so I thought I'd go ahead and work to try and reel them in. I was doing okay and was still willing to try, but I heard Todd and/or Adrian saying something behind me where I wasn't sure what it was. I decided to give up the chase and slow only to have Todd go zooming by still trying to chase the two guys down. It turns out Todd was telling Adrian to relieve me, but he couldn't. HA HA.
- We regrouped once again on Poppy and made it through CDM together. I had a feeling though that getting back on PCH was going to be nutty...and it was.
- The pace picked up really fast as expected, and all I could do was tuck down and jump on Jeremy's rear wheel.
- We did get stopped at one of the lights, but the guys got nutty again right after. I believe Shannon and/or Galen were up there trying to make everyone hurt. I did have visions of grandeur with thoughts of coming around and passing before we hit Jamboree, but that would have been cycling suicide.
- When we made our way to Back Bay drive, we got a little separated due to the light situation, where we were all planning to wait to regroup. Vince and Adrian had another idea, so they took off together while we rolled to see if Galen would roll up on us. When we hit the gates, however, it was full speed ahead with 2 rabbits to chase.
- Jeremy, Shannon, Todd and I were rotating and keeping the pace up trying to chase Vince and Adrian down, and it took about 2/3 of the way for us to do so. Adrian was the first one to be passed with Todd calling out BAM! as we passed.
- Vince had a little more game and tried to sprint away as we started to gain on him, but there was just too many of us and we had momentum.
- Todd and Jeremy got to the top of Back Bay first and got across the street ahead of Shannon and I, but that probably wouldn't have made a difference (for me anyway) on Jamboree. I was cooked.
- When Shannon and I got near the top, Galen had made his way up to us and made the left turn light with Todd and Jeremy. I'm sure he was just trying to avoid a final sprint to California with me. Yeah, that's it.
- Vince, Adrian, Hiroshi (who did great considering he was on his TT bike), Vin and Shannon crossed Jamboree with me as we made our way down to McArthur.
- Vin and Hiroshi broke away early on, but I was watching Adrian to see what he was going to do sprint-wise. After I saw that we were going to make the green on the 2nd light, I started to pick it up only to make my way onto Adrian's wheel as we chased Hiroshi and Vin down. Hiroshi, we got, but Vin kept ahead of us and I was never able to pass Adrian before California. Next time. HA HA
It was nice to see such a good turnout today, and it was even nicer that we rode more as a group than usual. Hopefully, both will persist. Thanks, gents!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Humbling Sunday Hill Trainer
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/21456096
Attendees: Shannon, Galen and Jeremy
I think my endurance has been coming again, which is nice to see, but today was to test and see how well that translates to climbing hills. With Shannon, Galen and Jeremy coming out, I knew I was going to have to work. I know in the tempo zone, I can ride at a great pace and hold it, but today these guys definitely tested how I'd do in the threshold and anaerobic zones. As expected, I still have a long way to go.
It was a fairly mild morning temperature-wise, but I think when we got to Barranca, I could already feel the heat. Wind-wise wasn't too bad, so I won't complain about that too much today, but the heat.... I'm surprised, however, that by the end of the ride, I didn't experience any cramps despite the exorbitant amount of sweat that trailed behind me.
While they said they were going to take it easy in the beginning, that never is what I understand it to be. All three of them were working here and there, and I'm thinking "doesn't anyone want to save it for the climbs?" Galen mentioned that we should, but getting behind him when he pulled was so contradictory to this. HA HA. Now I would have loved to stay in the back the whole time, but I did start taking some turns (not a lot but with some decent effort) on our way out to Bake.
When we started climbing up Bake, Galen led most of the way up and that was pretty rough. He started to gap at some points, but I was able to close (or he let me) as needed. Jeremy had led up originally, but went to the back eventually.
When we started climbing up Glenn Ranch, we pretty much stayed together, but once we got on Saddleback, Jeremy decided it was time to launch an attack. Shannon responded (i.e. the giant was awakened) and he went blasting up the hill like a mad man. Galen had stayed a little ahead of me and kept a pace that didn't let me fall behind too much. Thanks!
Going up the hill after Cooks, I was still feeling the climb, but I managed to stay with the others for the most part until we hit Modjeska. At the base, the guys took off and I just couldn't hold their pace. The last time I climbed up that hill, I had a little trouble so all I wanted to do was make it. Sad. By the time I got to the top, the other guys had already gotten off their bikes to take a BIO break and/or wait for me. However, as I crested, I was in no mood to stop and didn't want to be the one to slow the guys down...so I kept going.
It's nice to play rabbit, but I knew it would just be a matter of time before they caught me. They did roll up on me a little bit before we got to Silverado, so I jumped on once they passed and was set to just try and hang on for the whole climb up.
Shannon and Galen were trading long pulls while I just stayed with them as best as I can. I wasn't doing too bad, but when I looked down and saw that my HR had been pegged for a while, I finally decided to drop off. Jeremy had joined the two, and although I had fallen off still kept them pretty much in my sight. There was a team training up the hill as well, and a few guys passed me and made their way up toward the other guys. Once a girl from the team passed, though, I had to draw the line and jumped on and passed here before the end. HA HA.
When I got to the top, the guys were again off their bike and while I stopped for a little bit, I opted to start ahead of them. Shannon was talking about getting water at the bottom, but as I still had about a bottle and a half left, I was just going to keep going until they caught me again.
I made it all the way down to Santiago Canyon on my own, but would look behind on occasion just to see if they were coming. When I saw they weren't, I continued and decided to pick off riders that appear to have fallen off from the Como Street ride. I was hoping someone would jump on and work with me to keep ahead, but no luck.
When I got to the top of Dump, I saw some Sho-Air people pulling back onto the road from the top and I thought I'd have a little fun. I chased them down and slowly but surely made my way to the front where they latched on all the way to the Jamboree intersection. They ended up turning right, however, but Jeremy and Galen rolled up on me at the light. Shannon had slowed down some because of a cramp, but eventually regrouped at the gas station with us. There, we also so Vin and some of his buddies where they, too, decided to go to the gas station.
Jeremy had decided he was going to ride with Vin and I thought I'd go ahead as well just so I can get back in time for my son's soccer game. Shannon was refueling, and I thought Galen was going to ride with him originally, but Galen also ended up coming with us when we took off. Shannon did say he was going to find some others to work with from Como as he made his way back to Broadcom, but after I left felt bad and should have just stayed. The guy waits for me ALL the time. Never again. Sorry, buddy!
Taking off from the gas station, Jeremy and Galen were moving already and I think already dropped Vin and his friends just going up the driveway back onto Jamboree. I stayed with them and decided I'd do more work here just to burn off all the food I ate from the night before. Jeremy had dropped off since he was planning to still do some sister and do a hundred miles for the day (insanity), so Galen and I were alone. As I was feeling good, Galen let me work and had me lead until I needed him. He did relieve me a couple times, the 2nd time being for a fair distance, but for the most part I had fun going back into a tempo pace.
Overall, the ride was nutty for me, but what else can I expect when I hang around with nutty guys? I think I'll hang around the donut shops or senior citizen centers so I can recruit new people to ride with. Otherwise, I think my heart will start to leave an imprint on my chest from beating so damn hard. 167 bpm average HR? Really?!? smh
Thanks for the training, gents!
Attendees: Shannon, Galen and Jeremy
I think my endurance has been coming again, which is nice to see, but today was to test and see how well that translates to climbing hills. With Shannon, Galen and Jeremy coming out, I knew I was going to have to work. I know in the tempo zone, I can ride at a great pace and hold it, but today these guys definitely tested how I'd do in the threshold and anaerobic zones. As expected, I still have a long way to go.
It was a fairly mild morning temperature-wise, but I think when we got to Barranca, I could already feel the heat. Wind-wise wasn't too bad, so I won't complain about that too much today, but the heat.... I'm surprised, however, that by the end of the ride, I didn't experience any cramps despite the exorbitant amount of sweat that trailed behind me.
While they said they were going to take it easy in the beginning, that never is what I understand it to be. All three of them were working here and there, and I'm thinking "doesn't anyone want to save it for the climbs?" Galen mentioned that we should, but getting behind him when he pulled was so contradictory to this. HA HA. Now I would have loved to stay in the back the whole time, but I did start taking some turns (not a lot but with some decent effort) on our way out to Bake.
When we started climbing up Bake, Galen led most of the way up and that was pretty rough. He started to gap at some points, but I was able to close (or he let me) as needed. Jeremy had led up originally, but went to the back eventually.
When we started climbing up Glenn Ranch, we pretty much stayed together, but once we got on Saddleback, Jeremy decided it was time to launch an attack. Shannon responded (i.e. the giant was awakened) and he went blasting up the hill like a mad man. Galen had stayed a little ahead of me and kept a pace that didn't let me fall behind too much. Thanks!
Going up the hill after Cooks, I was still feeling the climb, but I managed to stay with the others for the most part until we hit Modjeska. At the base, the guys took off and I just couldn't hold their pace. The last time I climbed up that hill, I had a little trouble so all I wanted to do was make it. Sad. By the time I got to the top, the other guys had already gotten off their bikes to take a BIO break and/or wait for me. However, as I crested, I was in no mood to stop and didn't want to be the one to slow the guys down...so I kept going.
It's nice to play rabbit, but I knew it would just be a matter of time before they caught me. They did roll up on me a little bit before we got to Silverado, so I jumped on once they passed and was set to just try and hang on for the whole climb up.
Shannon and Galen were trading long pulls while I just stayed with them as best as I can. I wasn't doing too bad, but when I looked down and saw that my HR had been pegged for a while, I finally decided to drop off. Jeremy had joined the two, and although I had fallen off still kept them pretty much in my sight. There was a team training up the hill as well, and a few guys passed me and made their way up toward the other guys. Once a girl from the team passed, though, I had to draw the line and jumped on and passed here before the end. HA HA.
When I got to the top, the guys were again off their bike and while I stopped for a little bit, I opted to start ahead of them. Shannon was talking about getting water at the bottom, but as I still had about a bottle and a half left, I was just going to keep going until they caught me again.
I made it all the way down to Santiago Canyon on my own, but would look behind on occasion just to see if they were coming. When I saw they weren't, I continued and decided to pick off riders that appear to have fallen off from the Como Street ride. I was hoping someone would jump on and work with me to keep ahead, but no luck.
When I got to the top of Dump, I saw some Sho-Air people pulling back onto the road from the top and I thought I'd have a little fun. I chased them down and slowly but surely made my way to the front where they latched on all the way to the Jamboree intersection. They ended up turning right, however, but Jeremy and Galen rolled up on me at the light. Shannon had slowed down some because of a cramp, but eventually regrouped at the gas station with us. There, we also so Vin and some of his buddies where they, too, decided to go to the gas station.
Jeremy had decided he was going to ride with Vin and I thought I'd go ahead as well just so I can get back in time for my son's soccer game. Shannon was refueling, and I thought Galen was going to ride with him originally, but Galen also ended up coming with us when we took off. Shannon did say he was going to find some others to work with from Como as he made his way back to Broadcom, but after I left felt bad and should have just stayed. The guy waits for me ALL the time. Never again. Sorry, buddy!
Taking off from the gas station, Jeremy and Galen were moving already and I think already dropped Vin and his friends just going up the driveway back onto Jamboree. I stayed with them and decided I'd do more work here just to burn off all the food I ate from the night before. Jeremy had dropped off since he was planning to still do some sister and do a hundred miles for the day (insanity), so Galen and I were alone. As I was feeling good, Galen let me work and had me lead until I needed him. He did relieve me a couple times, the 2nd time being for a fair distance, but for the most part I had fun going back into a tempo pace.
Overall, the ride was nutty for me, but what else can I expect when I hang around with nutty guys? I think I'll hang around the donut shops or senior citizen centers so I can recruit new people to ride with. Otherwise, I think my heart will start to leave an imprint on my chest from beating so damn hard. 167 bpm average HR? Really?!? smh
Thanks for the training, gents!
Friday, September 7, 2012
BRCM Morning Trainer - Shady 133 PCH NPC Loop
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/21147733
Contemplated riding to work this morning, but since Vince solicited a morning ride with Galen and Jeremy going, I figured I may as well since there's nothing like being turned inside out to start my day. Although Vince had selected a couple route options, one which included an out and back to Modjeska, we opted for the traditional Shady 133 PCH route but with an NPC finish vs. Back Bay. Have I mentioned I hate NPC? Have I further mentioned I hate NPC while riding with the BRCM crew?
We all met up at 6:15 ready to go, but after inspecting Galen's rear tire, it was decided he should probably address a sidewall issue with a patch rather than take a chance on being unsafe. While Jeremy helped him with this, Vince decided he wanted to "pull an Eddie" and get a head start with a more realistic warm-up. It didn't take much convincing for me to do the same, and off we went together. Vince and I kept a decent pace heading out to Bonita Canyon, and we thought we'd still have plenty of time to catch up. However, as we were coming up on the Bonita Canyon intersection, Vince pointed out how the two were coming up behind us. Of course, Jeremy wasn't too happy with the pace they had to use for starters, but I assured him it was good training. HA HA
Now I was hoping to not have to work again until the dreaded 133 death zone, but I did a couple rotations after we crested Shady and through the Quail Hill area. Vince was willing to do more work, but he and Jeremy also knew better where we all let Galen finish out Laguna Canyon and lead us up 133. Jeremy did take the front early on the 133, but the Galen pain train was on shortly after and we all just tucked in and worked to stay on the guy's wheel for the rest of the hill. 23.7 mph average going up that thing is pretty crazy, don't you think?
Vince took the front and I, too, finally got back in the rotation and the 4 of us were just pushing the pace down the hill after. Admittedly, I was struggling to stay on at the pace they were going and with all the surging taking place, so I may have skipped a pull just trying to not get dropped. Vince took one mean pull but ended up paying for it after getting relieved from being up front and fell off a bit. Honestly, I don't know how I stayed on especially after Galen really cranked it up a notch near the bottom.
When we regrouped on PCH, I decided it would not be a good strategic decision to keep rotating with the guys. With NPC looming, humility was the best strategy here, so I was either behind Galen or Jeremy as we made our way through there. Galen had started to break away at one point, but Vince stepped up and offered to close that gap. You gotta love the guy for doing that despite the pending climb.
We all pretty much came up on NPC together, and Galen and Jeremy led the way early on. I decided to get off the seat and climb which did eventually push me up front. However, we hit the first Pelican light where I lost my cadence and decided to sit/spin from there. I held the front and tried to just keep the pace steady for the climb up the hill. I got some kudos from Galen for my pace, which was encouraging, but when he and Jeremy passed me, I wondered if I'd have enough left to stay with them. Fortunately, I did, but there was definitely a lot of inner dialog going on with the conversation going like this: Rest and drop off! No, keep pedaling and man up! No, your heart is going to stop! Nuh-uh, I think I can even pass them again! Oh, now you're just being dumb.
We regrouped at the top and got going to head down the other side. Jeremy, the overachiever (oh to be young), needed to get more climbing in and opted for a Vista detour, so after passing that street it was just the 3 of us left. Galen must have been feeling pretty good, as he was already turning the screw up even before we got past San Joaquin creating a little gap early on. Fortunately, we were both able to roll up on him and start working the downhill. The sucky part about going down this side at this time of the year is that it's almost guaranteed that we'll stop given that school is back in session. Once we got past the lights, however, we picked it up and it was work just trying to keep up since these guys descend so fast. Having a compact crank, despite Galen having the same, is not ideal for descending with these guys.
As we reached the bottom, Galen mentioned something about how we have 7 minutes to beat his PR for this route. He started us out after the light, and I'm thinking okay maybe he'll be interested in beating his record so I'll just ride behind him and try to hang on. When we went under the 73, I decided we can go a little faster and took the front and turned it up a notch. I guess I did okay, since the guys let me stay up there all the way until we got around to Bison. Galen passed me and led but I got up beside him just after the last light over the 73. That's when he decided to drop the hammer. I tried to react but ended up on a bigger gear where I thought I'd just try to muscle through it. Bad idea as he started to pull past me and that's pretty much all I have to say about that...except for maybe "nice job, Galen!"
Another morning trainer done...yes! TGIFF!
Contemplated riding to work this morning, but since Vince solicited a morning ride with Galen and Jeremy going, I figured I may as well since there's nothing like being turned inside out to start my day. Although Vince had selected a couple route options, one which included an out and back to Modjeska, we opted for the traditional Shady 133 PCH route but with an NPC finish vs. Back Bay. Have I mentioned I hate NPC? Have I further mentioned I hate NPC while riding with the BRCM crew?
We all met up at 6:15 ready to go, but after inspecting Galen's rear tire, it was decided he should probably address a sidewall issue with a patch rather than take a chance on being unsafe. While Jeremy helped him with this, Vince decided he wanted to "pull an Eddie" and get a head start with a more realistic warm-up. It didn't take much convincing for me to do the same, and off we went together. Vince and I kept a decent pace heading out to Bonita Canyon, and we thought we'd still have plenty of time to catch up. However, as we were coming up on the Bonita Canyon intersection, Vince pointed out how the two were coming up behind us. Of course, Jeremy wasn't too happy with the pace they had to use for starters, but I assured him it was good training. HA HA
Now I was hoping to not have to work again until the dreaded 133 death zone, but I did a couple rotations after we crested Shady and through the Quail Hill area. Vince was willing to do more work, but he and Jeremy also knew better where we all let Galen finish out Laguna Canyon and lead us up 133. Jeremy did take the front early on the 133, but the Galen pain train was on shortly after and we all just tucked in and worked to stay on the guy's wheel for the rest of the hill. 23.7 mph average going up that thing is pretty crazy, don't you think?
Vince took the front and I, too, finally got back in the rotation and the 4 of us were just pushing the pace down the hill after. Admittedly, I was struggling to stay on at the pace they were going and with all the surging taking place, so I may have skipped a pull just trying to not get dropped. Vince took one mean pull but ended up paying for it after getting relieved from being up front and fell off a bit. Honestly, I don't know how I stayed on especially after Galen really cranked it up a notch near the bottom.
When we regrouped on PCH, I decided it would not be a good strategic decision to keep rotating with the guys. With NPC looming, humility was the best strategy here, so I was either behind Galen or Jeremy as we made our way through there. Galen had started to break away at one point, but Vince stepped up and offered to close that gap. You gotta love the guy for doing that despite the pending climb.
We all pretty much came up on NPC together, and Galen and Jeremy led the way early on. I decided to get off the seat and climb which did eventually push me up front. However, we hit the first Pelican light where I lost my cadence and decided to sit/spin from there. I held the front and tried to just keep the pace steady for the climb up the hill. I got some kudos from Galen for my pace, which was encouraging, but when he and Jeremy passed me, I wondered if I'd have enough left to stay with them. Fortunately, I did, but there was definitely a lot of inner dialog going on with the conversation going like this: Rest and drop off! No, keep pedaling and man up! No, your heart is going to stop! Nuh-uh, I think I can even pass them again! Oh, now you're just being dumb.
We regrouped at the top and got going to head down the other side. Jeremy, the overachiever (oh to be young), needed to get more climbing in and opted for a Vista detour, so after passing that street it was just the 3 of us left. Galen must have been feeling pretty good, as he was already turning the screw up even before we got past San Joaquin creating a little gap early on. Fortunately, we were both able to roll up on him and start working the downhill. The sucky part about going down this side at this time of the year is that it's almost guaranteed that we'll stop given that school is back in session. Once we got past the lights, however, we picked it up and it was work just trying to keep up since these guys descend so fast. Having a compact crank, despite Galen having the same, is not ideal for descending with these guys.
As we reached the bottom, Galen mentioned something about how we have 7 minutes to beat his PR for this route. He started us out after the light, and I'm thinking okay maybe he'll be interested in beating his record so I'll just ride behind him and try to hang on. When we went under the 73, I decided we can go a little faster and took the front and turned it up a notch. I guess I did okay, since the guys let me stay up there all the way until we got around to Bison. Galen passed me and led but I got up beside him just after the last light over the 73. That's when he decided to drop the hammer. I tried to react but ended up on a bigger gear where I thought I'd just try to muscle through it. Bad idea as he started to pull past me and that's pretty much all I have to say about that...except for maybe "nice job, Galen!"
Another morning trainer done...yes! TGIFF!
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