Everyone Craves a Little Madness Once In a While

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/571933279

Attendees:  Shannon, Vince, Hiroshi, Mitchell, Adrian, Jaffe, Steve M., me and Saurabh

As with fight club, there are rules one should know when riding with this crew:

1. If you're new to the ride, expect that everyone is going to try and drop you.
2. If you haven't ridden with this group for a while, expect that everyone is going to try and drop you.
3. If you ride with this crew often, expect that everyone is going to try and drop you.

While all of the above are true, 1 and 2 are ESPECIALLY true.   And when you COMBINE 1 and 2 on the same ride,  add "...as soon as possible."  The bottom line here is that these boys have a serious passion for pain and anyone else who dares to join them will be collateral damage.  Period.

Now I didn't think I would want to ride with these guys anytime soon given my other personal pursuits, but you can't help but miss them.  Call is masochism, but looking at their Strava posts gave me an itch that only other alphas can scratch.   I just didn't expect them to use a steel rake while doing so.

Saurabh came out to join today after hearing about rides on Tuesday and Thursdays.  As we met him while congregating outside the gym waiting to depart, I felt obligated to welcome him to the ride as well as set his expectations as stated above.  What's funny is that I'm now considered a "visitor," but I guess old habits are hard to break.  Saurabh said he would try to draft as much as possible, but I guess that didn't work out too well given he dropped even before the first underpass on the bike trail.  At least he was warned.  I hope he continues to come out, but he'll have to eventually drop the rearview mirror (Yes, Vince...I used to wear one too) and get some real pedals vs. cages.  Just some words of advise from an old timer....

With Hiroshi giving me fair warning that everyone was getting faster and faster before I came out, I knew exactly what I had to do:  Make like a caboose and constantly ask my Maker not to let me get unhinged.  Sure as shit, Hiroshi was right.  These guys were ridiculous today!  They were definitely applying rule #2 above, which required me to apply rule #5 but from a different set of rules.  If you have to ask....

What was great about today's ride was that everyone was taking turns up front except me.  I was the cycling 'coxswain' directing those rotating out from the front to latch on to the guy in front of me.  I'm not used to this group allowing me to do this, so being a visitor does have its perks.  Some definitely did more work than others, but from my view, everyone pushed up at some point.  Awesome!  As a result, they were killin' it...and me in the process.  To see all the Strava bling people received, including myself, just shows they were out for blood.  

Here are the results from what I could see in the challenges I created for this route:

KOMs

Top of Bike Trail at Portola - Vince with Steve M. nipping at his heels...or was it the other way around?

Top of Orchard Hills - Vince with Shannon in hot pursuit and making a pass down the hill.

Top of California  - Shannon with a powerful breakaway leaving Vince to chase and me to feel old

Sprint

To California - Repeat of Bike Trail at Portola where once again I couldn't tell for sure.

Now that I've had a taste of the crew's "alpha-ness," I think I'm good for another month (or more) before riding with this crew again.    I'll have to do some covert training in preparation for it as I'll bet they'll even get faster.  I'm sure of this.

Thanks for letting me tag along today, gents!  I really appreciate the workout albeit being more than 500 more calories I prefer to burn for my cardio.  Looking forward to the next time.

Team BRCM (not AVGO) Lunch Ride - The End of my BAM Era

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/524073233

Attendees:  Shannon, Vince, Todd, Adrian, Hiroshi, Mitchell, Steve M., Jaffe,  PV and Seon

When I was getting my bike ready for today's lunch ride after announcing yesterday it would be my last,  I have to admit I felt a little emotional.   Aside from the normal anxiety of riding with  this nutty group, reflecting on all my experiences with them over the years definitely tugged at some of the heartstrings.   On top of that, I wondered if anyone was even going to show up!

Before I go into the ride (which thankfully a lot of guys showed up for), let me take you down memory lane with me to highlight some of crazy memorable events with this crew.  I'll call it "Remember When...."

Remember when...

...Tim organized the first BBR I attended where Vince dominated all the years before? This was how I got into road bikes.

...we started riding at lunch as a bunch of individuals then got our first BRCM jerseys and became a more uniform-looking bunch of individuals?

...there was a Wednesday/Friday crew (consisting of Vin and Hiroshi at the time) who we would love to join for recovery days?  

...I crashed due to a pine cone but was able to take out a Honda Civic on a different ride?

...Gary and Todd got new bikes and transformed into different riders overnight having everyone else follow their lead soon after...except Vince who waited and waited and waited but now is super dangerous on his Cervelo?

...Adrian wore mountain bike shorts to his first ride but conformed after realizing it was a disadvantage?

...we did our first century (Stagecoach) only to subsequently dominate their team time trials for several years with Vince, Todd, Shannon and Noah setting the tone?

...we did our first race ever in Camp Pendleton (the bulldog) in the rain yielding some wins and good placements?

...Vince didn't try to break away?  Me neither.

...we jumped at every opportunity to do a hill climb challenge (Alpine, San Diego, OCGF, LeTaupe) and doing very well in them?

...Galen broke his collar bone at the 2nd OCGF but never broke his spirit?

...Jaffe was a menace to cycling society and rode like he was British (wrong side of road)?  

...our post events became why we rode rather than the ride itself?  I think our first Big Bear outing set the baseline for the rest to follow.

...we all experienced mild to severe hypothermia at the San Diego Gran Fondo?  

...Mitch called Shannon an amateur and how we all gasped in fear of the ensuing punishment to follow?

...riding was somewhat normal until Strava ruined our lives?

...Jeremy bought a bike, then another, then one after that, etc., etc?

...we celebrated weddings by trying to kill ourselves on a ride days before?

...we piled into Shannon's truck for the Death Ride and nearly experienced death after getting in it post his flatulence?  Oh and that handlebar dance....

...people used to look at us and say "who's Broadcom?" only to later on say "Oh no, Broadcom's here?"  

...we thought it was a good idea to carry a water bottle with ~10 lbs of sand in it for training purposes?  This, of course, had to be outdone by Verm who would wear a 40 lbs. vest during his training.

...Noah was the only one with a Power Meter where now those who don't are the minority?

Oh man, there are so many memories that I could go on and on, but in the interest of Internet storage space, I'll leave you with the ones above.  Hell, you can always read my prior blogs if you want to know more.  That's why they're there!

As for today's ride, I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout especially since I hardly get out anymore.   Along with the current "regular" riders, we had the likes of Seon, PV (on a TT bike) and Adrian join us (I should include Todd since he doesn't ride much nowadays too).  Plus we had Shawn, Tim and Jeremy come out to say goodbye and join us in the picture taking.  Needless to say, I was touched and rather thankful for the honor.

The ride was everything I could have wanted in my last lunch ride with this group:  we maintained a manageable pace for most of it with multiple people working together, regrouped here and there and sprinkled in some BAM in to keep it interesting for everyone.  My OCD didn't mind that we were not all uniform kit-wise too.  It was still a sight to see with 11 of us riding together and Shawn leading us out of the parking lot with his beach cruiser.  Sweet!

Here are some pictures from today:

Staging area 1

Just in time

Staging area 2

Surrounded by black kits

PC - Jeremy

Today's riding crew

Today's full goodbye crew

Always badass in bunches

In closing, I want to say that it has been an incredible 8+ years of riding with this group.   Everyone has grown so much, especially me, and I know people will continue to grow even in my absence.   I'm really sorry I haven't been here throughout (life happens), but I know that I'm only a small piece of the equation (okay, maybe an important piece but still).  You guys have made me the cyclist and competitor I am today...humble but hungry.   I'm so thankful for getting to know each and every one of you, whether we've ridden once or literally fought cycling battles in the trenches multiple times.   I asked myself if I should continue donning our kit after I leave, but I just can't imagine not representing the best group of guys (not the company) out there.  While I may not have the badge, I'll always be a BAMMER for life.

Yours truly,
Rich

Team Lunch Ride - Chapman OAB (the last 2015 lunch ride for me)

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/451888576

Rather than going straight into the details of today's ride, I think I'll take this opportunity to recognize and appreciate the Broadcom guys (past and present) I've ridden with over the years:  Shannon, Todd, Vince, Gary, Noah, Adrian, Galen, Eddie, Tim, PV, Zierhut, Mitchell, Verm, Jaffe, Hiroshi, Steve M., Vin, Jeremy, James, David Liu, Seon, John, Andy, Shawn, Eric, Peter and Trevor.  As you can see, it's a pretty big effing list!  Whether it was a ride during lunch or on the weekend, a century ride or a race, thank you for allowing me to ride with you.  More importantly, thank you for representing to those fortunate enough to don the BRCM kit.   If some question whether we ride legit, at least we looked the part.

I don't mean to get all sentimental, but I can't believe 2015 is almost behind us.  I'm sure we'll continue to ride beyond this year, but it's questionable whether we'll do it in the same fashion as we've done for so long.   We've done some amazing rides (and post rides too), gents, and I'll always be thankful for the fond memories that came from doing them with you.

How the above relates to today's ride was that I really wanted to BAM up today's ride if anything else.  I wanted to again experience what it was like to really push the boundaries of what I can do and let the pieces fall where they may.   While I could have ridden with the same intensity on my road bike, I opted to bring my TT bike to help everyone else push their limits with me.  Unfortunately, the guys are too strong nowadays, but it was definitely hella fun going for it.  Now if only my legs would stop hurting....

I was open to take the front for the whole ride because I was in serious self-punishment mode.  However, it was nice to see others push up when they did.  Shannon and Steve even broke away on Jamboree, so it was nice to push and see what it would take to catch them.  Shannon was not catchable as expected, but Steve surprised me by taking my wheel after I caught him and pushing his pace up again after he dropped off of Shannon's.  Pretty impressive stuff!

Even McNinch took a pull on the bike trail early on.  Since he doesn't have a BRCM kit, however, I was not comfortable for him leading us too long though.  :)  Still, good job!

We saw Vince and Vin on our way back as they came out later than us, and it was nice that they turned around and met us at the top of the bike trail on Portola.  Once we all regrouped, Mr. Toad's wild ride resumed and we pushed all the way back.   It was definitely fast coming back, and it was a good team effort to do so.  I'm just annoyed I accidentally paused my Garmin and lost 5 miles, but I think the pace was fairly consistent throughout.

Thank you guys for coming out today, and hopefully we can get some riding in over the holidays.  I'm not sure I'll be up for one at lunch next week, but let's get some miles in before the end of the year for sure.

Lunch Ride - It Never Gets Easier, Just Faster

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/404353281

Attendees:  Vince, Shannon, Galen (wha?), Mitchell, Vin, Jaffe and Steve M.

Route:  Orchard Hills OAB

I really don't have a lot of time to blog nowadays, but given Galen's return, the manner in which he did so, and the multiple requests for it today, here you go.  I told Galen before the ride that I wasn't going to, but I say a lot of things I don't mean.  He was thankful if I didn't, so I guess I'll have to cash in on that thank you another time.

I chose today's route anticipating Galen was going to ride after his wife, yes...his wife, was inciting some BAM rivalry on his behalf yesterday by issuing a challenge.  I'll not delve into that challenge, but from the way the ride went today, I may have to take her up on it.  You have to wonder what her motivation was though.  It's easy to wonder if his stamina is suspect outside of cycling, but I'll just leave that where it is.

Aside from Galen, we had a pretty full crew today.  GTJ made it to the gym, but opted to not join us.  Wise.  Still could be a bigger crew, but I'll leave the call outs for another blog.  I'll be dishing out enough trash in this one.

For today's ride, I opted to use more of a "Como" or "race" approach rather than a "team" approach given how this ride could have gone.  I honestly didn't know where Galen was with his conditioning and given that he's pretty good at sandbagging (a common trait of Bammers), riding strategically was probably a better idea than riding cohesively.  For perspective, Shannon brought up Velominati rule#10 recently that stays "Training is like fighting with a gorilla.  You don't stop when you're tired.  You stop when the gorilla is tired."  In today's ride, we had 3 potential gorillas (figuratively speaking, of course - wink wink).

It started out fast enough going down California but it picked up even more once we got on the bike trail.  Unlike Tuesday's ride, however, I opted not to push up to the front for a bit to let the faster guys  get the anxiety out of their system.  I really would have liked to do it for the whole ride, but the look I get (or at least I feel i get) when I pass up a rotation gets to me after a while.  After all, I'm a lover...not a fighter.

We all know who's willing to push up and do the work (although I think Vince was even a little more strategic in today's approach), but would I surprise you by saying that Jaffe has now elevated himself to one of them?  This guy deserves some kudos since he is now consistently pushing to the front despite not being able to stay in the front group the whole time.  He's becoming more and more of a team player, and we have to recognize and appreciate this behavior.  I guess 7 years later is better than nothing, but still!

I had to warn Vin before the ride not to pull any of his shenanigans, and as usual he pretends to not know what I'm talking about.  There were some observed today, but it was less than usual so I think he actually listened.  He did take some turns up front, but he seemed to have learned some traits from Adrian where he'll soft pedal after 5 seconds as a sign he wants to be relieved.  Then as he's passed, he'll pedal off the seat requiring a lot of energy where it's obvious he had more to give.  I'm onto you, Monty.

Mitchell is Mitchell and we've all come to accept this.  Enough said.

Steve M, the newest and youngest rider of the crew, is definitely a good rider.  That said, at some point we're going to have to convince him to take some pulls...especially early on in the ride.  I don't think he's ridden with Mitchell enough to get some of his traits, but holding out the guy up front while riding #2 is no bueno.   Young man, you have youth on your side.  We can only give you so many KOMs from the draft, but eventually you'll have to earn your own.  HA HA.  Call this tough love.  We've ALL received it.

Coming back to Galen, I still like riding with the guy despite the lapse.  He is still willing to close the gaps when needed, and I took advantage of one of those when a gap was formed at one point.  Unfortunately, his box of matches isn't as full as it used to be.  When we were on the bike trail heading toward Portola, he was waving me on to relieve Vince while he sat in the #2 position and me #3.  I'm like...nuh uh, sucker.  First of all, Vince could use a few hold outs given his antics, and second it's been a really fast ride so far and I'm also just barely hanging on.  I didn't realize, however, that this was probably his way of saying take #2 spot vs. the front since I think it was shortly after that Galen dropped off and not to be seen again until the gym.  Knowing him though, he had plenty of time to think about what happened and hopefully will come back out again and again until he's back in full form.  I think that's what his wife wants anyway, so why not, right?

As I rode away with the breakaway group going up Portola, I was literally feeling like death.  However, I didn't want to give up on the idea that I could hang on if I played my cards right, so I just sucked it up and kept pedaling.  My eyes were literally about to pop out of their sockets at the top, so I seriously had to suck wind as we made our way to Orchard Hills.  I was hoping to get some rest at a light, but as luck would have it, it was green upon our approach.  Sigh.

Vince led up initially, but Shannon relieved him shorty after and started to pull away.  Vince could have easily jumped on Shannon's wheel but 1) he wanted me to push up so 2) he can pass and drop me shortly after.  I stuck with my Como approach though despite the glaring looks he gave me.  Of course, he ended up sprinting to break away from me but I was ready this time and hung on for dear life as we continued the climb making our way up to Shannon near the top.  Once we descended, Vince took off for a sprint and I felt obligated to contest it just to give him more of a real-life race scenario than anything else - wink wink.  Once he opted out, which I would have done too after that mad pull up OH, I was certain it was over when Shannon flashes by at top speed.  Nice.

We regrouped at the top of the bike trail, and there was definitely more teamwork on the way back.  Vince broke that up a little after Barranca when back on the bike trail, but there was a collective effort to reel him in.  That and the headwind was just no fun.

The rotations continued, and I hated pushing up to the front in the wind, but I don't think there were any more holdouts.  As we got up to University, Vince was leading the way.  Now I could have held him out or waited for someone to try to sprint by so I can latch on, but I thought I'd light up all my matches and see what sprinting the distance of 2.5 football fields would be like in that headwind.   This is analogous to Noah mentioning how anyone could let themselves get kicked in the nuts, but in the end it would not be fun.  Well, I definitely got my nuts kicked in.  Shannon, Vince and Steve M. flew by me toward the end, and all I could do is wheeze at the intersection trying not to fall over and die.

The climb up California was supposed to be a cool down, but this crew likes to suffer and took me deep in the black by the top.  Gotta love them for it though.  If it doesn't kill ya...okay, enough with the sayings already, right?

Thanks for coming out, and a special thanks to Nicole for letting Galen play with us again.  Interesting last note though:  someone mentioned how he thought Galen should be lighter and faster on the bike given he no longer has nuts.   I'm paraphrasing, so don't kill the messenger.

The Hilly G Ride

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/394394191

Attendees:  GTJ, GSM, GSJ and GML

With work and the weather getting in the way of riding the last week and a half, it was finally nice to get out with the troop.  We didn't have the numbers that we had during my last outing, but it was a good group and great training nonetheless.

One great thing about the ride was the humidity had finally become "normal" where it didn't feel like you were back east.  It was still warm, especially wearing the black kit that EVERYONE had donned, but slightly cooler as we rode toward the coast.  Winds weren't bad either, so the conditions were about as good as we can ask for compared to the last several weeks.

I was on my TT bike for this ride, and I originally had set the route to be a faster flatter route.  However, GTJ chimed in early on and wanted to do more hills so we ended up changing to the route he suggested despite the clear disadvantage it presented to my 20 pounder ride.  I go with the flow....

The ride started out fast enough with GTJ leading us down CA, me taking the first pull on the BT and GSM and GTJ getting us to Back Bay.  I had a little trouble with the uptick in the pace up the grades, but I managed to get back with the group after descending into BB and join the rotation.

Through BB, everyone was pushing up and rotating up front early on but it lessened as we got closer to the end with people pushing up front from toward the back.  This was okay as it allowed for us to stay together throughout.  This continued on PCH and through the CDM neighborhood including Ocean.  We almost got split up at an intersection, but I did a rolling regroup as we made our way up the steep kicker hill leading to Ocean.

When we came back to PCH from Poppy, GTJ and GSM pushed up to get the group going again, and I had to drop onto the aeros just to close the gap and help with the rotation.

At the bottom of NPC, I let the guys know not to wait for me given I expected I wouldn't be able to keep up on the climb.  When the light turned green, GTJ and GSJ took off and I just stood on the pedals and started my ascent.  I was surprised I didn't get too far behind during the first part of the climb, and upon approaching the first Pelican we were all pretty much together at that point.  Now I thought GTJ indicated we were going up Pelican, so I slowed thinking we had to cross the street.  The light turned green just shortly after our arrival, and I found myself watching them climbing up NPC wondering why.  Then I remember that GTJ indicated "Vista" and not Pelican, so off I went trailing everyone up the hill.

I started climbing and rolled up to GML thinking he was holding a good pace where I would have been content riding with him.   I ended up passing where he rolled up behind me, so I expected he would just sit on my wheel during the climb since this was his specialty as my "wingman."  However, he hadn't ridden with the group for a while, so dropped off some and onto the next person.

I rolled up to GSJ next, and I gotta say, this guy took off like a bat out of hell at the bottom of NPC with a cadence that seemed taken from the playbook of our cycling samurai, GHS.   I didn't think he would have a lot by the time I pulled beside him and expected he would try to stick my rear wheel as I passed.  Instead, he started spinning up faster contesting my pass and rode abreast with me a while even challenging my pace.  That went on for a bit and I had to actually look at him to make sure it was GSJ.  It was!  He ended up rolling off after a while, but it's nice to know that he's actually putting that R5 to work now.

As I continued to climb up the hill, I started closing on GSM and thought to myself, something is definitely going on here.  I'm going to have to look and see if he did a ride earlier in the morning that may explain this, but GTJ was already calling out earlier that GSM seemed to be holding back.  As I passed, I did expect GSM was going to just match my pace, but he continued on as though it didn't matter much that I passed.  Anyone who knows BAM, however, would know that this is not a characteristic typical of this group.  I know BAM, so I just kept going, dropped onto my aeros when it started flattening out, and just tried to get enough of a gap to make it interesting for him to pass me at some point.  That point was about 100 yards up Vista with a "Good job, Rich" to further demoralize me as it seemed too easy.  It turned out, he would also catch GTJ, who had been ahead of both of us the whole time, and get a couple top ten segment placings (not annual either) as he did so.

GTJ remained ahead of me the whole time and I only saw him until he reached the false flat only to be seen again waiting for me with GSM at the top.

Looking back, we didn't see the other guys coming up, so we decided to roll down to the bottom and wait there.  GSJ and GML pulled up shortly after.  After this, we all rolled down NPC together making our way to the last climb...Summit.

There were some cars making their way onto Summit upon our arrival, so we didn't get a lot of momentum going onto the road.  GTJ led initially, and I followed closely behind.  The next thing you know, GSJ pulls up and passes both of us with his newly found high cadence and caused Todd and I to have to push a little more.  We both managed to pass GSJ, but he stayed just between us as we rode abreast ahead of him.

GTJ started to pick up the pace and started to pull away from me.  It wasn't long before GSM came out of nowhere to pass me as well.  I tried to push hard toward the last part of the climb, but the two were just too far ahead.  I was happy I wasn't too far behind though as we made the u-turn and began descending.

We were all regrouped as we made our way onto Turtle Ridge and prepared to turn right onto Bonita Canyon.  We pushed the pace on Bonita Canyon together and managed to reel in a couple guys who had got caught at one of the lights.  The guy in the yellow jersey took off at the light and had us in his draft initially while his buddy was waiting to get onto the back of the train as the rest of us lined up.  Once GSM passed and elevated the pace again, the two dropped off.  Hell, I was off the back for a bit after the pass because it was pretty intense, so it was understandable.

With the lights on Bison made it challenging to setup a sprint, it was again GSJ who was up at the front toward the end pushing the pace.  It was only because I was fully tucked in and cranking that I was able to catch up, but someone needs to check what this guy is putting in his water bottle before the ride.  In any case, nice work!

Another good ride and great training for the books.  I'm sorry I won't be able to make next Tuesday's ride being that I'll be in San Diego, but I'm already looking forward to next Thursday.

Thanks for coming out, Gents!

BRCM Lunch - How Can I Not Write About Today?

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/384281855

Attendees:  Shannon, Vince, Jaffe, Hiroshi, Vin, Steve N., Adrian, Jeremy and me

MIA:  Todd, Galen, Mitchell, Noah and Verm

Retired:  Eddie

Considering that the weather was almost perfect today (albeit windy at some spots) and there were NINE of us that made it out, I just had to write about it.

It all started with an invite this morning that had me asking the following questions:

• Will Adrian wait another six months before riding again?
• Who’s interested in betting on what part of Jaffe’s bike falls off next?
• Has Jeremy bought another bike already since Tuesday’s ride?
• Do Vince and Shannon need to take a remedial class on social cycling skills?
• Is Todd retired?  (someone actually asked me this)
• Does Mitchell think we’re too amateurish to ride with?
• Should we say we’re leaving at 11:35 so Vin can be out in time?
• If there was a segment leading from campus to Anthill Pub and Grill, who would win?  PV, Shawn or Tim?
• Will Steve N. (the new guy) continue to allow guys twice his age to drop him on hills?
• Is Noah waiting for Eddie to ride again before making another appearance so he can get another new bike?
• Did Rich bring his cheater bike today or his regular road bike?

• How long will Steven N. take to get used to my sarcasm?

• When will Nicole let go of Galen’s nuts, so he can ride again?

• How much more training can Hiroshi do before he can stand sideways to hide behind a flag pole?

Here are the answers in order:

• No
• No one...too many possibilities.
• Nope but he should have bought new tires
• They were nice enough to wait at the top of NPC, so we'll give them a pass.  They still intentionally tried to hurt everyone (my calf, for example), and Vince STILL likes to shoot past me while I'm front.   Aaargghh!!!
• He said not fully with a promise to ride next week.  
• Probably
• Next time
• Shawn (no one else actually tracked it)
• Yes
• Probably
• He's only at phase 1 of relation with me (confused).  Phase 2 (hate) and 3 (tolerate) to follow.
• She's holding on pretty tight, but I ran into her a few weeks back where she indicated she may let them go soon
• Not sure, but he and I are both thinking about joining an Asian bobblehead gang.

Oh, so you wanted to hear about the ride?

I must say I haven't had that feeling of "excitement" riding in a big pack of BRCM'ers for a while until today.  To roll out with that many fellas is purdy cool.  I have to call out the obligatory non-kit conformance though with Jeremy wearing white and Adrian wearing I don't know what (Steve N. gets a bye given he's new and doesn't have our kit).  However, riding with the others donning black was reminiscent of our rides back in the day.

On E. Peltason, Jeremy suffered a flat and had our local McGyver help him replace the tube.  This led to a slight delay but also allowed for Vince to catch up to us since we left him at the gym to get ready knowing he'd catch us anyway.  

We rolled out together and unlike recent rides, I actually opted to take the front fearing that painful early breakaway if we didn't conform and try to help.  The funny thing is "the fast guys" didn't even get up front to help at the time, so I guess my e-mail worked.  

Going up NPC, Vin and Hiroshi took off from the light and I opted to jump on Hiroshi's wheel given he holds a great pace.  We got passed by the racers as expected, but we stayed and worked together on the climb with the others not too far behind (except Adrian...ha). 

After regrouping on San Joaquin, Vince started up the horseshoe already gapping the rest of us, but we managed to pull him in midway.  As I was up front for the last little rise before San Joaquin, Vince sprinted by and just kept going keeping the rest of us on our toes as we chased after him down the hill.  Adrian opted to fly by me showing his downhill speed as I chased Vince down, so that was pretty cool.  Now I just have find a route that's all downhill.

Unfortunately, Jeremy's tire started to bulge at the horseshoe and didn't get to stay with the rest of us opting to make it back to BRCM safely.   Keep coming out, and if you need new tires, we can all sign a petition for you to take to your fiancee to let you buy some.

It was nice to see some rotations going on today, but it was not in any organized fashion as usual.  Some where even breakaway-ish, but it wouldn't be a BRCM ride if it wasn't.  The only thing I wished was if people would rotate during the chases.  During a couple of the breakaways today, most would just sit back and hold out the person trying to close the gap...me!  I managed to do so a couple times, but that led to some disastrous results for me during the first and second pass through back bay.  I was literally left to die on the first pass where everyone passed me up leaving me for dead as they made their way to Jamboree.  

Fortunately, I was able to catch up to others due to lights and had planned to try and just stay with Shannon and Vin on the last pass.  However, they slowed down a little, and I decided to keep going to see if I can chase a guy down that I saw ahead of me on Back Bay.  It's how we roll, right?  I passed him.  

It didn't take long, however, for Shannon and Steve N. in tow to pass me (right after San Joaquin), and although I managed to latch on, trying to stay on was another story.  My right calf hinted of cramping even before the first pass, but then went into full lock mode where I couldn't even pedal.  This was when everyone passed me again leaving me for dead, including the guy I passed initially.  I caught and passed that guy again eventually, but there was no sign of any other BRCM'ers after him.  

It was definitely a good day of riding today despite my apparent lack of electrolytes, conditioning, and most notably, intelligence.  The guys are all such different riders now, and the new kid fits right in showing his "legit-ness."  I'm thinking once we take him through the hill training I was put through, he'll be able to do equally well there.  

Thanks for coming out, gents!  Sorry for the long blog, but you better enjoy it as this won't happen al that often.  

Peace!

Team BRCM Weekend Hill Trainer

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/375148008

It's been a while since I last blogged (I know, I know), but 1) I've been really busy at work and 2) the lunch ride blogs were getting a little repetitive to me with the same things happening from ride to ride.   With this being a weekend ride and one that was reminiscent of the ones we did as a group in the past, I thought there would be more interesting stuff to write about.  I'll let you decide....

Gary, as he had done in the past, was the original motivator for this ride.  He was interested in getting some good miles in, some good climbing, and some beer after.  It didn't take much to convince me, so I was definitely in.  It was a little challenging to get others to come out due to "life," so it ultimately ended up just being me, Gary and a new guy, Steve, who just joined Broadcom recently and was interested in riding with us.   Good enough.

We met at the BJ's parking lot, which brought back some good memories, and were ready to roll at the designated 7:45  departure time.   I almost forgot what I needed to bring in preparation for a group ride, but I managed to have everything I needed.  The most important items include the big bottle of water to rinse off after, and the change of clothing and my wallet for the beer.   Priorities.

There was a good amount of cloud cover but the temperature was perfect and the wind conditions were pretty mild.  It was pretty ideal for a group ride if you ask me, and the number of riders we saw out on the road substantiated this.  The clouds eventually dissipated midmorning, but it never got too warm even with the black kits we were wearing.  Even climbing up and descending Silverado was pretty mild.

Not having ridden with Steven before, we didn't know what kind of rider he would be.  He obviously was accustomed to riding in groups from what we can see, and he had the same attitude about riding making for a good fit.  He wasn't familiar with the route I had chosen, but that didn't stop him from charging ahead early on.  After hitting Cannon from Chapman, however, he realized he needed to pace himself a little more with the other climbs planned for the route.

It was good to be back on hills like Cannon (both the one from Chapman and the one after E. Santiago Canyon), Nohl, Dump hill, and Silverado.  Did I just say that?  They offered a lot of different types of climbing with Nohl probably being the roughest of the climbs.  In the end, we were able to get more than 4K vert in 55 miles, which is pretty damn good hill training in my opinion.  Every one of us got worked but with no one willing to give up.

Another thing reminiscent of our prior group rides is someone getting a flat.  This time, it was the new guy while we were going through the canyon headed toward Silverado.  Fortunately, he wasn't aware of brown guy flat repair services and was experienced enough to replace the flat himself.

Gary took off ahead of us on Silverado, so Steve and I made our way up together.  As we were approaching a couple of cyclists, I turned around and noticed the Canyon Velo group ride coming up quickly behind us.  Steve and I got pinned behind the couple, so we couldn't hop on until the tail end of the group.  I wasn't about to pass up the tow.  The pace definitely picked up as they passed, and it was cool to be able to jump on.  I was able to pick off some riders in the process, which was a fundamental requirement in a BAM ride, but at the end got passed again by Tracy Tilton (based on Strava flyby and as someone I follow).   I'm okay with it though since she's a pretty legit racer.

We took a break at the top not opting to continue riding with the CV group, and headed down after a lot of the riders cleared.  On my way down, I was stung by a bee (happens a lot up there I guess since I know Todd and Shannon have had their shares of this as well).  It was fun to take advantage of the adrenalin though.

We made our way toward Cooks after regrouping at the bottom, and we were all pretty cooked.  Despite this, we still mixed it up with a couple other riders on the way back.  Gary still had some fight in him at the end and took off for a sprint to the finish, with Steve and I right behind him.

It was a great ride and fun to be out in a group, albeit only 3.  Hanging out with the pizza and beer topped it off perfectly.  Hopefully, we can have more come out next time (late September or early October).

Lunch Ride - Pre-vacation Painfest

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/331542035

Attendees:  Todd, Mitchell, Hiroshi, Vin and Jaffe

Highlights:

• I presented two route options today:  a long route and a short one.  Due to time constraints, we opted to due the shorter of the two.  Given how warm it was, it was the right call.
• We had a smaller group today, and although less manic as it has been recently, it was just as great of a workout as ever.  Our lunch rides never fail to do this.  
• Everyone came out in BRCM attire, but the kid missed the memo on color.  
• Todd started us off pretty quick and as second wheel, had to wave the others on by the stop light at E. Peltason since I was having trouble keeping up.  It didn't help that I'm nursing a strain on my left leg either. 
• I managed to stay with the group to the Culver intersection, but I was too tentative to push up and help out in the rotation after the light changed.  I waited until the top of the hill to finally do so, but it was great everyone else was rotating up to take a turn.
• We stayed pretty tight together as we made our way around Turtle Rock, and Todd led the climb and held us all at a good (i.e. painful) pace.  
• We made our way toward the Shady bike trail, and Hiroshi took a good pull after the second bridge.  We had to slow down some due to some pedestrian traffic...thank goodness!
• Todd pushed up again and I followed after to try to keep a good pace for the rest of the climb, but he and others decided to push the last part causing me and one other to drop a little before the top. 
• We gave chase to the 4 ahead of us, and really had to push once adjacent to the 405.  We were making progress, but Todd noticed we were off the back and slowed to help us get back up to the group.  What a guy!
• There was no sprint to the bridge, and we all made our way together to the bottom of Ridgeline.
• Hiroshi led us up on the climb and Mitchell pushed up with Jaffe in tow just before it pitched up.  I stayed behind Hiroshi knowing he was going to spin up the hill, and sure enough, his RPM doubled and he started passing Mitchell and Jaffe again.  I took over after it flattened out a little, and Todd finished the last part that pitched up towing us with a standing climb.
• We had a rolling regroup going down Turtle Rock, and on Campus had to due some car dodging due to some closed lanes just barely making the left turn together as a group.  
• We stayed together going up Culver and through Bonita Canyon holding a good pace throughout.
• We had to slow upon approaching the condo due to cars making a right turn ahead of us.  It was not the typical sprint climb, but as I held the front trying to keep a good pace for the group, Jaffe pushed ahead and pushed even harder.  Nice!  
• When we got on Bison, people took off after McArthur setting up for the sprint but had to slow for both lights.  I timed the 2nd light the best, and took off for an uncontested sprint to finish the ride.

Even though no one complained, I'm sorry I couldn't rotate to the front more and help out.  Despite this, the rest of the guys stepped up to help more and made for another great workout.  Thank you!  I hope they can manage without me for the next week and a half.  More importantly, I hope my badge still works when I get back!  HA.

Lunch Ride - Never Again Up San Joaquin!

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/328249476

Attendees:  Shannon, Vince, Mitchell, Jaffe, Vin and Hiroshi (to San Joaquin only)

Highlights:

• Everyone wore the black jersey today, but Hiroshi donned his Rock Racing in preparation for racing this evening.  He only came out for a part of the ride, so he can save some for this evening.  Good luck, Hiroshi!
• Vin's been taking off ahead of the group at the start the last few rides including this one.  I'm still trying to figure out a motive.  He had a chance to breakaway since he caught the light to cross University, but he then opted to wait for the rest of us.  Inexplicable.
• Vince started us off on the bike trail and I gotta say, it was pretty tough.  I was in the #2 spot where I experienced an eye problem...I couldn't see myself relieving him right away. It took getting onto Back Bay before I finally pulled up to the front.  
• The rotations were good through Back Bay, so the group was able to keep the pace rather "spirited."  
• Hiroshi broke off once we got to San Joaquin, and three of us took off up the hill ahead of the others.  Mitchell was able to join us just before crossing.
• Most of us slowed after crossing to try and regroup, but Vince took off and from what we could see, caught most of the green lights ahead of us while we had to stop for all of them.  He actually waited for us at the top of NPC though.  Wha?
• Despite the lights, we were never able to regroup with Jaffe or Vin on San Joaquin.  We tried, but I believe they had some bad luck with the lights as well.  Hence, the title of this post....
• After four of us regrouped, there seemed to be a mad sprint after making the right to Pelican.  This continued on the descent, but some had different strategies of how to hit the hill at the bottom.  I opted to pull a little more back, and started sprinting just as soon as it pitched up again.  This allowed me to take the lead and in doing so, heard someone call me by a nickname common to my name:  "Dick!"  I don't really go by that nickname, but it is a variation of Richard so....
• After the hill, there was more jockeying and I actually fell a little behind going back onto NPC and PCH.  Fortunately, we were able to regroup again on Poppy. 
• Ocean and the neighborhood was pretty uneventful, but the pace was still rather lively throughout.  It was fortunate that we were all together again on Avocado to make the right on PCH.
• We charged to Jamboree on PCH working together in harmony (think flight of the bumblebee as appropriate background music)
• Back Bay was more of the same madness, and although contrary to how it may have appeared, I was pushing as hard and long as I could (great anxiety reliever).  At one point though, there was a gap between Shannon and me and Vince kept asking me if I was okay.  I thought to myself  1) does he really care how I am, 2) I think I can, I think I can, 3) if I'm not closing the gap fast enough, then close it as he's just right there.   I did eventually throw in the towel and waved Vince on to close it...so he did...and I dropped...with Mitchell still stuck to my rear wheel like glue.
• The four of us were on our own as we made our way to California, but we got to regroup at the light.
• On the way up, Vince gave me to go ahead on the climb, so I took the opportunity to work on my standing climb.  Yep...that pretty much did me in by the time we got back.

You know, I'd really like to add more color to the blog by writing more free form than with bullets, but time isn't really on my side.  I'm really glad that I'm still a part of these crazy rides and get to take advantage of the beyond excellent training it affords me.  I think I say it after every ride, but I really mean it when I say thank you, guys, for coming out.  It's a wonderful thing.

Lunch Ride - Riding like it's your Last

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/326869808

Attendees:  Todd, Shannon, Vince, Vin, Mitchell and Jaffe

Highlights:

• It's always a good bet that when the riders who came out today go out, it's going to be a great workout.  It's not a matter of one or two single riders; it's the combination.
• The pace was tough really early, so it was understandable that Vin took off ahead of the group to try and be a part of the group later on.  Unfortunately, this strategy didn't work today given the heated pace.
• It didn't take too long for the group reel Vin in by Peltason, but doing so wasn't satisfactory enough since the pace stayed hot all the way to Bonita Canyon.
• On the climb after Bonita Canyon, everyone got in the rotation to keep the pace up.  Jaffe once again pushed up ahead of others early on, but unfortunately cost him given the pace being held by the front group.  
• By the time we were on Sunnyhill, there were just 5 of us left and of that, only 4 actively taking the front.
• The pace through the Turtle Rock loop was ROUGH.   It just was.
• The climb on the other side was equally rough.  I did my best to stay with the lead person, but I started to drop off before the final climb.  Of course, this was when Vince took the opportunity to come around at a breakaway pace and join the lead person for a breakaway.  
• I thought I'd try to keep my position but was caught by the time I was climbing back on Shady heading towards Bonita Canyon.  
• By the bottom of the hill, the five of us together again and still with two others no where in sight.
• When we got going up NPC, we had a passenger for a bit but the 5 of us pushed ahead as a group and stayed together for a bit.  I dropped off before the 73 waving Todd ahead of me, but was able to regroup again with chase group #2 while the Vince had broken away.  It was windy, so taking cover in the draft going up the hill helped a LOT.
• When we got onto the horseshoe, we started closing on Vince, but Vince had a chain problem where he pulled over letting Todd and I pull ahead (after checking that Vince was okay).
• Todd and I tried to hold a slight breakaway, but got caught on the descent.  
• Despite some good pushes on San Joaquin going by Fashion Island, it didn't keep us from all being regrouped by Jamboree before Back Bay.
• When we got on Back Bay, I started us off and got relief from two other guys who stayed in the rotation for the length of Back Bay.
• Todd led toward the end, and despite my desire to challenge Vince to the top, I just couldn't.
• Vince got ahead crossing the street but I wasn't far behind as we made our way to Jamboree.  On the climb, I was able to gain on him some but not enough since he pushed every time he saw me closing.  
• When I looked back, I saw someone closing on me and never really knew who it was.  As he approached, I opted to cross the street as did Vince to make the left turn from the light.  This was when Shannon in hot pursuit kept going straight and ended up actually crossing Jamboree ahead of us.  Todd was right behind us, and joined us to make our way onto Bison.
• At the McArthur light, we started discussing sprints, cadence, and such and I was seeing if I could offer a lead out.  I don't think I got confirmation.
• When we crossed and made our way to the 73 overpass, it seemed like people were waiting for someone to make a move.  This was when Mitchell pushed ahead in his "seated sprint" position and started things off.  I took off after him thinking I can take advantage and sprinted ahead.  When I looked back, I thought I didn't see anyone behind me and let up before the end of the intersection.  Of course, this was when Vince pulled around me and took off for the corner.  Nice.

I know I said in the beginning of the year that without any races planned, there was no point in pushing.  Well, I've since changed my thoughts on this and realized that the training is still phenomenal with this group so why not take advantage while I can.  Who knows what the future holds, so I think I'm going to enjoy each and every one of these rides (along with the intensity they offer) until it's no longer an option for me.  I don't know when it ends, but everything ends, so why not, right?

Thanks for the fantastic workout once again, folks!  

Lunch Ride - Hilly Trainer with the Guys

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/323578304

Attendees:  Todd, Vince, Vin and Mitchell

Highlights:

• With the climate at work being the way it is, it sure is nice to blow off steam on the rides.  
• I took off in the beginning (mostly because I wanted to get back on time), but also since I really was feeling the jitters after the morning.  
• We "almost" had a run-in with 5.0 on Peltason, but thankfully we didn't.
• We were all together by the stop light (mostly because the above bullet).
• The pace going out was tough with Todd helping to keep the pace up.  Vince took the front just before the stop light.
• We continued the rotations with two in tow as we made our way onto Culver.
• Vince opted to get a gap on Campus, and opted to try and keep it through out.  We were always just behind him but my right calf popped (cramped) on the climb up Pine Needles.  This derailed our chase efforts and let Vince get away for the rest of the ride.  That and the lights:  http://labs.strava.com/flyby/viewer/?utm_source=strava_activity_header#323439651,wGlJEw==.
  Nice work!
• Not sure where Vin was at this point as he was nowhere to be seen.
• Thankfully, Mitchell and Todd opted to slow and wait for me as I made my way back from the top of Luminous.
• I did what I could to help keep the pace up, but it was a series of push - pop - push - pop.
• Todd and I pushed one another to the top of Shady on the way back with him taking the front just before the top.  
• I was off the back again on the descent, but Todd and Mitchell waited again after Sunnyhill and the push-pop on my part continued.  
• We picked up a rider on the way up and over, and he stayed in the draft the whole time while the 3 of us worked together harmoniously all the way to the stop light.  Upon our arrival, he just stood with us not saying one word.  Awkward.
• After turning onto Bonita Canyon, the 3 of us worked together all the way back leaving me feeling like I can wait again until tomorrow before the next set of jitters hits again.    We skipped the condo due to my time constraints in case anyone asks.

Overall a super solid training ride.  Sorry I spoiled our chase efforts.  It was a great workout nonetheless.  Thanks for coming out and accommodating my schedule, and sorry to those who could not.

Lunch Ride - Suffering Builds Character

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/322048998

Attendees:  Todd, Shannon, Vince, Mitchell, Vin, Jaffe and me

Highlights:

• Although it was cloudy, the weather was downright muggy and reminiscent of being in a sauna.
• Despite the weather, we had a good sized group come out today.  
• Those we represented in white:  Vince, Shannon, Mitchell and me. 
• Look who jumped on the clincher bandwagon:

Amateur!

• California is hardly a warm-up, so the pace picking up on the bike trail right away is always a doozy.   I don't know how the others felt, but I was a little anxious about pulling to the front (although I still did) given how many came out today. 
• The rotations started right away and everyone was pushing up all the way through the Back Bay.  It was rough given the wind, so it was nice being able to roll behind someone for cover.  
• At the tail end of Back Bay, Vince took off for the final sprint.  I tried to contest, almost passed, but fell behind just before the gate.  
• We regrouped before Jamboree and made our way onto PCH getting the green light upon our arrival.  
• It was tough to latch on at first after making the turn (I was a little off the back), but I was just able to latch on.  
• We headed out as a group going toward CDM, but Todd and I got separated due to a truck and a light.  We were going to stop to regroup in CDM, but decided to wait until after Poppy to do so.  
• As we were stopped waiting, you see the group behind us coming and at a pretty good clip.  It was rough trying to latch as they passed (so much for being considerate for those of us who were considerate waiting for them - HA).  
• At one of the lights, there was a breakaway and it didn't seem like anyone was eager to close it.  I was winded, but I pushed up to help close the gap with Todd's help and we were able to regroup at the NPC light.  
• The turnaround at El Morro is also sketchy, but we were all together shortly after.  
• The pace on the way back was equally intense, which substantiates how less hilly rides keeps the intensity up throughout vs. mostly on the climbs on the more hilly rides.
• We took Ocean as a way to get through CDM but had to take a detour due to a closed road.  
• Once back on PCH, the madness ensued.
• We didn't start pushing too much as soon as we were on Back Bay Drive, but the pace picked up SUBSTANTIALLY just after the gate.  I was in the #2 spot, and I dreaded the thought of pushing up to #1.  I wasn't sure if I could to be honest.
• It stayed crazy after San Joaquin, and at some points, thoughts of giving up popped into my head.  I hate when that happens.  I don't think I was the only one though.
• I ended up staying on, and at one point, Vince launched an attack but I was not far behind.  I was able to close it and once again looked at him as he looked back with the "no way I'm pushing up right away" look.  
• After thinking about it though, I decided I'd give him a taste of his own medicine and took off..  I wasn't sure if anyone latched on when I did, but when I saw I had a gap I pushed on hoping to get to the top first.  I was being chased, however, and I blew up midway up the hill and got passed by Vince and Shannon with Vince yelling "Boom!" as they did.  Boom was an accurate description for sure.
• I was worked from the breakaway attempt, so I was seriously in recovery mode at the top and on the way to Jamboree.  
• Vince was up ahead on the climb, and I was hoping to chase him down.  That didn't happen.  I had started up with Todd, he fell behind, caught up, passed me, and I rode his wheel most of the rest of the way up.  
• We were regrouped on McArthur, but 5.0 was on the left turn lane on McArthur where I thought we were going to take it easy.  Some took off anyway.  
• We got stopped at both lights over the 73, and Vin was the only one who wanted to push the rest of the way.  In trying to catch him, I pretty much blew the rest of my wad and getting another great workout with the team.

Thanks for coming out and beating me up, guys.   As with all the challenges we're faced with in life, we can avoid them to be safe or embrace them and be stronger.  I choose the latter.  

Lunch Ride - The 133 Loop with the Gang

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/318421274

Attendees:  Todd, Shannon, Vin, Mitchell, Hiroshi and Jaffe

Highlights:

• Another good sized crew for today's ride.  Always merrier when there's more.
• Although it looked like it was going to rain, it didn't.  Thank goodness as the last time on this route was ridiculous.
• Todd led us out again today and thankfully was not as crazed as the pace on Tuesday.  Others rotated in and t looked like it was going to get crazy before Bonita, but we all arrived together. 
• Todd led us up toward Shady initially, but I rotated in followed by Jaffe.   Once again, Jaffe seems to be making a habit of stepping up sooner than some of the others...kudos!
• Shannon, on the steel Eddie Mercx, was supposed to hold back in preparation for the Ride Around the Bear this weekend and dropped on the way up to Shady, but he was with us again on Quail Hill and for the rest of the ride.  
• We held a good pace with everyone working together up to and over the 133, and admittedly, it hurt here and there.  My confidence level was fairly low, especially after feeling a little twinge on my right thigh going over the hill, that I was not too eager to make my way to the front.  I did what I could as did everyone else.  
• We kept the pace up on PCH and had to take the left lane at some points just to be safe.  
• Hiroshi was charging up some of the hills making sure he kept the rest of us honest.  
• I was a little worked as we were nearing NPC, so I was a little off the back just before making the turn.  It's hard keeping up with these guys!
• As we ascended, Shannon got separated from us after the first light, so the rest of us had to make our way up separately.  
• It took some effort to get up to Hiroshi, who was in the #2 spot, and with Todd still not 100%, I had to rely on Hiroshi to drag my big ol' booty up the hill.  While this sounds like it was a "partnership," there were moments where you see him spin up and seemingly try to drop me.  Those hurt every single time he did.  Near the top though, I pulled up ahead and he got on my wheel.  As we neared the light, I decided to serve him some of his own samurai warrior soup and broke ahead.   He wasn't far behind though, so I'm sure he's probably racing tonight and just saving it for that.  (Editor's note:  I still remember when Hiroshi couldn't keep up over a speed bump before, so mass kudos to him for helping to dish out pain on the rides)
• We regrouped at the top and met up with Shannon before San Joaquin, and had a good charge down NPC.  One of the pitfalls of a compact crank is that it's really hard to keep up with these guys on the downhill.   Too fast!
• We just made the left turn onto Bonita Canyon after the downhill rush, and it was just more pedal pounding after.  
• There was a breakaway at one of the lights before McArthur, so we were definitely in chase mode as we made our way down and around to Bison.  
• As we neared the break and approached the 73 overpass, Mitchell sped up where it's really difficult to know whether he's being helpful to serve as a lead out or if he just likes sprinting sitting down.  In any case, he doesn't call out when he does this, so you just see him go by and think "oh great...here we go." 
• I wasn't too sure if there was going to be a sprint at the end, but I gave it a shot after Shannon started up.  Not a good plan, but it was enough to definitely finish me for the ride and have me lying down trying to recover in the gym for several minutes.  I honestly thought I was going to die!

If we think about the Kenyans who win marathons based on training under the most heinous conditions and probably run as a way of life, I consider riding with my BRCM buddies along the same lines.  The conditions are definitely brutal and everyone is obviously absorbed in the cycling lifestyle that in the end, I can only benefit from these training rides.  Thank you, guys, for pushing me beyond my limits every time!

Lunch Ride - It Was a Crazy Start...and it Stayed That Way

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/316973147

Attendees:  Shannon, Todd, Vince, Mitchell and Vin

Highlights:

• Nice to have Todd back after he's been out from being sick.  Although not fully recovered, he led us out from the start at a maddening pace and pretty much set the tone for the rest of the ride.
• Vince and Shannon decided to get away from the madness and broke us off just making the light up NPC.  Our chase group got caught at the light, which took forever to let us go.  We decided at that point we would be better working together than trying to catch the guys ahead of us in a smaller group.
• Todd and I traded pulls up NPC, and at one point, got passed by another cyclist that came out of nowhere.  We didn't give chase since that would have probably strung us out negating what we concluded at the bottom of the hill.  
• Three quarters of the way up, we hear a tire blow air out and Todd, Mitchell and I stopped to see whose tire blew.  I checked mine as did the two others, but no one felt that it was their tire that blew...so we went on despite knowing that someone must have blown a tire.
• When we rounded the turn to the reverse horseshoe, I heard a bike lose traction behind me and ended up turning around to find Mitchell off his bike.  I think for the most part, he caught the bike and didn't fall but I couldn't say for sure.  He ended up telling Todd and I to just go ahead since he had everything he needed.  Who were we to question a "pro?"  Gladly, we did see him back at the gym at the end of the ride.
• Todd and I ran into Vin at the end of the horseshoe, and we started working together down NPC, Pelican, on PCH and through CDM.  
• After a charge on PCH after getting back on from Avocado, we ran into the breakaway group who waited for us at the entrance on Back Bay.
• We started out a fairly moderate pace (Vin was leading at the time...haha), but that picked up just after getting past the first gate.  
• After some rotation, Vince started his antics again and began launching attack after attack.  What's funny is that I think I ended up having to close the gaps each time he did, and he would have the audacity to give me the elbow to pass as though it didn't take any work to get up to him.  My reply was "hell no" each time.  HA
• Vin launched an attack, which Vince responded to, but I was a little spent and decided to take up the back to recover.  Shannon and Vince took off up the hill to duke it out and continued to keep the break again as they made their way to Jamboree.
• I stayed with Todd as we made our way up Jamboree, but with my newly tuned bike, which came with a complimentary bomber of some fine home brew (thanks SM!), I was able to close the gap somewhat to the breakaway...just not enough.
• Vince opted to make the left turn, while the rest of us "safely" made our way to the intersection and cross from there.  
• We all ended up crossing McArthur mostly together, and it looked like it was going to be a free-for-all finish, but instead I got to provide a lead out for the finish getting mad passed shortly after crossing 73 offramp.  

Overall, another great workout and definitely high output.   Having seen Galen come back from his solo ride after getting dressed and Adrian saying he'll be coming out again with us this week, I can only imagine that a full crew would be outright ridiculous.  I can't wait!  

Thanks for coming out, gents!

Lunch Ride - El Morro NPC Vista Bonita Canyon Loop

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/313776118

Attendees:  Vince, Shannon, Mitchell, Jaffe, Hiroshi and Vin

Highlights:

• True story:  I created the route and had planned to only include Pelican as part of today's climbing.  After I hit send and saw I typed Vista, I was like "WTF?!?"
• Good sized crew today and everyone representing BRCM black.  Oh yeah, baby.  
• I had my TT bike today given I had my BMC had a flat rear and my Cervelo front derailleur is not working properly.   There was talk of how I can create a big enough gap from the group to even the disadvantage on the hill.  Yeah, that didn't happen.
• We had a good pace going out and once on Back Bay, everyone started to take turns up front.
• Near the last gate, Mitchell (of all people) made a move and started sprinting (albeit sitting down...maybe it was  leadout?) causing a little sprint fest by others to the end.  
• When we were going up Jamboree to PCH, there was some of us cutting through cars as we made our way to the stop light.  I couldn't get out of my clips (keep forgetting to oil them from when it rained the other week) and had to put my hand down on a lady's Tesla to keep from falling on it after Mitchell cut in front of me.  She didn't appreciate it very much, but I said sorry.  My bad.
• On PCH, we opted to go through CDM vs. Ocean since the route was going to be long.  It was a little hairy, but we all managed to get through unscathed.
• One thing I want to point out that I observed as early as Back Bay but even more so on PCH was Jaffe's willingness to push up to the front to work.  He's really stepping up more and more, and I wanted to make sure he got some recognition for it.  Maybe it'll encourage those who are more timid to do so to do the same.  Good job, Steve!
• En route to NPC, there were some attempts at breaking away beforehand, but in the end, we all pretty much arrived together.  I had waved the guys behind me on beforehand because I didn't want to slow them down and/or break them off from the guys up front.  
• During the climb, I was certain I was going to drop but curiously I made my way past a few of the guys.  I got up to Shannon at one point, and he was talking to me encouraging to see if we should go after Vince.  I was happy to just keep my pace at that point, so I did.
• Hiroshi caught up to me and started to pass giving me kudos on my climb up with the TT bike.  It's always difficult to really appreciate kudos when the person giving it to you is passing (kinda like a backhanded compliment if you ask me), but I know Hiroshi meant well.
• I took the opportunity to jump on Hiroshi's wheel and return the favor though.  I'm sure he was just taking it easy on me.  He did end up catching me at the top again and took the lead as we made to Vista with two guys ahead of us and the rest behind.
• For the Vista climb, I knew trying to keep Hiroshi's pace was going to be challenging, so for me it was just a matter of keeping him close enough.  We saw the two guys ahead of us, but there was absolutely no chance of closing the distance.  
• When Hiroshi and I got on the false flat, I took advantage of building up speed on the TT bike before the last hill and used the momentum to pass the cycling samurai warrior half way up.  
• With exception of Vin, who just took off down the hill after he caught up, the rest of us attempted to regroup.  We waited for the others to complete the extra credit for having gotten to the top ahead of the rest of us.
• Two guys came over the horizon, and we thought it was Vince and Shannon.  It turned out it was Vince and another guy on a mountain bike.   We didn't realize this until we were already heading down the hill.  
• On my descent, I hit a bump that knocked my aero water bottle out of its carrier and had it sitting between my legs.  I was going too fast to reach down safely to get it, so I was trying desperately to slow down enough or stop so I can grab it and put it back.  It then fell between my left crank and frame where I feared it may fall down and cause me to topple or worse  yet, cause someone behind me to run it over and topple.  Fortunately, it dropped on the street with no one harmed.  I had to wait to turn around to be safe before going back up to pick it up, but I was glad Hiroshi and Shannon waited for me on NPC.  The other guys were off, and although we saw them at the bottom of NPC, waiting was just not in their vocabulary.
• The three of us rode together the rest of the way back, and I got to observe some excellent sprint action on Bison by both of the guys.  

Great workout today, friends!  Thanks for coming out!

Lunch Ride - NPC Double BB - Teamwork? Yes, teamwork!

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/312425140

Attendees:  Shannon, Hiroshi, Vin and Mitchell

Highlights:

• The clouds looked rather ominous outside but fortunately did not yield any precipitation during our ride. 
• Small group today but when it comes to a great workout (and other things I tell my wife), size doesn't matter.  
• I always tell myself before the ride how I don't want to start off up front.  50% of the time, I end up doing so anyway...like today.
• I was relieved on Anteater, and as always, being relieved doesn't mean things get easier.  Hiroshi took the front at some point and spun up as though someone was serving Belgian beers on Bonita Canyon.  
• There wasn't any real separation until we got onto NPC.  I've had some issues with climbing since last week, so I decided that it would be best to have others who I can realistically work with.  I stayed with Mitchell and Vin while the "racers" broke away ahead of us.  
• Our chase group got lucky and managed to catch up to the breakaway group at a light on San Joaquin, and we all worked together to make our way toward Back Bay.
• For the first Back Bay pass, we had some good rotations where everyone was taking turns keeping the pace up.  Even when I think some didn't want to be up front as long as they were, they were kept honest.
• We saw Tim and Ron out there going the opposite direction with Tim representing BRCM white.  Woo hoo!
• For the charge up the hill at the end, others duked it out but I was happy just to be in the group.  Okay, so I also didn't want to get dropped on Jamboree.  
• During the climb, the group stayed tight and no one dropped.  I thought about it though....
• After the climb, Shannon's chain dropped and he asked the rest of us to go on.  We all regrouped at the following light though. 
• Once the light turned green, Vin, Mitchell and I formed a breakaway group (aka the rabbits), possibly because of another mechanical, but we took off based on previous instructions.  
• Going through Back Bay, the 3 of us worked together as I knew if we didn't, we would likely get caught.  It's like a horror movie when you think at any moment, the monster is going to grab the helpless victim.  Obviously, we were the helpless victims.  Fortunately, our combined efforts kept us from being caught.  Nice work, guys!
• On the climb up to Eastbluff, I took the opportunity to give Vin and Mitchell someone to chase.  Me.  I kept looking back expecting to catch me as well, but I was fortunate to keep them off all the way to California.  They met me at the bottom soon after I arrived.
• The climb up California went without incident, but I never want to believe that it will go that way.  It's a better bet to expect chaos with this crew.
• The chase crew came up behind us not long after and also reportedly had a great workout as well chasing us down.

Another good team trainer in the books, gents!  Thanks for coming out!

Lunch Ride - Hilldiculous

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/307807994

Attendees:  Shannon, Vince, Mitchell and Vin

Highlights:

• I could tell it was going to be a tough ride from the get go.  I tried to see if/what I could help keep the pace up initially, but found myself not doing too well early on.  I was fortunate to stay with the group until NPC.
• Going up the climb, Vin had taken off but I got behind a couple other guys who reeled him in and kept me in tow...until I popped.  Hard.  
• I was soon passed by the others who had been behind me (sorry for the gap), but I knew at that point I was pretty much on my own.  
• Normally, being on my own sucks but given today was a hilly ride, I actually looked forward to it.  Getting caught at the light at San Juaquin at the top ensured I would see no one else.
• Going through my first loop of Pelican, I did wonder if I had gone slow enough where I may be passed given the double loop route.  Fortunately, I didn't. 
• Going through my second loop, I took the opportunities to work on stuff...like pedaling my fat ass up a hill without falling. 
• With still no one in sight, I actually looked forward to Vista.  Although I did some stand up pedaling on Pelican, I wanted to do more up Vista given I haven't climbed that beast for a long while.  That was cool.  
• On the last hill, I took my time and wanted to stay in one gear throughout and managed to just make it to the top without losing a lung.
• To my surprise, 3 of the guys were still waiting for me at the top.  This could be perceived as a good thing (they cared enough to wait) or a bad thing (they didn't get to punish me enough).
• The downhill was a little crazy but I was trying to keep us pretty close with Vince trying to get away.  We were all surprised he didn't have to bunny hop a Bentley through one of the intersections that he plowed through.
• It was more madness on Bonita Canyon as I was trying to do my "guilt pulls," which Noah made famous from the first Stagecoach race.  Others were more interested in causing more pain rather than working together.  
• There was a sprint at the end on Bison, but I think it's dumb to split between two stopped riders (me included) while rolling and taking off for a sprint.  

Anyway, I think it's been forever that I've exceeded 2K vert on a lunch ride.  Today, I remembered why.  Thanks for the training and for waiting for me at the top of Vista!

The Rule #9 Lunch Ride

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/304629599

Badass Attendees:  Vin, Shannon, Mitchell, Jaffe and me

• It didn't really look like it was going to rain when we started.  Boy were we wrong.
• The person who called out Rule #9 when we thought it was going to rain last week said he was going to make it out this week regardless of the weather.  He didn't.  
• We went out as a team of 5 to represent BRCM in black with Jaffe the exception.  No arm warmers, no wet weather gear, nothing.  Just big balls.
• It was cool to see that one of the guys from the crit saw us and mentioned us in his Strava
• It was fast going out with some painful sections here and there, but we stayed together for the most part.  There was some separation going up toward Shady, but managed a rolling regroup by the time we hit Quail Hill.   The only other regroup was at the top of NPC, but it was very short.
• Riding up and over 133 was a battle with the headwinds basically driving us backward or so it seemed.  It was good to have a team to rotate with for sure on this section.
• The pace through Laguna Beach was pretty tough, but I think everyone was hoping to get back before it started to rain given the clouds were getting darker.
• While on PCH before NPC, we felt it...rain!  It started out light at first, but that didn't last long as it became torrential after we started climbing up NPC.
• Descending NPC was hella scary given that it seemed as though there was an inch of water on the surface.  Brake checking was a must and everyone gave each other plenty of room.
• It really started to pour on Bonita Canyon and it actually started to hurt from the size of the drops.   I actually thought it was hailing at some points, but only big drops of water were landing on the road.  Forrest Gump would classify it as "fat rain."
• By that time, I didn't really care who I was with as much as how soon I can get back.  I was beyond drenched and even had water swishing around in my shoes. 
• We created puddles of water upon entering the gym in Bldg 11. 
• 26 miles and 21 mph average in that weather with the wind and all the rain...yup...'badasses' sounds right.

Thanks for the training and the support, gents!  Make sure your bikes don't rust this evening.

Lunch Ride - A Pig by Any Other Name is Still Just a Pig

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/303289376

Attendees:  Vince, Mitchell, Jaffe, Vin and Me

Highlights:

- Shannon sighting...guess he was interested in doing his own thing today
- Nice to see Vince back out with the crew again.
- I was on TT bike today due to problems with road bikes.
- Vince and Mitchell took off and created a sizeable gap climbing up E. Peltason
- Jaffe and Vin stayed with me until they realized that I wasn't doing well in keeping up and opted to drop me on Anteater.  I knew it was going to be a long day after that.
- Fortunately we regrouped at Bonita Canyon and I started helping out with rotations given I was on a cheater.
- When we made our way onto Turtle Rock, others were still rotating but I pushed up front and lead for a good portion of the way down toward Campus.  Vince took over before the bottom, and everyone started pulling away as we started climbing the other side.
- I lost sight of everyone after the Ridgeline intersection and was pretty much on my own from that point.
- I hoped to catch a glimpse of the others up Shady, on the 405 bike trail and even on Ridgeline but nope, nope and nope.
- My bike was a pig climbing up Ridgeline today.  An absolutely pig.  The wind just didn't make it fun and the bike felt like it weighed a ton.
- Going down Turtle Rock toward campus, I had some pretty decent speed but I still didn't see anyone.  With how i climbed Ridgeline, I figured I was on my own.
- When I made the turn onto Campus, I saw 3 guys sitting at the light.  I took off to make sure they didn't leave me behind and almost ran into a lady who decided to pull out in front of me. Thankfully, I still made the light with the 3.
- Vin took off up the hill but Jaffe and Mitchell decided to latch on as I made my way past them and toward and past Vin.
- I was rather angry with myself at how difficult today's ride was (carried over from how crappy my run was from yesterday...lack of sleep), so I was really mashing the pedals at that point.
- I continued on with the others in tow as we made our way onto Bonita Canyon and was just trying to punish myself at that point.  Jaffe pushed up (probably after remembering our conversation last Thursday) for a little bit, but I relieved him shortly after given no one pushed up with him.
- With a head wind still, I just kept mashing it trying to blow myself up not realizing after a while that soon there was no one behind me.  According to Vin, Mitchell created the gap and that's when they all fell off.
- I made my way toward and up the Condo thinking that the guys may work together and/or that Vince may still be around the corner, but I never saw anyone else at this point.

Sorry I sucked today, gents, even on the cheater bike but it's weird how from a power perspective, I was at 100% for the ride.  Maybe something's wrong with my TT bike too.  Either that or it's the fat Filipino guy riding it.

Thanks for coming out, gents!

Lunch Ride - Portola + Orchard Hills

Strava:  https://www.strava.com/activities/300083522

Attendees:  Shannon, Mitchell, Vin and Jaffe

Highlights:

• We were to decide the route just prior to the ride, and 3 options came up:  triple Back Bay, Laguna Canyon 133 Loop, or Portola + Orchard Hills.  With Todd not being able to make it out, we opted for the latter since it's his least favorite.
• Even before the ride, Jaffe and Mitchell were already plotting to see how they were going to stay on given Shannon came out.   If it were up to Mitchell, it would be with everyone lined up behind Shannon for the entire ride.  SMH
•  When we got going, Shannon led us down California, and I began to worry how Mitchell's dreams would come true.  Thus, I had to push up once we got on the bike trail just to change the tone and make sure everyone worked.
• Surprisingly, it worked.  Everyone pushed up and we had good rotations all the way up to Harvard.
• When we got on Harvard, it seemed people were less likely to rotate.  Then again, one of Shannon's pulls on there was pretty intense, so it's somewhat understandable.  We were moving!
• When we got back on the bike trail, the rotations continued again, but you can still tell the guys were somewhat tentative.   Shannon took the last pull before Portola, and brought up the intensity enough that caused the others the drop.  I hung on for my life!
• The rest managed to regroup with us as at the light before going onto the OH loop.  
• Given Shannon had done all the work from the last part of the bike trail and leading to OH, I took the front from the light hoping to set a good pace for the guys behind me.   It was one of those things where I put a lot of pressure on myself by thinking I'm not doing enough and just expecting someone to pass me to take over too soon.  I didn't realize until after descending on the other side again that at that point, no one was behind me.  
• We regrouped on Portola, and Shannon took off for a bit for a stretch gapping the rest of us pretty good.  I didn't want to miss the Shannon train, so I sped up just hoping to ride with him.   Fortunately, he let up.  
• As we made our way back onto the bike trail, Mitchell had mentioned how we can it easier against the head winds by just drafting Shannon the whole time.  On my way down, I wondered if that strategy was actually as effective as he thought given he couldn't stay on when Shannon was pulling us up to Portola.
• Despite the winds, we did pretty good going down the bike trail people once again pushing up to the front.  Toward the end of the bike trail, however, Mitchell and Jaffe decided to hold Shannon out for a pretty good distance.  I was at the very back and I saw Vin try to push up, but it was hard to do so on the trails and against the wind...especially when Shannon was pulling.  I couldn't either just because I got winded on one of the pulls and just didn't have enough to make it to the front at the time.
• When we got off the bike trail and back onto Harvard, the head winds really picked up.  It was pretty brutal.  When I got up front, I found myself barely able to do 18-19 mph.  Vin had helped out and got the pace going again after one of the lights.  
• When we got back onto the bike trail, Shannon had missed going through the intersection (which had flashing red lights).  When we waited to regroup, he said to go ahead.   At that point, I pulled out of the rotation as well and Jaffe, Vin and Mitchell took off ahead of us.  I was between Shannon and the group, so I figured I'd go ahead and get some wind training in as well.  
• I could see the guys rotating ahead of me, and they had created a nice little gap where I thought...wouldn't it be cool to catch them.   So that's what I set out to do.
• The winds were pretty brutal, so not having anyone to rotate with was a bummer in those conditions.  Nevertheless, it was great training.  
• I could catch glimpses of Shannon not too far behind me, so I wondered if/when he would eventually pass so we can reel the guys ahead of us in together.  He never did, so I guess I was on my own.  
• I made some ground on the three, but not a lot where I wondered if I'd catch them before California.  After the bridge, however, I started to reel them in a lot more...either that or they were just no longer working together effectively.
• When we got up through the Campus underpass, I managed to get close enough to the three.  I saw Mitchell notice me and try to push the group right before the final stretch.  I took the liberty at that point to pass all 3 and get to California before them.  
• Talking to Jaffe after the ride, I let him know that if I were working with a team of 3 and a lone rider reeled us in and passed like I did them, I wouldn't be too happy about it.   We also talked about how he and Mitchell held Shannon out and that rotating up past him just to let the others behind them push up as well would be a better team thing to do.  He agreed and promised to do better next time.  Wow...he bought it.

It was a rough ride, especially on the way back, but thank for making it out and offering up another good training sesh on the BRCM proving grounds.