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Tour de Palm Springs 2011

2012-01-21T15:43:00.000-08:00

The Tour De Palm Springs is always a good century to start the season with. The course is mildly challenging, the scenery is great, the weather is usually cooperative, and the support is enthusiastic. It is also a good first century because there is very little hill climbing and most of is is at the start of the ride. I have reviewed this ride on previous posts 2007 and 2009. This year's ride was done with a couple of friends: Speedster Bryan G.
And Juan "Kiki" Armstrong
Even San Diego Chargers QB, Phil Rivers, decided to use this ride to get into football shape. Must have been a long off season. He even wore his football helmet.
Bryan taking a "natural break" in the middle of nature. Watch out for snakes!
This is not the start, but the first rest stop at the top of Indian Avenue. Cyclists clogged the street, drink bottles were being hurled into the crowd, no where to go. The climb up to this point was very slow not due to difficulty, but congestion.
Polar data for the ride: Heart Rate-121, Speed-13.9, Power 110. Total time: 8 hrs, 39 min. Total Ride Time: 7 hrs, 29 min.
Congratulations, Juan. His first century and still able to smile at the finish.

Davis Double Century - Two Down, One To Go

2011-06-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

Davis likes to call itself the most bicycle friendly town in the world. True to form, the support for this ride is exceptional and you feel right at home with your two-wheeler there. The Double Century heads west toward Napa Valley, north along it's eastern ridges toward Clear Lake, and back to Davis via Cache Creek.
The ride starts off flat leaving Davis, but once out of Winters, the climbs begin, endlessly for about 100 miles. You definitely need to train not just for milage but for climbs. The good news is once you hit mile 136, it's mostly downhill to flat. Riding at 4 a.m. in pitch-darkness, this is all you see. Luckily the turns were marked with blinking road hazard lights. My 400 lumen MityCross is enough candlepower to keep me out of trouble. I also have a helmet mounted light to read my cue sheet. The first hill climb at mile 40, up Cardiac Hill to the Monticello Dam with views of Putah Creek below.The warmth of the rising sun, breaking up the morning fog was a welcomed sight.This is going to be a good year for the wildflowers. The scenery is one of the reasons this is one of the most popular double centuries. There were about 600 riders this year. After cycling for 100 miles we got rewarded by the Cobb Mountain climb - 10 miles, 1,920 feet, 10-11% grade in the hot sun. The Davis Double is NOT a flat ride. The roads are also very rough for the whole ride!The last 10 mile climb up a double peaked Resurrection Hill.This was the reward for 136 miles of riding and 8,660 feet of climbing- a breathtaking 40 mile descent along the Cache River. The haze of the afternoon sky and the glow of the setting sun reminded me I had only a few more hours of daylight. The last 30 miles were flat, the winds were mostly agreeable, and I took advantage of a long train of riders behind an energetic tandem. I easily made it before dark. Total time was 16 hours, 20 minutes. Ride time was 14 hours, 44 minutes. There were very few traffic signals so most of the 2 hours 30 minutes stop time were at the 9 rest stops (average 18 minutes per stop). Turkey sandwich at mile 117, cup-noodles at mile 162, and boiled red potatoes at mile 181 was much appreciated. (Missed the chili and grilled cheese at the last rest stop.) Broke my speed record: Max speed 46.9 MPH down Pope Valley Road, average speed for ride was 13.5 MPH. Coasting time was only 19% of the ride. On the Hemet Double my coasting time was 26% -much more work on this double. Energy used: 10,000 kcal. Temperature ranged from 48 to 93F

Hemet Double Century - My First Double!

2011-04-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

I've had a Double-Double at In-and-Out, and a Double scoop at Thrifty's, and I've seen a Double Header, and a Double Rainbow, but I've never done a Double Century - until now.
The Hemet Double Century is a two loop 200 mile ride. I signed up for the ride just two weeks before the start, having completed successfully a "trial" ride of 140 miles. I chose this ride as my first double because it is relatively "flat", returns to the starting point midway (which allows you to abandon the ride after doing a century), and it allowed private support. I began the ride at 3:40 AM and rode north to Moreno Valley in total darkness with the moon setting in the west. The route went through Perris, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Corona, Lake Elsinore, Minifee and back to Hemet. There were no major hill climbs although the last 50 miles is an elevation gain of 950 feet.
After a lunch break, I began the second loop at about 12:30 PM headed south up the 4 mile Sage Rd climb with sections of 11% grade in 109F degree heat. This was rewarded with a nice downhill to the Temecula De Portola Wine Trail. A loop around Lake Elsinore via Murieta, north to Minifee and a long 10 miles in the dark with the moon rising in the east, back to Hemet at 8:45 PM.
So both loops look like this on a map. While riding around for 12 hours it occurred to me that going in circles and back tracking just to get in a 200 mile ride seemed kind of silly - as opposed to say, like riding from Long Beach to get to Las Vegas. My camera refused to work so no pictures from the ride. Instead I'll mention some of the special considerations that a DC entails.
On The Ride hydration, nutrition, and protection from the elements are key to surviving a 200 miler. I use a combination of gels, chews, energy bars, and powders and try to consume 200-300 Calories per hour. 1-2 water bottles per hour (24 to 40 ounces) seem to keep me hydrated enough even on the hottest days. Sunscreen, anti-friction cream, lip balm, electrolyte capsules, and Aleve are essentials for me. I use little craft storage bags to store powders and pills. Each bag holds about 150 Calories of drink mix. At every rest stop I dump a bag into my water bottle ready from the next 2 hours.
On The Bike there are special considerations for a double. Extra lighting is needed because unless you can do the ride in 13 hours or less, you'll be riding in complete darkness. I use the Cygolite MityCross 400. It has 400 lumens of power, a Lithium battery which lasts 3.5 - 17 hours, and weighs about 200 grams. The battery can be mounted on the head tube nicely out of the way. I also use a small light on my helmet to read my monitors and the route sheet.On my longer rides I use a top tube bag ("Bento Bag") to carry things I may need while pedalling - gel packs, snacks, camera, cell phone, route sheet.Behind my saddle is a bag, an Aquarack by Profile Design and rear lighting. The Aquarack holds two extra bottles (highly recommended), and 4 Co2 cartridges. It's mounted to the seat post and weighs about 170 grams. What's in the bag? - spare tube, patch kit, tire lever, mini tool kit, CO2, and an inflator valve. Oh, and some cash for an emergency bus ride home or a burger and shake. I also carry a mini hand pump just in case I blow a few CO2 cartridges, or get attacked by dogs.
Completing a DC requires physical stamina, mental fortitude, logistical planning, and a little bit of luck. The Hemet DC allows you to have private support and I couldn't have done this without the support of Donna who met me at three rest stops - 8 AM at Tom's Farm in Corona, 12 PM at the Motel 6 in Hemet, and 6:30 PM at the 7-Eleven in Murieta. This hot dog had no chance of surviving. Rolling into the finish at 8:45 PM after a 17 hour bike ride - feeling kind of goofy, but very relieved. My first Double Century - on to the Davis Double Century.
Polar data: Total Distance-213.6 miles, Total Time 17 hours, Ride Time 14 hours: 36 min, Avg Speed-14.5 MPH, Total Calories-9,670, Avg 520 Cal/Hr, Total elevation gained-6,248 ft, Highest Temp-109F. Total stopped time 2 hours: 30 minutes which included 15 minutes to change a flat, and 25 minutes for a lunch break. 50 minutes of ride time was wasted back tracking for missed turns. I got lost 4 times and rode 13 extra miles. I tried to keep the time spent at rest stops under 10 minutes. There were 6 rest stops at about every 25 to 30 miles.
Solid filled in red area is elevation, bright red is heart rate, blue is speed, green is pedal cadence, and dark red is power. Data is collected every 15 minutes.

Mike's First Ace

2011-02-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

September 4, 2010. It was our second round at the Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, Arizona on the Devil's Claw course. Hole number 14, a slight dog-leg left 142 yards par 3 named "Huai Thonk" by the Native Americans, was looking right into the setting sun. Mike pulled out his driver and ripped a beautiful left-to-right high arching shot. We were all blinded by the sunlight and the cloud of dust coming from the tee box and never saw where it ended up-on the green? in the trap? near the hole? No one saw it. As we approached the flag, Mike was still frantically looking for his ball, as he usually does on every hole. After minutes of searching, I finally said: "Mike, try looking in the hole. I think it went in." The hole is now renamed "Who Wudda Thunk". Mike's first ace-congratulations!

Dakota Bike Tours Black Hills Monument Tour - Day 3 Crazy Horse Monument and the Mickelson Trail

2010-12-14T19:12:00.001-08:00

Day 3 took us from Palmer Gulch in Hill City along the Mickelson Trail to the Crazy Horse Memorial. After a lunch stop at Custer we could do an optional out-and-back to Pringle and if we still had enough legs, we could make the final climb up to the Sylvan Lake Lodge. Laurel's up at day break for her pancake breakfast under the BigTop. Papa the pancake maker has a nifty machine that dispenses just the right amount of batter to make 4 rows of 10 pancakes on his large griddle - all you can eat for $2.50.We entered the Mickelson Trail at the Rafter J-Bar entrance south of Hwy 244 off US 16. The Mickelson Trail is a 109 mile packed gravel trail over the old railroad line from Edgemont to Deadwood. We comfortably rode on 35C tires, but I think going down to 30C would work as long as the trail was dry. Parts of the Trail ran along streams and there were a few bridge and tunnel crossings. Laurel brought along her Trek FX just to ride the trail.
I rode my Fuji Cross Comp Cyclocross bike and changed between 23C road tires and 35C tires for the trail. The Black Hills is a great place to mineral hunt. Over 40 types can be found here. Lots of shale containing quartz, mica, and shiny golden pyrite. Cut by beavers, stacked by woodchucks. Proof that woodchucks chuck wood. Off in the distance, The Crazy Horse Memorial looms 650 feet high. Unlike Mt. Rushmore, which is just sculpted on its face, Crazy Horse will be sculpted on all sides.
"Crazy Horse" on his iron horse "Fuji". The head of Crazy Horse is 87 feet high compared to the Rushmore presidents' heads which are 60 feet high. We were there at the right day and right time to see part of the mountain being blasted away. The crew used explosives placed strategically to sculpt the mountain. This is how the Monument should look if it is ever completed. The project started in 1948 and the face was completed in 1998.
After a leisurely 6 mile downhill along the Mickelson Trail, we arrived in Custer. Just in time for lunch at the Sage Creek Grill.
Painted buffalo sculptures with different themes were on almost every corner in Custer. This was my favorite. After lunch we continued south for another 10 miles on the Mickelson Trail to Pringle. I was disappointed to find out that there was no potato chip factory there. Laurel switched to her road bike and I changed my tires and we rode back north to Custer along US 385.
Fueling up with Rhubarb Strawberry pie at the Purple Pie Shop for our final climb up to Sylvan Lake - 940 feet over 6 miles with an average grade of 5%. Better add ice cream to that pie.
After 52 miles and 3270 feet of climbing, The Lakota Dining Room at The Sylvan Lake Lodge for Buffalo Ribeye Steak was a perfect way to end a perfect day.

The Brook Lee Catastrophe - American Hotel

2010-09-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Brook Lee Catastrophe does it again with its third and arguably its best CD.
Upbeat rhythms, catchy riffs, and more Dylan-like lyrics from Brook. His voice is at times haunting, at times soothing, at times mesmerizing. The band takes chances on various genres of music-acoustic, folk, blues, rock, country, and celtic surrounded in an atmosphere only an indie band can provide.American Hotel was released as a limited edition (100 in print) with an insert that folds into a 3-D cut-out.

Not sure how many are left but the CD can be purchased at Fingerprints in Belmont Shore, Long Beach
or at any BLC live shows-which is worth checking out.

My iTunes Genius matched the following artists with the BLC: Third Eye Blind, Semisonic, Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox Twenty, Sister Hazel, Deep Blue Something, Duncan Sheik, Eve 6, Fastball, Barenaked Ladies, Incubus, Blink-182, The Police, Uncle Kracker, Wilco.

Purchase the CD on iTunes and tell me what you think. I think it's well worth the $9.99. After listening to the BLC, you'll sacrifice a few Venti Lattes to get the previous two CD's - "Mistakes Pt 1" and "The Weight Of Waiting".

Dakota Bike Tours Black Hills Monument Tour - Day 2 Mt. Rushmore

2010-08-31T16:41:00.000-07:00

The Mt Rushmore Loop is an uphill/downhill ride featuring the Rushmore Monument, Iron Mountain Road, Norbeck Lookout, town of Keystone, and an optional loop through Hill City and the Prairie Berry Winery.

We start our day with what Jim calls a little bit of micromanagement. A map meeting, general ride strategy, meeting spots, picture spots, eating spots (most important), and the tough hill climbs where we can jump in the van-just in case. At this point my mind becomes foggy and wonders. I just want to get on the road and ride.

Right from the start we get a mile of climbing. It's too early for this. My mind is still foggy.

Just leaving Palmer Gulch, I spot my first deer, looking surprised seeing my two-wheeled machine.

A Kodak moment and a short rest. Climbing at 5,500 feet takes some getting used to.

A final short 4-5% climb as Hwy 244 snakes through the Black Hills into the Rushmore area.

On strict instructions from Jim, we pull off the road and stop. Surrounded by trees and rock formation, we make a slow 360 clockwise turn and smile as we spot Washington's profile.

We spend a few hours exploring the Memorial, taking megabytes of pictures, viewing exhibits, watching movies, and enjoying breakfast under the watch of George, Tom, Ted, and honest Abe. It's hard to imagine that 90% of the granite heads were carved with dynamite!

"The purpose of the memorial is to communicate the founding, expansion, preservation, and unification of the United States with colossal statues of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt." Gutzon Borglum - sculptor

Leaving the Rushmore Memorial, we enjoy a nice descent along the Iron Mountain Road, part of US Route 16A built to tour the scenic Black Hills. Ponderosa logs were used to build the "Pigtail" bridges that spiral and double back over the roadway.

Iron Mountain Road is also known for its one-lane tunnels carved into the mountainside. If you look through the tunnels they all frame Mt. Rushmore in the distance.

After lunch. and a short thunderstorm, we cycle out of Keystone, trying to keep pace with the 1880 TRAIN. As we climb the Old City Road back to Hill City, we cross the railroad tracks 17 times.
The final 9 miles to Hill City is a gradual 1-3% climb, but the scenery and wildlife make the time pass very quickly.Why did the turkey cross the street?

After 35 miles and 3,500 ft of climbing we share stories, enjoy buffalo meatballs (Yum-O), and anticipate a grilled salmon gourmet dinner prepared by our chef, Glenna Books. Oh, and Key Lime Pie to cap off a perfect day.

Dakota Bike Tours Black Hills Monument Tour-Day 1 Palmer Gulch Resort

2010-08-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Black Hills Monument Tour is a four day cycling adventure exploring the South Dakota Black Hills, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Needles Highway, Custer State Park Wildlife Loop, and part of the Mickelson Trail. The tour started at the Palmer Gulch Resort which is located 25 miles from Rapid City, between Hill City and Mt Rushmore along SD Hwy 244. The KOA Campground at Palmer Gulch has it all: campsites, RV sites, cabins, lodges, swimming pools, mini-golf, water slides, chuck wagon rides, horse rides, and even Wi-Fi.

The little "town" of Palmer Gulch-pizza, ice cream, wine, coffee, laundery, convenience store and a 90 horse stable.

The Ponderosa Restaurant overlooks the campground and features steaks and seafood-just in case campers get tired of hot dogs.

The campground includes a stable and Laurel found time to get in a ride on a four-legged animal named "Walter".

The Palmer Lodge accommodated most of the riders.

We were fortunate to stay in the 3 bedroom Grand Executive Lodge-our home for two nights.
Not bad at all.

This was the view from the deck of our cabin. Mt Harney rises 7,242 feet in the background framed by evergreens and the black rock.

After settling in and a quick bike check we do our first ride-a 9 mile downhill along Deerfield Road through Hill City.

All smiles as Laurel tackles the first official hill climb of the ride, just enough to build up an appetite for dinner.

Stuffed with gourmet pizza and two servings of brownies the evening winds down in anticipation of tomorrow's ride-my first view of Mt Rushmore and 3,500 ft of climbing at 5,400 feet elevation.

Spooktacular Ride - My Handlebar Cockpit

2010-07-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

Handlebar real estate becomes very valuable especially on a bar with a flat top. My Polar CS600 sits on an extended mount by FSA and gives me information such as heart rate, cadence, power, speed, distance, time, temperature, elevation. My Garmin Edge 705 is mounted to my stem and gives me real time navigational information such as a colored map and turn-by-turn instructions as well as altitude climbed and hill gradient. I can even race against a virtual rider. A "Bento Box" sits on my top tube and holds my cell phone, camera, gels. I wonder if I can stuff it with a Spam Musubi? On the left handlebar drop you can also see my Italian Mirror so I can see who's yelling: "On your Left!"

This picture was taken during the Kern Wheelmen Spooktacular ride which offers various lengths and elevation routes. It starts just outside of Bakersfield and goes east to the foothills of the Sequoia Nationals.

This is the profile of the Horrible Hundred-8,600 feet of climbing. If that is not enough, challenge yourself with the 10,800 feet Hidious Hundred.

But don't get left in the dust.

MC Spandex "Performance"

2010-06-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

New Year's Day PCH Ride 2010

2010-01-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

Long Beach Velo Allegro New Year's Day Ride has been a tradition for about the last ten years. Riders gather from all around Southern Cal for an informal 8am January 1st ride down PCH to Dana Point, up the San Juan Creek Trail, a loop through inland OC, and back to PCH via the Newport Back Bay - 96 miles!

This year over 400 riders were at the start at the Alamitos Bay parking lot on 2nd and Marina Dr. The mass start began sharply at 8, halting what little traffic there was on PCH, as the unorganized peloton went tearing down PCH at 26+ MPH occupying all the lanes. Riders were picked up along every intersection as the whirling mass of bobbing helmets grew to nearly 600 by Newport Beach.

Being wheel-to-wheel and shoulder-to-shoulder, pedaling for my life was a scary experience especially when someone yelled "slowing!!!" - brakes squealed, followed by the smell of burning rubber. All was well though as the humming of the tires resumed as riders hovered above their saddles trying to close the gaps in front of them, reshaping the monster peloton.

I wasn't sure if my 180 bpm heart rate was due to effort or terror, but I knew for sure the 250 watts of power I had been putting out for the last ten miles was real as my legs were on fire. I was stuck somewhere in the middle of the group, with no view of the front riders who were setting a torrid pace for the giant slinky to follow.

Luckily part of us caught a light somewhere past Huntington Beach and I could settle my heart rate and reach for my water bottle. I kept up with the "slower" group going 20 MPH with a Newport Beach police "escort" through Corona Del Mar warning us to ride single file and pulling over red light runners.

Since I was planning on doing a 3.5 hour ride I left the group at Newport Coast, enjoyed the 1,000 ft. climb and the view at the top, returned to PCH via Back Bay, and maybe even had a little tail wind back to Long Beach, maybe not. No matter, it was relaxing going at my own pace with no one in front of me! Happy New Year!

Baseball Hall Of Fame

2009-07-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pastimes, since growing up playing "socks ball" everyday, is baseball.
A year ago Laurel and I visited the Baseball Hall Of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. A trip I always wanted to make.
This year Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice were inductees. All the great statistics in baseball (or any other sport) doesn't make you a hero, it just makes you a great baseball player. This is what makes you a hero:

Click on picture to link to story.

Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego 2009

2009-07-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

Gran Fondo ("Big Ride" in Italy) are long distance, mass-participation cycling events, not races, that have become a cycling tradition in Italy. This was San Diego's first and was represented by one of Italy's premiere bike maker, Ernesto Colnago. The route took us through the mountainous, desert terrain of southeastern San Diego County-very challenging, but scenic.
Riders (over 1,000) gather at the break of dawn where else but in Little Italy to jockey for the best starting position, meet up with friends, or listen to the wake up music of Frank Sinatra? Team Colnago waving the Green, White, and Red of Italy to signal the start of the ride. "Arrivederci!"
The lead out was done by the local Ferrari and Ducati Clubs.

One of the rest stops was at the USA Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. I got to do a bike lift on the podium.
There were timing chips issued to all riders to compete for "King of the Mountain" (KOM) over the Honey Springs Pass, 35 miles into the ride. It took me 1 hour:1 minute, 30 minutes behind the fastest climber. My average speed was 6.6 MPH. I watched my heart rate carefully, trying to keep it around 150 bpm because of the heat and also because I knew there were 60 more miles to go with more hills to come.
The Honey Springs climb was 1840 feet over 6.8 miles with an average grade of 5%. Google Earth view as we snake through Jamul.
Secret to climbing hills: Granny Gear, keep the heart rate manageable, BREATHE-inhaling through your nose, avoid the death grip on your handlebar, keep fueled up, patience, enjoy the scenery. Pedal, pedal, pedal, pedal, pedal, pedal, pedal - get the picture? I've never seen so many riders walking up the hill climbs or just sitting on the roadside under a shady tree trying to recover. Some just decided to turn around, head back downhill, and abandon the ride. A very tempting alternative at the time.

See the "top", well that's really not the top, there's more.
No, I didn't fall, just lying on the ground hyperventilating so I got the camera out and snapped a picture. Yes, I survived, and at the end of the Gran Fondo Ernesto Colnago, founder of Colnago Bicycles, gave out Prosecco to the faster riders-no, not me. I think he's not smiling because he knows I ride a Trek. This was a very exhausting ride because of the long Honey Springs Climb in 108 degree heat. Total ascent was 5,280 feet which meant there were some great descents, maximum speed over 44 MPH. It took me 8 hours at an average speed of 13 MPH, burning 7,000 Calories.
Here is my Polar readout with Heart Rate, Cadence, Speed, Elevation, and Power.

D.J. Gregory's Journey

2009-03-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

This is a very inspirational story well worth the 12 minutes of watching.

Tour de Palm Springs 2009

2009-03-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

The Tour de Palm Springs is a century ride around the Coachella Valley. The ride starts off with a gradual climb to about 1,700 feet, a few rollers along Dillon Road, and a very nice descent into the city of Coachella. From there the ride is relatively flat, but there's always a headwind heading back to the finish in Palm Springs. Total ascent just over 3,200 feet. The pace line forms on Garnet Avenue up towards Windy Ridge. It was a tough early start with a Northwesterly blowing about 10 knots. It was so windy that trucks seemed to float in mid air along the I-10. Brand new paved road on the way up to Indian Avenue and Desert Hot Springs. The city of Coachella should take note. Dillon Road rest stop with the snow capped San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop. This was a first. Cheerleaders at a bike ride. "Go bikers, go bikers, go bikers!" There was also music at every stop, courtesy of the local schools. "We will, we will rock you!" At mile 88, Steve and Matthew Schmidt were kind enough to feed me with a baked potato and chili from Wendy's. Took a nice 45 min break, recharged the legs and cruised into the finish.6 hours: 11 minutes, average speed 16.1 MPH, average power 148 watts, energy used 5561 kcal.

Stage 6 - The Solvang Time Trial

2009-03-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

The Solvang time trial is a 15 mile course over slightly hilly terrain. Riders go out individually at one minute intervals and ride the route in the fastest time possible. They usually average 25-30 MPH. Carlos Sastre, 2008 Tour de France winner, better known for his climbing skills, placed 82nd - 3'30'' behind the winning time. Tyler Farrar in his Garmin skin suit. In indivudual time trials it's about being aerodynamic, maintaining the highest power output throughout the entire course, and getting to the finish line in the quickest time. All while trying not to get a heart attack! Yaroslov Popovych takes a neck break or maybe his helmet slipped. Michael Rogers taking the "high road" above his support car, placed 4th-22 seconds off the pace. Phillip Gaimon experiencing a major sugar rush - visions of jelly beans dancing in his head. Pedro Horillo about to make use of his snot pad on his cycling glove. Lance Armstrong had his own personal photographer during the Tour of California, and his own personal driver. Jason McCarty, foaming at the mouth, will not win the neatness award, but did come in 8th - 41 seconds behind the winner. Are those chocolate stains on his left sleeve? Big Tom Boonen struggles to get aero. "Paco" Mancebo could be in a Cadillac comercial here. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit. Chris Horner (32' 19" for 24th) being cheered on by the Mavic wheelmen. Christian Vande Velde (12th position) and his support argyle BMW. Chris Baldwin sports the golf ball time trial helmet. Floyd Landis 54th overall grips at the aerobars as he heads downhill. Winner Levi Leipheimer (30 min:40 sec) shows his "praying mantis" style, making himself small and cutting through the wind like an arrow. L3VI!

The Faces of The Tour Of California

2009-02-24T20:34:00.001-08:00

Team Astana registers from Luxembourg, but is sponsored by five companies in Kazakhstan (capital Astana), will be allowed to ride in this year's Tour de France. It is made up of some former members of the Discovery Channel team and the "clean" Astana riders. Team Saxo Bank's Jason McCartney, born in Honolulu, wears the red King of the Mountain Jersey. He's explaining to Lance Armstrong the latest techniques for a successful hill climb. I wonder what Lance is thinking? -whatever. Commentator Phil Liggett arranging for afternoon high tea at the Fess Parker, or maybe happy hour at The Hitching Post. Mark Cavendish of Columbia Highroad won Stage 4 and Stage 5 in an all out sprint finish, deserving of the Herbalife Sprinter's Jersey. Lance imagining he's riding in the Tour de France. Oscar Sevilla Rivera peeking out the Rock Racing Motor-suite to see if the sun is out. Mark Cavendish and Tom Boonen - the fastest in the peleton. That's why they call him Big George Hincapie. Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis discuss what they did while serving their suspension from cycling. Ouch! Tom Danielson takes his last swig before the grueling Solvang Time Trial. Swiss Cervelo Testteam wear Catlike Whisper Plus Helmets made in Spain.Canadian Michael Barry sporting the new Oakley shades. Pretty cool, Eh? Chris Horner going out for a donut and coffee run for Team Astana. Christian Vande Velde back from a morning spin. Lancemania! is alive and well. The Champion waves to the crowd. 2 million people showed up. The highest attended sporting event in California. The peleton heads west. Just another 135 mile day at the office.

The Machines of the Tour Of California

2009-02-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

Three time Tour of California winner Levi Leipheimer's time trial machine. It has a custom paint job with a Golden Bear on the top tube, stars and a Solvang windmill on the seat post, roses on the seat stay, and fancy scrollwork on the handlebars. Lance Armstrong's Trek Madone 6.9 Livestrong road bike. The 1274 on the seat post refers to the number of days he was "retired". The 27.5 on the seat stay is the number of deaths (in millions) due to cancer during that time. Must be rough maintaining Lance's time trial bike to his exact standards. Must be even harder to guard it. You never know when someone might want to steal it. BMC Racing Team truck full of DT Swiss wheels at over $1,000 per set. The "90's" team BMC is a USA team that rides Swiss based BMC cycles. Team OUCH, formerly Health Net, was named initially as a joke by Dr. Brent Kay the orthopod who resurfaced the hip of Floyd Landis. Kuota is their bike of choice. Jelly Belly Cycling Team, very colorful, rides GT Cycles powered by Sport Beans. Felt is the ride for the Garmin Slipstream team, and wouldn't you know it, all their bikes have Garmin 705 GPS's on them. Garmin Slipstream's David Zabriske used this time machine to come in second in Solvang, 8 seconds behind Leipheimer. "DZ" used the new Shimano electronic shifters (Dura Ace Di2 7970) on his road bike. Garmin Slipstream's Christian VdV's Felt, complete with the new Camelback water bottles. Bissell Pro Cycling mechanic shows off his Pinarello. Dutch team Rabobank rides Giant bikes-the seatpost looks like it might fit a giant. The sexy Fuji time trial bikes for the sexy Rock Racing team. sexy saddles, sexy wheels, . . . even sexy water bottles. Oh, yes, you can't forget the support vehicles.The engine that powers these machines, courtesy of Saxo Bank's Gustav Larsson.

Tour Of California

2009-02-19T22:00:00.001-08:00

I've been on the road following the Amgen Tour of California. Just a quick post, more pictures to follow.
Lance protecting Levi on the road. Stage 5 Podium presentation in Paso Robles
Cavendish, Mancebo, Horrillo, Leipheimer, Crane bookended by the Podium Girls Kristen and Joanna.

MS Bay to Bay Tour 2008

2009-02-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

The riders of the 2008 Bike to Bay MS tour (BiketoFinishMS) raised over $2 million! There's always a sense of energy at the start of a bike ride-excitement energy, physical energy, nervous energy, and pent up energy from all the training you've done. This is when you know all the weeks of training rides will pay off. Ryan, rider #1125, ready to attack from the start. He's planning a break away. This is his first multi-day ride and he worked hard to prepare for it. The route for day 1 snakes us out of Irvine, dodging cars in Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, through the hilly neighborhood of San Clemente, playing "Frogger" with the surfers near San Onofre, and the uphill grind in Camp Pendleton. 59 miles in all. Speeding into Dana Point Harbor means the rollers of PCH are over and we've gone 25 miles. Ryan checking out the shrink-wrapped Range Rover SAG Wagon before we chowed down some Wahoo's tacos. San Onofre Bluff overlooking surf beaches with names like Trestles, Church, The Point, Old Man's, and Dogpatch. The Oceanside Pier means we're in Carlsbad and only a few more miles to the finish. Tonight we stuffed ourselves at Olive Garden and passed out at the Marriott. Day 2 was 43 miles mostly along the coast with a tailwind. Cruising into Torrey Pines State Beach-downhill and downwind. Lurking in the background is the hill climb dreaded by all the MS riders, except Ryan. He's a mountain goat. The Torrey Pines profile-short but steep. Down the cobbles of La Jolla. Last coastal view as we head inland for the finishing line. Happy finishers at Mission Bay. 102 miles in two days, 3940 feet of climbing, 5380 Calories, and raising money to help fight MS. Great job, Ryan!

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

2008-09-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means the immune system incorrectly attacks the person's healthy tissue.
MS can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, and blindness and more. These problems may be permanent or may come and go.
Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, although individuals as young as 2 and as old as 75 have developed it. MS is not considered a fatal disease as the vast majority of people with it live a normal life-span. But they may struggle to live as productively as they desire, often facing increasing limitations. For more FAQs about MS click here.

Thank you to:

Doreen Wallce

Andrea Genette

Joyce Boomsma

Rudy Solorzano

Louise Manuel

Patricia Weiser

Ruby Salinas

Linda Pfeiffer

Preceptor Mu Omicron (Westminster)

for their generous contribution toward my fundraising efforts to help cure MS!

To help me reach my goal click here.

Bon Ton Roulet, Day 7 - Trumansburg to Auburn

2008-08-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

We actually saw a sunrise today from our room at the Copper Beacon. The weather forecast is for thundershowers in the afternoon, though.Our room was called "Under-the-Eves" and it had two full beds, an in-room bath and a sloping roof - Ouch! Hit my head a few times. Laurel and I decided to hang around for breakfast and treat ourselves to Eileen's home cooking. We couldn't decide what to choose from the menu but I think we tried almost everything - eggs, bacon, French Toast, potatoes, home-made muffins, fruit, coffee, juice, and maple syrup, jellies, and butter made on the farm. What a way to start a day! It was past 9:30 AM, and we had to get rolling.This was a straightforward route heading north along the west shore of Cayuga Lake back to where we started seven days ago in Auburn. There was not much sightseeing, just a long steady bike ride with time to think about our past week riding in the Bon Ton Roulet.The last leg was a downhill out of Trumansburg and a gradual easy uphill climb back to Auburn. Total ascent was 1,385 feet. The straw from the wheat crop that is left behind after the combine does it's job is baled and used for livestock bedding. . . and hay rides. This must be where old tractors come to rust while they wait to be sold on E-bay. Today was the kickoff for the 22nd Annual Route 90 Garage Sale, stretching more than 50 miles where "garage sale junkies find paradise". Unfortunately, today's route back to Auburn took us on SR 90 for about 3 miles. If you sell it, they will come. People stopping, parking, U-turning, door-opening, J-walking, trunk-loading made for a challenging ride through the neighborhoods. Besides, we were also trying to check out what was for sale. The final stretch back to Auburn. Since we had a late start, we saw none of the other riders on the road. We did the 45.6 mile ride in 3 hrs:40 min with only one 15 minute break, averaging 12.4 MPH. We were the last ones in, just before it started raining again, and in time for our shuttle ride back to Syracuse.

Congratulations! 291 miles in 7 days

Total bike time: 38 Hrs:30Min

Total Ascent: 11,362 ft

Total Calories: 14,723

No flats, no falls, many good memories.

Bon Ton Roulet, Day 6 - Watkins Glen to Trumansburg

2008-08-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

Today was anticipated to be an enjoable ride: a downhill start to breakfast, two lakes, two water falls, two wineries, a home made ice cream shop, and blue skies. Plus we were staying at a bed & breakfast tonight. Two steep climbs today, 2,315 feet of total climbing, 45.5 miles, 4 hrs:24 min ride time. Average speed 10.3 MPH, max speed 32.5 MPH. With rested legs we made this climb out of Watkins Glen with no problem-o. The bridge on HWY 414 crosses right over Hector Falls as it cascades 165 feet into Seneca Lake. As they say in Hawaii: "The weather is beautiful, wish you were here." First rest stop at mile 15 was the Wagner Winery and Brewery. We enjoyed the last views of Seneca Lake from the outdoor patio. Lake view and Leg view. Now you know why the "pros" shave their legs.
After a nice downhill traveling east from Ovid to Cayuga Lake we arrive at the mile 30 rest stop at the Sheldrake Point Vineyard and Simply Red Bistro. Enjoying the blue sky and Cayuga Lake. After a 3 mile, 500 feet, leg-burning climb we were rewarded by Taughannock Falls - one of the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains.
The tourist pose - one for the scrap book. Wish you were here. Our first stop in Trumansburg was a stop at the local ice cream shop for a Texas Hot Dog and a double scoop of Mint Chocolate Chip - Yumm-o! After some maneuvering through "T-burg" we checked into the Copper Beacon Inn. Laurel soon enjoyed the hospitality of Eileen and Gerry Collins. Fresh lemon-aid and ginger snap cookies in the "best room" was perfect after a long day in the saddle. Gerry also treated our tired legs by giving us a ride to and from the Trumansburg School so we could enjoy the Bar-B-Cue dinner with the rest of the riders.
There were many gardens surrounding the farmhouse, great for relaxing. Or spend your hours watching a combine harvest wheat.Or visit Eileen's Herb Shop - a special place where she packages all her organic specialties and conducts classes on cooking with herbs.
The Copper Beacon is 5 stars - no doubt!

Bon Ton Roulet, Day 5 - Rest Day

2008-08-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

Day 5 was a rest day so we slept in a little, spent the morning at the laundromat watching the clothes go round and round and the rain come down, had Chinese food at the House of Hong, and spent the afternoon on Captain Bill's Seneca Legacy. We even got to see a movie for $3 at the local theater. Photos taken by Laurel during our cruise on the lake.

The US Salt Plant has been in business for over 100 years. Wells extend into the earth for over half a mile to tap into an unlimited reservoir of underground salt created by the evaporation of sea water more than 300 million years ago. The small white structure in the clearing on the hill is the Lakeside Inn where we stayed while in Watkins Glen. Not quite "lakeside" and quite an uphill 5-mile bike ride from the town. The owner was very friendly, though, and gave us a ride into town. There is taxi service only twice a week in town, and on days when the taxi has to come from another town the fare is $45 for the 5 mile ride. A Northern view toward Geneva. Seneca Lake is the largest of the Finger Lakes and measuring 38 miles long, it is the second longest. It is fed by underground springs and is replenished at a rate of 328,00 gallons per minute. Hector Falls on the East side of Seneca Lake. We will be biking on that bridge tomorrow so more pictures to follow. As the story goes, back in the late 1700s when General John Sullivan was avenging the Wyoming and Cherry-Valley Massacres, he chased a group of renegade Iroquois, up from present day Athens, Pennsylvania (then known as Tioga Point) to a point somewhere along the cliffs of Seneca Lake. The Indians escaped down a narrow footpath to canoes that they had hidden earlier in the underbrush. They used these canoes to paddle across the lake to safety. Later they came back and painted these paintings in commemoration of their escape. A Bald Eagle soaring overhead checking us out. Nice telephoto shot, Laurel.

Bon Ton Roulet, Day 4 - Canandaigua to Watkins Glen

2008-08-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

Our fourth consecutive day of riding took us along the east shore of Canandaigua Lake, more farm lands, Weaver's Bike Shop, Penn Yan (the northern city of Keuka Lake), and the Vineyards along the south west shore of Seneca Lake. Destination was the Watkins Glen High School, but it's not about the destination. It's about the journey. We knew that tomorrow would be a rest day so today's journey was especially energetic. We also knew that the finish would be downhill, so that also helped. Rain was in the forecast again, but maybe we would get lucky. 2,315 feet of climbing today, mostly long rollers with a long steady climb out of the town of Penn Yan, then a nice downhill into Watkins Glen. Laurel has figured out a technique for riding "rollers" as much of ride was today. She races down the downhill and coasts up the uphill part as much as she can, and then shifts to her low gear and crawls to the summit.Our first rest stop today was at the Rushville Fire Station. All of our rest stops introduced us to the local community-schools, parks, and community centers. Some of them prepared home made goodies and always offered hospitality. Laurel behind some unusual traffic after our lunch stop in Penn Yan. The Amish and Mennonites are well represented in the Finger Lakes farming area. We made a quick stop at the Glenora Winery overlooking Seneca Lake and then a nice-paced downhill ride into Watkins Glen. The weather today was overcast with a slight breeze to keep the humidity manageable, and no rain!

Bon Ton Roulet, Day 3 - Seneca Falls to Canandaigua

2008-07-26T18:32:00.001-07:00

Route for day 3 started in Seneca Falls to Geneva, then south along Seneca Lake and north toward Canandaigua which is the northern town on Canandaigua Lake. Over 2,000 feet of climbing today. The route on day 3 left Seneca Falls along River Street. Entering the town of Geneva which is at the northern end of Seneca Lake. I guess even cyclists have to stop for road work. The Fox Run Vinyards was a welcomed site at mile 21 - great cafe. Many old homes en route were in great need of repair. This one looked like the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland. These are our favorite rides-downhill. Check out the climb at the other end, though. A different kind of road sign. Guess who will be invited for Thanksgiving Dinner? About 3 and a half hours into the ride, thunder and lightning and a downpour. We took shelter under a tree near a house until the rain let up just a bit. We then rode about 4 miles to the rest stop which was at a school. Riding in a rainstorm was very unsettling. No, we were not going to school in Gorham. We were waiting out a thunderstorm, even some hail was reported by some bikers. Everyone was soaked, but glad to be in a warm shelter with snacks. After an hour and a half of rain delay, the sun came out, and it was smooth riding 15 miles to Canandaigua. The "lake" in the background was not there before the rain.

Bon Ton Roulet, Day 2 - Cortland to Seneca Falls

2008-07-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

Day 2 from Cortland north passing Owasco Lake, and west toward Cayuga Lake ending in Seneca Falls. Total distance 54 miles. 1919 feet of climbing with a short 12% segment near the start. Nice steep downhill with speeds in the 30's. The start from SUNY Cortland was a 6 mile gradual climb.Laurel got challenged with a 12% grade climb today. She enjoyed the 35 MPH downhill. View from the top with a glimse of Owasco Lake in the background. The Fillmore Glen rest stop located in Moravia. The thirteenth president Millard Fillmore was born in a log cabin in the hills above this park. The amber waves of grain. I just had to do a bike lift in the corn fields. Laurel followed me into the fields. Our cleats got filled with mud and it took us about 15 miuntes to dig out the mud. The second half of the ride was mostly manageable long rolling hills. Then a sudden thunderstorm about five miles from Seneca Falls soaked us within a few minutes. I think the worse feeling was the squishing of your socks every time you pedaled, at least our cleats got clean. Tent City at Mynderse Academy School drying out after the downpour. Wow! We made the local paper. End of Day 2. 55 miles in 5 hours and still smiling! Seneca Falls is famous for the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848.

Bon Ton Roulet, Day 1 - Auburn to Cortland

2008-07-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

First breakfast at the Springside Inn. The official send off, in pouring rain, for the Bot Ton Roulet which means "Let the Good Times Roll".Day 1 route begins in Auburn, around the top of Owasco Lake, the east side of Skaneateles Lake, along Otisco Lake, to Little York, and ending at Cortland. A 49 mile journey. The elevation for day 1. 2,100 feet of climbing.
Over and down the first hill climb of the ride, another one up ahead, many more to come :) View of the Auburn Golf Couse. Waiting for the sun to shine. Can you say Skaneateles four times? (pronunciation: "skany-atlas," preferred, or "skinny-atlas" common) Skaneateles Lake means long lake in Iroquois. It is the highest of the Finger Lakes at altitude 863 feet and is 16 miles long.

Enjoying a Bumbleberry Pie-filled with apples, fresh assorted berries, and rhubarb. I need a shirt like that. All I hear is "On your left!" and those annoying bicycle bells. It's Sunday morning and most shops are closed-too bad. Roads stretch on endlessly, occasionally decorated with wild flowers. Miles and miles, hours and hours of farmland, mostly corn and wheat. Visited a Vicugna pacos farm aka Alpaca. These have just gotten a haircut. Stopped by Frog Pond Farm along Rt 281 in Little York. Carole Ferro is one of "The Ferro Family Artists". Enjoy some of the FERROART.

A late lunch at roadside Bob's Barbecue just before heading into Cortland. It took us 7hrs:30min including stops. Average speed 9.9 MPH.

Bon Ton Roulet-Getting to New York

2008-07-20T19:00:00.001-07:00

Our bikes are packed, we're ready to go, we're leaving on a jet plane, glad John Denver's not the pilot. . . Off to Syracuse, New York for the Bon Ton Roulet. Instructions to follow on how to pack your bike in one of these. It took me about 2 hours per bike to figure out how to get things just right. Tent City, Auburn High School ready for its inhabitants. No, we are "moteling it" which is good because thundershowers are in the forecast.
Laurel checking out the route guide and worrying about those hill climbs. Many historic buildings line the streets of Auburn, NY. Genesee Street, old town Auburn. Laurel looking for a job at Daut's. Great food, highly recommended while in Auburn. The "Must Like Water" sign portends of things to come.

Windmill 40

2008-07-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

Ryan's first organized ride-The Windmill 40. It started at Los Alamos Park. A little town about 14 miles north of Buellton in northern Santa Barbara County. It was an out-and-back along Hwy 135. After leaving the house at 5 AM and a three hour drive, they're ready to go. The forty mile "Windmill Ride" is mostly flat passing farm land but not one windmill was seen. The pace line going at 17 MPH.Taking a quick break. It was getting near 100 degrees. Check out Laurel's new Creamsicle rig with matching water bottle.
Passing through the little town of Orcutt-an old stage coach stop. Twenty mile rest stop for the bikes while the riders get some food. Final hill climb. The race is on. Looks like Laurel has a slight edge. King Of the Mountain winner!Still smiling after that long hill climb.

Millerton Metric 2008

2008-07-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

I just happened to be in Fresno during the Climb to Kaiser so I did the shorter 70 mile Millerton Metric. I wasn't training for it so I struggled, but had a good time. Only 3,399 feet of climbing. I used my Garmin Edge 705 for the first time with its turn-by-turn capability. I only made one wrong turn the entire ride. Fires have been burning out of control. That's the sun glowing through a smoke-filled sky. The smoke, plus the elevation (up to 2000 ft), plus the 100 degree temperature, plus my lack of training made this a survival ride. Imagine the riders doing the Climb to Kaiser: 155 miles with a 13,500 total vertical climb. I wonder where he got this mailbox idea? This is farming country as is much of the Central Valley of California. Gotta have the windmill picture. Orange Trees? Almond Trees?

A huge farmhouse with acres of farmland. The sun burning through the smokey haze. The start of the ride was all uphill. The steepest part of the ride with more hills to come. Over the hill with rewards of picturesque Oaks.

Heading home - After a nice series of downhills you hit a long straight flat-Copper Avenue-Fresno's drag strip. Why did I come to Fresno? . . . to Party! 'Till 2 am.

Wildflower Century 2008

2008-07-09T21:33:00.001-07:00

The Wildflower Century is a double loop around the foothills of San Luis Obispo County. It begins in the town of Creston, travels south to Santa Margarita and Pozo, then north to Shandon and back around to Creston. Start of the ride 6:55 AM. Temperature 46 degrees. It would climb to 108 during the course of the ride. Creston, CA 93432 The Longbranch Saloon-wonder what the food's like? The first hill climb of the day. Many more to come. Mile 27-the Pozo Rest Stop. I guess the morning cup of coffee is kicking in. The world famous Pozo Saloon established in 1858.
The Wildflower is one of the most scenic rides I have done:

The Shell Creek water stop-56 miles down.

This could have been painted by Claude Monet. Downwind, downhill, no cars (just cows) and miles and miles of road-nice! Maybe I took a wrong turn-no one in sight.

Found a paceline to the lunch line.Lunch stop at Clark Memorial Park, Shandon 93461. Population 986 plus over a thousand cyclists. Shoes off, find shade, drink and eat. 35 miles to go!

Final hill climb. The pain sets in, temp in the 100's, I am almost out of gas.

Total Distance: 107.7 miles

Total Ascent: 6,060 feet

Total Calories: 5,653 Cal

Average Heart Rate: 139 BPM

Average Power: 143 Watts

Ride Time: 7 hours 51 minutes

Start Temp: 46F - Peak Temp: 108F

Ride Of Silence-Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Irvine mayor pro tem Sukhee Kang commemorates those remembered in this year's Ride of Silence. With full police support, the ride began at 6:30 PM at the Irvine City Hall and looped around the city on street bike lanes and the San Diego Creek bikeway.Every 3rd Wednesday in May since 2003 cyclists world wide, so far in 163 locations, join in a silent, slow-paced ride in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. It also raises awareness of the increasing number of cyclists on roadways and that cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists.

Tonight we number many but ride as one

In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons

With helmets on tight and heads down low,

We ride in silence, cautious and slow

The wheels start spinning in the lead pack

But tonight we ride and no one attacks

The dark sunglasses cover our tears

Remembering those we held so dear

Tonight's ride is to make others aware

The road is there for all to share

To those not with us or by our side,

May God be your partner on your final ride
- Mike Murgas

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May to honor men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice while in military service to our country. Let us always remember why we live freely in the greatest country in the world.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

El Tour de Phoenix 2008

2008-05-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

El Tour de Phoenix , April 5, 2008, was a 74 mile ride starting in Mesa, through Scottsdale, into the Fort McDowell Indian Reservation, and part of the Tonto National Forest. My "flight deck" with cue sheet clipped to my brake cable. Polar monitor shows 143 heart rate, 23% pedaling efficiency, 141 Watts of power. Top of the first hill climb in Fountain Hills with view of Eagle Mountain Golf Course and Mesa in the distance. Desert starting to bloom along Beeline Hwy. View south of the Verde River looking more brown than green. The best part of the ride was through the Tonto National Forest on Bush Highway.
The view along Usery Pass made the 4 mile 680 feet climb very worthwhile. Leaving the Usery Mountain recreation area, crossing the Salt River, and heading back to Mesa. My Polar profile for the ride. You can see the three major hill climbs (shaded in dark red line). Total ascent was 2280 ft. Average speed (blue line) 16.8 MPH. Average cadence (bright blue line) 82 rpm. Average power (bright green line) 145 Watts. Average heart rate (red line) 146 bpm. Only 3% of my ride was spent at or above my Lactate Threshold which is 164 bpm. Ride time for 72 miles was 4 hours 17 minutes.

OCW Spring Metric 2008

2008-04-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

7 AM sunrise along the 22 Freeway driving toward Anaheim.
The Orange Couty Wheelmen annual Spring Metric began at Yorba Regional Park, along the Santa Ana River Trail, into the hills of Corona, and out-and-back along Temescal Canyon Road. Total ascent 2,880 feet, total distance 63 miles, riding time 4 hours, average heart rate 142, and 2,898 Calories.

The start at Yorba Regional Park, cool morning fog with the temperature in the mid 50's. The sun never really came out during the ride.

The Santa Ana River Trail is a Class 1 bicycle path in Orange County that parallels the Santa Ana River channel. It starts in Riverside County at the Green River golf course entrance, and extends about 28.8 miles to the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach.

The "Y" at Featherly Park where the Santa Ana River Trail continues north. The park is situated under the Gypsum Canyon bridge. This is the part of the Santa Ana River that's "green". That's the Green River Golf Course in the background. One course is in Orange County and the other 18 is in Riverside County.

Picture taken looking south from the Green River overpass. Rarely do you see the 91 Freeway this empty. The foothills of Corona which has some nice hill climbs. The ride was mostly uphill going out. It took me 2 hr 15 min averaging 14.6 MPH going out, and 1 hr 50 min averaging 17.2 MPH returning.
Ten miles along Temescal Canyon Road to Lake Street which is on the border of Elsinore. U-turn and 32 miles back to the start.

Hey! Pay Attention!

2008-04-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

Brook Lee Catastrophe At The House Of Blues

2008-03-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

The Brook Lee Catastrophe landed a gig at the House of Blues Sunset Strip on March 1, 2008. Security was strict and no recording or photos were allowed, but someone bootlegged this video of Brook's new song "Hey Joe". For this song The Catastrophe "frisbeed" out tambourines to the crowd. Even Ryan caught one.

Rock Racing - Here To Stay

2008-03-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Rock Racing professional cycling team is sponsored by Michael Ball, designer and CEO of Rock & Republic, home of $250 denim jeans.
With controversy and style, the team sports a variety of cycling kits.
Cadillac, the support vehicle of Rock Racing.

The 2008 Rock Racing roster includes two former world champions, two Olympic gold medalists, four Tour de France stage winners and eight current and former national champions. All directed by Michael Ball to "win-or-get-fired". Speaking of controversy, check out rider David Clinger. I think he got fired?

So the other day I'm riding home on PCH and came upon this rider. Member of Rock Racing? He was awfully fast. I also saw the Team's 35 ft. rig traveling west on 7th street.

In Memory Of Sheldon Brown

2008-03-04T17:56:00.001-08:00

Sheldon Brown recently passed away on February 3rd at the age of 63 from a heart attack. He is known as the "bicycle mechanic" guru with a 2,000 page website on almost every cycling topic. Check out and bookmark http://www.sheldonbrown.com/. He also provided tech-geek and creative solutions, one-on-one, to cyclists via e-mail, about 200 per day. By this, he changed the world.

For more information, check out the Harris Cyclery website where Sheldon was employed.

As many people from around the world have blogged, the best way to honor Sheldon is to ride your bike and to use your own knowledge to help someone else be a better rider. That is his legacy, and we can all keep it alive.

From: Adventure Cyclist Magazine-February, 2008

I thought, in honor of Sheldon Brown, I'd do a ride in his kit.

Let Levi Ride

2008-02-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

More than 1.6 million fans turned out over eight days to watch the best field ever assembled on U.S. soil cycle across California in the Amgen Tour of California. After eight challenging days of cycling through 650-miles of scenic California highways, roadways and coastline drives, Levi Leipheimer (USA) of Team Astana was crowned as champion of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California for the second consecutive year, with a weeklong total time of 29 hours, 24 minutes and 32 seconds of cycling across California. A resident of Santa Rosa, California, Leipheimer battled against the best field ever assembled to compete in the United States.
On February 13th, the Amaury Sports Organization (ASO) barred Team Astana from competing in any race or event organized by the ASO in 2008. The ASO owns premiere cycling events like Paris-Nice, Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Tours, and the famed Tour de France.
The ASO cited Team Astana's doping scandals of last year’s Tour de France as justification. Last year the entire team was disqualified in Stage 16.
There can be no comparison between the Astana team of 2007 and the new Astana. The entire organizational structure has been rebuilt under the direction of the team’s new General Manager, Johan Bruyneel (former manager of the disbanded Team Discovery Channel) , who has thoroughly cleaned house.Last year's winner of the Tour de France was Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) who now rides for Team Astana as well as Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) who came in third. Because of ASO's ruling, neither of these riders will be able to compete in the Tour this year.

Join the campaign to Let Levi Ride in the Tour de France.

How Are Mountain Climbs Categorized?

2008-02-18T18:36:00.001-08:00

There are no set rules on how the organizer of a race can categorize hills or mountains. This is how the Tour de France climbs are defined:
Category 4 - the easiest which is typically less than 2 km (1.24 mi) long and about 5% grade, or up to 5 km (3.1 mi) at a 2-3% grade.
Category 3 - can be as short as 1.5 km (.93mi) with a very steep grade, perhaps 10%; or as long as 10 km (6.2 mi) with a grade less than 5%.
Category 2 - can be as short as 5 km (3.1 mi) at 8%, or as long as 15 km (9.3 mi) at 4%.
Category 1 - can be anything from 8 km (5 mi) at 8% to 20 km (12.4 mi) at 5%.
Hors Categorie ("above category") rating is given to exceptionally tough climbs. This could be a Category 1 whose summit is also the finish of the stage, or one that is more than 10 km (6.2 mi) long with an average grade of at least 7.5%, or up to 25 km (15.5 mi) long at 6% or steeper.

The climb up Newport Coast to the Vista Ridge Summit is about 3.65 mi. (5.9 km) and is a 5%-11% grade. I guess that makes it about a Cat 2 climb. Nice symmetry to this climb since I did it twice. Newport Coast begins at PCH and ends in Irvine past Hwy 73 at Bonita Canyon Drive. If you turn right at Vista Ridge or Ridge Park you can extend your climb. Mt. Veeder in Napa Valley may be a Cat 1 climb since it is 8.24 mi. (13.3 km) and has a grade of 5%-17%.
Pine Valley (San Diego County) may also be a Cat 1 climb even though it averages a 5% grade. It is 15.64 mi (25 km) long.

The ride up the road to the Palm Springs Arial Tram is 4.52 mi (7.3 km), but it is very steep with an average grade of 8.8% and a 17% grade near the very top when your legs are already burning.
This would make it an HC climb for me. It took me 1 hour to climb that 2,640 ft "hill" averaging 4.7 mph. About as fast as an elephant walks.
Here is the same ride viewed with my Polar monitor. It is plotted over time instead of distance. You can see how long the climb took vs. the descent which looks like I fell of a cliff. Even with braking (for fear of dying) the descent took me only 9 minutes with an average speed of 25.4 MPH hitting a max speed of 36.5 MPH.

Student Of The Month-Congratulations!

2008-02-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

Palm Desert's Student of the Month takes time from his hours of studies and warms up for a round of golf. I hear he's also a good ping-pong player. Are those ping-pong balls he's hitting?

El Tour de Tucson 2007

2008-02-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

El Tour de Tucson, November 17, 2007. 109 miles around the city with full traffic control and crowd support. There were about 10,000 cyclists participating. This was my most exciting event of 2007. One hour before the start, sun barely up, and thousands of riders ready to go. An interesting thing about this ride was there were two dry river crossings where you had to walk for about 1/2 to 3/4 mile.

It was a relatively flat ride - total ascent 2,740 ft. with only a few hill climbs. Finished with the silver medal - 6 hours 33 minutes.

Ride Summary 2007

2008-02-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

My ride summary for 2007:
Centuries done - 6, Best total time Tour de Tucson 6:33
Metrics done - 3
Total Distance - 5,618 miles
Total Hours - 143
Total Rides - 242
Calories Used - 245,884 (76 lbs)

Goals for this year:
Space rides farther apart, improve Century time to 6 hours
Work on pedaling efficiency and technique
Improving endurance, including improving on-bike nutrition
Continue strength training
Do a multi-day ride

Meeting Joe Friel

2008-01-24T20:16:00.000-08:00

Joe Friel has trained endurance athletes since 1980, is an expert in exercise science, has authored many training books, and speaks at workshops around the country. Check out Joe Friel's Blog. I was fortunate to hear him speak recently at B+L Sports in Solana Beach. I actually took notes. Check it out. Got a picture,

And an autograph! I'll keep on spinning.

Merry Christmas '07

2007-12-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

2007 surely came to a rapid end, like a 40 MPH downhill! Hence the lack of recent posts. I'll catch up with photos and news soon.

Donna and I would like to wish all a very

Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year!

Spooktacular - Rain, Wind, Cold

2007-10-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Spooktacular Century is presented by the Kern Wheelmen. It started in Bakersfield at the Kern River State Park near Lake Ming and headed into the Sierras for the climbing part.

Because I was recovering from a cold, I wasn't sure which ride I would end up doing:

The Horrible Hundred with 8,600 feet of climbing

The Nightemare Ninety with 5,900 feet of climbing

The Morbid Metric with 4,600 feet of climbing The ride started off as advertised: "eerie lack of traffic . . . . . . and one stoplight." And just my luck, it happened to be red.

The start of the Grey Wolf grade. Over five miles of a continuous 5-8% climb into the Sierras. At about 1400 feet the weather turned nasty with rain, wind gusts, and temp in the low 50's. By the Caliente food stop I was soaked and shivering. I decided to head back before hypothermia set in. Because of the weather, I ended up doing the "Morbid Metric". Looks kinda like a mountain bike. What was that joke about sand in your Schlitz? I've been getting a lot of questions during my ride about "those things" on the back of my bike. I think they mean the Polar power sensor-more about that on another post. Need to give my Trek a bath.

Amtrak Century - Irvine to San Diego

2007-09-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

6:30 am registration at the Irvine Transportation Center.

The Amtrak Century organized by the Orange County Wheelmen sells out every year with 1000 riders. It is a one way bike ride with a private train ride back home. Your gear and homecoming "refreshments" are loaded in a truck which meets you in San Diego. Bikes are then packed up and transported back to Irvine.

Irvine to San Diego: 100 miles,

average speed=16.6 MPH,

maximu speed=38.5 MPH

average heart rate=133 BPM,

maximum heart rate=181 BPM,

total ascent=3311 feet

energy used=4414 kcal

total ride time=6 hours: 3 minutes

Just follow the railroad tracks 100 miles south to San Diego. The Amtrak Century was mostly flat except the beginning of the ride up to Foothill Ranch, then a nice downhill to San Clemente. I used a lot of energy during this phase of the ride (heart rate 150-165) and paid for it later with leg cramps at mile 60.

Fuel stop at the end of the San Onofre Beach path, right before the entrance to Camp Pendleton.

Usually cyclists are allowed to go through Camp Pendleton to Oceanside and avoid the 8 mile stretch on the I-5 Frweeway - not today. It's an interesting experience to feel a big-rig zooming by you at 70 MPH.

This pumpkin patch will be ready for Halloween. Maybe this is the patch where the Great Pumpkin will rise out of, fly through the air, and deliver toys to all good children of the world. I will be prepairing for the Spooktacular Century in Bakersfield this Halloween.

Encinitas Station, about 30 miles to go. Oceanside, Carlsbad, Leucadia, Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Del Mar are nice seaside towns to bike through and visit.

Torrey Pines climb 400 feet over 2 miles after riding for 80 miles. The smoothie I had in Encinitas gave me just enough energy to take it over the top.

Finish near the Amtrak Station in San Diego where a private train ride back to Irvine awaits. See the coolers on the ground? They are not filled with your typical energy/recovery drinks.

Cool Breeze Mini Metric 2007

2007-08-20T17:08:00.001-07:00

Laurel's first organized ride, after training for over a month.The Cool Breeze Mini started in Ventura and did an out-and-back along the Ventura River Bike Trail toward Ojai. Then another out-and-back north along Highway 101 to Carpinteria.Laurel looks ready to ride even after only 4 hours of sleep. She was up packing for her move to Berkeley. We left Long Beach at 6:30 and will drive up to NoCal after the ride.Checking out the route guide.Can't forget the Butt Butt'r and sunscreen. . . guess which one goes where the sun don't shine.Ready at the start. Laurel looks Pro and I look like a newbie with my helmet falling off my head.After one hour of riding, Laurel takes a break to fuel up with Luna Bars and Vitamin Water.Braving the 101 Freeway heading north toward Santa Barbara. You need to be a steady rider with cars zooming by at 65+ MPH.Rest stop at Rincon Beach Park, mile 23. The popsicles were a nice treat on a hot day.Congratulations on your first ride! 38 Miles in under three hours. Maybe Berkeley has a cycling team.

Three Harbors Tour 2007

2007-07-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

The Three Harbors Century started in Ventura, headed south to Channel Islands, inland to Oxnard and Ojai, the climb up to Lake Casitas, and north to Santa Barbara for lunch. Then a nice downwind spin along the coast back to Ventura for lunch number 2.
6:30 check-in at Ventura Harbor.The Channel Island Harbor covered with fog .The fertile Oxnard Plain is one of the world's most important agricultural centers. It is the Strawberry and Lima Bean capital.The Ventura-Ojai Valley bike path wanders along the Ventura River and Hwy 33. Foster Park is a nice stopping place. A Bobcat ran right in front of me -not quick enough for a picture.Elevation map of a mostly flat ride except the climb from the coast up Ojai Valley and the Casitas Pass. Total climb was 3,945 feet.The Casitas Pass Road was the highest point on this ride-1,117 feet. Guess the name of that lake.The new Ortega Hill bike path along the 101 allows you to bypass the narrow and winding Ortega Hill Rd out of Summerland.View south along Channel Drive in South Santa Barbara (Montecito). 30 miles to go mostly downwind and flat back to Ventura Harbor.

UC Berkeley-CalSo

2007-07-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Spent two days at Cal Berkeley attending their Student/Parent Orientation (CalSo).The University of California was established in the 1800's and is located in the hills of Berkeley.
It is full of history and tradition.
Could it be "the best public university in the world"?

It sure is a beautiful campus.

But dorm living is not built for comfort. The food at Cal is great, though.Clark Kerr Campus will be Laurel's dorm. The lounge at Cafe 3. College students glued on "Tom and Jerry".Our student counselor-Daphne, full of energy and information.Student counselors teaching the parents some Cal spirit cheers including The Time Warp!Some of the Cal Band add to the spirit at the final assembly.

Bike Of The Month

2007-06-26T21:07:00.001-07:00

My first bike was a 1959 Sears Huffy. Color was red with white trim and a silver bell. Never had streamers, but did add playing cards clipped to the fender stays with clothes pins. I later had a headlight powered by a tire driven generator. I also rigged up a left/right turn signal light system and lots of reflectors.Mike and his bike at 6 years old. We lived on a steep hill so the only place I could ride was in our two car carage. I was good at going in circles-clockwise, couter-clockwise, and figure 8's.

Ducks Win The Stanley Cup

2007-06-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

The Anaheim Ducks is the first NHL team on the West Coast to win the Stanley Cup. Unlike the other trophies awarded to the champions of the other major sports, the Cup is a perpetual trophy kept by the winning hockey team until the next season's champion is crowned. It is also the only trophy in professional sports that has the name of the winning players, coaches, management, and club staff engraved upon it. The trophy was donated by Lord Stanley of Preston, then Governor General of Canada, in 1892.
What are the names of the other major professional sports championship trophy?
What is the Claret Jug?
The Stanley Cup visited Angels Stadium recently.
We stood in line over an hour and a half to get to spend a few seconds with Lord Stanley's Cup. Long enough to get this snapshot of Laurel and Matt.Answers: National Football League-Vince Lombardi Trophy
National Basketball Association-Larry O'Brien Trophy
Major League Baseball-Commissioner's Trophy
Claret Jug-is awarded to the winner of the British Open in golf

The Angels' 2002 World Series Trophy

San Diego Metric-Del Dios Ride

2007-06-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

Left Encinitas at the crack of dawn to bike to the start at Mira Costa College.

The Elfin Forest-Very hard to photograph them elves, especially during the day, but you can see they are working on a project here to divert the river around their den.
The climb out of the forest. There weren't too many difficult climbs on this ride. There was the "Three Witches" on San Dieguito Road, which was 725 feet over 9.2 miles to an elevation of 766 feet. Total climbing for this ride was 3,730 feet.View of Lake Hodges from the Del Dios Highway.

Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach, La Jolla-$$$$$
The finish at Moonlight beach where there was a fitness expo. After spinning for 4 hours:22 minutes I wasn't about to join this group.
Your guess is as good as mine. Probably one of the elves from the Elfin Forest found some employment here.

Fluffy The Samba King

2007-06-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

Recorded at the Univerity of Nevada Reno Jazz festival, April 28, 2007. The Long Beach Poly Jazz Band playing "Fluffy The Samba King". That's Laurel on the Alto Sax.

Memorial Day 2007

2007-05-28T19:42:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day represents a solemn day of mourning, a sacred day of remembrance to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.

New Wheels-Bontrager Race X Lite

2007-05-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

Time for an upgrade. These were my original stock Bontrager Race wheels. After a few chain drops and sucks the rear spokes were pretty torn up, almost ready to snap.
Upgraded to the Bontrager Race X Lites. Stiffer (more responsive and efficient), more aerodynamic, lighter by 300 grams, more stable in cross winds, and faster. The web site says: "Flangeless Swiss made hubs give these wheels some serious sex appeal as well as strength."
Also got some new Continental 4000 tires.
Doesn't it look - -- --- ---- F A S T?

Cruisin' the Conejo 2007

2007-05-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Last year I did the 35 mile Conejo ride. It took me 2:30 hours. The highest climb was 763 feet. This year I did the century and it took me 7:30 hours, averaging 13 MPH, and 6,000 vertical feet of climbing. I saw three dead rabbits along the way.The 100 miles took me through Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Santa Monica Mountains, Sherwood, Oxnard, Camarillo, Santa Rosa, Moorpark, and Simi Valley.

This was the most climbing I've done in a ride so far-6,000 total vertical feet.
The climb into the Santa Monica mountains started out nice and easy but quickly got steeper and steeper.
Did you know? Peacocks make good sentries because their distinctive cries can act as a warning of approaching people. This one seems to be marching on guard duty.
Did you also know that female peafowls are called peahens?

This was a nice surprise -Lake Malibu, calm and serene
The Rock Store on Mulholland-a set up for Pee Wee Herman
Another hill to climb, another summit to reach.
Felt a little light headed and out of breath taking this picture. Nothing but downhill from here...and more climbing, and 60 more miles, and 4 flats, but I did it!

Riding Napa Valley

2007-05-21T19:54:00.001-07:00

Spent a few days in Napa and got to explore the valley on bike. This was my longest ride while there-57 miles and over 2800 feet of climbing.

Mount Veeder is part of the Mayacamas Mountains, the mountain range that separates the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. It is a challenging climb (measured a section of 17% grade), 1300 feet over 8 miles. The downhill into Napa Valley makes it all worthwhile. Make sure you stop at the Oakville Grocery Store for coffee and cookies.

Enjoyed the great roads. . .

And scenic wineries. . .

Calistoga sparkling mineral water -from the natural geysers in the area. Hopefully not from the same springs that people relax in.
The Calistoga Bike Shop. It's a good thing I don't bike with my credit card.

The Ride Of Silence

2007-05-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

On May 16, 2007, at 7:00 PM, The Ride of Silence™ began in over 300 cities in North America and rolled across the globe.

Cyclists took to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves. Every year over 700 cyclists are killed by crashes with automobiles in the United States alone.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.

The 2003 Ride of Silence™ at White Rock Lake in Dallas drew 1,000 cyclists through word of mouth and email communication over a period of only ten days. There was no registration, no fees, no t-shirt. Local media reported the ride to be incredibly moving as these cyclists rode in silence, occasionally wiping away a tear or patting a friend on the back.

The Golden Gate Bridge Ride

2007-05-10T21:23:00.000-07:00

Google Earth view of San Francisco Bay and my 18 mile ride over the Golden Gate Bridge from Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito and back.
Sunrise over Fisherman's wharf.
There are many paths around the Presidio area of San Francisco.

The Golden Gate suspension bridge was constructed between 1933 to 1937. It spans 1.7 miles across the strait between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, connecting the City to Marin County on the north. (It's the big red bridge in the background.)
There are 14 lanes at the Toll Plaza. Cost is $5 for autos entering the City from the north.
The towers of the bridge tower 500 feet above the roadway.
The Golden Gate is 246 feet above sea level. Someone jumps off the bridge on the average every two weeks. It takes 4 seconds to hit the water, at about 75 miles per hour, with a force of 15,000 pounds per square inch. In short, hitting water at that speed is like hitting concrete. Hitting feet first will usually plunge one so deeply into the 350 foot deep water that you haven't a chance to surface before drowning. The steel wall along the walk/bike way is only 4 feet high.
A view of the City and the Bay Bridge from Sausalito.
"The Rock", Alcatraz Island, was a military fort from 1859-1934; a federal penitentiary from 1934-1963; occupied by American Indians from 1969-1971; and is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Just had to visit Ghirardelli, and just had to have a Dark Chocolate Mint Hot Fudge Sundae.
Donna "catching" the Cable Car at AT&T Park. Home of Barry Bonds and the Giants.

Ride Up To Lake Tahoe - The Kingsbury Grade

2007-04-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Google Earth view of my ride up the Kingsbury Grade from Carson Valley to Lake Tahoe.
2600 feet climb was difficult to do at an elevation I'm not used to riding. My heart rate was in the 85-95% of max range.
Began my ride at the start of Jack's Valley road and Highway 395 in the Carson Valley, about 30 miles south of Reno. The mountains in the background are the ones I need to climb to get to Lake Tahoe.
The original pass (Daggett Pass) over the Sierra Range was built in the 1860's. The toll for a wagon and four horses was $17.50. That's $409.30 toll fee in today's dollar. Of course now we only have an SUV, no horses. The current Kingsbury Grade takes a different route.

The beginning of the climb up to Tahoe. Only 11 miles, but 2600 vertical feet.
Stopped to catch my breath, and view my progress. Only 1500 more vertical feet to climb. The road is at a continuous 7% grade, no flat sections to rest.
Finally, after 1 hour 30 minutes of continuous climbing, I reached the Daggett Summit.
First view of Lake Tahoe and reward of a nice downhill to the Stateline casinos.

North Scottsdale In The Rain

2007-03-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

North Scottsdale noted for exclusive homes, golf courses, and desert landscaping. Pinnacle Peak rises out of the Sonora Desert to an elevation of 3,170 feet, and was formed one million years ago. It used to be a glacier but due to "global warming" it's now a pile of rocks. If you believe that then you should watch "An Inconvenient Truth".Clouds threatened, and it did rain a little, but not enough to spoil a great ride.
Reata Pass SteakhouseReata Pass Outhouse

Many buildings blend in well with the landscape.Don't want to fall on this guy, -Teddybear Cholla

or this guy. -Yucca plantDid you know? The Saguaro cactus is the tallest cactus, lives about 200 years, and grows 4-8 inches a year. Its first "arms" sprout when the cactus is 40-50 years old. This old guy needs some help to stand tall. The holes in the cactus are made by birds which use them for their homes.If all paths could be as smooth as this. . . Legend Trail Parkway.Along Pima Road, a sign that says it all.

2006 California Coast Classic Video

2007-03-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

I finally got my act together and made a slide show video of my San Francisco to Los Angeles 2006 Arthritis Foundation ride.

Biking for One Year

2007-03-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

I started biking one year ago. My first ride was on March 2, 2006 and was 8.3 miles lasting 30 minutes. Here is my distance and time log for the past year:
6277 miles, 450 hours. Biked in six states, 2 centuries, 8 organized biking events, and the 8 day Arthritis Foundation California Coast Classic. My goal for year two will be to work on my base building, increase my fitness ceiling, start strength training, and improve my riding skills and efficiency. Sounds like I've been reading too many biking books. And I'll try not to spend so much money at the bike shop.

Speaking of cycling books, I got to hear Chris Carmichael speak about his new book 5 Essentials For A Winning Life, and the Discovery Channel Cycling Team, and training Lance Armstrong, and the doping controversies. Carmichael was a member of the first American cycling team-The 7-Eleven Team-to compete in the Tour de France in 1986. He is founder of Carmichael Training Systems.

Amgen Tour of California in Long Beach

2007-02-25T20:33:00.000-08:00

The best cyclists in the world came to Long Beach today for the final stage of the Tour of California. Click on the link for final results as well as other information on the Tour.
Mechanic truck for Team BMC, based out of Santa Rosa, CA is sponsored by the Swiss bicycle maker BMC. This company is owned by Andy Rihns who was the owner of Team Phonak which folded last year after team member's Floyd Landis Tour de France doping case.
Wearing the Yellow Jersey, leading the Tour from start to finish, Levi Leipheimer from Butte, Montana rides this year for Team Discovery Channel.
Belgian Team Predictor Lotto (Predictor is a pregnancy test-makes sense, Lotto is the Belgian Lottery-makes sense again) riders: Mario Aerts (Belgium) , Nick Gates (Australia), Bart Dockx (Belgium)
Australian rider Celeb Manion heads to the starting line as the USA Team Colavita/Sutter Home car (olive oil and wine companies) provides interference.
Support car for Team CSC-A Denmark team sponsored by the California based Computer Sciences Corporation.
Kjell Carlstrom (Finland) of Team Liquigas (Italian Propane Distributor) rolls out to the start.
The Toyota United Pro Team (USA) uses a Prius for their support car. Bicycles and a Hybrid car-a victory for the "Green Team".
The final stage of the Tour of California was a criterium-ten laps of a 7.75 mile circuit course around the Long Beach shoreline.
Over $10,000 worth of wheels and frames on the top of this car. Mavic is a French manufacturer of wheels and bicycle components.
Paola Bettini (Italy) of team Quick Step-Innergetic (Begian laminated flooring company-Innergetic is a line of mattress), wearing the rainbow world champion jersey, bringing up the rear of the pack.
Just me, posing like the traveling gnome.
These guys don't fix flats, they just change the entire wheel-in a matter of seconds.
Team Discovery protecting Levi Leipheimer in the Yellow Jersey.
Making the turn down Shorline Drive.
Sean Sullivan of Toyota United enjoys a Coke while in the breakaway group. To his front right in the white argyle design jersey with the rainbow-trimmed sleeves is Danny Pate (USA), former world champion, of Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle. I guess the team eats a lot of burritos and tacos. This is the youngest USA team and Slipstream is a sports management company.

The peloton on Ocean Blvd passing so close you could smell the tires burning on the pavement.
Riding on the Bluff with the Queen Mary and San Pedro Bay in the background.
Today's stage winner Ivan Dominguez (Cuba) being told a "Yo-Mama" joke. Maybe that's what spurred him on to victory. The rider in the lime green jersey is the top sprinter Juan Jose Haedo (Argentina) of Team CSC. Maybe he's just getting advice on how to get into the country illegally.
Waiting on the podium for my yellow jersey.

Tour de Palm Springs

2007-02-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

The Tour de Palm Springs is a 102 mile loop through the Coachella Valley, passing all its cities with views of the San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, and Santa Rosa Mountains. My TREK- polished, pumped, lubed-ready to go.Breakfast before my ride: Special K with milk, FRS orange juice, banana, and sushi.Sunrise foretelling a perfect cycling day-temp 75 degrees with mild winds.
Thousands of cyclists at 6:45 a.m. line up in Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive.Honorary cyclist Monte Hall entertains the riders by making a dog choose between pocket number 1 or pocket number 2.It took about half an hour to get to the start.A major traffic jam at Indian Avenue and Hwy 10-cars, big rigs, and hundreds of cyclists. Drive thru at Jack in the Box was slow.A Double-Double. Double the fun?The SAG stop at mile 52 had enough food to feed . . .. . . an army of cyclists.I saw a few down bikers, many flats, and orphaned water bottles scattered along the bumpy roads of Coachella-the armpit of the desert. My Polar heart rate monitor record of the century. I spent 70% of my ride time (5 hours) in my upper heart rate zones (142-179)-upper red tracing. Maybe that's why every muscle in my legs cramped in the last 30 miles of my ride.

102.96 miles, 6 hours: 22 minutes, averge speed 16.2 MPH, 5442 Calories. Second century completed.

Happy Birthday, Donna

2007-02-06T20:48:00.000-08:00

The La Quinta Resort was built in 1926 by Walter Morgan as a secluded retreat for the Hollywood rich and famous. He constructed six cottages, an office, and a dining facility in the middle of the desert.
Look's like a movie star.
Our room was one of the original cottages built in the 1920's. They even thought of a high speed internet connection.Birthday Sundae at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza. Guess who ate most of it?Moon rising over La Quinta.We'll be back-I'm sure.

How to make the best GPS bike mount - for free!

2007-02-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

Although this may look like something I thought of, I cannot take credit for it. The "inventor" used a large sponge and a piece of innertube. My modification would use a big loaf of bread and a spare tire tube. That way you could just pull off a piece of bread for your snack and if you get a flat. . . well, your GPS falls off. Check out other great "inventions" on instructables, or maybe not.

Palm Springs Weekend

2007-01-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

56 miles from Palm Desert to Palm Springs, north to Dillon Road and back via 1000 Palms and Washington. Temp in the 60's, winds mild-perfect riding day. The following day the winds were howling 10-30 MPH with gusts up to 40 MPH. Ask the golfers at the Bob Hope Classic.Palms along Ramon with San Jacinto in the background. Tyler's the best burgers in Palm Springs.Garnet Ave along Interstate-10, heading toward Windy Ridge.

Riding along the Windmill Farm, a passing train, snow capped mountains, tee time at 12:30-Desert Willow. Nice. . .
Great downhill along 1000 Palms Canyon, but I had to stop for a Kodak moment.

Visited the Leonardo da Vinci ExperienceWhat's so funny?

Blessed by "The Virgin of The Rocks"

The da Vinci BicyleThe Donna CycleVisiting the Palm Springs Air Museum

The Stagecoach Century-Brr

2007-01-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

Sunrise in Ocotillo (population ?300) is over 80 miles east of San Diego along Interstate 8. It is truly in the middle of nowhere. The sun never came out till after noon, and the temperature was between 36 and 44. Even with 4 top layers, two gloves, and neoprene shoe covers, it was freezing-no thanks to Global Warming?

The Stagecoach Century travels along the historic Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849. Also called County Route S2, it is the Imperial exit off Interstate 8 in Ocotillo and heads north to California Hwy 78 near Julian.

Google Earth view of the ride-not a house or road in sight.

The elevation map is symmetrical because this ride is "out and back" along the same road. The first half is a steady uphill climb to 2600 feet. The return is mostly downhill with two hill-climbs. The ride back was into a headwind so the downhill required some work. The return leg took me 30 minutes less than the outgoing uphill leg.

"Scenic, this ride is not"-as Yoda would say.

Typical view during the beginning of the ride is a long, lonely, uphill road, surrounded by rocks, sand, and shrub.

Google Earth view of "The Wall" seems tamer than it really is. After climbing for 30 miles, this 13% grade 300 feet climb took everything out of me. At about mile 37 (3 hours) I hit the Bonk -"a term used by cyclists, to describe a condition when the athlete suddenly loses energy and fatigue sets in, usually caused when glycogen stores in the liver and muscles are depleted, resulting in a major performance drop, dizziness, nausea, and sometimes hallucinations." I recovered by sucking down 3 glucose gels, drinking all the liquids I had left, and slowing my heart rate down to the 130's.

After climbing for 3 hours in the cold, and having no breakfast, I almost climbed into the Sag Wagon-"A car or truck that picks up or otherwise assists riders who have had to stop riding, either due to fatigue, injury, or mechanical failure."

A welcomed site-the Pleasant Valley Community Center. Lunch stop at the half way point where hot chili and sandwiches were served. There was a line at the heaters to thaw out frozen toes.
As scenic as it gets along this ride-the sun finally out and a little bit of green.

Snow in San Diego at 3000 feet-Brr. I was glad to survive my first 100 mile ride. It took me 7 hours:17 minutes of ride time with 1 hour of total rest time. Average speed 13.4 MPH.

Palos Verdes Circuit

2007-01-09T21:24:00.000-08:00

The best hill workout in the South Bay area is around the Palos Verdes Penninsula. I had to pause along the ride to take some pictures. It's the middle of winter and the sun was out, 73 degrees-thanks to Global Warming?Profile of the ride. The climb up Palos Verdes Dr East is a 775 vertical over 4.5 miles with a few switchbacks to rest a little. The ride down the other side is a thrill, negotiating the switchbacks at 20-30 MPH.
A view North of Flat Point with Santa Monica Bay in the background.View South toward Palos Verdes PointThe Point Vincente Lighthouse with Catalina Island in the background.Another option for a good hillclimb is up Hawthorne. Abalone Cove and Long Point along Palos Verdes Drive South.
The Wayfarers Chapel was built in 1951, designed by Lloyd Wright, and is a Swedenborgian Church. It's a must see while driving around PV.
Portuguese Bend where the land and road is constantly shifting.Trump National Golf Course. Does it look like the course is sliding into the ocean?
View East toward the Port of Los Angeles and the Vincent Thomas Bridge.
Gotta vist King's while in the South Bay. Fried noodles with Spam combo-includes rice, potato salad, and, of course, Kings Hawaiian sweet bread. Nice carbo load.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Attacked by another dog!!!

I was on my first ride for 2007 along the Huntington bike path enjoying the sunset over Catalina Island. Below the Seacliff Bluff there is a dog beach and many dog owners walk their dogs along the bluff. I slowed down since up ahead a clueless lady was standing in the middle of the path with two dogs that looked like large rats on long legs. I made my move to the left lane of the path when one of the dogs decided to attack my bike. I heard a spat as my front tire ran over the dog's leg and as its retractable "leash" entangled my drive chain, I went skidding across the pavement.

All the people who witnessed the accident attended to the yelping dog, while not a one helped to scrape my body off the asphalt. . . don't you love PETA? Anyway, the lady had to rush her dog to the vet and I rode home with a free dermabrasion on the right side of my body and a broken thumb.

By the way, for all you PETOB supporters (People for the Ethical Treatment Of Bicycles :), my bike survived with only a few road scars. So starts 2007.

For 2007 I've "souped" up my bike a little:
New Carbon Fiber Handlebar - thank you Donna - These are so comfortable to ride with. The flat surfaces give your hands more support and more riding positions, besides looking great. Luckily I wrapped the top curve with silicon tape which protected the bar when I crashed.
New tires - thank you Jimbo - These Kendas are a lot thinner, faster, and harder (good combination?) than the Continentals that I used for the San Fran to LA ride. I logged over 2,600 miles on those tires without a single flat! Notice how worn the tire is. So far the Kendas have run over one small dog without a flat. Sorry PETA fans!

My Arizona Rides-Attacked By Wild Dogs

2006-12-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

Spent three days biking around Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale area.

Most of the ride was flat and stright, but many different road conditions existed-gravel, dirt, cracked.

Red Tail Hawk checking me out.

Much of my ride was in wide open fields, when suddenly, out of the fields, a pack of about 8-10 wild dogs ran out and started attacking me. They were trying to bite at my feet, growling and barking, baring their teeth, and taking turns trying to run ahead of me and jumping at my front tire. The dogs were all black and one was a pit-bull type. Sorry, did not seem to have enough time for a picture. I finally was able to out ride them. Glad I wasn't jogging. I'll be looking for some pepper spray to carry along in future rides.

Modified that sign.

I don't think this sign is working.

Tempting, but did not stop for Hashbrowns topped with Chili

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T20:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Arizona Click for a Merry Christmas to you and your families song

Winter in So Cal

2006-12-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day of winter, so I put the snow chains on my bike and rode 63 miles (out and back) to South Laguna. These pictures were taken for Jim who is locked indoors in Colorado because of snow storms. Enjoy your Mag Trainer, Jim.
Other things to do in the winter at Huntington Beach.View from Crystal Cove north on a clear winter day.Laguna Beach-only the bravest dare to be out in 66 degree weather.'Tis the season . . . for mudslides.Looking for some lunch.Sunset along the San Gabriel River. Taken last night on my ride home from work.Naples Island at sunset.