On the bike

by kos on Jun 13, 2007 6:57 PM EDT

This week I'll easily surpass 100 miles on my bike for the first time in ... forever. I went from being completely unmotivated to ride (it is a time drain, and worse with an infant and toddler at home), to day dreaming about my next ride.

I think there are two factors:

this site. Usually I started paying attention to pro cycling around Giro time, and was fully engaged by the Tour. This was the first year I've ever followed the spring classics, and I think thinking about cycling this early in the year helped rev me up for the road.
more sophisticated training tools. To be blunt, I suck. I wasn't given a single athletic gene. My brother got all of those. I'm a classical trained pianist, a political junky, and computer nerd. None of those needed athletics skills, thankfully. Cycling is the thing I did because I needed to do something as exercise.

Now I have a Garmin 305 with cadence and heart rate monitor. I have a CycleOps Pro 300PT stationary trainer with Power Meter. I've learned the value of a varied training regimen -- climbing, recovery, intervals, etc. Simple things such as learning proper cadence have improved my performance. I'm actually eating much better as well. And while I still don't understand 85% of heart rate and power training techniques, I understand enough that in the last two months alone I may have trained myself into the best cycling shape of my life.

And as sad as that sounds, it's hugely motivational. I feel myself getting better, and I want to do more. I'll never be a good cyclist, but at least I can rise above "embarrassment". Yesterday, I rode with a friend who used to easily toast me on rides, yet he barely edged me out in a sprint to end the ride. It's little things like that.

That means more time on the road, better fitness, better health, better stress control, and hopefully, eventually more energy at home (I'm still pretty wiped after rides). I'm pretty psyched.

So thanks to Chris for the kick ass site and for helping me appreciate the sport much more than before. Not only has the cycling season been more fun, but it's paid off in some pretty tangible ways as I clean up and prep my bike for tomorrow's ride.

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Comments

Well said, kos

I'm middle aged, overweight and get no exercise at all, yet for the past few months I have been thinking alot about getting a bike and getting in a few miles a day, which is all I could probably do at this point. So ditto your point about this site for getting people motivated to get out and ride.

They sell Schwinns at Costco. That would be about my speed right now. ;-)

by bethie on Jun 13, 2007 7:03 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks... and:

If the pros motivate you, and you rely on a trainer for part of your work, you should definitely get your hands on some cycling DVDs to pop in while training, if you don't already! I find that the trainer gets dull a lot quicker watching Seinfeld reruns than watching cycling. Something about seeing guys hammering up La Redoute makes you turn those pedals over faster and faster. Really, the connection is pretty powerful.

Of course, I now have a DVD TV by my trainer, and some 90% of my Cycling stuff is on VHS...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 13, 2007 7:32 PM EDT reply actions

kos - Interesting alias

That's a pretty famous name on the web, and since you say "political junky", I've got to ask...

Would you be Markos Zuniga?

If so, very weird. Two of my daily blog visits colliding.

by johnw on Jun 13, 2007 8:06 PM EDT reply actions

Yup

Except it's "Markos Moulitsas". The Zuniga is a latin thing. It's either "Markos Moulitsas Zuniga", or just "Markos Moulitsas".

by kos on Jun 13, 2007 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Very cool

Sorry about messing up your name.

Love your blog. It's one of my few daily "must reads." Keep up the great work.

by johnw on Jun 13, 2007 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Great post kos

Thanks for the good vibes. I love my bike riding so much. It is the recalibration that makes contemporary life in perspective. Going faster just makes it more interesting and more fun. Keep spinning.

America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jun 13, 2007 8:25 PM EDT reply actions

y'all are killing me

Been off the bike for a couple of weeks now, courtesy of my last time on a bike (well, technically my last *dismount* from a bike . . .). This Sunday was going to be first RFK Crit (after years of watching and shooting it), but that doesn't look like it'll be happening . . .

by Sui Juris on Jun 13, 2007 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

bummer, sorry you fell off

America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jun 13, 2007 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions

check out

the "Tuesday niter A crash" thread on TXBRA:

http://www.txbra.org/forum3/index.asp?page=loader&forumID=15

(I'm not sure exactly what I'm linking to there, but you'll see . . .)

by R Mc on Jun 13, 2007 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I like the helpful post on

the current rates for scrap aluminum . . .

by Sui Juris on Jun 14, 2007 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Nooo!!

I loved that RFK crit! Had one of my better days there, given that the profile fits me. Actually I launched a last-lap attack (since everyone was sitting on our captain's wheel) that failed when I came too fast into one of the 180s. Didn't crash, but I did wait for the pack with my tail tween my legs.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 13, 2007 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions

What I meant

was, get well soon! Hope you don't miss too many other events. Hell, if Vandevelde can start the Tour after his tumble, surely you too can press on!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 13, 2007 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions

That's what I need

more of that "something to prove" motivation . . . (Thanks, all for the kind words.) Going to try to hit Hains Point for lunch to assess, but not a lot of hope.

by Sui Juris on Jun 14, 2007 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

That settles it...

If the mighty kos, kingpin and father of two, can get on the bike, then dammit, so can I. Time to either dust off the old Paletti and upgrade a few components, or spring for an all-new ride. And since I can't afford any of the bikes I really covet, any suggestions on a nice solid setup? Probably a discussion worthy of a new diary...

Team Saddle Soar - Winning isn't everything

by Jimbo... on Jun 14, 2007 12:47 AM EDT reply actions

My experience

Two years ago I was sitting around watching the tour with my daughter (Which is very cool), wondering why I stopped riding. It had been over 10 years since I been on the bike and I was very out of shape. I drove over to my LBS, and walked out with a Trek 2100. I didn't want to over commit, but wanted to get back on the road. I rode by myself for a while, but eventually joined up with a local club.

I went out on my first club ride, and got worked. I was dropped so fast I was seriously questioning whether I should be doing this. I kept at it, and slowly improved. In just 6 months I was able to hang in more, although there was a lot of wheel sucking. I started doing a more aggressive club ride, and again got spanked. But I modified my goals, and kept at it. First goal, hang in to the first climb. Next goal, hang in to the second climb. In about 6 more months I was meeting that second goal, and actually riding at the front to that point in the ride. But there was always the climb up El Camino Real. It hurt, and it was fast. The 2s and 3s would just fly by me as I struggled to get up the hill. That's my current goal, keep up up El Camino. I'm making progress, and if the pace isn't too crazy up the coast, and the big dogs aren't looking to run, I'm right there. Now, I'm completely spent at the top, but a little less each time. But it's taken two years. And I've still got a long way to go.

Next on my plate is the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge. It's a 600 mile over 7 days to raise money for the challenged athlete foundation.

Moral of the story, get out and ride. Two years and 35 pounds later I can't imagine not riding.

Oh yeah, and your spouse has to be very supportive! :)

by johnw on Jun 14, 2007 1:31 PM EDT reply actions

Spouse

It's tough leaving her with the two kids, even for 1-2 hours (and 3 hours for the longer weekend rides). But she's buying the "you want me to live longer, don't you?" card.

I don't think she'd be as supportive if I was running out for a poker game or bowling league.

by kos on Jun 14, 2007 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Or golf (shudder)

"I don't know too many monkeys who could take apart a fuel injector."

by Drew on Jun 14, 2007 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

My ace

is long days. For the next month or so, I can help get the kids to bed and then hit the road. Oh, and the babysitter on Sunday afternoons. Otherwise, I'm dead in the water for this year.

Of course, our #2 is 6 months, so things are getting a little easier for one person to manage for a little while.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 14, 2007 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Sunset

One thing I miss about New England is the long summer days. Because San Diego is so much further south we don't have as much variation in daylight.

What time is sunset in your neck of the woods these days?

by johnw on Jun 14, 2007 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions

In Seattle

sometime between 8:30 and 9. Last summer I'd try to get off the bike by 9:30 in June and July, starts getting a little dicey around then. And to stay out of the parks (dark, wooded roads) after 9. There's a nice little 3' climb up from one of the beaches where you can do reps, but it gets really dark really fast in that thicket of trees.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 14, 2007 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Whoops!

Sunset tonight is 9:08, so I guess it peaks at about 9:20?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 14, 2007 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

with kids

+1 for riding after the kids are in bed. Without daylight savings time most of my training rides are in the dark. Ride the same course you've ridden many times in the daylight so you'll know what to avoid.

I hear so many similar stories of people who start cycling and their improved fitness, and weight loss build momentum. Soon people are fueling their bodies with better foods and enjoying the outdoors and becoming regulars on social rides, etc.

So go kos! Everybody ride. The freedom of self-propelled motion on the open road is incredible.

by driss on Jun 14, 2007 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't forget weekday mornings

I'm lucky that I can swing two weekday morning rides. I've been at my current job 17 years, an ice age in the high tech world. Anyway, I've built up enough goodwill that I can come in late two days a week.

The harder group ride I mentioned earlier leaves every tuesday and thursday at 6:30 AM, sharp. Winter or summer. Gets a little cold in february.

Nice 30 miler with a coffee break at the end.

by johnw on Jun 14, 2007 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

This is useful.

My riding partner (and ex-riding partner) just had a kid, and I'm working hard to make sure I don't end up with two ex-riding partners. I'll artfully suggest the living longer bit.

What? I've got priorities, man!

by Sui Juris on Jun 14, 2007 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes

Combine it with the "otherwise I'll have to take up smoking to keep the weight off" line, and it can't fail.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 14, 2007 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Just keep at it

Progress, whether fast or slow, is still progress.

"I don't know too many monkeys who could take apart a fuel injector."

by Drew on Jun 14, 2007 1:36 PM EDT reply actions

And...

don't forget to suffer!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 14, 2007 1:40 PM EDT reply actions

Well,

I have to say that fortunetly my wife is very supportive. I quit smoking two years ago and have been hammering ever since. As a kid, i watched Lemond and the tour on tv and was totally hooked on the concept, just never made the jump from football and baseball. Now as a thirty fiver trying to hang on to some athleticism, I find cycling great for my body and mind. I entered my first crit this year, and even though i got shelled quickly, i felt great about it.
Go, Kos

by CannonDowell on Jun 14, 2007 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

Early in the A.M.

I try to balance the home life by riding before my daughter gets up at 7:00 during the week. A good chunk of the year I'm starting in the dark, but right about now it's light before 5:00 A.M.

Weekends, I go out during naps or do a quid pro quo with my wife. And if it's a recovery ride, my daugther joins me in the bike seat!

by CJB on Jun 14, 2007 8:25 PM EDT reply actions