Getting ready for Blood, Sweat & Gears.

It has been a pretty good 11 days. I have ridden every day, working on my time in the saddle to get ready for the BSG. With no hills of any kind in the J-ville area, I've had no choice except to get in some long rides and try and get myself ready for 3 - 4 hours of riding and climbing. Nearly 385 miles in the last 11 days, but lots of good miles. I had some interval days and some long saddle days, but every day has had purpose. These last few days have been interval and easy days with just a touch of out-of-the-saddle riding. One more day, but no riding, just a six hour drive ahead of us. Kim and Rachel decided to come with me and provide encouragement. I'll repost after the ride and give update all on my status.

Wish me luck.

Ride On!
-Super Dave

Back to riding.

Well, the week before last was kind of a down week for me, but last week I got back to riding. 160+ miles for the week and some good training rides with Myk & Mike. I almost have the IBike working, but it is still giving me troubles. I think that the cable is somehow broken. Tomorrow I'll get another sensor and see if it works any better. If not, I guess I'll have to buy another power meter for myself.
Anyhow, Larry and I just signed up for Blood, Sweat & Gears in Boone, NC on Saturday 28 June 08. I am happy to be doing this ride, because last time I rode a ride similar to this, I didn't fare so well. This time I hope things turn out differently. I intent to get out to the bridges and do some climbing this week. Maybe Wednesday, Friday & Sunday plus I'll work on some intervals throughout the week. I also have a new bike to climb easier with, the SD1!!!
Obviously, I'll update the blog afterwards and let you know how things went. But I'll probably drop a post or two between now and then for updates on my interval training.
See you all on the flip side.

Ride On!
-Super Dave

FINALLY!!!!

I found a seat for the SD1. I though that I never would. Actually, I just swapped the seat from my Cannondale Synapse. What a difference a seat makes. Last week I tried out two other seats, a Specialized and a Arione ProWing, and neither felt good at all. So I decided to swap bike seats and see if it was the seat or the bike. Well, it wasn't the seat. Now I have to go buy a new seat for one of the bikes. I can get a new white one for the the Jack Kane or a black one for either bike. I'll worry about that later, though. I also just bought the new Shimano 220 shoes and I am trying to get the iBike that Michael let me use to work. I have seriously cut back my riding this last two weeks. Only 130 miles in two weeks as opposed to 140+ miles a week for 5 of the last 6 weeks. I'll get my milage up there. A bunch of the regular roadies are preparing to ride the Peidmont Triad Omnium in mid-July. Three races in three days. A Friday night crit, a Saturday morning road ride and a Sunday Time Trial. I doubt that I'll do the crit, but I am definitely game for the road race & TT. I am hoping to improve on my TT time from Mebane a few months back. 'til next time

Ride On!
-Super Dave

Thank God for small favors.

Luckily, I was at the Cherry Point Triathlon this past Saturday, because on our regular Saturday morning ride there was a pretty bad crash that I am sure I would have been in had I been there. A small group of rides was finishing up a super strong sprint about 20 miles into the ride when, Rowdy had a malfunction and his rear rim just snapped. It caused his tire to blow and with the speed that they were travelling caused him to swing right, then left. He tried to recover, but couldn't and ended up on the ground. The wreck was pretty bad and he ended up with lots of road rash to his right side and unfortunately a broken collarbone. The bike didn't fare to well either. Mostly scratched up on the right side, but also a cracked seatstay. Needless to say, the frame is busted. He also took down another rider, Michael Clay, who ended up with a few bumps and bruises, but made it out without any major damage. I have kept in touch with them both this last week and they are doing fine. Rowdy will end up having surgery on his collarbone some time next week and Michael will take a few more days to fully recover, but we rode today and except for a sore bumm, he's doing OK!
Be careful out there riders! This was a random event and could happen to any one of us.

Ride On!
-Super Dave

After a week in Vegas . . .

. . . I arrived back in NC late Friday night and had to get up early for the Cherry Pt Tri on Saturday. The race started out kinda slow. We stood around a long time waiting for the swim. I was midway thru page 2 and I didn't jump into the pool until 8am. The swim for me was tough, because I didn't get enough reps in the pool, especially this last week, and it showed with my 10+ minute swim for 400 meters. Once out of the pool, my personal race started. After a so-so transition, I jumped on the bike and rode as hard as possible. I was out of the saddle from the start and started passing riders at about 1 mile into the ride. I continued passing riders constantly, until the last 2 miles. Not that I slowed down, there was just no one in sight at that point. The bike course wound through the base for the first 5 miles then turned back onto itself and headed back to the start. There was a headwind going out, but of course a tailwind returning, that I used to my advantage. I'm sure that most people weren't hammering as hard as I was, but I know my cycling/running limitations and I wasn't even close. I had a quick bike to run transition, but I started the run cautiously because I didn't want to burn out. After a few minutes into the runI was passed by someone from one of the relay teams. I started running step for step with him for about 1/2 mile then backed off a little and decided to just keep him in striking distance, just in case I got a surge of energy. Anyway, I ended up keeping a strong, steady run pace fast enough not to get passed again. I finished in a solid 1:03:27. About 3:30 slower than my goal time of 1 hour. I did have a great time and so did the other athletes from Down East Cyclists. I am just sorry that Rachel was sick and didn't get to race. She's the whole reason that I was there, but she didn't get to go.

Still getting ready . . .

. . . for the Cherry Pt Tri. I have a little over a week to go, but I will miss 5 days on the bike next week because of a business trip to Vegas that I have to take. I know it sounds tough, but it has to be done. I have been working hard on all three abilities. I have only taken Sundays off for the past three week. Otherwise I have been swimming, running and/or biking every day. Next week I'll only get to run and hopefully swim some. The pool looks big enough, but it's one of those curvy, wrap-around pools, so we'll have to see. The bike has been good to me, but I am still trying to find a seat for the SD1. Michael has loaned me a few to try out. Whether I find one or not the bike portion is only 10 miles, so like I said last week, I'll be hammering from the get go. No cycling next week but I'll post right after the tri and let everyone know how we did.

Ride On!
-Super Dave

Too long between posts

Yeah, it's been a while since I wrote. 10 day, nearly 200 miles of riding, 15+ miles of running and 700 meters in the pool. That may sound like a lot of milage, but it really didn't feel like that much. I could have and should have done much more, but I have gotten used to sleeping in some days. I'm just glad that I enjoy exercising so much that I still get out and do it. You ask why am I doing this, besides the fact that I enjoy it? My daughter and I are getting ready to do a triathlon at the end of the month, 31 May. This will be her second tri and my, err, latest one, I guess. I'm not exactly sure how may this is. Somewhere around 6 or 7, maybe more. Last summer we did a short tri, 800 meter swim, 6 mile bike and a 2.6 mile run. She was the youngest competitor there and did pretty good. She's an excellant swimmer, but her bike and run requires some work. She hasn't done enough to prepare for this one, but I think she will realize that she has to work more to see better results. On the otherhand, I have prepared more for this tri than any of my previous ones. I don't plan on winning, but I do hope to lead my age-group and finish in under 1 hour. I don't remember the times from last year, but I know who won and I doubt that I can keep up with him. I should have an excellant ride because I'll be riding the Super Dave One (SD1) and it's only 10 miles. I will be pushing to have the fastest ride. I'll let you all know.
Until next time.
Ride On!
-Super Dave

Super Dave One . . .

. . .is on the road now. My very own custom built and custom painted road bike courtesy of Jake Kane at www.kanebikes.com. Check that bad boy out. Isn't that one of the sweetest looking bikes you have ever seen. I know it is one of the best I have ever seen, and it's mine. Complete with Ultegra SL components in the NEW Ice Grey finish. Makes the bike look just a little sweeter. It's an aluminum frame with a carbon seatstay and chainstay, as well as a carbon fork. It's bold blue with polished aluminum tribal designs in the top and down tubes. And, of course, it's got the builders logo embedded throughout the frame. Best of all, it is personalized just for me, Super Dave. It is one extremely awesome bike and it is SUPER FAST.

Thanks for the great looking bike Jack.

What a week of riding

This week turned out to be pretty good and pretty tough. it was raining Monday so we took a much needed day off, plus I was exhuasted from Sunday's race and 6+ hours of driving. Tuesday started off fairly pedestrian but we still had a good four laps at the Golf course, much of it into a steady wind.
Wednesday was the first of a couple of days of seriously hard riding. We headed out to Courthouse Bay with the winds again pushing us around, but this time we pushed back as hard as we could. It was a hard trip out and actually a tough trip back without as much tailwind as we thought we should've had. We managed to average 240+ watts for that hour of riding.
Thursday we again headed over to the golf course, but this time there was only a light breeze and for the most part, at our backs. We did some of the hardest intervals that we have ever tried. We hit the rollers at 22+mph on the first lap, 24+mph on the 2nd and 26+mph on the final two laps. We finished fast enough to put in an extra lap, much easier before heading to Stone St for a strong finish. Unfortunately, my legs were done by the time we hit the final climb.
I had the day off from work Friday, so I got to join the DEC weekday crew on their Friday ride. The day started off good, because I was able to put in nearly 12 miles to get to the ride start. I met up with the 6 regular riders and set off with just a light breeze at our backs. However, after 930 the wind really started blowing and once we made it out to the half way point, the trouble started. There was not an easy mile after that. We all worked as hard as possible pulling and pushing the group to the end. Once we finished the ride, I still had to get home. Thankfully the wind was at my back for most of the ride home. 52+ miles, 18.5mph avg, Not bad for a really windy day.
The best part about Friday was that I picked up my new Jack Kane custom bike. Stay tuned for more to follow on that subject.
Ride On!
-Super Dave

Map My Ride / Fitness Training group

Anyone interested in joining the East Carolina Riders & Runners training group as part of the Down East Cyclists, Map My Ride and local runners in Jacksonville, NC area, go ahead and visit this site.

Join the East Carolina Riders & Runners Training Group

Tell me what you think.

Time Trial at Iron Gate Winery

I have to tell you that the members of Tricyclists put on a GREAT Time Trail. Three of the riders from Down East Cyclist(myself, Larry Morton and Steven Walker) made the drive up to Mebane to race and I, for one, had a great time and an excellant race. I'm sure we all enjoyed ourselves, because we talked about the race and course for an hour afterwards. The race was a bit harder than we expected, but we knew that the lack of hills in the J-ville area would be a decidingly big factor. We all had to work hard from start to finish and I was nearly rewarded for my efforts. I covered the 10.75 mile course in 27:46 and finished 4th in my age group, with Steve just 5 seconds back. Larry started much later than we did, so he had the advantage of being well informed about the course. He had a good ride too, considering that he rode 70+ miles at the Tour de Pickle in Mount Olive the day before.
The race course was awesome and the support staff that they had was super. There were race marshalls at the start and finish and at each corner and they even police support. Thanks to the riders of Tricyclists for the awesome race. I already plan on going back and improving on my time and place.

Being sick SUX!

I spent the first half of the week suffering with a bad sinus cold that had my head pounding. Monday, Tuesday and early morning Wednesday I just felt like crap. I missed a couple of training rides that I needed to get ready for the Time Trial at Iron Gate Winery Sunday. The good news from Tuesday was that Michael loaned me his TT helmet hoping that it helps me out for the ride. Wednesday I finally got back to riding. I did an easy 20 miles with Michael around the golf course. We kept it under 20mph because I still had some breathing issues.
Thursday, I did a solo TT on Lyman Rd. The wind was supposed to be minimal, but it was gusting crosswind and played havoc on my ride. I had to work hard to keep my tempo high and stay relaxed, which was made harder because of the fact that I still had some chest congestion. I did manage to keep rolling and not tighten up and actually had a decent time. 28:11 would have gotten me second place in the DEC Time Trial, last September, easily besting everyone but Patrick.
Friday, I got to do some good spinning on the Colnago, trying to keep the legs from tightening up any. It'll be an easy day on Saturday and then off to the TT Sunday. Steve and Larry should be joining me, and hopefully one of us will be bringing home some hardware. Details later!!!

What a wicked end of week and weekend of riding . . .

. . . but neccessary to get ready for next weeks time trial. I did some sprints on Thursday on the Colnago to get some hard riding in my legs. Friday was a nice hard trip around the Brig trail(MTB). Then after work we all headed down to Michael's for a ride and dinner. The girls did an easy, enjoyable 13 miles , while Michael and I pushed close to 20 miles in and around Hampstead, NC. Followed by an EXCELLANT seminar at Bike Cycle (Wilmington) on Motivation. Rachel learned a lot and hopefully this will help her out with her triathlon training.
Saturday was a hammerfest and I wasn't feeling 100%. About 9 good riders headed out for a strong run to Hubert into a stiff headwind. I lead out the entire route, but the return was too much for me to handle and the last 7 miles I got dropped HARD. Thankfully, I had a little company to assist me. After 1/2 mile or so I made an attempt to bridge the huge gap and got within 50 or so feet before the winds stopped me. After that I was done and I had to limp back on my own, a distant 6th. Took a much needed rest day Sunday and I'll be starting fresh next week.

Ride On!
-Super Dave

Two more days and two tough . . .

. . .rides. Again, the wind continues to blow like mad. The last two days Michael and I decided to take it easy and do a couple of laps at the golf course. Yesterday near the end of the second lap we ran across Chuck Long riding a Lemonds. He rode our last two laps with us and then opted to ride a few on his own. Hope to see him out riding in the future. Today we were blessed with Myk's presence on the ride. We haven't seen him out in a few months and it was good to have him riding again. Looks like with the colder months being left behind more riders will be out there.
Hope to see more riders on the next ride.

Ride On!
-Super Dave

Today's ride was a . . .

. . . tough lunch ride with Michael Clay. I didn't quite make it to the theater when I met Michael. I turned and we rode down to River Rd then through French Creek and out to Sneeds Ferry Rd. Past ASP and down Marine Way until LZ Egret where we turned around and rode the reverse route back. The winds seemed to be blowing from all directions. It was a tough ride out to the LZ and after we turned it was just as tough riding past the ASP. I pushed as hard as I could, trying to keep the pace over 20 mph at 105 rpms. Michael and I both worked hard and put in a great ride. Hopefully the wind will lighten up some time soon and we can enjoy some near windless riding.
Oh well, all we can do is keep riding.
Ride On!
-Super Dave

Riding 5k

Just starting this bike blog and wanted to start on a high note. Today, 10 April 2008 is a significant bike date for me. Today was the day that near the end of a 23 mile lunch ride, with a couple of friends, my bike(computer) and I flipped over 5000 miles together. I've been riding the bike just about every other day for about 14 months(I bought it on 4 Feb 07).

The Bike is a:
CANNONDALE SYNAPSE CARBON SL (17.5 lbs)
A 53/39 Crank & 12 - 25 rear cassette
Ultegra components and a Dura-Ace rear derailleur
Flightdeck 10 Cycling computer

Ride On!
-Super Dave