"HTFU"

Its been a week off the bike until yesterday. I knew I had to get back to logging some time on the bike, and the weather was not gonna stop me. So I got dressed and headed out the door, and it was raining! WTF???? The news said no rain till 1pm. So back in and a slight alteration in jacket and Im out the door. Perhaps shoe covers would have been a good idea. My feet were soaked by the time I met up with Steve in Los Gatos. So we headed out to ride for a few hours. Steve guided us on a great route through Los Gatos, Saratoge, Monte Sereno, and Cupertimo. It was a ride of how the other half lives. Seemed like a who has the biggest and best house tour. So the rained eased up for a while and it was very pleasant. About half way the wind picked up, and the rain was soon to follow. No biggie, its just a riding shower. We continued to zig and zag, up and down through the neighborhoods. It was a fun ride, as I rarely knew where we were, and it seemed as if it was a random 'lets go this way' kinda ride. All I am looking for is time in the saddle this time of year so it was alot of fun.

So 3 hours later we return to Steve's car. He offers me a ride home, but I decline. Im already wet, and I really want some more time and miles in my legs. So off I go, and here comes the real rain. Figures!!! Well its really a unique experience to ride in the pouring rain. I enjoy it alot. So I ventured around in some more hilly neighborhoods. I always enjoy the looks people give when they see you riding in the rain. I was soon back at home. Opened the garage door and rolled in. Now it was time to strip and ring out all the water from my clothes. This is when it starts to get cold. Either way, I always feel a great sense of accomplishment after a ride like today.

So get out there and enjoy mother nature. Oh and stop whinning, its time to "HTFU"!!

Its about time

Well I just harrassed a friend for not blogging(lol) so i decided I had better do the same. Heading up Hwy 9 in about an hour for an after work climb. My climbing has suffered a little since I have been mainly focused on getting faster. I have not been doing much in the way of sustained climbing, so today and this weekend are all about sustained climbs.

Perseverence and pain

Well I started out on a club ride saturday morning. I didnt feel good at all. My breakfast had upset my stomach, but I wanted to make the ride anyway. I was constantly on the verge of puking. My legs felt extremely heavy and weak, but I pushed on. I was dropping back quickly on every climb. Soon I could no longer hang and I dropped furter back but continued to ride solo, thinking Id catch up at a re-group. I guess they never re-grouped because I rode the last 50 miles alone. By mile 35 my body was really beginning to ache badly. I was forced to pull over and take a break a few times as my body just didnt want anymore. I finally made it to a gas station at mile 55 and got a coke and took a short break. That was enough to get me home. Turns out I had a fever and the stomach was still upset. I slept for 3 hours and awoke feeling much better.

Not happy about my ride I decided it was time to get back in the gym. So this morning I got up and went to the gym. Its time to try and strengthen my linguring injuries. My back problems have been plaguing me for a year and a half now. I figure as the seasons begin to change, its time for me to get back to the weights and add some strength to the weaker parts of my body.

I pounded my legs this morning with the weights and will do an hour on the trainer when I get home.

Keep on spinning!

Bike Forums Group Ride

What a fun day on the bike. I had'nt done a group ride in a while and this one was alot of fun. Except getting bit by a yellow jacket. Fortunately I didnt have a reaction and I was able to continue. We had a great turnout, guess about 25. The ride was about 47 miles and 4600ft of climbing. Ride time for me was 2:58, total time was a tad over 4 hours. The one thing I dont like about group rides is the time waiting for regroups, but that just part of it. Thats also why I have been cutting back on the number of group rides I do. Again, it was a great day with a group of fun people that also happen to be great riders.

Sean

Sept 2nd training ride

Todays ride was a nice 2 hour tempo ride, keepint the HR down below 150 was the goal. Well I managed that for the majority of the ride. I couldnt resist a couple of chases, but quickly dropped the HR back under 140. It s been a very hot week and Ive kept the intervals at bay, deciding I was better off doing endurance rides.

Tomorrow is gonna be a fun day, single speed mt biking. Been a long time since Ive been on the dirt.

Why I Blog

I used to post alot on cycling forums. Then I realized that those places are often times just places for others to bash each other for no real reason. It was becoming a place to put others down instead of encourage. Too much negativity has pushed me away to a point. I still browse, but tend not to post a whole lot.

Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club

I joined LGBRC back in July. Its a great club with lots of history. Supportive team mates have helped encourage me to improve. Ive been battling back problems for years, and have been on and off the bike for the past year. Now that that is coming under control I am back to creating a strong base to build on. My goals are simple, improve my riding experience. Climbing, sprinting, speed, and endurance. After my base is set I will move into intense intervals.