May-31:
PUE: wanderings + marina / lunch / PUChRd-Coley-LeesvilleRd-ShadyGr; 81.1 miles, 5hrs, 11min, 15.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 14 rides, 803.1 m.; 50 hrs, 39 min; 15.8 mph.
YTD: 47 rides; 2225.0 m.; 141 hrs, 8 min; 15.8 mph.
Not much go in the legs when I started; esp. upslope. After the legs got warmed up, much better.
I'm counting this as a solo ride even though I did about 2 1/2 miles with Dalton's Tourists early in the ride,and rode from the marina back to PUE with the Tourists. However, I didn't get much help from riding "with" the Tourists as I pulled one guy most of the way up Baptist into the breeze, and had to slow for all the downslopes and some of the flatter stuff.
It got pretty windy, out of the SW, during the post-lunch miles.
During and after the ride, my bottom is somewhat sore, but my legs feel good. I could have ridden another 19 miles to get in a Century. But . . . oh, well.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
May-30: Range Rover
May-30:
PUE: RR-66 + Hester-Blakely-PhiloWhite-Conyers-BG/NL-G-P-MVC; w/ Dntw, PaulS, Mark + Phil, Levi for ~ 46 m., then they finished the "published" RR-66 route; 78.9 miles, 4hrs, 57min, 15.9 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 13 rides, 722.2 m.; 45 hrs, 28 min; 15.9 mph.
YTD: 46 rides; 2143.9 m.; 135 hrs, 55 min; 15.8 mph.
Levi's first ride w/ the Irregulars; he'd only ridden ~ 300 miles previously this year. Aged 31, I expect he will get in shape quickly if he can ride somewhat regularly.
DntW invited Mark to ride; he is strong -- as well as young. Aged not-yet-28.
Where are all these children coming from? Pretty soon I may have to abandon my own ride just to get to something more my "speed" (i.e., "enjoy the scenery").
The last "half" of this ride, i.e., the part after the ~ 45 miles to get to Stem, we may have avg'd 16.9 mph. No wonder my legs are tired.
Excellent riding conditions. Felt relatively cool, even during the "homestretch" back to PUE. Wind was almost nil early on, and later, when in our faces headed S and SW to get back to PUE, PaulS (and DntW) did most of the work blocking the wind. Very good ride.
My longest ride of the year. I wimped out of trying to sneak in another 20 miles to make a 100-miler, though. WIMP !
May-2009 is now my record mileage month.
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Addendum:
Late in the afternoon, I crossed paths with Levi in the Kroger. He looked very clean and fresh. He told me it took a fair bit out of him to get back to PUE, and that riding 65 miles is nothing like riding 35 miles. Maybe Iva can give Levi some insights.
PUE: RR-66 + Hester-Blakely-PhiloWhite-Conyers-BG/NL-G-P-MVC; w/ Dntw, PaulS, Mark + Phil, Levi for ~ 46 m., then they finished the "published" RR-66 route; 78.9 miles, 4hrs, 57min, 15.9 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 13 rides, 722.2 m.; 45 hrs, 28 min; 15.9 mph.
YTD: 46 rides; 2143.9 m.; 135 hrs, 55 min; 15.8 mph.
Levi's first ride w/ the Irregulars; he'd only ridden ~ 300 miles previously this year. Aged 31, I expect he will get in shape quickly if he can ride somewhat regularly.
DntW invited Mark to ride; he is strong -- as well as young. Aged not-yet-28.
Where are all these children coming from? Pretty soon I may have to abandon my own ride just to get to something more my "speed" (i.e., "enjoy the scenery").
The last "half" of this ride, i.e., the part after the ~ 45 miles to get to Stem, we may have avg'd 16.9 mph. No wonder my legs are tired.
Excellent riding conditions. Felt relatively cool, even during the "homestretch" back to PUE. Wind was almost nil early on, and later, when in our faces headed S and SW to get back to PUE, PaulS (and DntW) did most of the work blocking the wind. Very good ride.
My longest ride of the year. I wimped out of trying to sneak in another 20 miles to make a 100-miler, though. WIMP !
May-2009 is now my record mileage month.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addendum:
Late in the afternoon, I crossed paths with Levi in the Kroger. He looked very clean and fresh. He told me it took a fair bit out of him to get back to PUE, and that riding 65 miles is nothing like riding 35 miles. Maybe Iva can give Levi some insights.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Good Grief!
I just checked my records, and although this is laughable compared to many, with only another 13.2 miles this month, I will set a PR for most miles ridden in a month, breaking the record set last month.
May-25
May-25:
BJP: Coley-ShadyGrove loop-Coley-DocN-Kemp-Virgil; 46.6 m.; est 1757 ft climbed --> effort index = 64; 2hrs, 49min; 16.5 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 12 rides, 643.3 m.; 40 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
YTD: 45 rides; 2065.0 m.; 130 hrs, 58 min; 15.8 mph.
Legs were much restored. However, I started even slower than usual, avg'ing only 14.8 mph after 9.75 miles when I turned off Carpenter Pond onto Coley. By the bottom of Coley, I had found some zip in the legs, and aided by the terrain and the breeze, was avg'ing 15.5 mph. Managed to hold onto 15.4 mph by the time I got back to Carpenter Pond -- I judged that pretty good.
By the time I completed the approx 2.7 mile "Shady Grove loop" and returned to the top of Coley, the average was at 15.7 mph. Down Coley and back up, the avg up to 16.0 mph.
Across Carpenter Pond and Leesville into the breeze at a good clip, then down Doc Nichols with gusto. NC-98 and Kemp in style. And then . . . and then . . . up the 2.37 miles of Virgil in what is likely a PR of 8:24 --> which suggests an avg upslope speed of 16.9 mph. I know I was shocked that I still was holding onto 16.1 or 16.2 mph when I got the top of Virgil.
Heading for home on Carpenter Pond at first things were going well. Then one of the local thunder showers go me. Light rain transitioned to heavier rain. I could barely see through my fogged up and rain drop splattered goggles. I kept the goggles on because at least no rain drops were hitting directly into my eyes. I had to pull back on the "ferocity" of my attack given the rain, the rivers of water running down the road, and the fact that I could barely see where I was going. I had slowed considerably as I approached NC-50, and it was a good thing I had, because with WET rims and WET pads, I had almost no brakes. Luckily there was almost no car traffic. The last major concern were the two small, but strategically placed holes on the descent on Mt Vernon Ch Rd, near the bridge. It is well that I know that stretch of road by heart because I was navigating the bike by reference to the white fog line and the center double-yellow lines. I never did see the two little holes, but I sailed past.
Upon reaching PUE, the rain stopped. And about a mile later, the road was bone dry.
I am confident that without the rain that I could have found another tenth or two for the overall ride average. Oh, well, at least I proved I still had snap in the legs and that some serious hill riding (preceeded by a mostly sleepless, tossing-and-turning night) would only bother my riding for a day or so.
BJP: Coley-ShadyGrove loop-Coley-DocN-Kemp-Virgil; 46.6 m.; est 1757 ft climbed --> effort index = 64; 2hrs, 49min; 16.5 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 12 rides, 643.3 m.; 40 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
YTD: 45 rides; 2065.0 m.; 130 hrs, 58 min; 15.8 mph.
Legs were much restored. However, I started even slower than usual, avg'ing only 14.8 mph after 9.75 miles when I turned off Carpenter Pond onto Coley. By the bottom of Coley, I had found some zip in the legs, and aided by the terrain and the breeze, was avg'ing 15.5 mph. Managed to hold onto 15.4 mph by the time I got back to Carpenter Pond -- I judged that pretty good.
By the time I completed the approx 2.7 mile "Shady Grove loop" and returned to the top of Coley, the average was at 15.7 mph. Down Coley and back up, the avg up to 16.0 mph.
Across Carpenter Pond and Leesville into the breeze at a good clip, then down Doc Nichols with gusto. NC-98 and Kemp in style. And then . . . and then . . . up the 2.37 miles of Virgil in what is likely a PR of 8:24 --> which suggests an avg upslope speed of 16.9 mph. I know I was shocked that I still was holding onto 16.1 or 16.2 mph when I got the top of Virgil.
Heading for home on Carpenter Pond at first things were going well. Then one of the local thunder showers go me. Light rain transitioned to heavier rain. I could barely see through my fogged up and rain drop splattered goggles. I kept the goggles on because at least no rain drops were hitting directly into my eyes. I had to pull back on the "ferocity" of my attack given the rain, the rivers of water running down the road, and the fact that I could barely see where I was going. I had slowed considerably as I approached NC-50, and it was a good thing I had, because with WET rims and WET pads, I had almost no brakes. Luckily there was almost no car traffic. The last major concern were the two small, but strategically placed holes on the descent on Mt Vernon Ch Rd, near the bridge. It is well that I know that stretch of road by heart because I was navigating the bike by reference to the white fog line and the center double-yellow lines. I never did see the two little holes, but I sailed past.
Upon reaching PUE, the rain stopped. And about a mile later, the road was bone dry.
I am confident that without the rain that I could have found another tenth or two for the overall ride average. Oh, well, at least I proved I still had snap in the legs and that some serious hill riding (preceeded by a mostly sleepless, tossing-and-turning night) would only bother my riding for a day or so.
May-24
May-24:
PUE: 1) lake loop + a bit extra + 2) PUChRd + DocN-Kemp-Virgil; 68.0 miles, 4hrs, 30min, 15.1 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 11 rides, 596.7 m.; 37 hrs, 42 min; xx.x mph.
YTD: 44 rides; 2018.4 m.; 128 hrs, 9 min; xx.x mph.
Legs were tired and it took a bit to convince myself to get on the bike and start riding. At ~8:30, finally started a lake loop (+ a bit extra as I cam back to the car after ~0.4 miles to make sure I'd locked it): 39.2 miles in 2hrs, 37 min. A bit of lunch, and then ~noon, startedPUChRd + DocN-Kemp-Virgil (the "TT" route): 28.8 miles in 1hr, 53min.
In addition to my tired legs, I was a bit concerned about possible thunder storms that might pop up during a sceond lake loop, so I shortened the second "half" of the ride to the "TT" route. But really, it was the very tired legs. At least the "second half" was faster than the "first half" - though that is likely do to the route being, on average, easier than a lake loop with a Ghoston-Peed-MVC finish.
Despite the very tired legs, Ghoston did seem almost a sinecure compared to the hills between Pilot, Sauartown, and Hanging Rock, and the HR climb from a day earlier. And, I almost thought I was on the wrong road, the steep part of Peed Rd looked FLAT. What a difference a trip to even small mountains can make.
PUE: 1) lake loop + a bit extra + 2) PUChRd + DocN-Kemp-Virgil; 68.0 miles, 4hrs, 30min, 15.1 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 11 rides, 596.7 m.; 37 hrs, 42 min; xx.x mph.
YTD: 44 rides; 2018.4 m.; 128 hrs, 9 min; xx.x mph.
Legs were tired and it took a bit to convince myself to get on the bike and start riding. At ~8:30, finally started a lake loop (+ a bit extra as I cam back to the car after ~0.4 miles to make sure I'd locked it): 39.2 miles in 2hrs, 37 min. A bit of lunch, and then ~noon, startedPUChRd + DocN-Kemp-Virgil (the "TT" route): 28.8 miles in 1hr, 53min.
In addition to my tired legs, I was a bit concerned about possible thunder storms that might pop up during a sceond lake loop, so I shortened the second "half" of the ride to the "TT" route. But really, it was the very tired legs. At least the "second half" was faster than the "first half" - though that is likely do to the route being, on average, easier than a lake loop with a Ghoston-Peed-MVC finish.
Despite the very tired legs, Ghoston did seem almost a sinecure compared to the hills between Pilot, Sauartown, and Hanging Rock, and the HR climb from a day earlier. And, I almost thought I was on the wrong road, the steep part of Peed Rd looked FLAT. What a difference a trip to even small mountains can make.
May-23: Lt. Daaave's 3 hump ride
May-23:
Hanging Rock: to Pilot Mtn, to Sauartown, return to Hanging Rock; me + 5 "Irregulars", 5 ProgressEnergyCrew, 7 LeeB crew; 40.8 miles, 2hrs, 59min, 13.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 10 rides, 528.7 m.; 33 hrs, 12 min; xx.x mph.
YTD: 43 rides; 1950.4 m.; 123 hrs, 39 min; xx.x mph.
"Irregulars" crew: DntW, Duke, Iva, PaulS, Phil, me.
Had never met any of the ProgressEnergyCrew (although I know where one lives).
Had never met any of the LeeB crew.
First, for the "interesting" / nearly humorous stuff:
It seemed I had good legs on the way from Hanging Rock to the bottom of Pilot Mtn, but that may have been more due tot he relatively easy course and/or tailwind. The wait at the bottom of Pilot for those doing the climb (I had figured on 1/2 an hour or so) turned out to be quite a bit longer. At first because some who likely would have been better off saving their legs for Sauartown decided to do Pilot, but not being ready to start until at least 15 minutes after the initial climbers had started, and being likely to take 1/2 an hour just to make the climb, lengthened the wait to a probable 45 minutes. Then, the wait got longer because Paul of Norwood Rd was unlucky enough to shred his front tire on the descent, and . . . the wait for ambulance and the return of non-injured riders ensued. The total wait / stoppage time turned out to be more like an hour-and-a-half. After the restart, with the increase in the "hilliness", I had no legs.
As our "tail-ender" group of Paul of Norwood friends, the Duke, me, and DntW (organizer of the ride) made its way towards Sauartown, it became clear that I was the only one considering doing Sauartown. After I told Dave that I had no legs, we skipped the approach to Sauartown, shorted the ride, and headed more directly back toward Hanging Rock.
For awhile, I started to get some legs again, being able to climb Mickey Rd well enough that I passed both the Duke and Dave. However, my climb up HR was no fun. Last month, I had climbed with cadence and zip in the legs. This time, no zip, no cadence, just slow, not-quite-methodical rolling over of the pedals. I had to stop once on the HR climb to let an ambulance pass (they had given me a blast of horn or siren indicating their desire that I halt my motion); I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was able to resume my 6 mph "assault" within only a few pedal strokes. Later, on one of the steeper sections I was getting awfully wobbly at 4.0 mph; I decided to get off the bike and walk for a bit; walking 2.2 mph was easier than the riding and not that much slower; the incline softened and soon I was walking 3.5 mph; I got back on the bike (having covered 0.17 miles on foot) and finished the climb.
Since our "tail-ender" group had shorted the ride, and since the Duke had stopped riding just before the entrance to HR Park, and Dave and the 3 remaining ProgressEnergyCrew took a refreshment break just inside the Park entrance, I was first back to the parking lot. My "reward" for that was that I got to break the bad news about Paul of Norwood to the waiting wives. Luckily, the 3 ProgressEnergy guys arrived after a few minutes and were able to provide a more complete report.
At the time this is being written, the latest report is that Paul of Norwood did NOT fracture his collar bone, but only suffered a dislocated shoulder. That is good news. All the same, his accident did take the bloom off the ride.
And my second trip to "mountains" I have to judge a bit of a failure because I wimped out of doing Sauartown and had to walk part of Hanging Rock. I will also note, that although the ride was not "mine", and I was not "worried" about Paul of Norwood (because what could I do, what could I accomplish by worrying), I was concerned when the news of his fall was reported to those of us waiting at the bottom of Pilot.
Oh, one further thing: thanks to PaulS for "defending" the honor of the Irregulars and taking the KOM points on both Pilot and Sauartown. As noted above, the KOM for Hanging Rock was neutralized.
Oh, oh. One absolutely last thing. PaulS told me that he thought DntW was not in position to see, so I just want to make sure that Dave knows who took the CL points as we neared Pilot. It wasn't Dave. It wasn't Phil. It wasn't PaulS. Sometimes there are advantages to having a downslope gravity advantage: such as when you look up and see that you are clear of the group for the unexpected CL.
Hanging Rock: to Pilot Mtn, to Sauartown, return to Hanging Rock; me + 5 "Irregulars", 5 ProgressEnergyCrew, 7 LeeB crew; 40.8 miles, 2hrs, 59min, 13.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 10 rides, 528.7 m.; 33 hrs, 12 min; xx.x mph.
YTD: 43 rides; 1950.4 m.; 123 hrs, 39 min; xx.x mph.
"Irregulars" crew: DntW, Duke, Iva, PaulS, Phil, me.
Had never met any of the ProgressEnergyCrew (although I know where one lives).
Had never met any of the LeeB crew.
First, for the "interesting" / nearly humorous stuff:
- A couple days before the ride, Iva asked my opinion of when to leave Saturday morning. How would I know? I've never driven there. It's not my ride. I directed him to the materials prepared by DntW.
- During the drive to Hanging Rock, PaulS called my cell phone to ask why we were going around the south side of Greensboro if we were headed for a place somewhere north of Winston-Salem. I didn't feel the vibration of my phone tucked away in my pocket. But, how would I know? I've never driven there. It's not my ride. And I was sure that DntW would get to Hanging Rock. And I was riding in Phil's vehicle, and he knew several ways to get to HR, having driven there more than once himself. But I didn't realize that PaulS had called, and I wasn't worried, it wasn't my ride.
- DntW led the 18-strong group down the hill to the park entrance. Iva was in fourth position, I was in fifth. I saw the second and third riders turn left just after the park gate; apparently Iva did not. He continued blythely on his wrong-way. Luckily, shouts from several of us got his attention. I had decided I was not going to chase him farther down that hill. It wasn't my ride and I wasn't worried.
- Later, getting close to Pilot Mtn, I started letting the front group drop off my front. After all, I was comfortable with my pace and DntW was behind me and so was Phil; the ride and cue sheet were DntW's and I knew that Phil also knew at least one way to get to the bottom of Pilot. As I noted, I was dropping the front group off my front, when whoosh . . . there went Iva bridging to the front group. . . . . . . Just in time to be with the front group when they missed the turn onto Bowen Rd. Second wrong-way for Iva.
- A couple minutes later I hear coming from well behind "Mawten." "Mawten." "Wrong-way." "MAWTEN, wrong-way." Before I actually comprehended what was being shouted, I heard DntW mutter "I made the cue sheet, I know whether this is the wrong way or not." A few moments later, a not-even breathing hard PaulS catches up and starts to tell DntW, Phil and me that we are going the wrong way. But DntW told him that WE were on the cue-sheeted course, but that the other road would also get the front group to Pilot, but their route would just be a bit longer than ours. I hadn't been worried. I was with the ride leader, DntW; Irregulars rule #3 comes in handy, you know. And Phil also mostly knew his way about.
- Due to events described below, I was not with Iva on his return journey from Pilot via Sauartown to Hanging Rock. But apparently Iva took the boogie prize for the day by later turning the wrong-way for the third time. Lucky for Iva that Frank is already christened "Wrong-Way".
It seemed I had good legs on the way from Hanging Rock to the bottom of Pilot Mtn, but that may have been more due tot he relatively easy course and/or tailwind. The wait at the bottom of Pilot for those doing the climb (I had figured on 1/2 an hour or so) turned out to be quite a bit longer. At first because some who likely would have been better off saving their legs for Sauartown decided to do Pilot, but not being ready to start until at least 15 minutes after the initial climbers had started, and being likely to take 1/2 an hour just to make the climb, lengthened the wait to a probable 45 minutes. Then, the wait got longer because Paul of Norwood Rd was unlucky enough to shred his front tire on the descent, and . . . the wait for ambulance and the return of non-injured riders ensued. The total wait / stoppage time turned out to be more like an hour-and-a-half. After the restart, with the increase in the "hilliness", I had no legs.
As our "tail-ender" group of Paul of Norwood friends, the Duke, me, and DntW (organizer of the ride) made its way towards Sauartown, it became clear that I was the only one considering doing Sauartown. After I told Dave that I had no legs, we skipped the approach to Sauartown, shorted the ride, and headed more directly back toward Hanging Rock.
For awhile, I started to get some legs again, being able to climb Mickey Rd well enough that I passed both the Duke and Dave. However, my climb up HR was no fun. Last month, I had climbed with cadence and zip in the legs. This time, no zip, no cadence, just slow, not-quite-methodical rolling over of the pedals. I had to stop once on the HR climb to let an ambulance pass (they had given me a blast of horn or siren indicating their desire that I halt my motion); I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was able to resume my 6 mph "assault" within only a few pedal strokes. Later, on one of the steeper sections I was getting awfully wobbly at 4.0 mph; I decided to get off the bike and walk for a bit; walking 2.2 mph was easier than the riding and not that much slower; the incline softened and soon I was walking 3.5 mph; I got back on the bike (having covered 0.17 miles on foot) and finished the climb.
Since our "tail-ender" group had shorted the ride, and since the Duke had stopped riding just before the entrance to HR Park, and Dave and the 3 remaining ProgressEnergyCrew took a refreshment break just inside the Park entrance, I was first back to the parking lot. My "reward" for that was that I got to break the bad news about Paul of Norwood to the waiting wives. Luckily, the 3 ProgressEnergy guys arrived after a few minutes and were able to provide a more complete report.
At the time this is being written, the latest report is that Paul of Norwood did NOT fracture his collar bone, but only suffered a dislocated shoulder. That is good news. All the same, his accident did take the bloom off the ride.
And my second trip to "mountains" I have to judge a bit of a failure because I wimped out of doing Sauartown and had to walk part of Hanging Rock. I will also note, that although the ride was not "mine", and I was not "worried" about Paul of Norwood (because what could I do, what could I accomplish by worrying), I was concerned when the news of his fall was reported to those of us waiting at the bottom of Pilot.
Oh, one further thing: thanks to PaulS for "defending" the honor of the Irregulars and taking the KOM points on both Pilot and Sauartown. As noted above, the KOM for Hanging Rock was neutralized.
Oh, oh. One absolutely last thing. PaulS told me that he thought DntW was not in position to see, so I just want to make sure that Dave knows who took the CL points as we neared Pilot. It wasn't Dave. It wasn't Phil. It wasn't PaulS. Sometimes there are advantages to having a downslope gravity advantage: such as when you look up and see that you are clear of the group for the unexpected CL.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May-20: Y'ville to M'burg 'n back
May-20:
Y'ville: Middleburg and back; 70.0 m.; est 2681 ft climbed ---> effort index = 96; 4hrs, 15min; 16.4 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 9 rides, 487.9 m.; 30 hrs, 13 min; 16.1 mph.
YTD: 42 rides; 1909.6 m.; 120 hrs, 40 min; 15.8 mph.
Actually went slightly beyond Middleburg to Bike Route #1.
2hrs, 13min for 15.7 mph outbound(northbound). 2hrs, 2min for 17.1 mph inbound (southbound). 4hrs, 15min of in-motion time; 4 hrs, 26min elapsed clock time. 1 minute stretch right leg and drink break at 35.0 miles. 6 minutes for a pee / mix more koolaid break at 51.2 miles. The rest of the "downtime" came from stop signs and several stops behind a school bus letting off children.
Legs felt to be on verge of cramping after ride. Hope I haven't ruined my legs for this weekend mtn ride.
The weather conditions were great! Not a cloud in the sky. Not too warm, not too cool. Not humid. When I turned around @ Middleburg. I saw a line of clouds well to the south-southwest - so far to the south that the sun was still shining in Youngsville when I got back there, and the clouds seemed to still be well to the south. It was a very pretty day up around Middleburg, riding back south, down into several valley / creek crossings.
Y'ville: Middleburg and back; 70.0 m.; est 2681 ft climbed ---> effort index = 96; 4hrs, 15min; 16.4 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 9 rides, 487.9 m.; 30 hrs, 13 min; 16.1 mph.
YTD: 42 rides; 1909.6 m.; 120 hrs, 40 min; 15.8 mph.
Actually went slightly beyond Middleburg to Bike Route #1.
2hrs, 13min for 15.7 mph outbound(northbound). 2hrs, 2min for 17.1 mph inbound (southbound). 4hrs, 15min of in-motion time; 4 hrs, 26min elapsed clock time. 1 minute stretch right leg and drink break at 35.0 miles. 6 minutes for a pee / mix more koolaid break at 51.2 miles. The rest of the "downtime" came from stop signs and several stops behind a school bus letting off children.
Legs felt to be on verge of cramping after ride. Hope I haven't ruined my legs for this weekend mtn ride.
The weather conditions were great! Not a cloud in the sky. Not too warm, not too cool. Not humid. When I turned around @ Middleburg. I saw a line of clouds well to the south-southwest - so far to the south that the sun was still shining in Youngsville when I got back there, and the clouds seemed to still be well to the south. It was a very pretty day up around Middleburg, riding back south, down into several valley / creek crossings.
Lynn: Brasstown & Mt. Mitchell
So that I will be able to refresh my memory in the future:
Saturday, May-16, Lynn did the Brasstown Bald ride in Georgia, with her friend Mike from the x-country trip.
http://www.brasstownbaldbustercentury.com/
http://www.brasstownbaldbustercentury.com/2009Results.htm
See the 15th finisher.
Lynn said her cycle computer had ~ 6 hrs, 18 min of in-motion riding.
Mike finished 14th.
That was Saturday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, May-18, she & Mike did Mt. Mitchell.
Started in the 6:35 am wave.
Lynn said the big clock at the finish showed 6 hrs, 48 min --> adjust for wave --> 6 hrs, 43 min.
I think Lynn's "finish picture" shows 6:48:21 on the big clock.
She also said that her cycle computer showed about 6 hrs, 35 min of ride time.
Mike finished just a bit ahead of her.
Apparently neither Lynn nor Mike turned their chip-timiing devices back in. Does that mean that they will not be recognized by the FreeWheelers as having completed the ride?
Saturday, May-16, Lynn did the Brasstown Bald ride in Georgia, with her friend Mike from the x-country trip.
http://www.brasstownbaldbustercentury.com/
http://www.brasstownbaldbustercentury.com/2009Results.htm
See the 15th finisher.
Lynn said her cycle computer had ~ 6 hrs, 18 min of in-motion riding.
Mike finished 14th.
That was Saturday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, May-18, she & Mike did Mt. Mitchell.
Started in the 6:35 am wave.
Lynn said the big clock at the finish showed 6 hrs, 48 min --> adjust for wave --> 6 hrs, 43 min.
I think Lynn's "finish picture" shows 6:48:21 on the big clock.
She also said that her cycle computer showed about 6 hrs, 35 min of ride time.
Mike finished just a bit ahead of her.
Apparently neither Lynn nor Mike turned their chip-timiing devices back in. Does that mean that they will not be recognized by the FreeWheelers as having completed the ride?
Saturday, May 16, 2009
May-16: Y'ville-Franklinton w/ Heath
May-16:
PUE: 6F/NL-W'lief-MangumDairy-BoldRunHill-CampKanata-Holden thru Youngsville-CedarCreek to Franklinton-Cheatham/Pokomoke-GordonMoore-Suitt/Evans-Evans/OldFranklintonRd-Suitt'sStore-Wayside-BG/NL-G-P-MVC; w/ Heath; 55.7 m.; est 3087 ft climbed ---> effort = 86; 3hrs, 27min; 16.1 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 8 rides, 417.9 m.; 25 hrs, 57 min; 16.1 mph.
YTD: 41 rides; 1839.6 m.; 116 hrs, 25 min; 15.8 mph.
Heath said he wanted ~ 3 hours of riding, so I took him on the Youngsville - Franklinton route, with some early extras.
Woodlief & Bold Run Hill instead of just NL/BG all the way to Graham Sherron. He had said he needed hill work.
On the way back, just as we finished the longest hill on Pokomoke Rd, Heath tells me that he remembers this road and there is a big hill coming up. I told him that I didn't ride that section a lot, but I was pretty sure we had just climbed it. He was still sure another big climb was coming. I wonder if he would have believed me if I had told him I had ridden that section with PaulN just 13 days earlier?
Anyway, as we approached the Pokomoke / Gordon Moore corner, Heath once again said something about big hills near there. So I suggested, that if he was intent on some more good hills, we turn right onto Gordon Moore and then left onto Suitt Rd.
"Do you know a way back if we take that road?" Heath asked.
Rolling my eyes, I said, "Heath, think who you are talking to."
"Oh, yeah," says Heath.
A couple tougher climbs than we would have otherwise encountered on the way home. But I didn't take him out to do Flat Rock Rd. I could have. He didn't know where he was. And even if he had gotten suspicious and turned on his I-phone, he probably still would have been confused.
Back on Bruce Garner, I eventually had to pass Heath and drag the pace back up to something respectable. (Made me think I was riding with Harvey a couple years ago.) Ghoston-Peed-MVC made for a nice finish to the ride.
Final stats: 55.7 mile in 3hrs, 27 min --> 16.1 mph (the avg was 16.3 at the bottom of Ghoston).
The previous was consistent with an expressed evil "throw Harvey off the scent" plan of Heath's.
However, I can be evil, too. Here's the real report.
From the first pedal stroke, it seemed that Heath was in a hurry. He had said he wanted ~ 3 hours of riding with some hills, so I took him on the Youngsville - Franklinton route, with some early extras. The early extras were Woodlief & Bold Run Hill instead of just NL/BG all the way to Graham Sherron.
Every flat, every uphill, I was "dropping him off the front." ;-/
Coming out of Franklinton headed back to PUE, there are three rollers on Pokomoke Rd. That section causes wilting in the hot summer sun; with the mist --> drizzle --> sprinkle --> light rain --> it suddenly stopped leaving just wet roads, it wasn't wilting, but the first roller always "gets" me, but it didn't "get" Heath. Rushmore pulled further ahead on the second hill. He let up on the third climb, the long one, just to let me get close enough for Heath to tell me that he remembered this road and there is a big hill coming up. I told him that I didn't ride that section a lot, but I was pretty sure we had just climbed it. He was still sure another big climb was coming. I wonder if he would have believed me if I had told him I had ridden that section with Paul Nevill just 13 days earlier?
Anyway, as we approached the Pokomoke / Gordon Moore corner, Heath once again said something about big hills near there. So I suggested, that if he was intent on some more good hills, we turn right onto Gordon Moore and then left onto Suitt Rd.
"Do you know a way back if we take that road?" Heath asked.
Rolling my eyes, I said, "Heath, think who you are talking to."
"Oh, yeah," says Heath.
A couple tougher climbs than we would have otherwise encountered on the way home. But I didn't take him out to do Flat Rock Rd. I could have. He didn't know where he was. And even if he had gotten suspicious and turned on his I-phone, he probably still would have been confused.
Back on Bruce Garner, Rushmore once again left me behind, but after a mile or so he slowed, when I caught up, I gave no quarter, passed, and dragged the pace back up thinking I would just "push on" all the way to the bottom of Ghoston. After following for about a mile, Rushmore zipped around me and once again nearly disappeared over the horizon. He waited for me at the bottom of Ghoston, and then once again zoomed ahead, this time UP Ghoston. That was essentially repeated on Peed and MVC.
Rushmore has gotten into too good a shape for me to hang on. Next time, a more confusing course, I think.
PUE: 6F/NL-W'lief-MangumDairy-BoldRunHill-CampKanata-Holden thru Youngsville-CedarCreek to Franklinton-Cheatham/Pokomoke-GordonMoore-Suitt/Evans-Evans/OldFranklintonRd-Suitt'sStore-Wayside-BG/NL-G-P-MVC; w/ Heath; 55.7 m.; est 3087 ft climbed ---> effort = 86; 3hrs, 27min; 16.1 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 8 rides, 417.9 m.; 25 hrs, 57 min; 16.1 mph.
YTD: 41 rides; 1839.6 m.; 116 hrs, 25 min; 15.8 mph.
Heath said he wanted ~ 3 hours of riding, so I took him on the Youngsville - Franklinton route, with some early extras.
Woodlief & Bold Run Hill instead of just NL/BG all the way to Graham Sherron. He had said he needed hill work.
On the way back, just as we finished the longest hill on Pokomoke Rd, Heath tells me that he remembers this road and there is a big hill coming up. I told him that I didn't ride that section a lot, but I was pretty sure we had just climbed it. He was still sure another big climb was coming. I wonder if he would have believed me if I had told him I had ridden that section with PaulN just 13 days earlier?
Anyway, as we approached the Pokomoke / Gordon Moore corner, Heath once again said something about big hills near there. So I suggested, that if he was intent on some more good hills, we turn right onto Gordon Moore and then left onto Suitt Rd.
"Do you know a way back if we take that road?" Heath asked.
Rolling my eyes, I said, "Heath, think who you are talking to."
"Oh, yeah," says Heath.
A couple tougher climbs than we would have otherwise encountered on the way home. But I didn't take him out to do Flat Rock Rd. I could have. He didn't know where he was. And even if he had gotten suspicious and turned on his I-phone, he probably still would have been confused.
Back on Bruce Garner, I eventually had to pass Heath and drag the pace back up to something respectable. (Made me think I was riding with Harvey a couple years ago.) Ghoston-Peed-MVC made for a nice finish to the ride.
Final stats: 55.7 mile in 3hrs, 27 min --> 16.1 mph (the avg was 16.3 at the bottom of Ghoston).
The previous was consistent with an expressed evil "throw Harvey off the scent" plan of Heath's.
However, I can be evil, too. Here's the real report.
From the first pedal stroke, it seemed that Heath was in a hurry. He had said he wanted ~ 3 hours of riding with some hills, so I took him on the Youngsville - Franklinton route, with some early extras. The early extras were Woodlief & Bold Run Hill instead of just NL/BG all the way to Graham Sherron.
Every flat, every uphill, I was "dropping him off the front." ;-/
Coming out of Franklinton headed back to PUE, there are three rollers on Pokomoke Rd. That section causes wilting in the hot summer sun; with the mist --> drizzle --> sprinkle --> light rain --> it suddenly stopped leaving just wet roads, it wasn't wilting, but the first roller always "gets" me, but it didn't "get" Heath. Rushmore pulled further ahead on the second hill. He let up on the third climb, the long one, just to let me get close enough for Heath to tell me that he remembered this road and there is a big hill coming up. I told him that I didn't ride that section a lot, but I was pretty sure we had just climbed it. He was still sure another big climb was coming. I wonder if he would have believed me if I had told him I had ridden that section with Paul Nevill just 13 days earlier?
Anyway, as we approached the Pokomoke / Gordon Moore corner, Heath once again said something about big hills near there. So I suggested, that if he was intent on some more good hills, we turn right onto Gordon Moore and then left onto Suitt Rd.
"Do you know a way back if we take that road?" Heath asked.
Rolling my eyes, I said, "Heath, think who you are talking to."
"Oh, yeah," says Heath.
A couple tougher climbs than we would have otherwise encountered on the way home. But I didn't take him out to do Flat Rock Rd. I could have. He didn't know where he was. And even if he had gotten suspicious and turned on his I-phone, he probably still would have been confused.
Back on Bruce Garner, Rushmore once again left me behind, but after a mile or so he slowed, when I caught up, I gave no quarter, passed, and dragged the pace back up thinking I would just "push on" all the way to the bottom of Ghoston. After following for about a mile, Rushmore zipped around me and once again nearly disappeared over the horizon. He waited for me at the bottom of Ghoston, and then once again zoomed ahead, this time UP Ghoston. That was essentially repeated on Peed and MVC.
Rushmore has gotten into too good a shape for me to hang on. Next time, a more confusing course, I think.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
May-13: Bike Route 2 east from Y'ville
May-13:
Youngsville: BR #2 to Hornes Church - BR #7 for LT 1 mile - return via BR #2; ESE breeze / wind; 70.3 m.; est 1722 ft climbed ---> effort index = 87; 4hrs, 14min; 16.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 7 rides, 362.2 m.; 22 hrs, 30 min; 16.1 mph.
YTD: 40 rides; 1783.9 m.; 112 hrs, 58 min; 15.8 mph.
Given the ESE headwind on the outbound (eastbound) leg, I soft-pedaled most of the outbound with the intent to push on the homeward bound leg. A "banana" break @ Hornes Ch @ 34.75 miles in 2hrs, 17min --> I'd avg'd ~ 15.2 mph soft-pedaling into the wind. (744 ft "climbed" outbound)
I thought I would get more help from the tailwind on the way back; it frequently felt like a quartering headwind, but that was probably just the "apparent wind". The little loop at the turn-around meant that I had 35.55 homeward (westward) bound miles in 1hr, 57min --> I avg'd ~ 18.2 mph coming back. I was able to "push"most of the way back, but had to back off a few times to recover. The legs were screaming much of the last half of the way back; when it got to be too much, soft-pedaled for a bit. (1207 ft "climbed" inbound)
Btw, new "record" for furthest east ridden on BR #2 for me. Next time: Elm City?
Effort index = 70.3 + 1951 ft climbed / 100 = 70.3 + 19.5 = 89.8 = 89.
Youngsville: BR #2 to Hornes Church - BR #7 for LT 1 mile - return via BR #2; ESE breeze / wind; 70.3 m.; est 1722 ft climbed ---> effort index = 87; 4hrs, 14min; 16.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 7 rides, 362.2 m.; 22 hrs, 30 min; 16.1 mph.
YTD: 40 rides; 1783.9 m.; 112 hrs, 58 min; 15.8 mph.
Given the ESE headwind on the outbound (eastbound) leg, I soft-pedaled most of the outbound with the intent to push on the homeward bound leg. A "banana" break @ Hornes Ch @ 34.75 miles in 2hrs, 17min --> I'd avg'd ~ 15.2 mph soft-pedaling into the wind. (744 ft "climbed" outbound)
I thought I would get more help from the tailwind on the way back; it frequently felt like a quartering headwind, but that was probably just the "apparent wind". The little loop at the turn-around meant that I had 35.55 homeward (westward) bound miles in 1hr, 57min --> I avg'd ~ 18.2 mph coming back. I was able to "push"most of the way back, but had to back off a few times to recover. The legs were screaming much of the last half of the way back; when it got to be too much, soft-pedaled for a bit. (1207 ft "climbed" inbound)
Btw, new "record" for furthest east ridden on BR #2 for me. Next time: Elm City?
Effort index = 70.3 + 1951 ft climbed / 100 = 70.3 + 19.5 = 89.8 = 89.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
May-10: Recovery from PaulS / Wolfie
May-10:
BJP: Coley-Leesville- return direct to BJP; 32.8 miles, est 1314 ft climbed, 2hrs, 9min, 15.3 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 6 rides, 291.9 m.; 18 hrs, 16 min; 16.0 mph.
YTD: 39 rides; 1713.6 m.; 108 hrs, 44 min; 15.8 mph.
The plan, probably developed while in fantasyland, was to ride / explore several roads west of US-501 for future hilly / scenic rides. Saturday's ride put an end to that fantasy. Why were my legs tired?
The distance -- no, Sat. was the fifth 70+ mile ride of the year and the last two had not been debilitating.
The climbing -- maybe, but was there really that much more climbing than "LongMill" or "Dabney"?
The pace -- yes, let's blame it on the pace, JonPaulS and JonWolfie.
Yes, that sounds right.
Effort index = 32.8 + 13.1 = 45.9 = 45.
BJP: Coley-Leesville- return direct to BJP; 32.8 miles, est 1314 ft climbed, 2hrs, 9min, 15.3 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 6 rides, 291.9 m.; 18 hrs, 16 min; 16.0 mph.
YTD: 39 rides; 1713.6 m.; 108 hrs, 44 min; 15.8 mph.
The plan, probably developed while in fantasyland, was to ride / explore several roads west of US-501 for future hilly / scenic rides. Saturday's ride put an end to that fantasy. Why were my legs tired?
The distance -- no, Sat. was the fifth 70+ mile ride of the year and the last two had not been debilitating.
The climbing -- maybe, but was there really that much more climbing than "LongMill" or "Dabney"?
The pace -- yes, let's blame it on the pace, JonPaulS and JonWolfie.
Yes, that sounds right.
Effort index = 32.8 + 13.1 = 45.9 = 45.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
May-9: Tirzah Tour
May-9:
PUE: Treyburn-Bahama-Mt.Tirzah-Culbreth-Stem; w/ BobH & Norris (25 miles), Snapper, DntW, Iva, PaulS, Wolfie; 74.8 m.; est. 4165 ft. climbed --> effort index = 116; 4hrs, 30min; 16.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 5 rides, 259.1 m.; 16 hrs, 7 min; 16.1 mph.
YTD: 38 rides; 1680.8 m.; 106 hrs, 35 min; 15.8 mph.
The estimated climbing is from "veloroutes.org". I am confident that the actual climbing was more than the veloroutes estimate since veloroutes did not pick up any change in elevation on Redwood Rd northwest of I-85, and there is more than "just-a-bit" of a climb there. Interesting that veloroutes est. of mileage is 74.9 miles. Resulting "effort index" is: 116.
"Military" precision went out the door even before the ride began: the Claytonlander was lost, LuuuTENnant Daaave came to the fort rather than wait at the designated rendesvous, PaulS came to the fort to stowe his excess provisions rather than wait at his designated rendesvous. We adapted, improvised, and overcame these new logistical difficulties and sortied about 10 minutes later than planned. The light at "PaulS point" was green so we did not even spare a glance for the mileage signage -- thus leaving an excuse to start a future ride by going across Norwood rather than "falling" down MVC. Because we started late, we did not reach "point Iva" at the expected time; therefore, Iva came looking for us and we absorbed him into the main body on the way to "point Iva". The preceeding recorded, there will be no more references to "military" planning in this report.
Snapper reported that he thought Norwood was a preferable start than the "fall" and climb on MVC. But he may have said that BEFORE riding the five valleys of Victory Church / Kemp Rd. Certainly those five valley crossings making for 564 feet of climbing by the time we reached NC-98 at 8.4 miles into the ride did not make for good warm-up topography for my right leg. However, PaulS, Wolfie and Norris seemed inspired by the repeated descending and climbing.
As we turned onto NC-98, I mentioned to Wolfie that I like to go across the highway section at a good speed. I quickly learned that she has been attending the same school of leadout procedure as Jason as she instantly attained her desired speed as opposed to the usual "glide into it" that most of the group usually practice. The difference between instantaneous and "glide-into-it" procedures would manifest itself several times later in the ride.
The ride across Patterson was and is a blur -- I recall it not. Nor Creech, nor the first part on Redwood. I do recall being "sorted" to the back of the pack by the time Redwood makes its turn to head for I-85. Well, actually, I don't recall the sorting process; I just recall that I was at the back when I decided to check what the average pace for the ride to that point was. 16.4 mph did not bode well for my right leg, nor did it bode well for making sure others would have the reserves to get through the ride in style. I decided to try to slow the pace of the group. All I could do was drift backward and allow the group to wait at the turns. That didn't really seem to work as "Jon" Karen and "Jon" PaulS and "Jon" Norris continued to entice the rest of the group to a higher pace.
An organizational pause was called at the corner of Red Mill and Old-75 (23.1 miles and 1269 ft of climbing). We bid farewell to Norris for the next month or so and also good-bye for the day to BobH at that corner since doing so at the actual parting at Old-75 / Stagville Rd would be ridiculous. We talked Snapper into continuing the Tirzah Tour; I think he was suffering from JonKaren and JonPaulS already.
We turned off Stagville Rd onto Wiley Mangum Rd just so we could get a distant view of the ridgeline for whic
h we were headed (26.9 miles, 1521 ft climbed). We may have to forego this side-trip/stop on future rides, even if we have "newbies-on-the-route" since both times we have stopped there someone has had shoe / pedal problems during the ride. The first time, last year, part of Snapper's pedal actually fell off the bike. This time, Iva's cleat came loose, but nothing fell off, but I get ahead of the story.
Despite protests, the ride returned to Stagville Rd (rather than continue on Wiley Mangum) for the sole reason that the leader has learned from previous rides that he prefers the topography of Stagville to that of W.M..
Through the intermittent tree tunnel into Bahama, past Mount Bethel Methodist Church (28.6 miles, 1640 ft climbed), and into the denser tree tunnel of Quail Roost Rd we continued. I had forgotten that QR Rd was a series of rollers up to US-501; my false memory was of a more-or-less continuous climb. The tree tunnel memory was correct, though, and the filtered sunlight was nice. (At the turn onto US-501, we were at elevation 594 ft, 31.1 miles, 1863 ft climbed.)
We popped out onto US-501, zipped the short half-mile down to Moores Mill Rd, popped over the abandoned railroad embankment and . . . entered a different world. A world of pastures and rolling hills and towering hills of the ridgeline on our left. The only difficulty encountered in the next couple miles was that we had to keep Iva from veering into Lake Winds golf course. Actually, he was not tempted. Strange!
Re-grouped at Red Mountain (i.e., the group waited for me, at 33.5 miles, 495 elev, 1918 climbed). Then started the four miles along and across the Flat River (34.8 m., 463 elev, 1990 climbed), up the Flat Wall, and then on up to Mt. Tirzah. Interesting thing about the Flat River: it appears to be the main source of Lake Michie, and after filling Lake Michie, comes out the other side to end up in Falls Lake. I am not 100% sure, but it looks as if the Eno and the Flat make
the Neuse River, which is now Falls Lake until it spills out past/over the dam at Falls and becomes the Neuse River again. Why do I mention this? I'm pretty sure that we never left the Neuse River Basin on our ride. Sigh. Next time, I going over the top of Mt. Tirzah and down into and across the wide valley on the other side, turn on Mt. Harmony Church Rd, and approach Moriah from the northwest instead of from the west. That valley is obviously part of the Tar River Basin; it may be the Tar River valley. Distance can probably be adjusted down to something similar to this ride by taking Range Rd from Moriah straight to Butner, and returning to PUE that way.
We had a nice stop at the store in / "atop" Mt. Tirzah (37.5 m., elev 692, 2322 climbed, I was avg'ing 16.2 mph). When we re-mounted, JonKaren immediately hit the pedals and rocketed off the front while the rest of sort of glided up to speed. Even JonPaulS was gliding up to pace. The squirrels near Mt. Tirzah are large, or at least their tails are large and bushy. And at least one must have a
suicide wish. Thankfully it missed my front wheel -- I don't know how -- but I am thankful that I still have an undamaged front wheel, bike, jaw, front teeth, etc..
After the squirrel, JonPaulS came to the front and he closed the gap to JonKaren. And, either because after ~ 40 miles I was finally warmed up, or because of a delayed adrenalin response to the squirrel, even JonMartin appeared to want to drag the pace of the ride up. At least Dave, Snapper and Iva remained loyal to the concept of getting everyone through the ride in style at an appropriate pace (as best they could with all the JonHammers in the group). The ridge line on our left slowly petered out and the valley on our right slowly rose so that by Moriah (42.3 m., elev 583, 2571 climbed) it appeared we were on a wide, rolling plain.
Biggish hills were not completely done, however, as we rode around one last noticeable hill on the way to Culbeth (48.6 m., elev 479, 2837 climbed), still with two or three JonHammers in the group. Between Culbreth and Stem, Iva craftily arranged to need to fix some loose screws on his shoe; that made for a pleasant rest for the rest of us; thanks, Iva. With Iva's shoe fixed, we streamed through Stem (53.2 m., elev 469, 3071 climbed) without a pause other than the stop sign, then screamed down Brogden Rd toward Creedmoor.
In Creedmoor, Snapper got across NC-56 first and with gusto. We could easily have ridden through downtown Creedmoor, but I thought some in the group might appreciate riding as little as possible on NC-50 as possible, so I "asked" PaulS to catch Snapper and get him turn right onto Mack Street. This probably put everyone else at a "where are we" disadvantage, and I cleverly took the lead to zig-zag our way through Creedmoor, not getting onto NC-50 until just at the point where the turn lane for Dove Rd begins to form.
On Dove Rd, JonKaren once again zoomed ahead (after I had assured her there was about 3 miles of open road ahead). Snapper timed his ride well and was first to turn onto Whitt Rd, but while PaulS knew where the CL was, Snapper did not, and so, PaulS zipped past just in time to nick the CL. Just after we turned off Whitt onto Old Weaver (64.8 m., elev 312, 3480 climbed), I looked at my cycle confuser and saw that through approx 65 miles, I was avg'ing 16.9 mph. I had several thoughts: 1) WOW! 2) Damn, there goes tomorrow's long ride, and finally, after a bit 3) I hope Snapper and Iva still have some legs left. After all, I had dragged them into this ride with a guarantee that we'd get them back in style.
Most of us took it easy the last 6.8 miles from Old Weaver / New Light back to PUE. Iva diverged from us to avoid Peed Rd -- but I think Old Creedmoor or Kemp / VctChRd were probably just as tough. My confuser showed 74.8 miles at 16.6 mph at the end. Veloroutes came up with 74.9 miles and 4165 feet of climbing. Elevation on the road outside the parking lot? 384 feet.
I think everyone enjoyed the ride and the route.
PUE: Treyburn-Bahama-Mt.Tirzah-Culbreth-Stem; w/ BobH & Norris (25 miles), Snapper, DntW, Iva, PaulS, Wolfie; 74.8 m.; est. 4165 ft. climbed --> effort index = 116; 4hrs, 30min; 16.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 5 rides, 259.1 m.; 16 hrs, 7 min; 16.1 mph.
YTD: 38 rides; 1680.8 m.; 106 hrs, 35 min; 15.8 mph.
The estimated climbing is from "veloroutes.org". I am confident that the actual climbing was more than the veloroutes estimate since veloroutes did not pick up any change in elevation on Redwood Rd northwest of I-85, and there is more than "just-a-bit" of a climb there. Interesting that veloroutes est. of mileage is 74.9 miles. Resulting "effort index" is: 116.
"Military" precision went out the door even before the ride began: the Claytonlander was lost, LuuuTENnant Daaave came to the fort rather than wait at the designated rendesvous, PaulS came to the fort to stowe his excess provisions rather than wait at his designated rendesvous. We adapted, improvised, and overcame these new logistical difficulties and sortied about 10 minutes later than planned. The light at "PaulS point" was green so we did not even spare a glance for the mileage signage -- thus leaving an excuse to start a future ride by going across Norwood rather than "falling" down MVC. Because we started late, we did not reach "point Iva" at the expected time; therefore, Iva came looking for us and we absorbed him into the main body on the way to "point Iva". The preceeding recorded, there will be no more references to "military" planning in this report.
Snapper reported that he thought Norwood was a preferable start than the "fall" and climb on MVC. But he may have said that BEFORE riding the five valleys of Victory Church / Kemp Rd. Certainly those five valley crossings making for 564 feet of climbing by the time we reached NC-98 at 8.4 miles into the ride did not make for good warm-up topography for my right leg. However, PaulS, Wolfie and Norris seemed inspired by the repeated descending and climbing.
As we turned onto NC-98, I mentioned to Wolfie that I like to go across the highway section at a good speed. I quickly learned that she has been attending the same school of leadout procedure as Jason as she instantly attained her desired speed as opposed to the usual "glide into it" that most of the group usually practice. The difference between instantaneous and "glide-into-it" procedures would manifest itself several times later in the ride.
An organizational pause was called at the corner of Red Mill and Old-75 (23.1 miles and 1269 ft of climbing). We bid farewell to Norris for the next month or so and also good-bye for the day to BobH at that corner since doing so at the actual parting at Old-75 / Stagville Rd would be ridiculous. We talked Snapper into continuing the Tirzah Tour; I think he was suffering from JonKaren and JonPaulS already.
We turned off Stagville Rd onto Wiley Mangum Rd just so we could get a distant view of the ridgeline for whic
h we were headed (26.9 miles, 1521 ft climbed). We may have to forego this side-trip/stop on future rides, even if we have "newbies-on-the-route" since both times we have stopped there someone has had shoe / pedal problems during the ride. The first time, last year, part of Snapper's pedal actually fell off the bike. This time, Iva's cleat came loose, but nothing fell off, but I get ahead of the story.Despite protests, the ride returned to Stagville Rd (rather than continue on Wiley Mangum) for the sole reason that the leader has learned from previous rides that he prefers the topography of Stagville to that of W.M..
Through the intermittent tree tunnel into Bahama, past Mount Bethel Methodist Church (28.6 miles, 1640 ft climbed), and into the denser tree tunnel of Quail Roost Rd we continued. I had forgotten that QR Rd was a series of rollers up to US-501; my false memory was of a more-or-less continuous climb. The tree tunnel memory was correct, though, and the filtered sunlight was nice. (At the turn onto US-501, we were at elevation 594 ft, 31.1 miles, 1863 ft climbed.)
We popped out onto US-501, zipped the short half-mile down to Moores Mill Rd, popped over the abandoned railroad embankment and . . . entered a different world. A world of pastures and rolling hills and towering hills of the ridgeline on our left. The only difficulty encountered in the next couple miles was that we had to keep Iva from veering into Lake Winds golf course. Actually, he was not tempted. Strange!
Re-grouped at Red Mountain (i.e., the group waited for me, at 33.5 miles, 495 elev, 1918 climbed). Then started the four miles along and across the Flat River (34.8 m., 463 elev, 1990 climbed), up the Flat Wall, and then on up to Mt. Tirzah. Interesting thing about the Flat River: it appears to be the main source of Lake Michie, and after filling Lake Michie, comes out the other side to end up in Falls Lake. I am not 100% sure, but it looks as if the Eno and the Flat make
the Neuse River, which is now Falls Lake until it spills out past/over the dam at Falls and becomes the Neuse River again. Why do I mention this? I'm pretty sure that we never left the Neuse River Basin on our ride. Sigh. Next time, I going over the top of Mt. Tirzah and down into and across the wide valley on the other side, turn on Mt. Harmony Church Rd, and approach Moriah from the northwest instead of from the west. That valley is obviously part of the Tar River Basin; it may be the Tar River valley. Distance can probably be adjusted down to something similar to this ride by taking Range Rd from Moriah straight to Butner, and returning to PUE that way. We had a nice stop at the store in / "atop" Mt. Tirzah (37.5 m., elev 692, 2322 climbed, I was avg'ing 16.2 mph). When we re-mounted, JonKaren immediately hit the pedals and rocketed off the front while the rest of sort of glided up to speed. Even JonPaulS was gliding up to pace. The squirrels near Mt. Tirzah are large, or at least their tails are large and bushy. And at least one must have a
suicide wish. Thankfully it missed my front wheel -- I don't know how -- but I am thankful that I still have an undamaged front wheel, bike, jaw, front teeth, etc..After the squirrel, JonPaulS came to the front and he closed the gap to JonKaren. And, either because after ~ 40 miles I was finally warmed up, or because of a delayed adrenalin response to the squirrel, even JonMartin appeared to want to drag the pace of the ride up. At least Dave, Snapper and Iva remained loyal to the concept of getting everyone through the ride in style at an appropriate pace (as best they could with all the JonHammers in the group). The ridge line on our left slowly petered out and the valley on our right slowly rose so that by Moriah (42.3 m., elev 583, 2571 climbed) it appeared we were on a wide, rolling plain.
Biggish hills were not completely done, however, as we rode around one last noticeable hill on the way to Culbeth (48.6 m., elev 479, 2837 climbed), still with two or three JonHammers in the group. Between Culbreth and Stem, Iva craftily arranged to need to fix some loose screws on his shoe; that made for a pleasant rest for the rest of us; thanks, Iva. With Iva's shoe fixed, we streamed through Stem (53.2 m., elev 469, 3071 climbed) without a pause other than the stop sign, then screamed down Brogden Rd toward Creedmoor.
In Creedmoor, Snapper got across NC-56 first and with gusto. We could easily have ridden through downtown Creedmoor, but I thought some in the group might appreciate riding as little as possible on NC-50 as possible, so I "asked" PaulS to catch Snapper and get him turn right onto Mack Street. This probably put everyone else at a "where are we" disadvantage, and I cleverly took the lead to zig-zag our way through Creedmoor, not getting onto NC-50 until just at the point where the turn lane for Dove Rd begins to form.
On Dove Rd, JonKaren once again zoomed ahead (after I had assured her there was about 3 miles of open road ahead). Snapper timed his ride well and was first to turn onto Whitt Rd, but while PaulS knew where the CL was, Snapper did not, and so, PaulS zipped past just in time to nick the CL. Just after we turned off Whitt onto Old Weaver (64.8 m., elev 312, 3480 climbed), I looked at my cycle confuser and saw that through approx 65 miles, I was avg'ing 16.9 mph. I had several thoughts: 1) WOW! 2) Damn, there goes tomorrow's long ride, and finally, after a bit 3) I hope Snapper and Iva still have some legs left. After all, I had dragged them into this ride with a guarantee that we'd get them back in style.
Most of us took it easy the last 6.8 miles from Old Weaver / New Light back to PUE. Iva diverged from us to avoid Peed Rd -- but I think Old Creedmoor or Kemp / VctChRd were probably just as tough. My confuser showed 74.8 miles at 16.6 mph at the end. Veloroutes came up with 74.9 miles and 4165 feet of climbing. Elevation on the road outside the parking lot? 384 feet.
I think everyone enjoyed the ride and the route.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May-7: No "snap" in the legs
May-7:
BJP: Coley-Boyce-DocN-Kemp-Virgil; 38.3 miles, 2hrs, 26min, 15.7 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 4 rides, 184.3 m.; 11 hrs, 37 min; 15.9 mph.
YTD: 37 rides; 1606.0 m.; 102 hrs, 5 min; 15.7 mph.
Modified "TT" course. SW wind -- of course. No snap in the legs. No mental guts either. Where has my zip gone? I did the last 10.2 miles in 36 minutes instead of the usual 31, 32 or 33. Yuk.
How long has it been since my last "TT" effort? Sixteen days. Maybe that's why no snap -- I haven't been practising being "zippy".
BJP: Coley-Boyce-DocN-Kemp-Virgil; 38.3 miles, 2hrs, 26min, 15.7 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 4 rides, 184.3 m.; 11 hrs, 37 min; 15.9 mph.
YTD: 37 rides; 1606.0 m.; 102 hrs, 5 min; 15.7 mph.
Modified "TT" course. SW wind -- of course. No snap in the legs. No mental guts either. Where has my zip gone? I did the last 10.2 miles in 36 minutes instead of the usual 31, 32 or 33. Yuk.
How long has it been since my last "TT" effort? Sixteen days. Maybe that's why no snap -- I haven't been practising being "zippy".
Monday, May 4, 2009
May-3: Serendipitous Meeting w/ PaulN
May-3:
PUE: Pokomoke-GordonMoore-FredWilder-LongMill - seredipitous meet-up w/ PaulN - BG-Law-BoldRun-Purnell-NL- farewell to Paul -G-P-MVC; 45.5 miles, 2hrs, 54min, 15.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 3 rides, 146.0 m.; 9 hrs, 11 min; 15.9 mph.
YTD: 36 rides; 1567.7 m.; 99 hrs, 39 min; 15.7 mph.
Just a "Shadow" ride. Joined Paul for his planned course until reached the bottom of Ghoston.
PUE: Pokomoke-GordonMoore-FredWilder-LongMill - seredipitous meet-up w/ PaulN - BG-Law-BoldRun-Purnell-NL- farewell to Paul -G-P-MVC; 45.5 miles, 2hrs, 54min, 15.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 3 rides, 146.0 m.; 9 hrs, 11 min; 15.9 mph.
YTD: 36 rides; 1567.7 m.; 99 hrs, 39 min; 15.7 mph.
Just a "Shadow" ride. Joined Paul for his planned course until reached the bottom of Ghoston.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May-2: PaulS returns
May-2:
PUE: Stem-Corinth-EatonRd-FlatRock; w/ the Duke & PaulS; 58.7 miles, 3hrs, 34min, 16.4 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 2 rides, 100.5 m.; 6 hrs, 15 min; 16.1 mph.
YTD: 35 rides; 1522.2 m.; 96 hrs, 43 min; 15.7 mph.
Paul dragged the pace up. The Duke had a flat front tire after just over 9 miles. Was expecting mostly or partly sunny conditions; got mostly overcast. The rain stayed north of us, though. The Duke's rear tire started going flat just before Kelsey's Western Wear Store; it appeared that the valve assembly had worked itself loose; we pumped the tire while making the Duke sit on a bench in order to rest his back. Enough.
PUE: Stem-Corinth-EatonRd-FlatRock; w/ the Duke & PaulS; 58.7 miles, 3hrs, 34min, 16.4 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 2 rides, 100.5 m.; 6 hrs, 15 min; 16.1 mph.
YTD: 35 rides; 1522.2 m.; 96 hrs, 43 min; 15.7 mph.
Paul dragged the pace up. The Duke had a flat front tire after just over 9 miles. Was expecting mostly or partly sunny conditions; got mostly overcast. The rain stayed north of us, though. The Duke's rear tire started going flat just before Kelsey's Western Wear Store; it appeared that the valve assembly had worked itself loose; we pumped the tire while making the Duke sit on a bench in order to rest his back. Enough.
Friday, May 1, 2009
May-1: MayDay (Friday) w/ DntW
May-1:
DntW's Hunt Club: Horseshoe-NC96-OldFranklinton-Evans-GMoore-OlivetCh-CharlieGrissom-EgyptMtn-Kittrell-CharlieGrissom-Wilton/GrayRockRd-CannadyMill-PhiloWhite-Conyers-NC56-NC96-Horseshoe; 41.8 miles, 2hrs, 40min, 15.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 1 ride, 41.8 m.; 2 hrs, 40 min; 45.6 mph.
YTD: 34 rides; 1463.5 m.; 93 hrs, 9 min; 15.7 mph.
Met DntW at his house just after 6:00 -- someone was a bit late -- it wasn't Dave. Dave drove us out to his hunt club's property on Horseshoe Rd. We started & finished from there. A LOT less traffic.
I managed to have my blinkie pop off while crossing the second creek on Egypt Mtn Rd. Found the batteries, the gasket, and the red reflective light covering on the bridge. Looked over the side of the bridge down at the creek below, expecting to see nothing. But there, just a few inches from the flowing stream, lay the body of the blinkie, waiting to be recovered. Dave's comment: "look's like you will get a full triathlon training session of running and swimming this morning."
Luckily there was a sort of path from the road down to the creek, crossed a bit of gravel, and a little mud, and picked up the body of the blinkie without need to resort to swim training. Good thing as I can't swim worth a lick. Also a good thing I ride in mtn bike type shoes with SPD pedals; otherwise the walk down to the creek and back up would have been a nuisance.
Egypt Mtn Rd was nice enough, but riding west to east, the hills were nothing to write home about. But maybe east to west may have been a bit more stimulating.
Good ride even though the SW-erly wind was a lot more than the gentle breeze that had been forecast. It cut our avg speed down a bit. Oh, well, we were out looking for some local hills to climb, some new roads to ride, and to have some fun. We went 3 for 3, and finished just before it started to rain.
Oh, one very important thing to note, esp. if Dave should ever happen to read this post. I beat him in a head-to-head from an even start sprint to the CL where Wilton Rd becomes Gray Rock Rd. At least he says I beat him. I thought it was a photo finish. But Dave is an honest guy, so I'll take his word for it. Woohoo !!
DntW responded via e-mail:
2 for 3, I take the Green!
So, I guess I should relate the entire story:
Dave has ridden his whole life, including twice across the country in college days, and also was at least a Cat 3 racer in his college days. He was a sprinter. It is a very unusual situation in which I can give him "a run for his money" on a CL sprint. I can't keep up with him on any noticeable climb, either; unless he is having a problem. That pretty much lays the groundwork.
First CL. I knew where it was. Dave did not. Road was going downhill, and since descending is about the only thing I do faster (gravity advantage), it was an opportunity. I was trying to casually position myself to start the sprint without Dave realizing it. I realized he had realized. I went to jump, but I invariably start a "jump" with my left leg since it is my right leg that has the tendon and muscle issues, and when it was the right time to jump, my left foot was at 6 o'clock -- not the best place to start a power stroke. I gave a half-hearted stroke and a big shoulder fake and let him take off. CL #1 to Dave.
Second CL. We had descended a steep bank down to cross a single-lane bridge, and then the road was popping back up to run flat for a quarter mile to the bridge across the Tar River. The CL was at the near end of the bridge. I was hoping Dave would think my moving ahead was simply a typical move for me to pop a small bump and then that I was taking a pull. I was also hoping that he might not see the little green sign for the CL. He saw it. When it was about right to jump for the CL, I looked to see where Dave was. He had moved from his usual following position of behind and slightly offset to my right to being off my left rear quarter. I knew the jig was up. I gave big fake shoulder move as if I was hitting the pedals hard. Dave sprinted past. CL #2 to Dave.
Third and last CL. We turned off one road onto another. I knew it was only about 200 yards to the CL. I moved up alongside Dave. However, Dave thought something was up because I was shifting a lot of gears. A lot more than I intended because during the turn I had downshifted two cogs instead of upshifting. So I had to get those two gears back, and then get to the desired cog. A slight downslope. Side-by-side. I was keeping the corner of my eye on Dave's face. I recognized the facial change that meant that he'd realized the CL was just ahead. We hit the pedals at about the same time. Maybe I was a split second quicker to jump. From less than 20 mph to well over 30 (or so Dave told me later) in seconds, still side-by-side. I decided I was going to make him work his butt off to take this last CL. And then, pedaling hard and I guess pulling on the hoods, I felt the front wheel come off the ground. Wow! But I kept hammering -- amazing what friendly competition can do. I think the front wheel came off the ground twice more. I kept HAMMERING. I thought it was a photo finish. But Dave said, no, I was clear by four to six inches. CL #3 to me.
DntW's Hunt Club: Horseshoe-NC96-OldFranklinton-Evans-GMoore-OlivetCh-CharlieGrissom-EgyptMtn-Kittrell-CharlieGrissom-Wilton/GrayRockRd-CannadyMill-PhiloWhite-Conyers-NC56-NC96-Horseshoe; 41.8 miles, 2hrs, 40min, 15.6 mph avg pace.
1st Qt. tot: 20 rides; 755.3 m.; 47 hrs, 31 min; 15.9 mph.
Apr tot: 13 rides; 666.4 m.; 42 hrs, 58 min; 15.5 mph.
May tot: 1 ride, 41.8 m.; 2 hrs, 40 min; 45.6 mph.
YTD: 34 rides; 1463.5 m.; 93 hrs, 9 min; 15.7 mph.
Met DntW at his house just after 6:00 -- someone was a bit late -- it wasn't Dave. Dave drove us out to his hunt club's property on Horseshoe Rd. We started & finished from there. A LOT less traffic.
I managed to have my blinkie pop off while crossing the second creek on Egypt Mtn Rd. Found the batteries, the gasket, and the red reflective light covering on the bridge. Looked over the side of the bridge down at the creek below, expecting to see nothing. But there, just a few inches from the flowing stream, lay the body of the blinkie, waiting to be recovered. Dave's comment: "look's like you will get a full triathlon training session of running and swimming this morning."
Luckily there was a sort of path from the road down to the creek, crossed a bit of gravel, and a little mud, and picked up the body of the blinkie without need to resort to swim training. Good thing as I can't swim worth a lick. Also a good thing I ride in mtn bike type shoes with SPD pedals; otherwise the walk down to the creek and back up would have been a nuisance.
Egypt Mtn Rd was nice enough, but riding west to east, the hills were nothing to write home about. But maybe east to west may have been a bit more stimulating.
Good ride even though the SW-erly wind was a lot more than the gentle breeze that had been forecast. It cut our avg speed down a bit. Oh, well, we were out looking for some local hills to climb, some new roads to ride, and to have some fun. We went 3 for 3, and finished just before it started to rain.
Oh, one very important thing to note, esp. if Dave should ever happen to read this post. I beat him in a head-to-head from an even start sprint to the CL where Wilton Rd becomes Gray Rock Rd. At least he says I beat him. I thought it was a photo finish. But Dave is an honest guy, so I'll take his word for it. Woohoo !!
DntW responded via e-mail:
2 for 3, I take the Green!
So, I guess I should relate the entire story:
Dave has ridden his whole life, including twice across the country in college days, and also was at least a Cat 3 racer in his college days. He was a sprinter. It is a very unusual situation in which I can give him "a run for his money" on a CL sprint. I can't keep up with him on any noticeable climb, either; unless he is having a problem. That pretty much lays the groundwork.
First CL. I knew where it was. Dave did not. Road was going downhill, and since descending is about the only thing I do faster (gravity advantage), it was an opportunity. I was trying to casually position myself to start the sprint without Dave realizing it. I realized he had realized. I went to jump, but I invariably start a "jump" with my left leg since it is my right leg that has the tendon and muscle issues, and when it was the right time to jump, my left foot was at 6 o'clock -- not the best place to start a power stroke. I gave a half-hearted stroke and a big shoulder fake and let him take off. CL #1 to Dave.
Second CL. We had descended a steep bank down to cross a single-lane bridge, and then the road was popping back up to run flat for a quarter mile to the bridge across the Tar River. The CL was at the near end of the bridge. I was hoping Dave would think my moving ahead was simply a typical move for me to pop a small bump and then that I was taking a pull. I was also hoping that he might not see the little green sign for the CL. He saw it. When it was about right to jump for the CL, I looked to see where Dave was. He had moved from his usual following position of behind and slightly offset to my right to being off my left rear quarter. I knew the jig was up. I gave big fake shoulder move as if I was hitting the pedals hard. Dave sprinted past. CL #2 to Dave.
Third and last CL. We turned off one road onto another. I knew it was only about 200 yards to the CL. I moved up alongside Dave. However, Dave thought something was up because I was shifting a lot of gears. A lot more than I intended because during the turn I had downshifted two cogs instead of upshifting. So I had to get those two gears back, and then get to the desired cog. A slight downslope. Side-by-side. I was keeping the corner of my eye on Dave's face. I recognized the facial change that meant that he'd realized the CL was just ahead. We hit the pedals at about the same time. Maybe I was a split second quicker to jump. From less than 20 mph to well over 30 (or so Dave told me later) in seconds, still side-by-side. I decided I was going to make him work his butt off to take this last CL. And then, pedaling hard and I guess pulling on the hoods, I felt the front wheel come off the ground. Wow! But I kept hammering -- amazing what friendly competition can do. I think the front wheel came off the ground twice more. I kept HAMMERING. I thought it was a photo finish. But Dave said, no, I was clear by four to six inches. CL #3 to me.
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