Thursday, 11 April 2013
Day 7 - Drive to Camarillo
Nothing much to report today. Drive was pleasant and uneventful. So, is the Holiday Inn Camarillo. I went to survey the running course this evening. Easy course but the surface is gravel for the last kilometre or so. Not so bad on the feet, but the transition to bike will be there. I also drove the bike course. It's flat with a few stop lights and a fair amount of gravel on the sides of the road. It's an open course so, this may be a little bit of an issue. I will ride the course tomorrow morning. Till then...
Day 6 - A taste of Sonoma
Today I hit the physical wall. I had planned a ride followed by a run but the run turned into wine tasting which was very un-athlete of me but so very nice.
The ride
I grabbed the TT bike today to test the new handlebar installation. I planned 60-70k up to Sonoma lake and back. What I didn't know was that at about 25k the rout turned vertical. Not exactly what I wanted on the TT bike (Betty Ford). The climb was steep with a few spots that levelled off. The views of the lake and hills were gorgeous just like previous days. I think about three cars passed me once I reached the lake so, I was alone for most of the ride. After about 3000 feet of climbing I turned around with plans on extending the ride to 100k or so. This plan ended when I hit the next hill there was nothing left in the legs. So much so that I cancelled my planned run for the afternoon. Good thing is that the handlebars stayed in the same position.
The New Plan
Well at 2:00 in the afternoon and nothing that you have to do and your in Sonoma.... WINE TASTE!! Not to bore you with details but I went to tastings at J, Rodney Strong and Seghesio. The last two provided hardier reds so they were my favourites. All the same I took 7 bottles away with me.
Moment of zen for the day: Why don't cyclists in this area wave to one another like they do back home? I was 1 for 12 today for wave backs. Not very friendly like.
Tomorrow it's a run in the morning (yes a run). Followed by a drive down to Camarillo to seethe course for the next race. 6 or so hours of driving. Fun fun...
The ride
I grabbed the TT bike today to test the new handlebar installation. I planned 60-70k up to Sonoma lake and back. What I didn't know was that at about 25k the rout turned vertical. Not exactly what I wanted on the TT bike (Betty Ford). The climb was steep with a few spots that levelled off. The views of the lake and hills were gorgeous just like previous days. I think about three cars passed me once I reached the lake so, I was alone for most of the ride. After about 3000 feet of climbing I turned around with plans on extending the ride to 100k or so. This plan ended when I hit the next hill there was nothing left in the legs. So much so that I cancelled my planned run for the afternoon. Good thing is that the handlebars stayed in the same position.
The New Plan
Well at 2:00 in the afternoon and nothing that you have to do and your in Sonoma.... WINE TASTE!! Not to bore you with details but I went to tastings at J, Rodney Strong and Seghesio. The last two provided hardier reds so they were my favourites. All the same I took 7 bottles away with me.
Moment of zen for the day: Why don't cyclists in this area wave to one another like they do back home? I was 1 for 12 today for wave backs. Not very friendly like.
Tomorrow it's a run in the morning (yes a run). Followed by a drive down to Camarillo to seethe course for the next race. 6 or so hours of driving. Fun fun...
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Day 5 - the geysers
Today was a great riding day. With temperatures in the mid twenties and sun all around how could it be bad?? I started the morning off with a big ride. Before leaving I changed the tires on my road rims from 23mm wide to 25mm. This was under the recommendation of Jonathan at Jonathan's bikes. The rims I have are wider than normal so he said that the roads are rough in the Geysers and my previous set up was libel to puncture. Well all I can say is that the new set up was awesome for those conditions. It was rough back there with portions or gravel.
Once suited up I head out for the geysers. After getting lost several times I found the famous road and it did not disappoint. Beautiful vistas and awesome riding. After a moderate climb for about an hour on a one lane rough road, I came onto a near highway like road with smooth surfaces (for the area) and no traffic. I mean none!! I have no idea why the road is there and in such better condition than the others but I took advantage.
The climbing is tough and steep and fairly hot on this day. But once I crested the top, there is a 10-12k section of mostly descending pavement is in great condition. I took it kind of easy but it was so enjoyable with the big grippy tires and NO CARS!! So, I could not help thinking of the possibilities.
In Vancouver's north shore mountains there is Digger who maintains the trails. Digger is paid for his efforts though grants and some fundraising. It wouldn't take much more to spruce up some of the bad roads good enough for road bike traffic. It might just be a big boon to the bike economy in the area . Anyway. After some 100k of riding fun, I finished back at the hotel very satisfied. I must admit I was drooling g at the 100 or so wineries I passed with their wine tasting...
Next it was down to Santa Rosa for a run with my friend Glenn and a wonderful dinner that his wife Tanya prepared. Best day yet!
Problem is... I don't know what I'm doing or where I'm going tomorrow... Gotta figure it out. See the pictures :)
Once suited up I head out for the geysers. After getting lost several times I found the famous road and it did not disappoint. Beautiful vistas and awesome riding. After a moderate climb for about an hour on a one lane rough road, I came onto a near highway like road with smooth surfaces (for the area) and no traffic. I mean none!! I have no idea why the road is there and in such better condition than the others but I took advantage.
The climbing is tough and steep and fairly hot on this day. But once I crested the top, there is a 10-12k section of mostly descending pavement is in great condition. I took it kind of easy but it was so enjoyable with the big grippy tires and NO CARS!! So, I could not help thinking of the possibilities.
In Vancouver's north shore mountains there is Digger who maintains the trails. Digger is paid for his efforts though grants and some fundraising. It wouldn't take much more to spruce up some of the bad roads good enough for road bike traffic. It might just be a big boon to the bike economy in the area . Anyway. After some 100k of riding fun, I finished back at the hotel very satisfied. I must admit I was drooling g at the 100 or so wineries I passed with their wine tasting...
Next it was down to Santa Rosa for a run with my friend Glenn and a wonderful dinner that his wife Tanya prepared. Best day yet!
Problem is... I don't know what I'm doing or where I'm going tomorrow... Gotta figure it out. See the pictures :)
Monday, 8 April 2013
Day 4 - The Hills of Sonoma
If its Monday its got to be Santa Rosa. After breakfast with a good friend who I hadn't seen in a few years I took my TT bike to the local bike spa (johnathan's bike shop). The TT bike handlebars are slipping if I hit a bump at speed. This is Argons top of the line E118. It has spent more time at the spa than on the road. The bikes name is Dr. Zarkov (Flash Gordon's spaceship) but, I think I may rename it Betty Ford. Jonathan did his best to lock the bars down. I'll give her a roll later this week to see.
Anyway, Jonathan gave me a ride to do in the area while he worked on my bike. The ride would take me up in the hills of Sonoma. I swung my leg over the Cav (an S-Works Tarmac signed by Cav himself) and head down hwy12 through the vineyards of Kenwood and Kunde and countless others. I diverted off hwy12 towards Glen Ellen a town and vineyard the same. Beautiful country this. Just past Glen Ellen the road became rough and I mean really rough. My computer attachment to my handlebars broke free and skidded across the road. Two minutes later I flatted the rear tire. Next I was going to need dental work!!
Fortunately smoother roads was not far ahead. Back onto hwy12 then up Cavedale Rd. Cavedale is rough too but it doesn't matter with the 6-10% grade switchbacks going up you have plenty of time to avoid the badness. The climb is only about 7k. The views are amazing, vineyards all the way. You can see downtown San Francisco when you look to the south. Apparently Robin Williams has a house on this road but I have no idea which one it might be. After the climb you end up on trinity Rd for the downhill. What a downhill it is. Steep and filled with curves. Awesome! Instead of heading back to Santa Rosa I did another loop.
Great day out there today. So far its on my recommendation list but bring lots of tubes!
Tomorrow will be the famous route of Geysers. The wine is awesome here!!!
Anyway, Jonathan gave me a ride to do in the area while he worked on my bike. The ride would take me up in the hills of Sonoma. I swung my leg over the Cav (an S-Works Tarmac signed by Cav himself) and head down hwy12 through the vineyards of Kenwood and Kunde and countless others. I diverted off hwy12 towards Glen Ellen a town and vineyard the same. Beautiful country this. Just past Glen Ellen the road became rough and I mean really rough. My computer attachment to my handlebars broke free and skidded across the road. Two minutes later I flatted the rear tire. Next I was going to need dental work!!
Fortunately smoother roads was not far ahead. Back onto hwy12 then up Cavedale Rd. Cavedale is rough too but it doesn't matter with the 6-10% grade switchbacks going up you have plenty of time to avoid the badness. The climb is only about 7k. The views are amazing, vineyards all the way. You can see downtown San Francisco when you look to the south. Apparently Robin Williams has a house on this road but I have no idea which one it might be. After the climb you end up on trinity Rd for the downhill. What a downhill it is. Steep and filled with curves. Awesome! Instead of heading back to Santa Rosa I did another loop.
Great day out there today. So far its on my recommendation list but bring lots of tubes!
Tomorrow will be the famous route of Geysers. The wine is awesome here!!!
Sunday, 7 April 2013
Day 3 - Drive to Santa Rosa
After driving to Portland after the race oN Saturday, Sunday was a full day of driving down to Santa Rosa. Sitting in a brew pub writing up these blogs. Beer is a good recovery drink :)
Tomorrow it's breakfast with my friend Glenn and then hit some Sonoma County pave.
Tomorrow it's breakfast with my friend Glenn and then hit some Sonoma County pave.
Day 2 - Wenatchee - Apple Capital Duathlon
A great way to prepare for a race is to have a wicked sleep and that's just what I did. Woke up plenty early and started to prepare. Drove down to Confluence Park assembled the bike and went out for a very Leading Edge like running warm up. A few obviously fit characters I noticed doing the same thing. One woman was very serious about her preparation. I should take notes as she crushed this race taking first place. As for me, all systems go but with such a hilly course this is gunna hurt, lots!!
The First Run
Fairly uneventful first run. I ran my plan to a tee. Watched the pace on my Garmin watch and kept it within the limits. The hills were tough at race pace but I finished with a 20:25 5k. Not bad for me. My run to bike transition however took over a minute for some reason. No idea why... I finished the run in 5th spot and crawled out of transition in about 10th.
The Bike
Hopped on the bike and the first thing you got to do is climb out of the river gorge. Not too bad but a 100m climb to the roadway. I hammered the bike. I knew that it was my chance to make up some time. No one passed me but I passed about 8 riders just on the way out. There were some grades on the hills that approached 12%. It was a little difficult on the TT bike but I guess it worked for me. I came off the bike in 3rd spot (although I thought I was 4th).
The Second Feeble Run
The second run is the same course as the first. I did not feel very well on this run. The legs were toast!! I kept my eye on my watch. Somehow I was keeping it under a 5min pace. I thought I was in 4th so I just looked for people my age on the turnaround. No one within about 500m. So, I just kept the legs going. I was like prey waiting to be caught. I kept a 4:30 pace but I was sure that some of these guys have more than that in them. I was seriously hurting. Finally the 1k marker appeared. Time to pick it up?? Not a chance. The legs have one gear today. At 500k I looked back. Wholly crap... No one in sight. OMG!! I can't believe that no one caught me on the run!! I finished and assumed 4th place. It wasn't until another finisher came and congratulated me on my 3rd place that I knew. Yahoo!! I came 1st place in my age group 2nd place male and 3rd overall. Yikes!!! Great start to a race trip. Then I hopped in the car and drove to Portland.... Stiff. Beer in Portland was great.
The First Run
Fairly uneventful first run. I ran my plan to a tee. Watched the pace on my Garmin watch and kept it within the limits. The hills were tough at race pace but I finished with a 20:25 5k. Not bad for me. My run to bike transition however took over a minute for some reason. No idea why... I finished the run in 5th spot and crawled out of transition in about 10th.
The Bike
Hopped on the bike and the first thing you got to do is climb out of the river gorge. Not too bad but a 100m climb to the roadway. I hammered the bike. I knew that it was my chance to make up some time. No one passed me but I passed about 8 riders just on the way out. There were some grades on the hills that approached 12%. It was a little difficult on the TT bike but I guess it worked for me. I came off the bike in 3rd spot (although I thought I was 4th).
The Second Feeble Run
The second run is the same course as the first. I did not feel very well on this run. The legs were toast!! I kept my eye on my watch. Somehow I was keeping it under a 5min pace. I thought I was in 4th so I just looked for people my age on the turnaround. No one within about 500m. So, I just kept the legs going. I was like prey waiting to be caught. I kept a 4:30 pace but I was sure that some of these guys have more than that in them. I was seriously hurting. Finally the 1k marker appeared. Time to pick it up?? Not a chance. The legs have one gear today. At 500k I looked back. Wholly crap... No one in sight. OMG!! I can't believe that no one caught me on the run!! I finished and assumed 4th place. It wasn't until another finisher came and congratulated me on my 3rd place that I knew. Yahoo!! I came 1st place in my age group 2nd place male and 3rd overall. Yikes!!! Great start to a race trip. Then I hopped in the car and drove to Portland.... Stiff. Beer in Portland was great.
Friday, 5 April 2013
2013 USA Race Trip - Day 1 - Wenatchee WA
Day 1 - Wenatchee Washington
Warm up for the Apple Capital Duathlon went great except for being lost most of the time. If there's one thing that can be said about the course is that it's hilly. Mostly gradual but some zippers in the lollipop portion (turnaround) of the bike that will bring the speed down to something glacial.
The course for tomorrow will be 5k run, 26k bike and another 5k run. The run has.. A hill or two. Probably about a 75m climb during each 5k. It doesn't look like too bad of a course except that its on. Paved trails and that could crowd things up a bit. The bike basically does a slow climb for 5k, goes downhill for 5k and then climbs steep to the turn around point. Oh yeah! i almost forgot about the wind. It was frickin windy. Really frickin windy! All I can say is that I hope it marked well. I was lost the whole time...
The town...it's small. Quaint. Nice riverfront area with sculptures and paved trails, great for running. The roads are fairly good for cycling. A bit roughed up from the winter. Very courteous drivers. I however would not recommend riding a bike on Wenatchee ave just off the highway. It freaked the drivers out!!
Beer and sushi for dinner tonight and we will just see what happens tomorrow...
Sorry... No pictures today. Some tomorrow.
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