Turning over

Not much exciting news this week - I started riding to work again for the year. The first day, as you can see by my previous post, was an eventful one but all the others were turning over the pedals up and over various hills in the area. The only day off the bike was Friday. This last week I put in most rides and hours yet this year. It should be about the average for the rest of the month - all one week of it. Next month the time kicks up a little bit more as we start to be within 10 weeks of the STP.

Saturday Cassie rode a few hours with me. It is always good to spend time with the family on the bike. We get to talk and have a good time. Craig rode on Monday night with me and we will do that again tonight. This will be the third of 7 rides he needs for the cycling merit badge.

On a technical note, I have increased my crank arm length to 177.5. I can tell I am faster on the flats but as I have read, since I am a "masher", I generated a lot more torque and the longer crank arms benefit me. The times on the hills are better as well, but I feel this is due to the 11/23 cassette and not having any where else to go. I just try and stay on top of the gear. I do stand up more often as I am trying to develop the leg strength. I am not having any real issues after going from the 175 to the 177.5. I have read a whole bunch about it and am not, as of yet seeing any of the issues that have been presented - even after almost 500 miles with the long crank arms.

I am starting to get real curious about watts and watts/kg as a target. The problem is that watt meters are too expensive. Anyone with one laying around that they are not using, feel free to send it my way. I'll be sure to use it.