Today was an early day - I got up at 4:40 AM to go for a ride at 5:30 AM since I had a 7:30 AM meeting with the Bishop. While getting ready, I got to catch some of stage 20. The entire stage, 100+ miles of nothing but up. Granted, there was some descending but very little. The stage profile offered a bit of inspiration as Rob asked me, "So where we going today?" All I could think about was "up!". So we headed up to Bald Peak - 52 minutes later we were at the top. I felt the climb as I was paying for riding up Bell Road yesterday after work. I had never been up Bell Road from the 99. It was 2 miles of up, averaging probably 10% - pain, more pain, and well, pain. I got up the climb but paid for it this morning on the way to Bald Peak. I was able to stay with Rob but it was painful.
After the meeting with the Bishop, Craig and I got ready and headed out to ride his 50 miler to complete the cycling merit badge for him. We rolled out North Valley Road to Gaston, Cornelius, Forrest Grove to the Hagg Lake store. Craig was doing an excellent ride as we averaged 15 MPH. We got some lunch at the store and rested for a couple minutes, and then headed back to Newberg. Craig did his part pulling and keeping up. I thought he would start to ease up about mile 35. It never happened. On the rollers on North Valley as we were coming back in, he was pulling hard on the up. In fact, pulling so hard that I had to work to keep up with him. On one of them, I had to get out of the saddle and give it the gas or I would have been dropped. I could hear Phil Liggett in my head screaming, "And there goes Beecher! Beecher has cracked! He couldn't take the acceleration of Craigus and so he's off the back." I wasn't having any of that so I quickly jumped back on his wheel, wondering if he noticed that he was putting me into the red zone. No excuses but I was feeling Bell Road and Bald Peak. Just like a predator that smells weakness, Craigus was kicking it in. The mini-Pain Train was taking it's maiden voyage and I was it's first passenger! Wow! Doing this was not only rewarding but fun and made a dad proud. We hit 50 miles at 3 hours 20 minutes. I wonder how I did my first 50 that Christmas Day back in 2004. I rode out Bandera Road and suffered that day. I remember the suffering, just not the time. Anyway, Craig did well. I hope this has sparked his interest in cycling and we can continue to ride together. Well see. For now, Congrats to Craig for riding his first half century.
All told for the week, over 130 miles. I have my eye on the Tour de Tucson in November and making sure I can get in the miles. The intensity of the training has been ratched back a few notches as I try to get in some good base miles again.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Twitter vs. Facebook
I have been tweeting for a while now. Actually since I learned that Lance and other professional cyclist use it to communicate with their fans, I signed up and have been following them ever since. At the same time, the rest of my family had been doing facebook. So I decided to try it out.
So what have I learned - Twitter is easier than Facebook and easier to control content. The ability to post content is the same for both applications. If you can get over all of the Twitter lingo and the slightly less social nature of Twitter, you'd find that it is a fun application.
On Twitter, you tweet. On facebook, you share - advantage Twitter.
On Twitter, easy to post pictures and through various means. Same on FB - Wash
Okay, enough. I just like Twitter better but will do both since most of my friends are on FB.
Until all have been converted, happy Facebooking.
So what have I learned - Twitter is easier than Facebook and easier to control content. The ability to post content is the same for both applications. If you can get over all of the Twitter lingo and the slightly less social nature of Twitter, you'd find that it is a fun application.
On Twitter, you tweet. On facebook, you share - advantage Twitter.
On Twitter, easy to post pictures and through various means. Same on FB - Wash
Okay, enough. I just like Twitter better but will do both since most of my friends are on FB.
Until all have been converted, happy Facebooking.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
STP 2009 Recap
I am struggling on where to start. This year's edition of the STP was so satifying on many levels. Several things were different that made the ride sweeter than usual - the day before with Christine, the extreme knee pain the few days before the ride, the many miles before the ride in preparation, almost hitting my total time goal, and reaching a goal that I had set long ago and never achieved - only a pull by JD could have made it better. Let me explain.
On Monday, I woke up barely able to walk. My left knee was extremely tender and tight. I had trouble walking down stairs and putting any weight on my knee. Being a typical male, I convinced myself it was better not to go see a doctor so I spit on my hands, grabbed a handful of dirt, and rubbed it on my knee and decided it was good enough first aid. All I needed was time. Tuesday was only marginally better but at least I started to ice the knee and take some motrin. Wednesday was better and I even got in a short ride that seemed to help. Thursday was almost back to normal and I felt good on the bike Thursday night. I was able to get both my body and my mind back and all it took was a bit of spit, dirt, and time.
Friday was a nice slow day. I got up early (4:30 AM) to take Cassie to the pool for a swim meet trip to Moses Lake, WA. I got home by 5 AM to see the start of stage 7, up the Arcalis. It was so exciting I feel asleep until the decisive climb as was able to see all of the excitement and attacks. We left around 10 AM, just the C and I heading towards Seattle. About Vancouver, I realized that I had left my registration packet with numbers at home. Luckily the C thinks fast and reminded me that friends were coming up and to give them a call. Bingo, Craig was able to walk the packet down the street and we saved two hours of driving and a potentially day changing event. We stopped for lunch just South of Tacoma, got to the hotel in Seattle, and unloaded. We hung out in the room for a little bit, deciding what the rest of the day was going to look like. We got our bearings and a list of places to go within walking distance of the hotel. We spent the next few hours just wandering around the U district. We found this great little Italian restaurant and said a nice dinner. We got back to the hotel and relaxed. I got in bed around 8 PM - a record for the night before the STP for me. To spend a day just hanging out with the one you love the most - priceless.
The morning of the ride started about 3:45 AM with the usual bagel, yogurt, and banana. At a little bit before the ride start, I met up with Mark and Ben and we headed out with the first group. The first ten miles was the usual - tense, avoiding crashes, rough roads, but the beautiful view of Lake Washington as the sun comes up. The first 100 miles was fast. We got on a few pacelines, led out a few pacelines, and rolled into Centralia in less than 5 hours (4 hrs 51 minutes was the actual time). In looking at the GPS data, all the ten mile splits after the first 10 miles were above 20 MPH. I have talked about doing a century in less than 5 hours and I finally did it with the help of quite a few other people.
The second century was little more difficult. We picked up a head wind the last 85 miles or so that made the going touch. I probably overexerted myself the first 100 and paid for it on the second. We had a SAG that was a big help. We'd call and say what we needed, a few miles up the road there they were waiting for us. No big rest stop to go into and wade through the other riders. We'd eat, refill, and go - wasting little time getting back onto the road. The Brady's were a big help on the road and I appreciated it greatly. The coke at mile 152 was huge. The last 30 miles into Portland was tough. Ben had rode on. He has a will like few people I know. Mark and I slugged it out together the final 30, taking turns at the front, pulling each other home. As we went over the 200 mile mark, I thanked him for the help. I could not have done it alone. We hit the line 12 hours and 5 minutes after we started, missing the mark by 5 minutes. It's all good. It was 75 minutes better than last year and my best STP finishing time yet - awesome and incredible. We had a plan and worked the plan - the prep, the SAG, the ride. Granted, there are always ways to improve and we will but this was the best for me yet.
Thanks to all who helped with this year's STP - it was memorable. Put it on your calendar's for next year's edition - July 10, 2010 (I believe).
On Monday, I woke up barely able to walk. My left knee was extremely tender and tight. I had trouble walking down stairs and putting any weight on my knee. Being a typical male, I convinced myself it was better not to go see a doctor so I spit on my hands, grabbed a handful of dirt, and rubbed it on my knee and decided it was good enough first aid. All I needed was time. Tuesday was only marginally better but at least I started to ice the knee and take some motrin. Wednesday was better and I even got in a short ride that seemed to help. Thursday was almost back to normal and I felt good on the bike Thursday night. I was able to get both my body and my mind back and all it took was a bit of spit, dirt, and time.
Friday was a nice slow day. I got up early (4:30 AM) to take Cassie to the pool for a swim meet trip to Moses Lake, WA. I got home by 5 AM to see the start of stage 7, up the Arcalis. It was so exciting I feel asleep until the decisive climb as was able to see all of the excitement and attacks. We left around 10 AM, just the C and I heading towards Seattle. About Vancouver, I realized that I had left my registration packet with numbers at home. Luckily the C thinks fast and reminded me that friends were coming up and to give them a call. Bingo, Craig was able to walk the packet down the street and we saved two hours of driving and a potentially day changing event. We stopped for lunch just South of Tacoma, got to the hotel in Seattle, and unloaded. We hung out in the room for a little bit, deciding what the rest of the day was going to look like. We got our bearings and a list of places to go within walking distance of the hotel. We spent the next few hours just wandering around the U district. We found this great little Italian restaurant and said a nice dinner. We got back to the hotel and relaxed. I got in bed around 8 PM - a record for the night before the STP for me. To spend a day just hanging out with the one you love the most - priceless.
The morning of the ride started about 3:45 AM with the usual bagel, yogurt, and banana. At a little bit before the ride start, I met up with Mark and Ben and we headed out with the first group. The first ten miles was the usual - tense, avoiding crashes, rough roads, but the beautiful view of Lake Washington as the sun comes up. The first 100 miles was fast. We got on a few pacelines, led out a few pacelines, and rolled into Centralia in less than 5 hours (4 hrs 51 minutes was the actual time). In looking at the GPS data, all the ten mile splits after the first 10 miles were above 20 MPH. I have talked about doing a century in less than 5 hours and I finally did it with the help of quite a few other people.
The second century was little more difficult. We picked up a head wind the last 85 miles or so that made the going touch. I probably overexerted myself the first 100 and paid for it on the second. We had a SAG that was a big help. We'd call and say what we needed, a few miles up the road there they were waiting for us. No big rest stop to go into and wade through the other riders. We'd eat, refill, and go - wasting little time getting back onto the road. The Brady's were a big help on the road and I appreciated it greatly. The coke at mile 152 was huge. The last 30 miles into Portland was tough. Ben had rode on. He has a will like few people I know. Mark and I slugged it out together the final 30, taking turns at the front, pulling each other home. As we went over the 200 mile mark, I thanked him for the help. I could not have done it alone. We hit the line 12 hours and 5 minutes after we started, missing the mark by 5 minutes. It's all good. It was 75 minutes better than last year and my best STP finishing time yet - awesome and incredible. We had a plan and worked the plan - the prep, the SAG, the ride. Granted, there are always ways to improve and we will but this was the best for me yet.
Thanks to all who helped with this year's STP - it was memorable. Put it on your calendar's for next year's edition - July 10, 2010 (I believe).
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Stage 7 Thoughts
The cycling press is hyping up stage 7 as the end all of stages to answer the Armstrong/Contador debate. After all, the answers will be found in the mountains. I feel that the answer will be found in the mountains, yes, but just not these mountains. With most of the more difficult miles still to come, it makes no sense that Astana would risk its overall position and the possibility of having one of its riders win the tour on stage 7. The pressure is on the other contenders to make the moves. All Astana, meaning Lance, Alberto, Levi, and Andreas, needs to do is mark the other contenders. Follow when needed and only work when it is clear that work needs to be done would be my war cry if I was Johann.
It is ridiculous to believe that there will be a show down tomorrow on the Arcalis climb between the two Astana riders when they are in the top three of the GC. If tomorrow was Stage 20 on the Ventoux, then the rhetoric would all be valid and worthwhile. Since it is not, it is merely words and what is the word velonews.com has been using lately, ah yes, polemics.
It is ridiculous to believe that there will be a show down tomorrow on the Arcalis climb between the two Astana riders when they are in the top three of the GC. If tomorrow was Stage 20 on the Ventoux, then the rhetoric would all be valid and worthwhile. Since it is not, it is merely words and what is the word velonews.com has been using lately, ah yes, polemics.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Stage 3 Thoughts
I read quite often about the Tour de France. Many journalists are all caught up in the Armstrong/Contador alleged controversy. I'd like to add a different perspective. For as much as I'd like to see Lance win the Tour for an 8th time, I believe that there are stronger cyclists on the Tour and this will play out in the mountains - the wheat will be sifted from the chaff if you will. Lance is a great champion but he doesn't have the legs of the 26 year olds. I feel that the break that happened today was allowed to happen by Alberto Contador. He was right there when the split happened. It happened right in front of him and he supposedly couldn't get back on the wheels of Columbia-HTC team. The plan for Astana is to confuse the peleton and the other team directors. It is a big Elle Fitzgerald. They will seem to be split or splitting, allowing the opponents to relax or over extended themselves. The goal of the team is to get Lance into yellow in the first half of the race. In the second half, Johann will unleash Alberto and surprise the rest of the teams. If Lance really is strong enough, then the tactics might change but I don't see this as being the case. Johann is a masterful tactician and he has a lot of experience on the team. Look for Astana to win the TTT tomorrow and put Lance in yellow for the 84th time.
It all is so fun to watch! Let's go Lance, Levi, and Alberto...
It all is so fun to watch! Let's go Lance, Levi, and Alberto...
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Loose ends
The TdF has started this weekend. It is inspiring to watch these guys ride. Incredible speed and bike handling abilities. I just wish the announcers would stop focusing on the Contador/Armstrong potential conflict. This type of talk just leads me to believe that they really don't understand stage racing or they do and are only doing what the show producers are pushing. One time I'd like Paul Sherwin or Phil Liggett say something to the effect that the producers are morons and then offer their real thoughts on the matter. Can you see it happening? Some English cliche and then the bomb drops. Anyway, what I feel is that the teams decide when the time arises who is the best and strongest rider to be the team leader. The team then gets behind that rider and does what is necessary to help them win. The real GC contenders don't come out and play until later in the race. They will all watch each other and the strongest rider will put his stamp on the race when the time is right. Much like Armstrong has done in his 7 victories, or as Sastre did last year on the Alpe, or as Contador did in 2007 by riding away from Rassmussen. As you can tell, I am excited for this tour. Armstrong is back and all the best riders in the world are on the stage. It will be a great tour!
As for me, all my riding and time on the bike comes due on Saturday for the 30th STP. This will be my fourth time and the plan is straight through in less than 12 hours. I have over 3200 miles already this year. The legs feel good and the mind is strong. It is time to ride. I feel ready. I have some loose ends to clean up this week to be ready - clean up the bike, new tires, lube the chain, and spend a great day Friday in Seattle with Christine. It will be a good ride. I'll miss hanging with JD but we'll get our opportunity in Tucson in November to show off.
As for me, all my riding and time on the bike comes due on Saturday for the 30th STP. This will be my fourth time and the plan is straight through in less than 12 hours. I have over 3200 miles already this year. The legs feel good and the mind is strong. It is time to ride. I feel ready. I have some loose ends to clean up this week to be ready - clean up the bike, new tires, lube the chain, and spend a great day Friday in Seattle with Christine. It will be a good ride. I'll miss hanging with JD but we'll get our opportunity in Tucson in November to show off.
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