L'Etape du California

What a tough ride! I now have even more respect for those climbing specialists and GC riders in the professional ranks. LduC follows the same route of stage 7 of this year’s Tour of California – roughly 79 miles with over 11k feet of climbing. The ride ends up being about 100 miles after you cruise back down to the start in Ontario.

I met up with Glenn and Bert’s friend Shane near the start. We rode and talked for a few miles. Shane looked like a fit and strong rider. We got split at a light. We didn’t see him again all day. The first two climbs weren’t all that bad for me. I got in a rhythm and just pedaled. I hung with Glenn all day regardless of how I was feeling. I figured the ride was better done with someone. Plus, that’s why I was here – to have fun on the bike. The last 4.5 miles up to Mt. Baldy was the toughest miles of the day. Here is where I realized, as I was pushing my bike up the last bit of the climb at some 15 to 18% grade, that I wasn’t built to be a climber. Although I like to do it, I am much better suited for rollers, flats, and moderate hills. I think I even vowed not to do one of these crazy climbing events again. We’ll see how that plays out in the future. But the thrill of hearing people call down to you from the finish from above and the feeling of rolling across the finish line made all that suffering worth it. Even that flat I got as I rolled around the last corner with several feet to go wouldn’t damper my day.

I learned a few things about myself today. My body has only a finite amount of hours it can take on the bike and that is based upon my current fitness level. When you hit that threshold, no matter the amount of food, water, Gatorade, etc. you put into your body, there’s nothing left but desire and drive to fuel the efforts. The only thing that helps is rest. I also learned that staying together makes the ride so much more enjoyable. There were times I felt good and Glenn needed me to keep him going. There were times Glenn felt good and he kept me going. The best part of all is having someone to celebrate with at the top when you get there.

TSA - has this happened to you?

As I go through security at the airport, I have to remind myself that the people that work with the TSA are people too. They don't make it easy to remember. A customer service class would be helpful along with supervisors who get "it." The employees at TSA seem to think that they are doing us a favor. I won't deny that they have a purpose and I am grateful for the effort.

But, couldn't they be at least courteous and considerate?

I don't mind undressing before going through the metal detectors. I don't mind pulling out my gels and my laptop. I don't mind taking everything, and I mean everything, out of my pockets. That is part of the drill and I am okay with it. My issue is with the TSA agents screaming this information multiple times before evening getting up to the ID check. This rant is not associated with any softening phrases like, "I'd like to remind you" or "In case this is your first time flying or you haven't flown in a while" or "Please be advised." The tone needs help as well.

Having said that, my biggest irritant is trying to redress and the TSA agent takes my stuff and pushes it down the line. There is nothing that annoys me more than trying to put my belt back on or my shoes on or trying to put my laptop in my bag and as I go to grab for one or the other, the whole line gets moved several feet further down. Aaarrrrgggghhhhhh! It happened on my last trip and has been on my mind. TSA - please stop that! Let me redress. I am hurrying. I promise. I understand and am mindful of all the people that need to get through security but please give me a few quiet moments and I will get it all together - pinky promise!

By the way, to the TSA agent that picked up the bin I tossed on the floor in disgust, I am sorry. I will try harder next time to be considerate - even as you shove my articles down the line.

Goals for 2012

Goals for 2012:

Bike - Hit 5,000 miles; ride 8 centuries (not necessarily an organized ride)

Run - Hit 400 miles; complete a half marathon

That should do it for 2012. With all the kids playing sports and being involved in various volunteer organizations, this will be challenging enough.

Where are you at? How will you "win from within"?

Be courageous.

Wow! It's been a long time...

I remembered I had a blog. Now I just need to update it more frequently. I just need to ask myself - just how much social media do I need? Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and a blog. Interesting.

The best thing I have done for my cycling recently was to get a Real Axiom CT trainer. It is a computer controlled resistance trainer that you can download rides to or map ride on Google Earth. It will then simulate the resistance based upon the data - making it easier or harder depending upon the grade of the road. It has made my indoor experience much better. In fact, I have only ridden outside twice in the two months. I get just as good of workout and I don't have to freeze. Plus, the laundry is diminished due to not having to wear as much clothing to keep warm.

2012 will be a good year in the saddle. One ride is already on the calendar - 4.28.12 in Ontario, California for the L'etape du California - with more rides to come. Heading towards 5K miles again.