Lithia

The week started with rain and a "no ride" Monday. Some time Monday afternoon I realized that I should have ridden to work in order to hit my 100 miles for the week goal. Tuesday was Craig's middle school orientation, Wednesday was a youth activity so I rode to work on Thursday. The C asked me to take Friday off so we could go to Ashland for the long weekend.

Thanks to my brother-in-law Bob for allowing us to hang at his house in Ashland. It was a great weekend of family fun and a bit of riding.

We hit the lake a few water slides on Friday afternoon before riding the trail between Medford and Ashland. Friday night we introduced Colin and Craig to Mr. Bean. They must have watched the first three seasons several times. Saturday morning, I got up and got on the bike. The C had talked to me about Mt. Ashland and a race up to the ski resort in mid-September. I thought I'd try out the route and see how I do. It is 25 miles with over 5K worth of climbing, with almost all of the elevation coming over 16 miles. Yes, 16 miles of up hill. The average grade is 5.5% and the climb is relentless. There is only one spot of downhill, a very short one of about 1/4 mile at mile 9 of the climb. The climb is between 2% and 10%. The C and the kids came up and gave me food as I rode and met me at the top. I don't think I am returning for the race. It was an epic climb. If it was part of Pro Tour, it is at least a Cat. 1 climb due to the length. I can't wait to go back and try it again. There is something about climbing that brings a focus and calm that I enjoy.

After getting down and home, we headed to Lithia Park and cruised around downtown Ashland. We partook of Lithia water - an all natural mineral water full of lithium salts and is known for its positive psycholgical impact. This is not to say that it tastes good but is good for you. After cruising around for a while, we headed for some Mexican food, played some Soccer and Football, had family races, and back to the house for some rest and a movie.

All told, it was a great weekend being able to ride and be with the family. This next week will be fun as Colin starts school, Craig starts middle school, and Cassie starts Soccer. It will be fun. I can't wait for the fun.

Baldie

This past week was full of not being in the office, meaning no riding to work. We had our annual off-site budget and strategy review session to discuss 2009. There always is a mental exhaustion that comes with hours and hours of discussion and data review. What made it more difficult to work through is the lack of exercise. The exercise keeps my mind fresh and sharp but I was wanting for time this week. So Friday afternoon I got out a bit early and got on the bike. I had a little time so I decided on taking on Baldie.

As I passed the Baptist church on Bell road, I thought about putting in a good time on the climb. As I started up the hill, my mind started to think about the talk I had been assigned for church on Sunday. I looked down at the cyclometer - 17 minutes so far on the road. I then got lost in my thoughts about my life and how it had been shaped through people, experiences, and decisions. A calm came as climbed. The rhythmic pedaling and breathing, the thoughts, the sun on my back, without even noticing 23 minutes had passed and I was well on my way. I ended up getting up the climb in a personal best, just a hair over 37 minutes. I cruised down the back side and around North Valley road. All told 42 miles.

Saturday started early as I rolled out at 6 AM. I had planned on getting in 60 miles but the legs were not awake or cooperating. They felt real tired and heavy. The climb less than 12 hours before did me in. I headed back and ended up with 40 miles - a good ride but lackluster effort. Baldie had done me in. It was all good though as we, all the family, headed up to Silver Falls and hiked to 6 waterfalls. Cool!

I will surpass 4K this week. I am set up to get to 5K over the last 4 months. It should be fun as the rain is starting to fall again. Wow! It is only August.

Incredible

On Friday, I was talking with the C about riding on Saturday. I mentioned that my boss and a VP were riding in the Saturday Vine Ride out of Newberg. This is the same ride that she did last year with me and OB12OLD. After we talked, she said, "You should ride the Vine Ride. It would a great opportunity for you." So I signed up for the ride. The ride goes through Oregon wine country. We passed some 14 or 15 wineries along the route and acres upon acres of vineyards. The weather was great and the support for the ride incredible. I didn't have to carry any food from home. This is how well the century ride was supported. At the same time, it was real comfortable with the two from work. We rode, talked, ate, and talked some more. The 100+ miles went by quickly as the day heated up. The neat part of the ride is on the way back through Dayton, the C and Cas caught up with us and we rode together to Lafayette where I showed the C and Cas the rode that lead back to Newberg. It was neat to see them on the road and ride with them.

All told for the week, 187 miles, the third highest total for the year for me, raising my weekly average to 120 miles. 5K and Dura Ace components here I come!

The incredible part of the week was the C and Cas. They rode the Tour de Stake together yesterday. All told, they put in 67 miles of riding, to all the buildings in the Stake. They rode in the heat and did well. I am so proud of them for getting out there and doing it. Incredible! Way to go Triple C!!

Touring

Some days it is just fun to kick it rather than rip it. That is exactly what we did today. The C and I rolled up to Troutdale with some Saints and Spinners friends to ride some of the scenic Columbia Gorge highway. The scenery was incredible as we climbed up to the Vista House and overlooked the Gorge and then down the road to the series of water falls, ending at Multnomah Falls with some lunch at the restaurant there. The C did quite well on the climbs but time in the saddle without time in the saddle spells pain in the saddle. All told, a little over 36 miles that took almost 3 hours.

As you can see, this wasn't my usual pace but the beauty was riding with some friends and my wife. The C and I rode and talked and goofed off. Nice!

The week was 106+ miles of fairly easy riding - just trying to take a easier week. A week from today is the Tour de Stake. It will be fun to ride with the C and Cas. Coming in September will be my training for the Tour of Tucson - need to get under 6 hours.

Century

Not a bad week on the bike - just a little over 100 miles with no long rides. It was get the time where I could as I was watching the boys all week. We had a good time playing at the park, throwing the football around, eating man food, playing games, and just being together. It was real good bonding time. I'll admit I was nervous at first but Craig did a great job with Colin and I got to really bond with the boys, all the while getting my time on the bike.

At this pace, I will pass my 2007 totals by mid-September. I have plateaued on the weight loss but soon enough I will smash that barrier as well.

Time to get back on the bike.

Reflecting

This year's TdF did not disappoint. Although there were very few Americans competing, the TdF proved that cycling and the event belongs to those who ride clean. There are a few riders that I follow, one being George Hincapie. He is a work horse who gets on his bike and does his job, all the while having fun. Here is a typical George picture. It's all done. He is taking his brief case and he's going home - on his bike!

Thanks to velonews.com for the pic. Thanks George for the smiles, crazy glasses, and for being a true professional with high ethical and moral standards.

Cassandra

I got up early this morning to get ready to go to Ward Council, as I am eating breakfast, my phone rings. JD is calling me from the Champs Elysees, the final circuit of the TdF. In talking with him, he mentioned that he had stood road side at the Tour of California and that there is no comparison with TdF. The air in Paris was electric and crazy. TdF sponsors drove by throwing hats, shirts, and other items to the fans. The riders had not arrived yet but the anticipation was palpable. Thanks JD for taking the time to bring me in to the final stage of TdF.

Craig asked me about a week ago while a rider needs a team at TdF. I tried to explain it to him but finally said "let's watch." Team CSC showed why a team is needed as they put a hurting on the other contenders through the domestique's high tempo and punishing rides. By the time the final time trial came along, Evans and Menchov had nothing left. If this had been the first week of the Tour, Evans pulls back Sastre. Due to the pain that the riders of CSC inflicted, Cadel did not have a chance although I hoped he could. Congrats to Team CSC on the excellent TdF win. Cycling really is a team sport.

Speaking of a team sport, the Chilly C Cycling team rode out from Laurelwood on Saturday morning for a spin around Hagg Lake. The ride did not disappoint. We saw several deer, running along the side of the road. The lake and surrounding scenery was beautiful. Cas and I did some hill work, pushing the tempo hard up the hill and cruising down the back side of them. The C did well also, especially after the bike change. We rolled back to Laurelwood after 28 miles of the Oregon countryside. Cas and I decided to ride the 18 miles back home. She learned a little about drafting and paceline riding and we made it back in an hour. Not bad for a 13 year old and her third real ride. Nice! She did get tired on the last bit of rollers into Newberg but we got it done. All told we did 46 miles. We will be ready for the Tour de Stake in mid-August. I am excited to maybe have another cyclist in the family. Craig is next then we will have four. He is already showing interest. Yes!

For me, I rode 116 miles. This next week will be tough with girls camp. But, I'll figure out a way to get in the miles.

Timing

Stage 20 of the TdF is tomorrow. It will be epic. I have watched ever stage so far and am enthralled by the passion, pain, and pageantry of the event. All these days of racing come down to 53 km in the race of truth - the individual time trial. After almost 75 hours of riding, the top 5 cyclists are separated by less than three minutes. Wow! I will be watching tomorrow morning pulling for Cadel and Christian. It all comes down to who can put pain aside and ride for the maillot jaune. Timing by Festina.

I rode my own time trial this week, although a bit shorter - the 10.3 miles home. I clocked my fastest time yet at 28 minutes, 35 seconds at a blazing 21 MPH. I beat my own personal best by over 5 minutes on the same route. I was motivated and it hurt but a good kind of hurt.

It has been a quiet week of riding so far with lots of TdF time. My thoughts are with my STP buddy this weekend. I will be watching for JD on the streets of Paris on Sunday. "Yo", a quick shout out to the race and pour some Gatorade on the streets of the Champs-Elysees for me.

Anniversary

4 years and 40 pounds ago, my father brought to me this idea of riding a bike for fitness. I have been hooked on riding the bike ever since. Granted, I have watched and followed the TdF since watching Live on Sky TV in Germany, Greg LeMond's improbable pulling back of 54 seconds in the 1989 edition. Impressive it was to watch!

As I sat and rode today, I thought back on many of the rides I have done, recalling good, bad, and ugly. Last week, when JD and I rode, we talked frequently about going back to SA and putting in some miles there to compare with what we have ridden since. The 211 loop with its hills, the scenic loop hill, Bandera road, and other rides that we did would probably be bumps or rollers rather than hills when comparing them to rides like the Col de Hamilton or the Rock Shop climb or Bald Peak. It is nice to have had to opportunity to ride such incredible rides over some beautiful landscape.

As for this week's riding, I got back on the bike on Monday to ride into work. Thought I'd show how tough I was and do some climbing. Well, the hills fought back this time. I am riding up to the green house on Krueger, legs screaming at me, letting me now that they did not approve of this pain. I had to get home so I kept pedaling. A few times I thought about calling the SAG, but my pride overcame me. The 25 miles on Monday hurt so I didn't ride till Thursday. The legs felt better but still not quite recovered. Today was 57+ miles. Of which, 22 were with the Chilly C Cycling Team or the Triple C Team. They want to ride in the Tour de Stake so I need to get them into shape. It was good easy pedaling after a morning of hard intervals. At the same time, I love to have company and this was awesome to have them with me. All told, 107+ miles this week.

Update on Goals: YTD miles: 3329 (definitely more than last year); 204 pounds (9 more to go). I am on my way to reaching both. Next target: Tour of Tucson in November - less than 6.

See you on the road!

Vacation

Let me describe my typical day while I have been on vacation - wake up early, watch the TdF, eat some breakfast, ride for a few hours, and then go sight seeing or other family activities. Perfect! What made it even better was having the Hogg here to hang with and to do all these things with - nice!

We put in 100 miles before we even hit the road on Saturday for the STP's 204. Some of the week's highlights include getting up Bald Peak in record time, just over 37 minutes, riding new local routes, and having a King Dog.

The STP started early for us as we rolled out of bed at 4 AM and onto the road by 4:30 AM to get to the start line to meet with the rest of the Newberg riders. At about 4:50 AM we rolled across the start line at the University of Washington. It was a beautiful start to the ride, clear skies, 60 degree weather, around Lake Washington with the sun hitting the peaks of Mt. Rainier. It was breath-taking. While enjoying the ride, we were doing some work with the group from Newberg, At one point, while talking about Scouts, two of us mislead about 200 riders. Luckily, a few noticed and quickly got us back on track. We pounded out the first 100 in six hours total time. The second 100 took a bit longer but we got into Portland a little after 6 PM. This was the fastest in total time that I had ever ridden the STP. I had bettered my ride time by only 20 minutes but the impact of all the training rides is that I did not suffer like I had previously. So many times I was thankful for all of the riding I had been able to do prior to the STP. I didn't get the hollow leg feeling or the total body ache of previous rides. This was very encouraging. We had a plan and we worked the plan to perfection.

In retrospect, we could have been a bit faster on total time. We spent some extra time at a few of the rest stops that we could have cut down. I figure we could have been at least an hour sooner if not more. Now we have the recipe, next year means we can only make it faster than this year.

I appreciate all the help and support of my family and friends that they gave before/during/after the ride. I could not have done it without you. Thanks!! A special thanks to the Hogg and his family for hanging with us - it was great!

All told for the week - 304+ miles, over 400 ridden with the Hogg.

Off the mountain

The Tour de France has several mountain top stage finishes. Ever wonder how they get off the mountain - they ride. Can you imagine putting in some 100+ grueling miles up and over several climbs and then having to get back on the bike to ride down to the team bus? The ride down is not alone either, it is with all the fans and recreational cyclists who previously had lined the route up the mountain.

Here is an excerpt from Will Frishkorn's (of Team Garmin-Chipotle who is competing in the TdF) blog and his experience riding down the mountain.

"The craziest part of the day by far however was coming down off the finish hill. When we hit the top we had warm clothes and a bit of food waiting. After a quick hit of calories and quickly bundling up we headed back down 15k to the team parking. Unreal! The crowds that made the entire climb almost unbearably loud were all moving the same direction and it was complete mayhem; thousands of people on foot, bicycle, motorbikes, and a few cars sneaking in as well. Every few corners there would be cops signaling to slow down and yelling "accident!!" and sure enough there would be a few people smashed together off in a ditch. it looked like one of the Milram guys got tangled up in one, but mainly just spectators. None the less, scary ... and with the mind already pretty numb it was that much harder. Amazing though to see how many people were out turning the day into one huge party. Makes all the suffering that much easier for sure."

Feasting

It has been a fun last couple of days with a bit of riding mixed in. On Thursday afternoon, we fought the holiday traffic and rolled up to Tacoma to watch the Rainers game and fireworks with my brothers, OB12OLD, and my Louisiana nephews. We had a great time just being boys - you know, throwing stuff, yelling random comments, and just being annoying overall. The fireworks were great, the kids loved them.

The 4th was spent just hanging out at a memorial breakfast, eating some incredible BBQ (Thanks 2OLD for the ribs), playing some football at the park, and reading. Thanks for my mom for having us all at the house and be patient with all of the kids and as always, the great food. Although I never lived in that house, it does feel like home because she is there.

After leaving around 6 PM, we headed to the airport and meet the Dunfords. Quite exciting for all - they are here.

We got up Saturday and tuned into the Tour. Yes, it started. Valverde put on a show at the finish. I believe he was trying to send a message to the peleton that the Dauphine was no fluke. I am leary of his ability to finish the Tour. Three weeks is a long time. Cadel's face at the finish kind of told it all - "I am going to have to work hard."

JD and I put in a metric century and a half - 97 miles of fun around the Willamette Valley - North Valley, Haag Lake, Yamhill, Carlton, Lafayette, Hopewell, Wheatland Ferry, St. Paul (let's rodeo), and back to Newberg. The weather cooperated with us - it was a cool 72 degrees with cloud cover all day. It was good to be riding with JD.

Overall, 150+ miles this week - with one week to go to STP. We'll probably ride a bit more than the schedule this week but also allow plenty of time to recover. It would be nice to have a 300 mile week!

Fantasy

Yes, even the TdF has a fantasy league - courtesy of Performance Bike.

My team is as follows:

Overall GC contender: Cadel Evans of Silence-Lotto, Kim Kirchen of Team Columbia

Sprinters: Oscar Freire of Rabobank, Mark Cavendish of Team Columbia, Robbie Hunter of Barloworld

Climbers: Andy Schleck of Team CSC, Manual Beltran of Liquigas

Support: Stijn Devolder of Quick-Step, Danny Pate of Garmin-Chipotle

I took a few more sprinters since there are more flat stages than mountain stages. Cadel is in good form and showed well at the Dauphine. It is his year to shine.

It all starts this Saturday, 7/5 - Stage 1: BREST TO PLUMELEC, 195 km. No prologue, just racing! Let 'em ride....

Sweltering

Summer finally hit Oregon on Thursday with temperatures in the 90's. The nice part is that summer has lasted for at least three days and might stick around for a little while longer. Late Wednesday night the C and the kids got back into town. It just so happened that summer's arrival was timed with their return. I appreciate them bringing the sun back with them from their Southern adventures. All of them had dark tans and smelled of coconut oil. Well, maybe not the coconut oil but they did have nice tans. I am happy and relieved that they are back safely and the boys survived.

The riding is always better when you don't have all this extra clothing on - like it was this week. I rode every day this week; 6 days in the saddle. Some days had significant miles, others were just a run to/from work. All told, 170+ miles over almost 11 hours of bike time. It was another week of hill work. All the strength training will pay off at the STP and later in the summer. Only two more weeks till the ride. I picked up our packets yesterday and reviewed the ride book - pretty much the same as last year.

This week will be some riding to work, a 4th ride, a JD Hogg special on Saturday, and a route review on Sunday. The last week of preparation will be another one full of miles. Probably a bit more than the recommended 120. Over the last four weeks, I have averaged over 170 miles. For the year, I am averaging over 110 miles a week. Definitely hitting my goal of riding more this year than last. The weight has been stable at 206 for two weeks now but I have phase 2 of the plan to implement. I look forward to next week seeing if it works or not.

It's been fun - See you on the road...

Underrested

The week finished strong but a little painful. After attending my niece's baptism and lunch, which was a nice family affair thanks to my brother Matt and family, OB12OLD and I hit the road. I wanted to get to 60 but after riding for 25, my legs were screaming at me. There were no hills, no high tempo, some headwind, but nothing noteworthy to cause this pain. Sitting there thinking about what and why, I remembered something I read in Floyd's book. Floyd had the notion that it is a misnomer to say you've overtrained. You are just underrested. This made sense to me. I had ridden a century on Saturday, came home Sunday to an empty house, unable to sleep well. I rode 3 1/2 hours on Monday, got home late Tuesday, rode three 1/2 hours Wednesday, rode 2 hours Thursday, and then another 3 hours on Saturday (OB12OLD was feeling good - he got the "I'll rip your legs off" pace on - he must have smelt blood). All the while, having trouble sleeping and not eating well. I paid the price for all of this during the three hours on Saturday while riding into the headwind.

Being at my parents house on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I got some good food and some decent rest. When I got back here Sunday night, I went to be early. This morning was a different day. I tore up the hills on the way to work, not feeling fatigued. After work, I rode another 2+ hours, on hills and not feeling very fatigued and not eating much either. I felt good. I hope this carries over into tomorrow as I will try to hit 3 hours on the bike again. All told, last week was about 12 hours on the bike, 190+ miles. The 12 hours is more than the time on the bike for the STP. This is a huge mental victory. I am ready now, just polishing it off. I am excited for JD to come on down and spend some time here just hanging on and off the bike. It will be relaxing. Only two more Saturdays of work before the ride. Let's ride!

On another note, the bachelor days are coming to an end. I am so excited to see the C and the kids - only a few more days to go.

Empathy

As I was riding home last night, up another climb, I have gained empathy for the pros - having to ride hills day in and day out and the toll it takes upon the body. I am reading Floyd's book right now and he is talking about his first TdF. He asks Big George after the first week if the tour is always this hard. George's response is classic, "No, it gets harder." Wow! My legs were semi-toast last night so I only rode 34 miles. I am not exactly where I wanted to be by this time but I am close to my weekly goal of 200. Only a 60 miler on Saturday and I will be over the 200 mile mark for the week. A lot of the preparation for the STP is mental. Being able to hit the 200 mile mark in the week is a big step on being ready for me.

Only three more weeks to the ride.

Humility

Some days you have your legs and on those days, you ride hard, with passion, and smile for all is good. Other days you just suffer and get it done. Still others, you get your legs ripped off like I did today. I hit my stage 1 goal for the week of 50 miles today but it hurt. The first 11 1/2 were into work up Rex hill and Hauggen road. In the afternoon, Rob said let's get crazy and we road up over Gibbs cementary and down North Valley, around Caulkins road and to Rob's house. He just got a new LeMond Zurich. We all know how we feel with a new bike. Yeah, he rode it like he stole it and I got picked up by the bike police. Yeeeoooowwwww! Pain! After the pain, I dropped him off and headed out Wilsonville road and up Coral Creek. I had to get my 50 in but somewhere on Coral Creek I hit the wall and just pedaled to get to the top so I could get home. The road was angry today my friend. Humility...but I live to ride again another day.

Clarity

As I was reviewing my post from yesterday, I realized I neglected to explain the title to the post. For starters, this is not a statement about pent up bowel movements on a long ride while sitting on a small seat.

The plan for the ride was to hang with the BF, get in some good endurance riding, and do some speed work. Mission accomplished. For 65 to 70 miles of the ride, BF and I cruised along together, gabbing and enjoying each other's company. These are special moments for me to be able to spend this time with him - just the two of us doing what we enjoy together. Isn't that what family should be about, being together and enjoying each other?

As we were riding along the middle section of the route, doing some rollers, off to the side of the road was an old barn. It was obviously a working farm as evident from the smell of cow manure. Up on the top of this old barn was a large sign that read "Aged Manure." Showing my ignorance for manure and the importance of the aging process, I made a crack about how can aging manure be important. It is not like it is wine or some other delicacy that requires an aging process. Here is one of those special moments. I was then instructed by the BF on the importance of aging manure - how it can be harmful to plants and soil due to its high ammonia levels and nitrogen scavaging properties. The need is to compost the fresh manure, work it, and age it so that it is an effective soil fertilizer. Wow! I wrote a whole paragraph about aging manure.

The endurance portion is self-explanatory. All of the riding is paying off as I did not suffer as I have on other rides. Another big help was the Moms. She stopped in at the rest stop at mile 55 with Subway - a 6" club, hold the mayo and mustard. It hit the spot and I think helped to fend off that hollow leg/fatiguing feeling in the legs. We got some looks, sitting at the rest stop in chairs, eating a sub, our own SAG (support and gear) wagon. So to Mom, you get the Best Supporting of a Rider non-Rider award. Thanks.

The speed work was a rush and boost at the same time. I was able to hold 20+ MPH over the entire time. Granted, the course was fairly flat but I was working along. Many times, I was in the 22 - 23 MPH range. The boost was passing a lot of people, especially the final 15 miles by the lake. There were a lot of tired folks. I have been there before and know the "get me off this thing" feeling. The legs felt great and I was able to push.

Great ride, great support, and great company along the way.

Aged Manure

It has been a busy week. Riding to work, work itself, mutual, band concert, last day of school, prepping for the family's trip, and prepping for my trip. All a barrel of fun and excitement. Monday night Cassie had her final concert. She did well and I enjoyed being there to be a part of her concert. I rode in to work on Monday, up over Hauggen rode, all 1200 feet of climbing over three miles. Having done this several times over the last few weeks really paid off during the century today. Tuesday was mutual and combined activity - a little get ready to end school party and games. Wednesday - more riding to work and hanging with the C. Thurday - Hauggen road and prepping for the different trips, packing cars, cleaning the house, staying up too late. Friday, the family packed up and left. I am sad that they left for a couple weeks but happy for them that they get to see some family and friends. There is a little jealousy mixed in as well. Friday afternoon, after work, I got in the car and drove to Tacoma. Hung a little bit with my brother and then up to Redmond for a night stay at the hotel.

We got up and got ready to roll. We were on the road by 7:45 AM. We had to wait for it to warm up, relatively speaking. The ride was nice. A couple of hills early on but quite nice. I rode primarily with the BikeFather (BF) but to close out each 50 miles, I did some speed work for 15 to 20 miles. The last 20 of the ride started with a nice climb and then some rollers by the lake and to the finish line. The pay off was the Father's Day present from my mom - a sports massage after the ride. Nice! It really helped to work out the lactic acid. I feel pretty good right now as I sit here and write. All told for the week, 172+ miles. The plan for next week is to ride 150 during the week and get in a nice ride on Saturday to bust the 200 mile mark for the week. No need to be bored at home. I'll just ride.

STP is only four weeks away.

Happy Birthday C

Today is the C's birthday. Feel free to wish her a happy day.

Thanks to all family members who reached out to her. It meant a lot to her and to me!