Yes, Ive been riding my bike the past couple of weeks. From "Zero" to "Hero" as someone said. I stayed off the bike, completely for about 6mos...long story, wont explain at this point. I told myself I would start riding to work more, mainly on the weekends cause the wife would be home with the boys.
Well, after another set of unfortunate events, ie the wife getting fired from her job, it wound up being that I could put more time in on the bike and commuting to work. It works out pretty good for the most part. I save us 40miles round trip everyday in gas money, and I get to throw myself back into riding again. The only part that sucks is I dont see my boys as much. I leave before they get up in the morning and get home just in time for bed.
Thats ok, cause next week, we're headed to Chi-town for a family trip that has been planned for some time now. Ill be able to hang with them for a super long weekend.
This week my goal is to ride everyday to and from work. That mileage should be around 200 or so. Which from sitting on the couch to throwing that down right off the bat, Id say isnt but so bad. The down side is my legs feel like hell, but I know my body and I know I respond best to completely destroying myself at times.
You can check out the mileage total for this work week on endomondo HERE. Keep in mind my work weeks are Thursday thru Monday. As of today im past half way to my goal. Im really diggin that endomondo app so far. Just wish I could do a really long ride with it, and not have to worry about the battery dying. Android OS kinda sucks the life out of those things.
Anywho...
...boots out.
March 31, 2012
March 30, 2012
"The Dirty Century"...Cyclocrossers Here's Your Ride
Coming up in a couple months, more like 2.5months, is The Dirty Century. Its a multimileage, mainly off road(on dirt roads) awesome ride put on by my boss, Kirk Webster, and Eric Miller. Its been going on for a few years, admittedly Ive never heard of it, and its been getting bigger and bigger each year.
Its going to be a nice "tune up" ride for all your Cyclocrossers out there. The mileage options are 20, 50 and 109(200km). Registration is online at www.dirtycentury.com I believe, or there are mail in registration forms at Creekside Bikes in Parker CO.
The flyer below isnt the best quality as it was taken from the paper version and scanned through the old HTC and converted. Contact info will be below it.
Sag Wagon will be along for the entire ride.
2 break areas for refueling
Lunch Stop in scenic Fondis Colorado
Post ride BBQ/Cookout in Evans Park
Contact: Eric Miller genericmiller@yahoo.com
Gonna be fun...Im going to get my fat butt out there and keep this "getting in shape" train movin!
...boots out.
March 28, 2012
Wine, Chocolate, Women & Me!
What? Women's Wine and Chocolate Ride Night
Where? Creekside Bikes
When? Friday April 13th 2012
Time? 5:30pm
Im going to plug this event my work puts on. Its pretty cool, especially if youre a lady who like to ride bikes, drink vino and eat some chocolate. Apparently this has been going on for a couple of seasons and we're trying to make it better this year.
Once a month this group meets at the shop to head out for a nice leisurely Super Social bike ride...somewhere around 1.5-2hrs...then heads back to the shop for some refreshments. Everyone is welcome to come...ladies that is.
This year Ill be doing clinics after the ride...how to change a tube/tire, wash your bike...some basic type stuff, but things everyone should know how to do.
The ride is headed up by Dana Smith, our outside employee and local spin instructor at the Lifetime Fitness in Parker.
So, pass the word around and come on out Ladies and bring a friend or 2!
...boot out.
Where? Creekside Bikes
When? Friday April 13th 2012
Time? 5:30pm
Im going to plug this event my work puts on. Its pretty cool, especially if youre a lady who like to ride bikes, drink vino and eat some chocolate. Apparently this has been going on for a couple of seasons and we're trying to make it better this year.
Once a month this group meets at the shop to head out for a nice leisurely Super Social bike ride...somewhere around 1.5-2hrs...then heads back to the shop for some refreshments. Everyone is welcome to come...ladies that is.
This year Ill be doing clinics after the ride...how to change a tube/tire, wash your bike...some basic type stuff, but things everyone should know how to do.
The ride is headed up by Dana Smith, our outside employee and local spin instructor at the Lifetime Fitness in Parker.
So, pass the word around and come on out Ladies and bring a friend or 2!
...boot out.
March 26, 2012
Water Bottle 1...Human Being 0
Early Spring
...boots rides on...
March 23, 2012
Friday Lunch Crew
Every Friday there's a ride from the shop here in Parker that meets with a group over on Chambers and Lincoln to ride over to Hess Road. Its all levels and stays together until the climb, then all hell breaks loose.
This is the crew that just left the shop. Unfortunately one of the ladies took a digger right out of the parking lot and needed a quick adjustment to get back up and going. Kathy youre a trooper!
March 22, 2012
Had To Stop
..boots rides on...
O.G. DEAN
The Sun's Up
Chilly in the gulleys this morning.
March 21, 2012
Unexpected Miles
Figured is use this as a test. Anyhow...tomorrow I get to ride into work due to the wife being home from work. This is an unexpected surprise for me and I'm stoked.
Sometimes I feel like this guy...many of you are already familiar with this photo. I'm sure some see me like this, I know I definitely feel like this guy still.
It'll all come in good time I suppose...
...boots out.
Sometimes I feel like this guy...many of you are already familiar with this photo. I'm sure some see me like this, I know I definitely feel like this guy still.
It'll all come in good time I suppose...
...boots out.
March 20, 2012
Commuting
Last week at #bikeschool, there were alot of questions about commuting. Its always a subject somewhere in the cycling world. Someone wants to know how to get from home to work on their bike, what they should carry, what to wear...etc. There's always some "commuter expert" thats out there who "knows best" as well.
I get asked what I carry sometimes, especially back in my messenger days. Yes, thats right, I have Actual street cred when it comes to this one. 10yrs a messenger in Denver CO will teach you how to travel on the bike...all day.
At one point my commute to "work"(downtown Denver) from home was about 45mins each way, work 8hrs/day on the bike and then back home. So, I decided to just throw it out there for people who might wanna know what I carry and how I plan my rides on the bike to work.
Obviously I try to minimize weight, but Id rather be safe than sorry. If Im 100% sure ill be home before dark in the summer, Ill leave the lights at home.
Bag types is a personal thing. Just use whatever doesnt give you shoulder/neck/back pain and feels right. I also bought some iron on reflective stickers and added them to the bag and to an old helmet I used to wear(while I was wearing it, not now, that would be stupid). It definitely helps as you can see in the first pic.
Thats about it...
...boots out.
I get asked what I carry sometimes, especially back in my messenger days. Yes, thats right, I have Actual street cred when it comes to this one. 10yrs a messenger in Denver CO will teach you how to travel on the bike...all day.
At one point my commute to "work"(downtown Denver) from home was about 45mins each way, work 8hrs/day on the bike and then back home. So, I decided to just throw it out there for people who might wanna know what I carry and how I plan my rides on the bike to work.
- Waterproof shoulder courier bag...had mine made custom by a guy here in Denver.
- helmet
- light(s)...I use 2 front...1 strobe, 1 Stella 150 to actually see with and a rear flasher
- work clothes
- Gerber multi tool
- "Saddle bag"(I keep it in my bag, dont like hanging it on the bike)
- cycling clothing...1 layer up/warmer and 1 layer down/colder than whatever the forecast says. I always keep lil things like knee/arm warmers, toe covers, gloves and hats in cause I can deal with a cold body, but a cold head, hands or feet sucks
- malas and Tibetan prayer flag tied with gold yak yarn...given to me by my good friend Bill Fehr from a trip he actually took to Tibet. Its my bit of faith thrown in...just sayin
- u-lock
- food...depending on the length I try and take the appropriate amount.
- phone
- ID
- dinero
- handpump
Thats pretty much the gist of it. Im sure I left something out that Ill remember after I post this. One optional thing is a fender. If there's rain in the forecast I tend to err on the side of caution. Luckily my bag is big enough that if I dont wanna "dork out" the bike with a fender I can put inside.
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| my good friend, fellow messenger from Charlotte NC gave me the prayer flag. Ive always carried the prayer beads...Malas. Just cause I dont talk about doesnt mean I dont have an "exit strategy" |
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| the saddle bag has the spare tube, co2 and multi tool |
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| Light N Motion makes some really awesome commuter lights. Ive loved this thing. Unfortunately I have to buy a new charger as I cant find the OG! |
Bag types is a personal thing. Just use whatever doesnt give you shoulder/neck/back pain and feels right. I also bought some iron on reflective stickers and added them to the bag and to an old helmet I used to wear(while I was wearing it, not now, that would be stupid). It definitely helps as you can see in the first pic.
Thats about it...
...boots out.
March 17, 2012
I Got New Rubber
Im not the best at "keeping" up with the seasons, much less equipment choices for those seasons. I decided today I would get some new rubber at the shop. Ive been riding some Vittoria CX file tread tires for as long as I can remember(within the past year), and theyve been great. Im not out training with groups or worried about my tire contact patch or any of that stuff. I wanted a new comfy ride with some low rolling resistance and something that would go through minor snow falls and trail rides...hence the cx tires.
Ive been wanting to put some "road" tires on the bike, but the vain part of me just cant stand the way std road tires look on cross bikes. They also handle differently than on a road bike..guess cuz theyre "made" for road riding right?
I eyed a pair of these Challenge Paris/Roubaix tires when I first set foot in Creekside. Well, today, after much research and deliberation, I snagged a pair of them...big ole 27mm suckers! I was super pleased with the way they felt, way faster than some file tread with meat on the side cx tire thats for sure.
The crappy thing was that as I got on the bike path about half a mile from the shop, a small hole that had been sealed with the stans I run in my tubes, from an earlier ride began to bubble and blew out real quick like. Luckily I stopped the bike just after it blew...unluckily my new rear tire has a nice lil scuff on it now...bah humbug!
Anywho...they were nice and once I get the pressure thing dialed in, i think Ill ride these bad boys till cx season.
...boots out.
Ive been wanting to put some "road" tires on the bike, but the vain part of me just cant stand the way std road tires look on cross bikes. They also handle differently than on a road bike..guess cuz theyre "made" for road riding right?
I eyed a pair of these Challenge Paris/Roubaix tires when I first set foot in Creekside. Well, today, after much research and deliberation, I snagged a pair of them...big ole 27mm suckers! I was super pleased with the way they felt, way faster than some file tread with meat on the side cx tire thats for sure.
The crappy thing was that as I got on the bike path about half a mile from the shop, a small hole that had been sealed with the stans I run in my tubes, from an earlier ride began to bubble and blew out real quick like. Luckily I stopped the bike just after it blew...unluckily my new rear tire has a nice lil scuff on it now...bah humbug!
Anywho...they were nice and once I get the pressure thing dialed in, i think Ill ride these bad boys till cx season.
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| nice lil "OG" gumwall action and some big comfy pillows for me |
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| luckily its not detrimental to the tire itself...yet |
Day 76...Morning Commute
I made it in to work in more than one piece this morning. Im actually surprised at how bad I DONT feel. Im sure it will come back to bite me later today, more than likely on the ride home. Below is the route from my place. Its a nice rolly ride that climbs the entire way. The ride home should be that much better as there wont be a hideous head wind and itll be down the whole way.
Couple of shots...more later, didnt want to waste the battery in my android phone...they arent the best since the damn system runs all kinds of stuff at once.
and here's the route info...
...boots out.
Couple of shots...more later, didnt want to waste the battery in my android phone...they arent the best since the damn system runs all kinds of stuff at once.
and here's the route info...
...boots out.
March 16, 2012
Day 75...Commuting
Worked at the shop...no big deal there. Although did save a young woman, who's training for an Ironman, lots of headache by convincing her her bought off craigslist bike wasnt up to snuff for the training and racing. After shock set in, she was stoked to look at a new bike. Good stuff...
Getting ready to commute in for the first time in a loooooooooooonnnng time. Google mapped the route via there "bicycling" option, and looks to be about a 2hr stint each way. "JOY!", said the super outta shape cyclist who at one point weighed 155lbs and averaged 450w. It is what it is and I get to suffer through every bit of agonizing blissful riding ache and pain. Why not jump back in the water head first?! Said I wouldnt do it, but I think thats the way I respond best...at least thats the trend.
This actually ties into some questions from #bikeschool last night. Will explain later...keep in mind I aint right sometimes.
...boots out.
Getting ready to commute in for the first time in a loooooooooooonnnng time. Google mapped the route via there "bicycling" option, and looks to be about a 2hr stint each way. "JOY!", said the super outta shape cyclist who at one point weighed 155lbs and averaged 450w. It is what it is and I get to suffer through every bit of agonizing blissful riding ache and pain. Why not jump back in the water head first?! Said I wouldnt do it, but I think thats the way I respond best...at least thats the trend.
...boots out.
March 15, 2012
Endomondo Trial...House to Park and Back
Took the boys to the park a bit ago to have an excuse to use my newest app...Endomondo Pro. Cost me $3, and I decided to pay for it after trying a whole bunch of other ones in the past. Ive heard lots of good things about this one and know some people who use it quite often.
Wasnt a long ride, but some features like being able to "Pause" the workout, instead of stopping and starting a whole new one was nice, as we went to the park then came back to the house.
It also has auditory cues which are nice. You can set a workout for a time limit and youll get audio cues as to where you are! This is perfect for cyclists as its about time, NOT miles.
Ill play around with it more over the next few days...
...boots out
Wasnt a long ride, but some features like being able to "Pause" the workout, instead of stopping and starting a whole new one was nice, as we went to the park then came back to the house.
It also has auditory cues which are nice. You can set a workout for a time limit and youll get audio cues as to where you are! This is perfect for cyclists as its about time, NOT miles.
Ill play around with it more over the next few days...
...boots out
Day 74...I Forgot What I Was Doing
Its become increasingly hard to keep up with the days and posts. I blame myself, no one else. My ADHD sets in in cycles and when it does...well...its hard to explain to people who dont suffer from it. Even for those who do, there are many many "types" of ADHD and our symptoms can be so different. Yeah we come across as "looney", sporadic, thoughtless, "care free", not-able-to-concentrate, forgetful and the list could go on. Keep in mind we are all and NONE of those. Pretty crazy stuff. Anywho...
Yesterday was another notch in the perverbial belt of the year. Ill be adding another day of work at the shop to the week. That'll be nice. Ill actually be a real 40hr/week employee again! Granted its only til September, but that could work out just fine seeing as how Cyclocross season starts then and that should free me up to do my 'Cross duties for the men/women I take care of during that time of year. So its looking like Ill be at Creekside Bikes Thurs-Mon until then starting next week!
Took the boys out for, what I thought was going to be, a nice walk to the park. As soon as we got out of the back gate and started down the alley(yes I said alley, as its safer than these "sidewalks" in my neighborhood) the boys started to run. The younger one went cross "wheels" with his older brother and in the process did what happens when we cross wheels on bikes...took his brother out! It wouldnt have been so bad if Oryn hadnt fallen yesterday and scraped his palms on our hike. He hit the deck and put his hands out to break his fall hence scraping all the newly formed skin off his hands again. After some consoling and hand holding we made it to the park. It was a brief session as Oryn wasnt really feeling it.
Other than that...I got nada
...boots out.
March 13, 2012
Day 72(nothing) & Day 73...The Boys on The Trail
Hola peoples. The major part of being sick for me is that I dont ever feel like doing squat. I know for some its a lame excuse, but it is what it is. Yesterday(Day 72) wasnt much of a day with the exception of working at the shop and coming home to get the boys bathed and fed before the wife got home. She has the nasal part of this crud...thank goodness not the fever I had and the shakes and aches!
On the way back down is when Oryn took the header. It wasnt bad, but it did catch him off guard. From there we headed down the road to Red Rocks Park. I thought theyd like the circular trail since it wasnt an out and back type of deal.
Today(Day 73) is getting an early post. Zach didnt sleep during his nap, as I suppose the one he took in the car after our 3 hr hike was sufficient. Yep, took them on a big day of walking at Matthew/Winters Park and the big hike at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Matthew/Winters was the warmup. Oryn also took a bit of a homerun slide going downhill and got a nice lil gash on his palm from trying to brake his fall.
(click on the photos to enlarge)
(click on the photos to enlarge)
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| The boys have a huge love of water. Id like to think they get that from me! |
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| We headed up the "Village Trail"(I think thats the name). |
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| They loved finding the rocks at the top. |
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| They saw some Yucca plants and we had to stop to have a feel. |
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They started off just fine, and made about 2/3s of the way around before the meltdown sequence started to count down. Zach needed me to carry him the last 1/4 of a mile and Oryn wanted his hand held. Other than that, they had lots of hydration and snacks to keep the body fueled. I think it was more just physical fatigue and the sun. It actually got quite warm out there with the sun reflecting off those red rocks and dirt.
Once we got back to the car, the kids made it until we got onto I-70 and headed down the road home. before they both passed out.
Im so proud of them for going like champs. Cant wait for them to go out on our next adventure!
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| The car is in the background. They were all amp'd up at this point! |
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| They both love the "Big Rocks" |
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| No help was needed at this point with the stairs...not so towards the end! |
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| Beautiful Red Rocks |
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| Even the Cactus need a lil moisture at this point |
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| Coming down the trail |
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| I had to play "buffer" at this point in the trail |
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| Descending takes it out of you...more than they realized. |
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| This is the "bottom" of the trail. A lil flat then it was time to head back up. |
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| Zach was running low on energy at this point. We were about 1/2 mile from the end here. |
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| Looks like someone doesnt like the penalty |
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| There were a lot of these on the backside of the trail. |
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| The car was at the top of these steps, in the upper left of the photo. |
We all got some sun and they worked out that kid energy we adults crave so much at times. It was an awesome morning!
...boots out.
p.s. All photos were taken with my HTC EVO 4G so apologies on the quality...
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