So . . . maybe it's a good thing that I can't ride a wheelie for more than a microsecond! [Sure puts Danny MacAskill's tricks into perspective.]
We rode outside on Sunday - high for the day was 36 degrees - which lasted for about 17 minutes - with wind and frequent snow flurries.
We were supposed to do a 4 - 5 hour ride.
I just couldn't handle it - notwithstanding the heavyweight tights, winter cycling boots, skullcap, balaclava, 3 winter tops + warm jacket I had on. I bailed after 90 minutes. Phil rode the whole route and returned home frozen to core.
We are really looking forward to sneaking in some riding in Phoenix this weekend when we visit Phil's family. Even if it is 50 degrees it will feel like summer to us!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Overview
I haven't posted a whole lot about our current training regimen and plans for the 2010 cycling season. So, here is a little update.
As you may recall, last year we worked with a cycling coach, Nat Ross. We learned a lot from Nat and enjoyed the experience, but decided we would try something different this season. We now have 5 years experience training for Leadville, and have quite an arsenal of workouts and training plans to draw from. In addition, we are also using a variety of plans developed by Lynda Wallenfels, an ultra-endurance mountain bike goddess.
Currently we are in week 9 of Lynda's 12 week Winter Training Plan for Endurance Mountain Bikers, as modified to accommodate our work schedules, the crappy weather and our old age!
One area of the Wallenfels plan we have modified based on our prior experience is strength training. We have put together a pretty rigorous plan that combines functional flexibility, core strengthening exercises (especially focused on low back – often a cyclist's weak spot), and strength and balance work. Phil has even grudgingly started going to yoga once a week!
We will wrap up that plan after the first week in February, then take a week-long break (during which we'll play some golf, eat far too much rich food and drink some adult beverages in Palm Springs with Phil's boss).
On February 8 we'll learn whether we will be racing our bikes at the Leadville Trail 100 or volunteering and supporting other racers this year. Keep your fingers crossed.
In mid-February we'll start the 12 week Expert Cross Country Base Training Plan, again, tweaking it as needed to accommodate our work schedules, etc.
In March we are going to sneak in a big training block. You may recall we did a spring training trip to Solvang, California last year. This year we are going to try to do something similar in Texas. Texas Hell Week will hopefully give us a great jump start on our spring fitness, while giving us a chance to sample Shiner Bock fresh from the brewery.
In May we are taking a mountain bike trip with Jeffrey, Colleen & Lowry to the White Rim, in Utah. I'm already anxiously anticipating that trip.
The rest of the season is somewhat dependant on whether we got into the Leadville race. If we are in, Memorial Day weekend will see us begin very focused training, at altitude, for the race. If we didn't get in, we'll still ride our bikes until we're cross-eyed every chance we get, but we'll probably drink a few more beers and eat a few more chips than we otherwise would.
So . . . that is the big picture overview. Boring details are sure to follow!
As you may recall, last year we worked with a cycling coach, Nat Ross. We learned a lot from Nat and enjoyed the experience, but decided we would try something different this season. We now have 5 years experience training for Leadville, and have quite an arsenal of workouts and training plans to draw from. In addition, we are also using a variety of plans developed by Lynda Wallenfels, an ultra-endurance mountain bike goddess.
Currently we are in week 9 of Lynda's 12 week Winter Training Plan for Endurance Mountain Bikers, as modified to accommodate our work schedules, the crappy weather and our old age!
One area of the Wallenfels plan we have modified based on our prior experience is strength training. We have put together a pretty rigorous plan that combines functional flexibility, core strengthening exercises (especially focused on low back – often a cyclist's weak spot), and strength and balance work. Phil has even grudgingly started going to yoga once a week!
We will wrap up that plan after the first week in February, then take a week-long break (during which we'll play some golf, eat far too much rich food and drink some adult beverages in Palm Springs with Phil's boss).
On February 8 we'll learn whether we will be racing our bikes at the Leadville Trail 100 or volunteering and supporting other racers this year. Keep your fingers crossed.
In mid-February we'll start the 12 week Expert Cross Country Base Training Plan, again, tweaking it as needed to accommodate our work schedules, etc.
In March we are going to sneak in a big training block. You may recall we did a spring training trip to Solvang, California last year. This year we are going to try to do something similar in Texas. Texas Hell Week will hopefully give us a great jump start on our spring fitness, while giving us a chance to sample Shiner Bock fresh from the brewery.
In May we are taking a mountain bike trip with Jeffrey, Colleen & Lowry to the White Rim, in Utah. I'm already anxiously anticipating that trip.
The rest of the season is somewhat dependant on whether we got into the Leadville race. If we are in, Memorial Day weekend will see us begin very focused training, at altitude, for the race. If we didn't get in, we'll still ride our bikes until we're cross-eyed every chance we get, but we'll probably drink a few more beers and eat a few more chips than we otherwise would.
So . . . that is the big picture overview. Boring details are sure to follow!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year!
We rang in 2010 by riding up Lookout Mountain, just as we have been doing for the last 7 or 8 years.
Jeffrey risked the 35 degree weather with us – brave soul. We saw at least 30 other riders making the trek. It is great to live in a place where there are many other people who share our passion (and general lack of good sense!).
After a delicious lunch at Woody’s it was time to get ready for our Friday evening bonfire. The weather has been too bitter cold the last several weeks to accommodate Phil’s pyromania, but last night was dry, with a temperature in the low 20s – chilly, but bearable.
We had about 10 folks (including kids and dogs) hanging out, roasting marshmallows & eating hotdogs. We had a ring-side seat for blue moon watching, as the full moon crept over the South Table Mountain mesa. A very mellow and fun way to spend the first night of 2010.
Phil's Guest Comments:
It’s 2010 – WOW! Where did the year go?!
It has been a cold winter so far, with little hope of the snow disappearing soon.
One of our favorite things to do each year on January 1st is to ride up Lookout Mountain.
We can see it from our house and it is one of the many reasons we love living in Golden. In my mind, it is one of the best rides in the U.S.A.!
Happy New Year to you all!
Our "winter bikes" with fenders to keep us dry.
After a delicious lunch at Woody’s it was time to get ready for our Friday evening bonfire. The weather has been too bitter cold the last several weeks to accommodate Phil’s pyromania, but last night was dry, with a temperature in the low 20s – chilly, but bearable.
We had about 10 folks (including kids and dogs) hanging out, roasting marshmallows & eating hotdogs. We had a ring-side seat for blue moon watching, as the full moon crept over the South Table Mountain mesa. A very mellow and fun way to spend the first night of 2010.
Phil's Guest Comments:
It’s 2010 – WOW! Where did the year go?!
It has been a cold winter so far, with little hope of the snow disappearing soon.
One of our favorite things to do each year on January 1st is to ride up Lookout Mountain.
We can see it from our house and it is one of the many reasons we love living in Golden. In my mind, it is one of the best rides in the U.S.A.!
Happy New Year to you all!
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