Big Power

Starting to prepare for the race season. We had another pizza party with delicious 60 minute IPA and Sam Smiths Stouts waiting for us after the 3 mile Torture test. We even had a guest racer who only came to soak in the spectacle of guys racing and not going anywhere. But dressed for commuting (including jacket, gloves and light (not on) he laid down a very respectable 8:09. I think he surprised himself and as I told him, climb like that on the road!! I wont mention his name in case he wishes to remain anonymous.

The fastest time of the night went to Thom Dominic who scorched it up the climb for a 6:51!! Dave Steiner still holds the Rays Basement TT record at 6:49, but he no doubt taught us how deep we need to go. I went 7:19 and put out 20 more watts than last time!! Pete put out 31 watts more than last time. Sandbagger.

I am happy with that because I reset my best 5 and 6 minute power numbers during the test. Not bad for February and almost no threshold training. OKay-the CT reads higher than my PT, but still, I went balls to the walls and almost puked so I know I was at the limit. Sure its only a 7:19, but on the road I think I would have been flyin!!



And Yohe? Well lets say he did track (that is high school track, not velodrome) yesterday and was a bit flat, but with some recovery this training block will make him stronger.

I commuted today and rode steady zone 1 all the way. I was shifting down the whole ride, never up. I will resist the urge to fly home as I usually do. I usually feel great on these double days. Tomorrow I ride the TT bike "in anger" on the trainer and try and knock out some serious speed as I prepare for the first big race for me of 2009, Presque Isle. The last two times at PI I did it at 27.9mph!! I want 28 or faster this spring, conditions be damned. I want 28+!!

The TT bike is ever evolving, but I think I have finally got all the front end parts about where they need to be. What a mess of clamps and tubes and risers, etc. Not very aero mechanically speaking, but I feel like I am more aero for sure. I had a lot of fun cutting up pieces and moving everything around though. Once I have my fit done for 2009 I hope I can find a very aero bar set-up thats half the weight and no clamps, etc.

Ouch time. Torex Thermal Sleeves

A friend of mine has started a company with a great product for us athlete types. For me its ramming my knees into handlebars and such or the occasional sore back and jammed fingers. Jeff Wilson and partner's start-up is called Torex Health and they make hot and cold roll on sleeves. And a trick ankle device.

They are easy to put on and stay in place. The other benefit is when they are cold (put them in the freezer or warm them up in the microwave) they are still very flexible molding around your body. But I better let their website do the talking lest I say something wrong.

Too Long

Saturday I got in a 2 hour solo ride and kept the pace decent is how I'll describe it. A lot of wind on the way home made it easy. I know my younger dog Kelly has been hankering to run so I switched shoes and jackets and ran for only 13 minutes. First run since skiing started.

Also I am going to a USA Cycling Cat.2 Coaching seminar to get my Cat.2 certification in a few weeks. Its in Rosemont Chicago and will try and run the 2 mornings I am there. So I figure I better get my running legs under me so I can run 10k's again.

Result? Two Advils and off to coach the bunnies today at Chapin.

wish I had studied CG in college....

Science Machine from Chad Pugh on Vimeo.

We need to Pay Attention

I had a big week of training this week. 12 hours of cycling and 180+ miles. But, on today's BIG group ride there was a new guy who maybe got in a bit over his head and rode into the wheel in front at the 2 hour mark and hit the ground so hard he knocked himself unconscious and had a concussion after wards.

It was a scary moment to say the least as he lay motionless on the road. But thinking about it after getting home I got this feeling that it was the experienced guys fault more than his. We should have noticed he was tired and starting to lose focus.
We should have recommended he take a breather or placed a rider with him to keep an eye on him.

I know some guys are very good at this already, but they cannot be around every rider all of the time. I will try and be more aware and proactive about other riders from now on. Especially if there is someone I have never met on the ride.

I ask that we all be more aware of the riders we are with and their body language. I have not heard anymore about his condition, but I wish him a speedy recovery and I hope his wife is not freaking out.

Home Brew

Boy, Snows and had a long ride planned. Oh well. Rode the rollers for only the 2nd time this year. Entertained myself with an episode of Fringe I missed and tried no hands riding and out of the saddle riding. Good Fun!!

Also last night I was given a bottle of a delicious and rich brown colored and nice foamy headed Dopplebock. The best thing was it was brewed in the basement of a hous e in Cleveland heights.

Man was it tasty! Hes brewing his winter lager now....I hope I get to sample that next!!

Stage race and more

Yahoo!! I finally rode outside. Its been weeks or more than weeks. Maybe more than a month. Riding hilly courses on the Computrainer has certainly helped. Hills didnt feel hard at all today. Not easy, just not hard. Though the windchill down Old Mill was certainly something my CT cannot replicate. And Thank you PI for the amazing Lobster Amfib glove. Too hot for a 30 degree "training" ride, but perfect for a long commute!! I always wanted a pair and finally bought some for myself in December.

Also, keep your eyes open for development of a 3 day Stage race in Mahoning County put on by Team Carbon and Dan Quinlan. Its called the Tour of the Valley. I just posted about the Greenford race Dan promoted and it was a very well run race.

HOpefully riding outside again Saturday, Sunday then its back on the trainer next week and hopefully to Bike Authority Thursday to get my bootie smacked in the 3 mile TT.