Know your Role

A Morning Ride through the Dirt

The Big Picture

I ran across this field early one morning this past week. The picture certainly doesn't do it justice. A field with perhaps millions of flower blossoms that collectively make up a sea of wonder. The morning was very peaceful as well. It is often these moments that get taken for granted, where I may continue to ride by. The outbound through this location is a subtle grade - maybe 3%, on dirt. It makes for a good opportunity to push hard until hitting some oil maybe 12 minutes along. It's not a place I would ordinarily stop as I try to make the most of that stretch. All too often while riding, I blow past stuff thinking how I should have stopped for a quick picture. As the season goes on, priorities have to be kept making it not feasible. Over the many years, I have recorded countless images in my own mind that are nearly impossible to share. These personal memories are often what keeps me going.

The ideal course...for now

The 52-mile out & back elevation profile

Traffic and construction in various locations across the upper valley have limited my course selection this season. By now, three-hour fasting rides have to be second nature. The elevation profile above shows what has become my "go to" out & back, with 2,000 feet of climbing over 52-miles. It's not anything close to a tempo ride - far from it. The first climb is a great location to get the heartrate up followed by a very fast descent. Then on to the highway where speed over rollers takes focus. The dirt section slows things down, followed by a little kick over the bridge for some fast flowing down hill. Back on the highway and through the roundabout up to SR 39 - that familiar stretch that I have ridden countless times over the years. A loop around the south side past the monastery and finally finding my way (the long way) out to the point. A quick loop and it is all in reverse order going back. What was hard outbound is somewhat easier going home. And what was easy becomes....a challenge. The goal is to do this without putting a foot down. To build a little mental toughness, a turn up the training hill before going home adds to the excitement. Total moving time is a bit short of 3.5 hours, with an average speed...not quite where I want to be. Keep in mind that conditions are seldom the same from day to day. Therefore, the overall average speed isn't the objective, as much as the task of not putting a foot down. Everything else will take care of itself - in time.

Stand out

One small stand that has escaped the fence - standing out

Being part of the collective can have some advantages. Call it strength in numbers, or simple comfort. The importance of being unique and standing out on your own is tremendously important. Afterall, it is the individual strength in us all that bring things together. Never under estimate the importance of your own position in anything. Stand outside that fence and be you, doing you. Make an individual difference and don't settle for being lost in the sea of wonder. There are those times that together we are greater than the sum of our parts, but you have to begin with great parts.

Complacency

Complacency will kill you - one way or the other. I learned the hard way about talking myself into believing I didn't need to put in all the hard work and effort. Sometimes I would underestimate the task and believe it to be far easier than it truly was. That never ended well. I believe it is somewhat human nature to be easily lulled into a sleep of forgetfulness, having already known the hardship that await us. You've got to be real and recognize those things that will hold you back before it is too late. Hard work and effort have to be commensurate with the desired result. As stupid as it sounds, even Joey Chestnut trains to be the world champion hotdog eater that he is. Nothing is easy. If it is....it simply can't be real.

Key milestones this week

With only three weeks until the Cache Century, it is time for some serious road climbing. The key will be setting up for success, while not giving in to the temporary pain. Suffering is a choice, but it is necessary to meet the objective.

Here's one back when Clapton stopped by to work with The Blues Breakers - and the "Beano Burts" '59 Gibson.

Click here for a lesson in the basic blues.

Ride HARD!

 

Turning it up

 Exploring New Trails

New Dirt Trails

I've had to remind myself what riding for the sake of enjoying the event is really like. Getting the full suspension bike down, I've been hitting the local trails up in North Fork the past week or so. Kind of stupid that I don't ride up there more often, as I literally can roll right out of the garage and be on dirt single track within a few minutes. Better yet, I can get a good workout in the process, with rides lasting a couple hours. I have found this puts me frequently into Zone 4, with overall averages in the Zone 3 range. The past couple of years they (who ever they are) have cut probably 10+ miles of new trails - with some pretty good climbing. Given the recent warm, strike that, HOT weather, rolling out in the evening keeps me out of most of the heat and into the shade. The lack of rain has left the trails rather dusty, requiring bike servicing every night coming back home. The trails aren't too technical and can be fun on the descent with flowing speeds. Out on the farthest north side I'm regularly encountering moose, fox, big deer, grouse and of course the occasional snake. It reminds me why I do what I do in the first place - as hard as it can be.

It's like an Alman Brothers thing....

Eye on the Prize

I'm reminded of a post card from some number of years back (call it forty plus) from Pennsylvania Amish country, about two towns about four miles apart. It said something along the lines of  "If you go through the one particular town, you'll end up in Paradise". That's exactly where I'm at in this years progress. It's not the suffering I'll endure at the event, it is literally the aftermath of finishing that drives me. Sometimes that is what really matters - look past the hardship and suffering and focus on the intended result. At that, keep things in perspective - like be real. There are sacrifices to be made in getting there, but those things are handled one at a time, never in aggregate. All that said, time is spinning by, as it always does. Metrics and milestones are more important than ever. Discipline and diligence equally as much. What does it take to get to Paradise? Look up that town on Google Maps and you'll figure it out. You can't fake it!

Meeting a moose in the worst of all places.

Minor Changes to the Road Bike

Trying a new saddle (seat) on the old bike again. This is like the fifth or sixth saddle I've had on that same bike. They wear out over time and even break occasionally. Bike tech has change a lot over the years as well. I'm trying a fi'z-ik 3D printed system that really seems to work well. The  key to this is a proper fitting for the old "sits-bones" as it were. From there a proper position setup goes along way. The shorter cranks are allowing better over the top positioning in the pedal stroke itself. Add to that the rearward position of the cleats and it definitely feels different - probably better. The slightly shorter crank-arms do require more force to offset the loss of torque, but it is manageable thus far. The old cycle computer also had to go, as it was not reliable anymore. I'm using a very simple GPS system between all three of my bikes - making it more reliable and easier. In all, the old bike is still......an old bike, but it is still fast. Concerns about the frame have proven not be be an issue, but the mechanicals are wearing out. She'll make it through this season - with style.

Trying not to be too philosophical

I know some of my past posts have gotten a little....off track. Sure every once in a while we can go down that road, but I'm not trying to be a Chaman, or online influencer. There are times I think it important to get something out in the open, but for tonight, I'll focus on the progress. When it is time for that other stuff, well - you'll know.

Lets try something a little different. After all, our differences is what makes us fit together better.

Click here for Ella and Louis

Ride HARD!

Finally....

 Doing it with the road bike

A different route for the road bike.

It doesn't seem too many years ago riding almost anywhere across this valley and seldom encounter traffic. That included riding on any of what used to be four of the State highways in the valley. Like everything else, that has changed - a lot. With those changes also come other new opportunities. It used to be, a simple morning ride would be a 40 mile tempo-ride, or maybe a set of 30/30 intervals. The entire route would only have perhaps 850 feet of total elevation change. With the new road cutting up to SR 158, I can get nearly 2,000 feet of elevation, with a couple good climbs - in about 52 miles. This is also pushing me into areas and roads I wouldn't have otherwise taken the road bike in the past. Dust-Guarded dirt roads, loose gravel on some short climbing segments, hoping curbs - a regular Peter Sagan. I still have to push it to maintain a respectable average moving speed. One descent pushes nearly 50 MPH - when traffic permits. The overall statistics are also pretty good, pushing a little into Zone 4, extended Zone 3, with a solid balance in Zone 2. Still dealing with traffic for parts of the ride, I'm having to ride at a hard and deliberate pace for some sections - making it easy to maintain a race pace cadence through parts of the course.

The new turn on to SR158 (Powder Mountain Road).

Hesitant 

A lot going through my mind while riding, but not sure where to take it. The changes made to the road bike seem to be having a positive effect. Still need to make a few changes - albeit minor. Thinking a new saddle is in order, bar rotation adjustments, maybe even slightly wider tires. Just not sure where to take everything a this point. It's obvious where the training rides need to go, but the fundraising has completely stalled - as in kaput! Lacking inspiration more than motivation. Something that always seems to land me is going back to "461". Don't ask me why, but that slab of vinyl reminds me of only the best of times on Monte Cristo - and I can't even tell you why. Truth is, Monte is brutal, but a true friend. Few if any changes on the highway after passing the State sheds. Sure, they added a couple new cattle guards going down into Rich County, occasionally they resurface parts of the road - stuff like that. Make no mistake, that ride is a suffer fest - but I keep going back. Providing the work schedule permits, that will be on the agenda for the upcoming week. I still don't know what any of this has to do with "461", but go along with it as though it really makes sense. I'll figure the rest out later.

This wasn't part of the original release in "461 Ocean Blvd", but it was added to the deluxe edition forty years later. This is actually the final show for that tour at the Hammersmith

Click here for "The Sky is falling..." Eric.

Ride HARD!

Making a few changes

44 mile morning rides on the hardtail

 Finding what works - Bike Fit / Setup

There has been a lot said about bike fit and setup. I've personally wrestled with the different setup and fits over the many years. A lot of rec riders settle for saddle (seat) height, but there's a lot more to consider. Basically everybody has their own unique body geometry and as such, well it's not as easy as it sounds. The road bike has been running the same drivetrain for the past 15 years. 50/34 front rings, with an 11/28 rear cassette. The crankarms have been the same 172.5 mm the entire time. I've had a couple professional bike fit attempts over the years - with limited, if any success. The front stem has been shortened and raised over time, with several variations of saddle positions. A few months ago I noticed a picture someone had taken of me grinding solo up Snake River Canyon. I had always thought my pedal stroke to be good - but that proved wildly incorrect. The picture screamed the reason I have broken saddle rails on other setups. Basically I was pushing back from the top pedal position into the saddle with tremendous force. Heel down to make matters worse. This also explains the chronic frontal knee pain I would have after climbing Monte - or anything else for that matter. Without going into the weeds, I'm trying a shorter crankarm setup - going down to 170 mm. Also, I've adjusted the cleats on my shoes to put the driving force farther back. I'm sure there will be other minor adjustments, but for now its time to get the road bike in service - next week.

Don't buy a Bucklos Chain

The hardtail has been getting a ton of time and miles. That bike is pretty low maintenance - for a mountain bike. Still, regular service is a must. Regular chain/lube and cleaning makes it run much better. Chains, rings and cassettes wear out - not mention tires and bearings. Having replaced a lot of chains over the years, I've always ran either Shimmano or Sram high-end components. I took a chance on a plated BUCKLOS chain - from Amazon. Major mistake. I put maybe 400 mile on it before it started to bind up. It's kind of the problem with 12 speed chains having thinner side-plates, in that they can bend a lot easier. I've never had that problem with a Shimmano or Sram chain - yet. This is also the argument for still running 2X front ring groups, versus a 1X chain ring. Regardless of that debate - steer clear of the Bucklos chains.

Another month or so and this will be approaching a "mud hole".

Stalling....

It has been a struggle, as usual this year. The Huntsman campaign is not moving at all, not to mention the event training has not really taken off. The next 30 days are critical and a more concerted effort will be required. The path toward success narrows with every passing day. Options become limited as the key days approach. Work commitments are also taking their time, but not insurmountable. It's just time to get serious - about everything. If this were an undergrad class, I think the professor would give this a gratuitous B-, mostly for just attendance and handing in the work. Certainly not mastering the material.

Click here for "The Moonbeam Song" Harry Nilsson

Ride HARD!

On the shoulders of giants

 Carrying the load

I recently read a very short biography of an individual I knew growing up. I would have known this person for pretty much the second half of her life. Confined to a wheelchair and without any use of her limbs, she was still able to live a remarkable life. The biography only covered her early life - basically the first half that I wouldn't have seen. It is an amazing story, as it could be almost unbelievable had I not known otherwise. One thing that stood out was that from the earliest of her days, she had a tremendous support network - a family, that made life even possible. By the time I came along, she was a giant in our community -albeit, none of us youngsters were to ever know that at the time. The point to all of this is very simple; everyone needs a support network along the way. Eventually it is passed on to the next group or person to carry the ones that follow. Nothing new about that, now is there?

Little chance of coincidence

Luck is not all its cracked up to be. In fact, the harder your work and the more you prepare, the luckier you will become - pretty straight forward. Along with that, practically every decision you make will have an effect at some point down the road. When we are younger we convince ourselves that we can get away with poor habits and bad decisions. Truth is, it all adds up along the way. And then there are those occasions that we identify as coincidence, when in fact we chose to be at that place at that time - be it intentionally or unintentionally. You had to make a series of decisions to even get to that point. The results are what they are. In the end, if you desire happy coincidence, you need to make choices well ahead of time that will put you there. Repetition becomes behavior. Behavior becomes part of your character. If you want to race fast, you have to train fast. At the end of the day, a persons character is what they do when nobody else is not looking. At some point it can't be faked. It will all come home to roost eventually. If you want to take your chance at coincidence, set yourself up for success first.

Training Updates

A minor foot injury during the week, completely unrelated to riding, kind of set things back a bit. Add to that some work demands and it has been a less than ideal week. A session of hills last night felt pretty good. Changing the methods to stimulate more progress. It is past time to get the road bike out and go through all the details. Time is flying by and not a lot of progress on the Huntsman campaign or other training metrics. Diligence is the word of the day.  Time to string a few together.........

Click here for Dave Mason "Only you know and I know"

Ride HARD!

Being Brief - whoever that is...

 

A stretch of dirt on the way home

Time limitations.......

Schedules being what they are, everyone has their demands and needs. Baseball games across the valley give me an excuse to ride to and from - using the hardtail. Again, not a lot of kick and glide on that rig when compared to the road bike. It does give me a pretty good workout. When schedules permit I go looking for something that will produce a challenge. Of course the biggest challenge for me can be committing to the final 4-miles home. It is very important to learn how to finish and push past an easy way out. All total, tonight was a bit short of 3-hours actual riding- with only hydration. Add to that roughly 85 minutes at the game and it made for a long evening - rolling in just before dark.  You do what you have to do....

Not much to tell for now...

Still haven't had time to work on bikes. The road bike will be coming out soon, which will change a lot of things. Until then I'm still spending most of the time on the hardtail - although I've given some thought to taking the full sus up into North Fork. That place is just too busy in the evenings. The high school kids show up like locusts - droves (would that be loci?). Regardless, they make it not worth while in the evenings. Some mornings are better, but the trails are getting hammered - especially by all the e-bikes. For now it is a matter of getting quality time on what bike and ride is available. Still working out some stuff health wise. Staying more focused on the diet and consistency.  Recover days take a little longer than when I was younger. Following days like today, I can feel the burn in the quads particularly. Nothing too serious, but I know I've done something. It is minor soreness and nothing chronic - like burning tendons. Spending more time in zone 2 and 3, meaning I'll need to do some zone 4 polarization stuff along the way. Hills sure aren't doing that at the moment. Maybe I do need to hit some single-track dirt in North Fork after all.

Not taking things too serious

As busy as  I have been, I do look for things to break up the routine. I noticed Macky posted his recent romp from "Mountain of Hell" France. This is impressive and deserves a watch. Considering he crashed a couple times on the glacier and made it all up down on the mountain says everything. Some of those lines are nuts!!! What you don't see is the actual grade, as there are some places they are at nearly -60%. Hats off to both Syd and Macky as they really seem to be putting together a great year with ARI. This particular video makes it look easy. Truth is, Macky hammers the single track like a down-hiller. Never mind his age - both he and Syd are killing it this year. My stuff really isn't that serious after all.

Click here to watch perhaps the most impressive downhill and comeback you will see this year. Nicely done Macky!

Ride HARD!

Fixing, Breaking and More Breaking

Morning Hill Repeats - before another broken spoke...

 Maintaining Equipment and Making Repairs

Repairs and maintenance are not the same thing. It may sound obvious, but solid maintenance keeps things running better - longer. There are just some things that don't neatly fall into that category - like broken spokes. Aside from the new brakes I need to install on the hardtail, the chain was in need of replacement, as well as the freewheel on the commuter wheelset needed serviced. Sometime last week I was completely burned out from working on client stuff and spontaneously decided to perform a quick wheel service and chain swap on the hardtail. In the process, I found another broken spoke - like the third one on that particular wheel. Replacing a spoke is time consuming, as the entire wheel has to be broken down - including the tubeless tire. Once back together, its a good 30 minutes' in the truing stand straightening the wheel itself.  After all of that, cleaning the tire and filling it with new sealant and using a few magic tricks to make it air-up and seat. It takes time. Yesterday morning seemed like a good opportunity to get 90 minutes of hill intervals in the book - that was until I heard another spoke "snap"  mid grade (the image above). Such is the nature of J-spokes; an inherent stress concentration at the point where it bends. In the end, its simply a matter of engineering mechanics and applied physics. I've pull the center hub apart on my road bike, split rims and busted countless j-spokes over the years. The only remedy is to use hubs with straight-pull spoke-hub assemblies - which I do have for both the hardtail and the full-sus. This isn't a matter of maintenance, but it sure can eat up precious time making repairs. I'd rather be investing time into upgrades and maintenance - more on that in a later post.

Swapping wheelsets & pushing the endurance

The quickest way back on to the road this evening was to swap wheelsets wholesale.  I've been running by best wheelset on the full-sus, with some very aggressive tires. They are light and fast, but can take a lot of beating. In a race, I'll put on a different set of tires and reconfigure the drivetrain and rotors for the hardtail. Until then I've also got a pretty solid DT Swiss wheelset with some cross country race tires - that are wider and a tad bit more aggressive than the commuter tires. It's an easy swap, with maybe a few minor adjustments on the shifter - on the fly, but it puts me back on the road. Schedules and commitments being what they are, sometimes I have to ride my way to baseball games or other family events. The ride tonight with the wider dirt tires, took me across the entire valley to a late baseball game. Because the bike has great cross country and dirt capability, I can take a few detours not available on the road bike. More importantly, the hardtail doesn't permit the typical "kick and glide" you often get on a road bike - even on minor downhill grades. Basically it is pedaling full time, up to about 28-29 MPH. Looking at the Garmin stats post ride, the overall speed is not bad, but more importantly, the effort is pretty continuous. I threw in a solid 20+ minute climb just to make it legit, with heartrate recovery spot on for expectations. Truth is, it is really the right setup and ride sequence for the current situation. Breaking those spokes was probably a blessing in the end.

Cool mornings in the mid to upper 30's

Sorting it out

Not enough time to get into "it" tonight, but there is definitely some sorting to be done. Methods are changing by necessity, as well as some equipment. I'm looking to make some changes to the road bike, if not replacing it all together. Some time this week it will be going up on the stand for some serious work. It has a lot of miles on it for a carbon/aluminum frame. Lets face it, I'm hard on my bikes. There is a possibility of a carbon-fiber crack in the seat-tube. If that is the case...not a lot that can be done. Aside from that, I have been riding a bike frame that on paper should fit my geometry. Truth is, that the geometry has always stretched me out - creating forces during climbs that are damaging and inefficient. I've always been able to make it work, but it may have finally been too much. Assuming the bike can ride one more season it will be getting a few changes - stay tuned. Aside from that and on a personal note, I have been distracted by questions that have just never been answered. Right - it doesn't matter. But when you reach a point in your life that taking things for granted is no longer an option, you have a tendency to look harder at the little things without immediate dismissal. I'm sure there will be more on this as well. For now, just know that the muscle fatigue is in the right places and not a chronic issue. We are making progress - in some areas anyway.

Enjoying the simple things

Harry was such a perfectionist. A lot of his stuff took countless hours cutting and splicing tape. In the end, so much of his work has gone largely forgotten. There is one piece he did that starts out some basic, it is almost unassuming. in a matter of only a couple minutes, he blends perhaps one of the tightest sessions into a complete work. The depth of the effort is lost in it's simplicity.

Click here for Harry Nilsson "Driving Along"

Ride HARD!