A pretty big boost.....

 

Anyone for a "Star-Burger"?

A reliable supporter.....

As has been the case for sooooo many years, one of the sisters jumped in again. Yep - a true stud in my book. It has been a crazy three years, dealing with some mutual issues, but we are finally through it - COMPLETELY! And now on to the next chapter, whatever that may be. What is for sure; I'm absolutely grateful for all she has done over the past 60 plus years. One of my most favorite exchange, Christmas gifts of all times was nearly 50 years ago (actually 47, but who's counting?) - "Band On The Run". Thanks for everything sis. You are truly an inspiration. (see the link below for the track selection)

Tire mods on the Hardtail

A different kind of riding - for now

Having swapped the dirt tires for the "Serfas - Drifter" commuter tires, I've been doing virtually everything on the hardtail. I added an inexpensive cycle-computer as to have a better idea of real-time rolling ground-speed. Definitely not anywhere near as quick as the road bike, but kind of fun to ride all the same. The rolling resistance is not too bad, especially on the new gravel over on SR39, but the lack of anything "arow" really cuts back on the overall speed. What are normally quick tempo rides out and back in the mornings have become a serious leg workout, as there is literally no letting up. Unfortunately, I'm not really pushing the heartrate up at all. As a matter of fact, my overall heartrate is staying sub-aerobic nearly 90% of the ride. That goofy little "bike trail" that so many people think is meant to keep ALL bikes off the road, is a bit of a joke. The hardtail is a very good choice on that thing, given all the inconsistencies, variations and general obstructions encountered. Some of the other bike riders on that trail are sketchy - to say the least. So much for general trail etiquette. 

The end of a session on the hill - Top of Durfee

Back to the old reliable - RACKS

Many an evening spent running stairs in my younger days. It's not glamorous and generally rather boring, but there is no substitute for interval training. Anymore, the only way I can seem to get my heartrate up is to do hill intervals, which are pretty much like the old days of stairs (racks). Even there, I'm gradually losing ground with the heartrate, as I track it very closely with my Garmin. I've not been in Zone 5 for nearly five weeks and am now starting to spend more time in Zone 3 than Zone 4. I'm told this means I'm getting stronger, but I think I'm just adapting. It may be time to add a few twists to that part of the program, as to push it even harder. Darn boring, but a necessity all the same. I can't count the number of times I have done that stupid hill.

More to come

Time is getting short and I need to make some improvements. Moreso, I need to get out of the Valley, whether up Monte, or over Trappers. At this point it is matter of, will be on the hardtail or the Six-13. Also need to start pushing the "swag" and other Porpoise things. We're darn near near out of July! Before you know it, the kiddos will be back in school and it will be time for the Cache Valley Century. Time just flies by.........

True inspiration and motivation......

"Band on the run" was the third complete studio album by "Paul McCartney & Wings". I've said it before and will stand by it; Paul's best work was definitely with Linda - say what you will. She was the reason - the impetus for everything he did from 1969 until here untimely death. Sure Denny was a solid contributor during Wings, but had it not been for her, there wouldn't have ever been Wings. Sometimes there is simply no substitute for true inspiration and motivation. "Helen Wheels" was a song about their trusty Range Rover. If you've read some of my previous posts from many years ago, you'll also recognize "Helen Wheels" from that same period in my very young and impressionable life. Hell-on-wheels............

Click here for "Helen Wheels"

Pulling for Reed. Ride HARD!