Wednesday, May 23, 2007
#11 and such
Now a half day removed, a visit to the gym and an energy drink in my gut, I'll try to describe last night's crit. When I rolled up to the parking lot I noticed the wind beginning to pick up. It had been calm all day. I didn't feel particularly jumpy as the demands of my job, kids, wife and life in general have taken their toll on my fitness level.
So after 45 minutes of warm up we gathered at the line. MM wasn't there again so before I could say it someone yelled "GO". We rolled off the line and took a "Perry M. Memorial Neutral Lap" which are rare these days. After the PMMNL the pace quickened and remained steady for the entire race. No real major attacks went off the front although several tried and failed. The group seemed determined to stay together.
One new face to mention, Squirrelly Guy on a Red Trek, made the race a little too interesting. I usually don't say much to anyone but I had to call him down on one blatant occasion where he almost hooked handle bars with me. Damn dude! Take it easy! This ain't no money crit… Pardon the English, it reports better.
After all that excitement, my efforts yielded a 7th place finish. First place was only about 3 bike lengths away. Like I said, the group stayed in tact the entire night. Mick rolled up beside me and said that he had claimed 10th. That may not sound impressive, but the he's got to be close to 60 and a hell of a nice guy too.
Then it was off to another funeral visitation after taking a Nalgene shower in the parking lot. My old college buddy's Mom passed away over the weekend. Very sad, she fed us a lot back in those days. God bless you Mrs. Myers.
So it's off to the beach tomorrow and I'm looking forward to some down time. We have a quick stop in Santee Thursday night for a bluegrass gig at the Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile and then it's 6 days of sleeping late and sitting on the beach. I'll probably squeeze a few beers in there somewhere.
In fact I'm on #3 as of this posting!
Now a half day removed, a visit to the gym and an energy drink in my gut, I'll try to describe last night's crit. When I rolled up to the parking lot I noticed the wind beginning to pick up. It had been calm all day. I didn't feel particularly jumpy as the demands of my job, kids, wife and life in general have taken their toll on my fitness level.
So after 45 minutes of warm up we gathered at the line. MM wasn't there again so before I could say it someone yelled "GO". We rolled off the line and took a "Perry M. Memorial Neutral Lap" which are rare these days. After the PMMNL the pace quickened and remained steady for the entire race. No real major attacks went off the front although several tried and failed. The group seemed determined to stay together.
One new face to mention, Squirrelly Guy on a Red Trek, made the race a little too interesting. I usually don't say much to anyone but I had to call him down on one blatant occasion where he almost hooked handle bars with me. Damn dude! Take it easy! This ain't no money crit… Pardon the English, it reports better.
After all that excitement, my efforts yielded a 7th place finish. First place was only about 3 bike lengths away. Like I said, the group stayed in tact the entire night. Mick rolled up beside me and said that he had claimed 10th. That may not sound impressive, but the he's got to be close to 60 and a hell of a nice guy too.
Then it was off to another funeral visitation after taking a Nalgene shower in the parking lot. My old college buddy's Mom passed away over the weekend. Very sad, she fed us a lot back in those days. God bless you Mrs. Myers.
So it's off to the beach tomorrow and I'm looking forward to some down time. We have a quick stop in Santee Thursday night for a bluegrass gig at the Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile and then it's 6 days of sleeping late and sitting on the beach. I'll probably squeeze a few beers in there somewhere.
In fact I'm on #3 as of this posting!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Five Guys in The Wind
That’s the theme today as a sparse group of 5 rolled up at 7:45 for the Saturday ride. A cool start to the morning no doubt played a part in so few showing up. I think it was in the upper 40’s when I left the house. I couldn’t find arm warmers and to be honest I didn’t think I’d need ‘em. Slightly wrong! Little chilly! Goose bumps!
The briskness of the morning lent itself to a straight up headwind rolling back in past Lexington High School at 9:30. We held a good tempo (22-25) in spite of the wind.
The one event that’s worth mentioning is that I thought we were going to have to scrape OSP’s dead carcass off the pavement. He swung out to the center of the road, looked over his shoulder and started talking. Don and I simultaneously yelled “CAR!!!” At the last second he pulled it back together. Anyway, we got back to the shop at 10:15 with 40 miles. Dave had to be at work by 10.
The other cool thing today happened at a co-workers birthday party. Her husband surprised her with a new Lexus GS400 in the driveway. Never quite seen a gift getting go down like that.
The neighborhood pool opened today. We’ll be spending lots of QT over there this summer… later!
That’s the theme today as a sparse group of 5 rolled up at 7:45 for the Saturday ride. A cool start to the morning no doubt played a part in so few showing up. I think it was in the upper 40’s when I left the house. I couldn’t find arm warmers and to be honest I didn’t think I’d need ‘em. Slightly wrong! Little chilly! Goose bumps!
The briskness of the morning lent itself to a straight up headwind rolling back in past Lexington High School at 9:30. We held a good tempo (22-25) in spite of the wind.
The one event that’s worth mentioning is that I thought we were going to have to scrape OSP’s dead carcass off the pavement. He swung out to the center of the road, looked over his shoulder and started talking. Don and I simultaneously yelled “CAR!!!” At the last second he pulled it back together. Anyway, we got back to the shop at 10:15 with 40 miles. Dave had to be at work by 10.
The other cool thing today happened at a co-workers birthday party. Her husband surprised her with a new Lexus GS400 in the driveway. Never quite seen a gift getting go down like that.
The neighborhood pool opened today. We’ll be spending lots of QT over there this summer… later!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Crit #9
Missed #9 due to a death in the family. Refer to MM's blog for the details. I heard it was windy.
Crit #10
I knew this was going to be a difficult one for me as I had only been in one of these in the past 4 weeks. Plus, I ran a little on the treadmill Tuesday morning. In hindsight, it was not a good decision.
So MM wasn't there and 6:30 rolled around and we were all standing around looking lost and not knowing what to say. MM usually preludes the pain with announcements, commentary and the ceremonial "GO". I just yelled "GO" and go we did. Perry again ignored the age old custom of the neutral lap, so it was either chase now or chase later. Chase now, we did! So with the crit barely 5 laps old, I couldn't control my heart rate, I was seeing spots and I was nearly out of fluid. I looked at my watch and we were 15 minutes in. Thanks Perry!!! : )
Luckily, the pace could not be maintained for the entire 55 minutes. A group of about 3 got up the road at the half way point but was reeled back at about the 45 minute mark
Anyway, no crashes, fights or arguments to report and a 9th place finish for the author. Yet again, I'll take it all things considered.
Looking forward to another locals ride in Lexington Saturday AM. I'll try to find more "specials" at the Exxon on top of Red-Neck Hill.
Missed #9 due to a death in the family. Refer to MM's blog for the details. I heard it was windy.
Crit #10
I knew this was going to be a difficult one for me as I had only been in one of these in the past 4 weeks. Plus, I ran a little on the treadmill Tuesday morning. In hindsight, it was not a good decision.
So MM wasn't there and 6:30 rolled around and we were all standing around looking lost and not knowing what to say. MM usually preludes the pain with announcements, commentary and the ceremonial "GO". I just yelled "GO" and go we did. Perry again ignored the age old custom of the neutral lap, so it was either chase now or chase later. Chase now, we did! So with the crit barely 5 laps old, I couldn't control my heart rate, I was seeing spots and I was nearly out of fluid. I looked at my watch and we were 15 minutes in. Thanks Perry!!! : )
Luckily, the pace could not be maintained for the entire 55 minutes. A group of about 3 got up the road at the half way point but was reeled back at about the 45 minute mark
Anyway, no crashes, fights or arguments to report and a 9th place finish for the author. Yet again, I'll take it all things considered.
Looking forward to another locals ride in Lexington Saturday AM. I'll try to find more "specials" at the Exxon on top of Red-Neck Hill.
1st Songwriters Guild meeting
The first songwriters guild meeting was held Monday night (5/14/07) at the Gantt House in Lexington. Surprisingly, people drove from Flat Rock, NC and Hilton Head. There were about 15 people with varying degrees of interest. Danielle Howle closed the meeting by giving a presentation of "her approach to songwriting" as only she could give. So the next meeting is June 11 '07. Please let me know if anyone is interested in attending. Annual dues are $25.
The first songwriters guild meeting was held Monday night (5/14/07) at the Gantt House in Lexington. Surprisingly, people drove from Flat Rock, NC and Hilton Head. There were about 15 people with varying degrees of interest. Danielle Howle closed the meeting by giving a presentation of "her approach to songwriting" as only she could give. So the next meeting is June 11 '07. Please let me know if anyone is interested in attending. Annual dues are $25.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Alright, so I’ve had some time to reflect on our move from Forest Acres (Old established neighborhood) to Lexington (Everything new, not a tree in sight in a parking lot). First of all, it made more sense to move. Financially, it was a no brainer. Secondly, the schools are great. I think Midway is something like 2nd or 3rd in the state. True, our state ranks among the bottom nationally in education……..wait a minute. This is supposed to be about cycling.
So, I ventured out this morning for a locals ride her in Lextown. I met up with the Bike to Nature group this morning and we rolled out at 7:45. As I get to know these guys I’ll try to write a little about everyone. This week I’d like to coin a nickname.
“One Speed Patrick” or OSP
No kidding, the guy rides as fast as he can from start to finish. He’s a newer road rider and a pretty strong chap but only knows one speed.
I also met Barrett, a young man that’s just started riding on the road scene and seems to have a lot of potential. Barrett crashed at a stop sign today while trying to unclip his shoe from the pedal. Embarrassed, I told him that it’s happed to everyone and I even shared a story of when I did the exact same thing with my Colnago freshly built with Record 10sp stuff.
Anyhow, aside from a few “Ohmygods” and uneducated rednecks blowing their horns it was a pretty eventless ride with much more climbing than I expected. And yes, I’ve only raced in the crit series this year so my legs were not ready to climb.
Oh, and by the way, since moving I’ve traded such names as Horrell Hill for Redneck Hill and the “G” Mart for Franks Exxon which happen to have Little Debbie quarter cakes on special today. The sign read 3 for a dollar. No shit??? That’s a deal!!!
Other names I’ll try to retain next week.
So, I ventured out this morning for a locals ride her in Lextown. I met up with the Bike to Nature group this morning and we rolled out at 7:45. As I get to know these guys I’ll try to write a little about everyone. This week I’d like to coin a nickname.
“One Speed Patrick” or OSP
No kidding, the guy rides as fast as he can from start to finish. He’s a newer road rider and a pretty strong chap but only knows one speed.
I also met Barrett, a young man that’s just started riding on the road scene and seems to have a lot of potential. Barrett crashed at a stop sign today while trying to unclip his shoe from the pedal. Embarrassed, I told him that it’s happed to everyone and I even shared a story of when I did the exact same thing with my Colnago freshly built with Record 10sp stuff.
Anyhow, aside from a few “Ohmygods” and uneducated rednecks blowing their horns it was a pretty eventless ride with much more climbing than I expected. And yes, I’ve only raced in the crit series this year so my legs were not ready to climb.
Oh, and by the way, since moving I’ve traded such names as Horrell Hill for Redneck Hill and the “G” Mart for Franks Exxon which happen to have Little Debbie quarter cakes on special today. The sign read 3 for a dollar. No shit??? That’s a deal!!!
Other names I’ll try to retain next week.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Crit #7
Well, not much to say about ol’ #7. I missed it. I was in Kingsport TN last week attending a software rollout and dining on Eastman’s dime. It was a quick trip. We left Monday at lunch and returned Wednesday in the late PM. I did manage to get a few workouts in at the gym located in the Meadowview. Anyhow, in my free time, I worked on 2 new songs, writing and chording them and watched a movie called Babel. Not a bad flick, but I think the songs are better.
Crit #8
Tonight’s crit was a little weird. First, I haven’t been on the road bike in 2 weeks so my legs were heavy. Second, there was a sneaky wind that slapped you in the face on the little rise at turn 1 and third, I just felt flat. I pulled my son around Harbison on the trail-a-bike for 2 hours on Sunday. Bumped into some old faces, and left tired and dirty.
Back to the crit! A couple of groups attacked tonight and both were chased back down by a persistent main field. For me, tonight was about survival and position. Survive, I did. Position was important. On the last lap a car decided to stop at turn 4 and not budge. I managed to dive the corner without taking anyone out and sprint up to the line with a small group of about 4. Jay was up the road a little ways so he won, but I snuck into the top 5. I’ll take that!!! I thank you!!!
Anyway, now that soccer is over I hope to get back to doing a few more training rides on the road. Still wanting to make it out to the Harrell’s ride at 7:early on Saturday.
I’ll be playing in my Dad’s band on Saturday night (5th) if anyone ins interested and knows how to find Boykin, SC. Yeehawww!!!! Bluegrass and Old Outlaw Country!!!
Well, not much to say about ol’ #7. I missed it. I was in Kingsport TN last week attending a software rollout and dining on Eastman’s dime. It was a quick trip. We left Monday at lunch and returned Wednesday in the late PM. I did manage to get a few workouts in at the gym located in the Meadowview. Anyhow, in my free time, I worked on 2 new songs, writing and chording them and watched a movie called Babel. Not a bad flick, but I think the songs are better.
Crit #8
Tonight’s crit was a little weird. First, I haven’t been on the road bike in 2 weeks so my legs were heavy. Second, there was a sneaky wind that slapped you in the face on the little rise at turn 1 and third, I just felt flat. I pulled my son around Harbison on the trail-a-bike for 2 hours on Sunday. Bumped into some old faces, and left tired and dirty.
Back to the crit! A couple of groups attacked tonight and both were chased back down by a persistent main field. For me, tonight was about survival and position. Survive, I did. Position was important. On the last lap a car decided to stop at turn 4 and not budge. I managed to dive the corner without taking anyone out and sprint up to the line with a small group of about 4. Jay was up the road a little ways so he won, but I snuck into the top 5. I’ll take that!!! I thank you!!!
Anyway, now that soccer is over I hope to get back to doing a few more training rides on the road. Still wanting to make it out to the Harrell’s ride at 7:early on Saturday.
I’ll be playing in my Dad’s band on Saturday night (5th) if anyone ins interested and knows how to find Boykin, SC. Yeehawww!!!! Bluegrass and Old Outlaw Country!!!
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