20 posts tagged “fun things!”
Lexington - Concord - Wayland and back loop
A route convenient to work with a lot of scenic rolling fields, deep woods, large houses, and ( when traveling down rt 27 and up rt 126 ) a sweet downhill section where I topped out my gears for what seemed like a long long time.
A little Friday night action to compensate for the impending rain storm. Took longer than I'd like to admit ( about 3 - 3 1/2 hours ) due in part to an energy break at mile 16, bonking at 31 and pit stop of desperation at 36. Plenty of juice this time, but not enough food. I also need to get a second and third (?) bottle mount so I don't need pull over and get foods out of my back pack. I want a cyclometer, but recognize that it's a largely frivolous item for someone who isn't actually competing. I met up with some guy who had some aero bars and almost kept up with him, but I don't think he was actually trying to go fast :[
Have I mentioned that Pittsburgh has a "cycling oval" ( or is it Ghettodrome? ) and there is cyclocross in the parks? I should make it a goal to compete in one of the events.
I smell so bad right now.
I have gigantic teeth. Pics to follow.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1868784
I finished the first 20 miles in an hour, the next ten took another hour. What? I'm chalking that up to the constant stopping for every side road along the minuteman trail. This morning a radar sign on the flats clocked me at 19 MPH. For me this is fast, and once I actually figure out how to pedal correctly and take the drops it's only going to get better.
It's not a decision I thought I'd make a few months ago, but University of Pittsburgh is the winner. Not a moment too soon either, I have admissions officers from both schools breathing down my neck looking for an answer.
I capsized on Mass. Ave today while waiting to take a left. I'm not very good at these clipless pedals. Don't even get me started on trying to survive Powderhouse Rotary... Have I mentioned that there is no direct route to my house on that doesn't pass through at least one rotary?
I got a road bike finally: http://www.lemondbikes.com/bikes/road_racing/carbon_aluminum_spine/chambery.php
The bike is neither too heavy, nor too light, too rigid or too soft I really like it!. It needs a more comfortable seat, but that's true of just about every bike in this price range. I tried out an aluminum Ridley Mirage but I could barely stay on the damn thing it was so stiff. Erich Leas down at International Bike in Allston set me up with the bike, pedals, shoes, and a fitting for less than the MSRP of the bike itself so I am happy about that too. Thanks to LeMond being the sleaze of the bike industry I scored a sweet deal. I tried out Erich's full carbon dura ace ride and didn't notice a difference :psyduck:
Lol @: I saw a guy riding a Cervelo TT bike with Zipp deep dish carbon rims at about 2 mph on the sidewalk. That's an 8000 bike being used in the same fashion as a $500 one
Now to get in shape again!
Uploaded more pictures from Japan to facebook and Flickr