Slacking....but for a good reason!

I haven't posted in ages as I've been busy! I recently added to my peloton as we welcomed a baby girl into our family.

I recently got back into training. I signed up for two half marathons. The first is in Long Beach in October and the second in Pomona in December. My bike is calling me so I got to get it cleaned up so I can get back out on it. My training for the half marathon is going good so far. I am using the Jeff Galloway training plan. I picked the walk/run one to start with but so far i've not walked any of it as i've been feeling good. I broke the 10k barrier for the first time in a long time recently too.

If you're interested in checking out the training plan you can find it online here. I've picked up a Nike+ GPS Sportswatch, I'll chuck my thoughts on it online soon.

First time on SGRT

Today I was invited along with a group of guys from work to ride to Seal Beach and back from Azusa. We took the San Gabriel River Trail (SGRT). We started out about 7:30 am from the Lario River Trail parking lot in Azusa.

The ride down was really nice. It's so good to ride on a trail that's free from traffic. The trail down to Seal Beach is pretty flat, there are some little bumps here and there and quite a few tunnels under the freeways. Some of the tunnels were pretty dangerous as they were quite narrow and a couple had drains on either side so the were even narrower.

We picked up a couple of other riders from another parking lot as they wanted to do a shorter ride as they had plans for the afternoon.

Once we got down to Seal Beach we stopped at the River's End Cafe for some breakfast. Then we headed back up the trail. I got to try my hand at some more drafting and leading. I'm starting to get more comfortable with it. I did lose a water bottle at one point but thankfully it was just lying on the path so I was able to retrieve it. I also need to make sure I fill at least one bottle up at the beach! I ran out of water not too far from the end. It was really nice and cool out so I didn't drink too much but if it was warmer I would have needed that water!

Here's the strava profile of my ride. I really enjoyed it and look forward to doing it again!

Mobile App Blog Test

This is just a test post. I'm using Blogger's new iOS app. Now I can blog on the go! Cool. The app is really easy to use. It's got a similar look and feel to it as the Google+ app.

I saw these bikes on a trip the other day. We went to Rubel Castle in Glendora, CA. They had a bunch of bikes available for people to borrow.

My First time up GMR

Where I live I am lucky to be close to the Foothill mountains. They have loads of great climbs around here. I had been toying with the idea of attempting GMR ever since I got my bike. I had read about lots of great rides on a couple of blogs such as Mr Beanz and his bikes, Bicycle Friends and Glendora Mountain Road.

Today I finally got it done. I had tried last week but my legs felt crap so I turned and headed home. Today I was more determined and my legs felt a whole lot better than they did last week. My goal was to do GMR to the Shack. A popular ride for lots of people. I didn't care about time or speed. I just wanted to get to that shack!

I had asked around on some forums and read lots of ride reports. Mr Beanz had mentioned to just take it easy, keep pedaling and take my time. I did just that. It was hard and long. There a plenty of little steep climbs and then it would ease of. It has lots of switchbacks. I would look towards one and wonder how I would make it, but before I knew it I would be half way through it.

I had driven up GMR with the wife a while back to scope it out. I was familiar with some parts from that drive. The only thing I couldn't remember was where the shack was. I would plod along and think, "yeah, it's just round this corner" only to get to that corner and see the road keep going.

I had to stop a few times to catch my breath and eat some food. My heart was working big time. I stopped a total of three times on the way up. I was please that I didn't decide to turn around. I knew I would make it after my first stop. I climbed back on the bike and felt good, I knew then I could do it, even if it meant stopping again.

I saw plenty of people pass me while I was stopped and a couple powered passed me. Everyone was saying good morning and the folks on the decent would give a little wave. I saw a couple of nutters running up GMR! I even saw a deer, that was cool!

After a long hard slog I finally caught a glimpse of the shack! I powered up to it and gave a huge sigh as I made it to my goal! I was really happy to make it! I was expecting to see some riders there but it was empty. I stood in the shade and had some water and a bite to eat before heading down the mountain.

The decent was great. I took it easy as I didn't know the road to well so I kept the speed at 20mph for most of it. About half way down my front wheel started to wobble. Dammit! My first flat! I remembered not to panic, slowed down and pulled to the side of the road. I had my puncture repair kit, CO2 cartridges and tire levers in my saddle bag. I had left my spare tube sitting on the table at home, typical! I started working on the tire, hunting the puncture. Everyone on the way up asked if I need a hand. I had what I needed so thanked them for their offer and kept at it. I found a crack in the tube and was working on it when a guy pulled up in a truck and offered a proper pump to inflate it, I accepted and he helped me get the tube back in the tire. Then I was off again.

As I got to the bottom I saw I'd lost some air. So I either missed the puncture or got another. I filled it with air to tide me over and slowly made my way home. When I got home I pulled the tube out and found a tiny puncture, I think I must have missed it, it was a really slow puncture.

I had a great time on my first time up GMR and am looking forward to doing it again. Next time I'll make sure I take my spare tube!

2011 Cool Breeze Metric Century

Yesterday I did my first metric century event. The Cool Breeze Metric Century is held every August in Ventura, CA. It is hosted by the Channel Islands Bicycle Club. There are a few different rides to choose from, they have 38, 63, 100 & 125 miles rides.

A few guys from work had signed up for the Metric Century, 63 miles. I decided to join them. We left my house at 5:20 am aiming to get up there to start around 7am. We made good time and even stopped for some coffee but the traffic at the off ramp was too slow. By the time we went and parked and got over to registration to pick up our bib and map it was passed 7am.

We met up with the rest of the group at the start line and crossed it at about 7:30. We kept a nice pace and made our way along the route following the green arrow markers. The route went up some small hills and there were some great views around. The marine layer was inland so the temps were pretty cool, some people even claimed it was cold! I told a couple it's not Scotland!

After about 15 miles we hit the first rest stop. It was well prepared and there was plenty of food and water. I took a quick pit stop and grabbed a cookie and half a banana and then we were on our way. The route was now heading along the coast and we got to see the ocean. This part was nice and flat so we picked up the pace a bit. I got some practice drafting and taking the lead. I was hanging back the first 15 miles checking it out as this was my first time riding in a bigger group setting.

I learned a lot just watching fellow riders and the things to look out for and the things to alert others to while riding.

The route now went inland a bit and then we hit a category 4 climb! I was feeling good so I powered on ahead up to the top and waited for the group. I surprised myself getting up there! My practice is starting to pay off. That just means I need to try more climbs!

Once we hit the halfway mark there was another rest stop. Again really well stocked with food and water and ready to go. I grabbed a PB&J sandwich and another banana. I finished my water and filled my bottle up for the next half of the ride. I bumped into a fellow bikeforums.net member, I recognized the jersey he said he'd be wearing. I went over and introduced myself and it was who i thought, it was calimarichris. We chatted for a bit then I went to join my group.

We hit the road and headed on out again. This time we started to head back towards the start. It was nice riding along the ocean and a little scary riding on the bike trail on the freeway as trucks whizzed by! Now the sun had burned off the marine layer and it was warming up. Still not too hot though. There were plenty of people out camping along the beach and enjoying summer. We then hit the final rest stop were there was more food and popsicles! Perfect timing now it was warming up!

Once we were done with the popsicles we headed back to the road toward the finish. I tagged behind one of the members of our group who was chatting with a fellow rider and we split from the rest of our group. We waited near the end so we could all cross the finish line together.

At the finish line they had a nice lunch for everyone. It was chicken and tri-tip with pasta, salad and some veggies. It was yummy. After we were done with grub I picked up my finisher's patch and we hit the road home.

I thought that this was an really good event and very well organised. There were only a couple of spots were the markings were a little confusing. The one annoying thing was the Metric Century Route was about 10k short of being a metric century! I will definitely be doing this once again, maybe the 100 mile next year! The one thing I forgot to bring was my camera! Must remember that next year.

USA Pro Cycling Challenge

One week today marks the start of the 1^st USA Pro Cycling Challenge. A seven day, 600 mile stage race. It even includes a climb to the highest altitude ever! Taking place in the Colorado Rockies this has all the potential to be an EPIC ride!

The Challenge is a Prologue plus six stage tour. Stage 2 looks grueling; TWO climbs that peak at over 12,000 ft! The oxygen levels are really going to test the riders! There is a time trial stage also.

Some big names are coming to Colorado for the ride including the top three from this year’s Tour de France. Full provisional line up can be found here.

You can read more about the USA Pro Cycling Challenge at their official website. It’s a really good site. They have done a great job on this one.

While you’re there check out the gifts section of the store here. There are some awesome posters that would look great on your walls.

You will be able to catch all the action on Versus & NBC August 22^nd-28^th. I for one can’t wait to see this. My DVR is all set up.

Change your tire!

At some point while out on your ride your going to get a flat sooner or later. Luckily i've yet to get one but I've known people who get them regular and some who get them once in a while.

Either way, it is a good idea to be prepared. When I am out on my rides I have the following in my saddlebag.

• Tire Levers
• These are used to remove the tire from the wheel to pull the tube out
• CO2 cartridges
• A quick easy way to inflate your tires
• Puncture Repair Kit
• Typically, on the road I plan to just replace the tube, but just in case you end up with a second puncture it's good to have one! Plus you can help someone out if they need one.
• Spare tube
• These are cheap, just have a couple lying around at home. Keep a couple in your car too. You never know when you'll meet a rider in need!

Here's a quick how to guide on changing your tube here. There's picture in there to so you can get an idea of what you need to do.

Alternatively there's plenty of videos on Youtube. I like this one as it shows how to do it while out on the road.