Can't believe it's been this long since my last post. Been busy at work, work has even been getting in the way of work. But I've been riding, as much as possible- road bike cx bike, whichever I bring with me each week. The dirt roads are in great shape, and the pavement doesn't change. I expect the dirt roads to get scraped just as last year, and maybe it's not an annual event. The tractor seems to turn the nice hardpack dirt cobblestones to sand. Magic trick.
Moo
Friday, April 27, 2012
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
One Year!
On 22 November 2010, I began working at the cannon. OF course I can't just be content with driving to work, so I began my usual form of commuting, on the bicycle. I estimate that I've ridden about 3500 miles in the area, over about 300 hours. (This is based on my garming connect account. allowing 1000 miles and 100 hours for rides in other locations, mainly the abq area).
It's been quite a year. When spring and longer days came, I began riding west and northwest, into the wind, when leaving the office. I saw many, many miles of farmland, cattle land, and flat to rolling terrain. I enjoyed going through the northern valleys, on dirt or pavement, and coming back on the highway from the north, through Ned Houck Park.
When the standard winds calmed a bit, I started riding south a little; one day to Oasis Park and back into town. Heading out the south gate gave me route possibilities that led to a loop ride, used on the weekly evening rides from the Quest building. I enjoyed the ride south, east, north, west, and south back into town. Made for a great evening activity. And this provided turns, and curves, to an otherwise straight road section of the state.
Even after a year, and that many miles, I still have unridden routes to do, destinations to reach, and friends to meet. I met a large group of folks, mostly non-cyclists, who come together to assist the Texas 4000 ride each year, with lodging, meals, and such. I've met a local who rides year round, and even crashes ocassionally, but gets back on the bike. I met a local mountain biker, who is getting into endurance series type races. I met a rider who wants to do every century in the state. I met some triathletes, who stay very busy with events in the east side of NM and west Texas. I met the Bicycle Guy, (local rqadio personality and bike shop owner). I met a kid whose bike was stolen.
I know there are many, many cyclists there that I haven't met. There are about 60 people on the CloviCycle email list. As the next year of my time in Clovis begins, I want to help more people ride bikes. I have set up a lunch ride schedule at the cannon, and I hope to formalize this with the base. (I actually saw a rider out at lunch two weeks ago, on the backside! I was driving.) How long will I be in Clovis? I don't know. It's danged tuff being away from family during the week, even though it's only 14 nights a month, max. Where will I be on 22 November 2012? Probably on a bicycle somewhere, riding to work, in the cold, thinking of Clovis, or Albuquerque, while I pedal, and smile!
Moo!
It's been quite a year. When spring and longer days came, I began riding west and northwest, into the wind, when leaving the office. I saw many, many miles of farmland, cattle land, and flat to rolling terrain. I enjoyed going through the northern valleys, on dirt or pavement, and coming back on the highway from the north, through Ned Houck Park.
When the standard winds calmed a bit, I started riding south a little; one day to Oasis Park and back into town. Heading out the south gate gave me route possibilities that led to a loop ride, used on the weekly evening rides from the Quest building. I enjoyed the ride south, east, north, west, and south back into town. Made for a great evening activity. And this provided turns, and curves, to an otherwise straight road section of the state.
Even after a year, and that many miles, I still have unridden routes to do, destinations to reach, and friends to meet. I met a large group of folks, mostly non-cyclists, who come together to assist the Texas 4000 ride each year, with lodging, meals, and such. I've met a local who rides year round, and even crashes ocassionally, but gets back on the bike. I met a local mountain biker, who is getting into endurance series type races. I met a rider who wants to do every century in the state. I met some triathletes, who stay very busy with events in the east side of NM and west Texas. I met the Bicycle Guy, (local rqadio personality and bike shop owner). I met a kid whose bike was stolen.
I know there are many, many cyclists there that I haven't met. There are about 60 people on the CloviCycle email list. As the next year of my time in Clovis begins, I want to help more people ride bikes. I have set up a lunch ride schedule at the cannon, and I hope to formalize this with the base. (I actually saw a rider out at lunch two weeks ago, on the backside! I was driving.) How long will I be in Clovis? I don't know. It's danged tuff being away from family during the week, even though it's only 14 nights a month, max. Where will I be on 22 November 2012? Probably on a bicycle somewhere, riding to work, in the cold, thinking of Clovis, or Albuquerque, while I pedal, and smile!
Moo!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Chilly Ride in Yesterday
I haven't yet discovered why I try to ride to work all winter. I've been doing some deep soul searching, looking for a speck of reason or sense, in this almost daily exposure to the early morning cold. Why? Yesterday, it was probably 23 degrees. I say probably because I don't have a temp system, I use internet sites, and I'm not always sure where the actual thermometer is located. I beleive it was cold though.
Clothing-
Helemet
full balaclava
helmet liner
100 weight fleet long sleeve
long sleeve team jersey
Sugoi winter jacket
tri shorts
Specialized winter bib pants
Specialized Primaloft "lobster claw" gloves with toasty liners
tall Smartwool sox
Specialized Defroster winter shoes (high top)
Did I get cold? The back of the pants breath, so I when I first got outside, the back of my legs were cold, but warmed quickly. Next my nose was getting cold (the only exposed skin was nose and mouth, eyes were covered with glasses). As body heat built, the nose stayed unfrozen. With the very warm gloves, I was still losing digits all the way in. A good arm swinging session helped ocaissionally. A few miles from the office, my toes starting going. Not a big deal since I was almost there, but that killer pain when when they come back was awful.
After all that, why do I insist on riding on the cold days of winter? Experiences like that make it even harder to decide why.
Moo
Clothing-
Helemet
full balaclava
helmet liner
100 weight fleet long sleeve
long sleeve team jersey
Sugoi winter jacket
tri shorts
Specialized winter bib pants
Specialized Primaloft "lobster claw" gloves with toasty liners
tall Smartwool sox
Specialized Defroster winter shoes (high top)
Did I get cold? The back of the pants breath, so I when I first got outside, the back of my legs were cold, but warmed quickly. Next my nose was getting cold (the only exposed skin was nose and mouth, eyes were covered with glasses). As body heat built, the nose stayed unfrozen. With the very warm gloves, I was still losing digits all the way in. A good arm swinging session helped ocaissionally. A few miles from the office, my toes starting going. Not a big deal since I was almost there, but that killer pain when when they come back was awful.
After all that, why do I insist on riding on the cold days of winter? Experiences like that make it even harder to decide why.
Moo
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday Road Rides, Rain, Running ,...
...and other words that begin with R.
Wednesday road rides have been going. I was either alone, or with one other rider, but three different riders three different times. I'm not sure what cyclists do here on Wednesday evenings in the summer. I'll be changing this to Wednesday CX Rides soon. Yes, it's almost that time of year!
Today, I layed out a great little sprint course in the big city park. Stairs, dismounts for low walls, sand, pavement, and GRASS! All you can eat! I did 3 laps, rested, mafe it longer, did 3 more laps. Gonna be a long hard road to CX season.
Ran a little yesterday, legs a little sore today, as expected. I think that's why I wanted to do some CX dismount runs today.
Wednesday road rides have been going. I was either alone, or with one other rider, but three different riders three different times. I'm not sure what cyclists do here on Wednesday evenings in the summer. I'll be changing this to Wednesday CX Rides soon. Yes, it's almost that time of year!
Today, I layed out a great little sprint course in the big city park. Stairs, dismounts for low walls, sand, pavement, and GRASS! All you can eat! I did 3 laps, rested, mafe it longer, did 3 more laps. Gonna be a long hard road to CX season.
Ran a little yesterday, legs a little sore today, as expected. I think that's why I wanted to do some CX dismount runs today.
Moo!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Three Week Blurr
First, a week off prepping for Cochiti 100. Got sick two days before the race, didn't have a good day, only Loop 1. Serioue sickness started next day, turned into upper respiratory roadblock. A week of Nyquil sleep, another week off the bike, and off to Kansas for the Dirty Kanza 200. Needless to say, it didn't work so good this year.
Barely made it to the first checkpoint, at 60 miles. Brandi kicked me out after a 30 minute break. Barely made it to the next checkpoint, the 100 mile point. Vianne kicked me out of that one. When the lightening hit at 131 miles, I knew I was done. I could not have finished the entire route that day. On the first leg, at about the 20 mile point, I knew it was over, for another year. Well, the other teammates are already making plans for next year, so I guess I'll have to go again. And maybe, the third times a charm!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moo!
Go ride, quit reading senseless blogs!
Barely made it to the first checkpoint, at 60 miles. Brandi kicked me out after a 30 minute break. Barely made it to the next checkpoint, the 100 mile point. Vianne kicked me out of that one. When the lightening hit at 131 miles, I knew I was done. I could not have finished the entire route that day. On the first leg, at about the 20 mile point, I knew it was over, for another year. Well, the other teammates are already making plans for next year, so I guess I'll have to go again. And maybe, the third times a charm!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moo!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Bike to Work Day
Had a great B2W Day coffee stop at the Bistro! Kirk, Carl, Mike, Joel, and Wayne, all rode over for a cup of Joe, on a beautiful B2W morning. Rode to rthe Cannon with Joel afterwards, he went too fast for me that morning.
Moo!
12 Days!
Moo!
12 Days!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Scheduled Fun?
Completed week two, of my dedicated scheduled announced evening activities. I was alone again, for the Tuesday evening mtb training ride at NH. I actually had the mtb this week, geared a bit for the small amount of uphill, and had a blast! Since I started a few minutes earlier, I got in 5 laps of the 2.2 mile short track course. When I finished, I had a visitor.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/80488537
Kirk drove out, we finally met, and talked for a good hour about bikes, riding, and racing.
The Wednesday distraction was even better this, Carl came to run with me. It's been a long time since I was fit enough to run and talk at the same time, but he was ready to converse, and with long statements. I was good for a quick yes or no, or a quickly spat three word comment. It was another great evening out at NH. I wasn't near as sore the next day, as the Friday before. Definitely a good distraction.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/80488535
The Thursday Road/Dirt Road ride. I was almost late to the announced meeting intersection, didn't matter. I rode alone straight into the wind again. It was up around 25-35 again. I varied the route slightly, but didn't have to scribble notes on my arm with the Sharpee this time. The London rode just as good as the SX, and teh 42x16 actually was better also. In true SS fashion, I pedal the gear I have on the bike, and stand when necessary.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/80672546
Bike miles for the week was 56. Not many, but I think it's working. Only a 4 day Clovis week. Next week is a 5er, more miles, or something. One more week of the announced schedule, and then a week of sea level training (if I get time to do anything it will be running on those awesome swampy trails at ranger camp).
Moo
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/80488537
Kirk drove out, we finally met, and talked for a good hour about bikes, riding, and racing.
The Wednesday distraction was even better this, Carl came to run with me. It's been a long time since I was fit enough to run and talk at the same time, but he was ready to converse, and with long statements. I was good for a quick yes or no, or a quickly spat three word comment. It was another great evening out at NH. I wasn't near as sore the next day, as the Friday before. Definitely a good distraction.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/80488535
The Thursday Road/Dirt Road ride. I was almost late to the announced meeting intersection, didn't matter. I rode alone straight into the wind again. It was up around 25-35 again. I varied the route slightly, but didn't have to scribble notes on my arm with the Sharpee this time. The London rode just as good as the SX, and teh 42x16 actually was better also. In true SS fashion, I pedal the gear I have on the bike, and stand when necessary.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/80672546
Bike miles for the week was 56. Not many, but I think it's working. Only a 4 day Clovis week. Next week is a 5er, more miles, or something. One more week of the announced schedule, and then a week of sea level training (if I get time to do anything it will be running on those awesome swampy trails at ranger camp).
Moo
Friday, April 15, 2011
Plywood Wind
I guess I made up that description, or name. Yesterday was one of those days with DANGEROUS winds forecasted, and delivered. Dangerous is gusts to 60 mph, sustained of 35-50. So, what do you do on a day like that? You ride your bike!
I had announced to the Clovis bike list that I would be mtbing on Tuesdays at Ned Houk, trail running at NH on Wednesdays, and a 20-40 mile road or dirt road ride on Thursdays. Tuesday was great, one easy lap of a 2.2 mile course, then a fast four laps. Wednesday was a great day for a distraction from bikes, and the trail run was just what I needed. 5 miles, and I'm still sore. It's been a few months since I ran last. And next came the promised ride for Thursday.
The wind predictions started on base on Wednesday; this sounds serious. Having been here for a couple of months, I've noticed that the winds will usually subside a bit or completely, by 5 pm. Even the high predictions will settle a bit. So, with all the wind predicted to be from the west, I rode straight into the 15 mph wind on the way to work, and planned to follow my ride announcement after work.
YES! The plywood wind settled to 25-35 out of the west, by time I left the office at 530. I rode to the meeting intersection, and waited for anyone else, until the 6:00 pm departure time. I left at 6:02, and turned into the wind, for 8 miles. Nice, mostly hard packed dirt road, then turned right, left, then tail wind east for 8 miles!. It was a great ride, and I consider it an 8 mile climb (with my wind hill theory). A great 35 mile ride, and on the DANGEROUS WINDS day.
Plywood wind? Well, after watching all types of items flying around out here, I think plywood would launch around 50 mph. Maybe I'll test that someday, if I decide not to ride.
Now I'm thinking I should run a little today, to get rid of that soreness from my random running.
Moo!
I had announced to the Clovis bike list that I would be mtbing on Tuesdays at Ned Houk, trail running at NH on Wednesdays, and a 20-40 mile road or dirt road ride on Thursdays. Tuesday was great, one easy lap of a 2.2 mile course, then a fast four laps. Wednesday was a great day for a distraction from bikes, and the trail run was just what I needed. 5 miles, and I'm still sore. It's been a few months since I ran last. And next came the promised ride for Thursday.
The wind predictions started on base on Wednesday; this sounds serious. Having been here for a couple of months, I've noticed that the winds will usually subside a bit or completely, by 5 pm. Even the high predictions will settle a bit. So, with all the wind predicted to be from the west, I rode straight into the 15 mph wind on the way to work, and planned to follow my ride announcement after work.
YES! The plywood wind settled to 25-35 out of the west, by time I left the office at 530. I rode to the meeting intersection, and waited for anyone else, until the 6:00 pm departure time. I left at 6:02, and turned into the wind, for 8 miles. Nice, mostly hard packed dirt road, then turned right, left, then tail wind east for 8 miles!. It was a great ride, and I consider it an 8 mile climb (with my wind hill theory). A great 35 mile ride, and on the DANGEROUS WINDS day.
Plywood wind? Well, after watching all types of items flying around out here, I think plywood would launch around 50 mph. Maybe I'll test that someday, if I decide not to ride.
Now I'm thinking I should run a little today, to get rid of that soreness from my random running.
Moo!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Well, Not Too Many Miles This Week
I rode in Tuesday, and when I left the office, I got cold, and went to my cave. So, only around 28 miles for that day. Wednesday, I didn't feel too good when my alarm went off, so I lazied out and drove to the office. Thursday, rode in, and took a nice long route home, 41 miles, lots of dirt roads,and many road miles.
83 miles, a little over 5 hours. I guess it wasn't too bad for two days. But I feel like I'm running a little short on long rides (that could be funny). And I do try to abide "train smarter, not longer", but I like long rides!
My garmin file for the evening ride today-
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/76427037
Moo
83 miles, a little over 5 hours. I guess it wasn't too bad for two days. But I feel like I'm running a little short on long rides (that could be funny). And I do try to abide "train smarter, not longer", but I like long rides!
My garmin file for the evening ride today-
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/76427037
Moo
Monday, March 28, 2011
My Fugitive Motel Room
How many miles can a Cow ride in three days, and work? We'll see in a couple of days! Wind, temperatures, and I'm still tired from SYDC. Maybe a new picture or two...
Moo!
Moo!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Longer Days, Longer Rides!
Had a nice long ride back to my fugitive motel today. Sun sets around 7:45, left the cannon at 5:30, headed north and east on the dirt roads. I rode many of the trails at Ned Houck park.
Details? Check it out at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/74764339
Moo!
Details? Check it out at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/74764339
Moo!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
On the ride home.
Chris
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Great Riding Weather This Week!
I think it hit 70 every day this week, and close to 80 today. I didn't get to ride much, work got in the way. But I did get in 95 miles this week, and most of that was on my "Roubaix Road" that I use for commuting. Roubaix Road is about 8 miles of farm dirt road, meaning not many normal vehicles use these roads. It's very rough for a dirt road, and the London vibrates constantly. I'm running my road tires (25c) at 80 psi, so the ride is rough, but the bike still cruises good. I would run lower pressure for more comfort, but I don't like the squishy feel.
I've mastered my dog races also. A "pre-fab" home in the middle of the ride has three dogs. Two are mostly curious, but one comes at me, making al the "I want to eat you" noises. He's fast! Cruises with me around 25 mph, for a short distance. I can stop pedaling and coast, with him right next to me, watching him drop off. In the morning, I normally have a descent headwind, trying to outrun the dogs, which takes a bit of effort. Evenings are the tailwind past the dogs, but I think they are affected by the wind too.
Moo
I've mastered my dog races also. A "pre-fab" home in the middle of the ride has three dogs. Two are mostly curious, but one comes at me, making al the "I want to eat you" noises. He's fast! Cruises with me around 25 mph, for a short distance. I can stop pedaling and coast, with him right next to me, watching him drop off. In the morning, I normally have a descent headwind, trying to outrun the dogs, which takes a bit of effort. Evenings are the tailwind past the dogs, but I think they are affected by the wind too.
Moo
Thursday, February 17, 2011
112.96
That number would have been higher, but work gets in the way. Three days- hills, intervals, dog races, and riding to and from the cannon, mostly fixed at 42x16. Had a great week out here in west texas (ha). Next ride will be in abq saturday morning. Yes, I'll put the 18 back on for that!
Moo!
"I only need one gear to go slow!"
Moo!
"I only need one gear to go slow!"
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
78 Degrees Today!
Amazing, beautiful day. Rode in this morning, yelled at all my cows. I've got my dog sprint races down now. After stopping to make friends twice, they still aren't interested in anything but chasing.
Yesterday, I did the Bridges lunch ride. A complex system of a figure eight along the train system. Out the front gate, in the back gate, about 25 miles. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/68512711
Jusst as with all the temperature fluctuations of late, I don't expect this summer weather to last. But, I'll be enjoying the reprieve while it exists.
Moo
Yesterday, I did the Bridges lunch ride. A complex system of a figure eight along the train system. Out the front gate, in the back gate, about 25 miles. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/68512711
Jusst as with all the temperature fluctuations of late, I don't expect this summer weather to last. But, I'll be enjoying the reprieve while it exists.
Moo
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Ahh! A 43 degree lunch ride, a 50 degree lunch ride, and on Friday it was around 63.
It's amazing how the weather has been flip flopping from cold to danged nice, and in a matter of a couple of days. Next week, I've heard of a prediction of a Tuesday high of 23. I guess I should take the rollers with me for the long five day week (my first one since before the holidays).
I had made a decision to ride to work all three of my "rideable" days next week. Well, we'll see what the weather brings.
I had made a decision to ride to work all three of my "rideable" days next week. Well, we'll see what the weather brings.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Summer-Winter- What Next?
My three day week in Clovis has been interesting. Wednesday, at 68 degrees, I added to my savage tan that I started in El Paso on Sunday, at the Puzzler. Thursday, I had icicles on my bike, as it laid in the car all day. Today, what will the lunch ride time frame bring? 30 degrees? 70 degrees? Wind at 50?
I'm sure spring will be approacing, and if like ABQ, wind will be the norm. But I'll be ready for wind this year, after riding here for a few months.
I'm sure spring will be approacing, and if like ABQ, wind will be the norm. But I'll be ready for wind this year, after riding here for a few months.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Have I been Riding Since My First Day at Clovis?
I feel like I've been busy on the bike since 22 November. So I thought I would look at my Garmin file and see what I've done. A few of the events were elsewhere- the NM state cx championship race, two races at maybe 15 miles total; and the ride at Palo Duro Canyon, for 20 miles. Subtract that from my bike total and I've done 464 Clovisss miles.
Doesn't seem like much at first, but then I realized this was done only on weekdays- rides to and from the cannon, and lunch rides. Weather has been a factor sometimes, and I decided my low temp cutoff would be 20 degrees in the morning. BRRR! But otherwise, it's been great riding here.
I brought the SX out for the last two weeks, and started using a different route to the cannon. I call it the High Road. Laugh it up. Instead of the long straight LLano, paved, nice shoulder, traffic, I started taking Wilhite from Prince. This turns to dirt after a mile, and it's dirt all the way to the left turn for the cannon.
It's darker at night, no lights most of the way, and no traffic except the paved stretch. A quiet and peaceful ride away from the cars, and it has a few dog sprints. Mostly, I talk to the cows all the way.
Moo!
Doesn't seem like much at first, but then I realized this was done only on weekdays- rides to and from the cannon, and lunch rides. Weather has been a factor sometimes, and I decided my low temp cutoff would be 20 degrees in the morning. BRRR! But otherwise, it's been great riding here.
I brought the SX out for the last two weeks, and started using a different route to the cannon. I call it the High Road. Laugh it up. Instead of the long straight LLano, paved, nice shoulder, traffic, I started taking Wilhite from Prince. This turns to dirt after a mile, and it's dirt all the way to the left turn for the cannon.
It's darker at night, no lights most of the way, and no traffic except the paved stretch. A quiet and peaceful ride away from the cars, and it has a few dog sprints. Mostly, I talk to the cows all the way.
Moo!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Winter Solstice Ride
 Came back I to town and met one of the Clovis cyclists for a huge (25 oz) Guinness and a Burger, at Kelley's. What an awesome winter solstice evening. |
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Lunch ride
A beautiful Monday lunch ride! Close to 65 degrees, and a wind-hill of 35-45! Someday, I'll get all scientific and come up with a relationship between percent of grade and headwind speed. |
Morning ride to the cannon
It was 40 when I got up, so I had to enjoy the summer temps. Wind was slow also. |
Monday, December 13, 2010
palo duro canyon
NOT IN CLOVIS
With nothing else to do yesterday, I went over to PDC. I wanted to ride all their trails, yes, all. I think I did, not too sure with the weak map I got at the entry. Did 20 miles, would have done more, but I was getting tired. I was feeling the Saturday road ride.
As I was sitting at the car, all these runners were coming out of the trails. I couldn't resist, tired or not. Put on my new salomon trail runners and did the capital trail loop. I knew not to get on a longer loop, because I'd run whatever was in front of me. I enjoy trail running almost as much as riding them. It was a nice 3.5 miles. Those shoes are awesome!
With nothing else to do yesterday, I went over to PDC. I wanted to ride all their trails, yes, all. I think I did, not too sure with the weak map I got at the entry. Did 20 miles, would have done more, but I was getting tired. I was feeling the Saturday road ride.
As I was sitting at the car, all these runners were coming out of the trails. I couldn't resist, tired or not. Put on my new salomon trail runners and did the capital trail loop. I knew not to get on a longer loop, because I'd run whatever was in front of me. I enjoy trail running almost as much as riding them. It was a nice 3.5 miles. Those shoes are awesome!
Moo
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Nice road loop today
It was a long debate, as all rides are for me, especially after I come up with a couple of options. Today, the debate was between a 50ish mile loop into Texas, and an 85ish mile loop to the west. I tried to incorporate the windhills as much as possible, but I wanted more than 50 miles. Selfish is OK when you have nothing else to do.
I heads west, using the dirt roads as far as possible, and I think I could have done more, but Google hasn't been kind to the farm roads.
At Melrose, I had a Snickers and and Payday, and some Gatorade. I asked the store clerk how many miles to portables, 42. That sounded like a few than I had estimated, but, what else did I have to do today? Nothing!
I made my second call to Bend, to check on A before his race (CX Nationals). It was 40 and snowing in Bend, about 43 and sunny in Melrose. I was sitting I front of the store, with my shoes off, drying more comfy feet.
I headed south, sort of with the wind. The wind began changing directions, of course. And I began a zigzag ride to portales.
I met a few dogs along baseline drive, they were friendlier that they thought. I'm a dog Whisperer when on the bike.
I was planning to get more health food in portales, but I came in on the north side of town and didn't want to get a snack at LargeMart.
Heads towards Clovis, got water at the peanut factory. Must go back there and get peanut butter. Further north was the southwest cheese factory. I love cheese and peanut butter.
Almost back in Clovis, and I get a flat. While putting in a tube, I notice the rear tire is ready for the trash, and especially not any more rides. Dang, where's my sponsor when I need her?
In town, I finally catch the Bike Dude at his store. Nice Guy, works a.morning show at a local radio station. I might have known this if I weren't a radio snob: I only listen to NPR and XMU.
Finally got back to the Hollywood Hot Tub Condo, 83 miles. Great ride, would have been better with a little company. But not bad alone, especially with the constant race updates over the phone, from my sponsor!
A had a good race, it was typical CX conditions (not NM cross conditions). He came in with a 30th place, in miserable conditions. I am so very proud of him for racing in that!
Tomorrow? Palo Duro Canyon!
Chris
I heads west, using the dirt roads as far as possible, and I think I could have done more, but Google hasn't been kind to the farm roads.
At Melrose, I had a Snickers and and Payday, and some Gatorade. I asked the store clerk how many miles to portables, 42. That sounded like a few than I had estimated, but, what else did I have to do today? Nothing!
I made my second call to Bend, to check on A before his race (CX Nationals). It was 40 and snowing in Bend, about 43 and sunny in Melrose. I was sitting I front of the store, with my shoes off, drying more comfy feet.
I headed south, sort of with the wind. The wind began changing directions, of course. And I began a zigzag ride to portales.
I met a few dogs along baseline drive, they were friendlier that they thought. I'm a dog Whisperer when on the bike.
I was planning to get more health food in portales, but I came in on the north side of town and didn't want to get a snack at LargeMart.
Heads towards Clovis, got water at the peanut factory. Must go back there and get peanut butter. Further north was the southwest cheese factory. I love cheese and peanut butter.
Almost back in Clovis, and I get a flat. While putting in a tube, I notice the rear tire is ready for the trash, and especially not any more rides. Dang, where's my sponsor when I need her?
In town, I finally catch the Bike Dude at his store. Nice Guy, works a.morning show at a local radio station. I might have known this if I weren't a radio snob: I only listen to NPR and XMU.
Finally got back to the Hollywood Hot Tub Condo, 83 miles. Great ride, would have been better with a little company. But not bad alone, especially with the constant race updates over the phone, from my sponsor!
A had a good race, it was typical CX conditions (not NM cross conditions). He came in with a 30th place, in miserable conditions. I am so very proud of him for racing in that!
Tomorrow? Palo Duro Canyon!
Chris
Friday, December 10, 2010
V and A at The Cyclocross National Championships
The CX Monkey just finished her first Cyclocross National Championships race. Cold, mud, cold, and mud. She said her feet were numb and she was all covered in mud. I don't know what position yet, maybe around 8th place. I am so proud of my CX Monkey!!!
A races tomorrow morning!
Moo!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Big Hill This Morning!
8 miles uphill, it was awesome!
Interpretation: it was an 8 mile headwind of about 20-25. Wind is the same as
hill, over here in Almost Texas. The long straight east to west, on my commute,
Llano-Johno. Hopefully, it'll change direction by evening and I can go uphill on
the way home.
Moo!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Beer?
I know you're thinking this was supposed to be about biking in Clovis, but bikes and beer sometimes happen on the same day. And since this is about Clovis, it is a legit posting.
So far, I have to give walmart a vote for good beer. Albertsons has black butte Porter, and largemart has Cutthroat Porter. Why would I choose fish over butte? Really seems like a crime since CX NATS is in effect at the butte source this week. But the butte Porter is almost becoming a standard in many stores. Too bad the obsidian isn't. Back to the rant.
There is, what I thought would be an Irish bar, KELLY'S, Guinness on tap, but other than the name and the brew, it looks like a bad Patrick swayze cowboy drunken dancehall. The Burger is good too.
There must be someplace here that specializes in real beer. That ICE COLD YELLOW LIQUID is not really beer, no matter what the name and marketing says. Where's the secret place? Where the secret package store? Heck, where's any package store?
Am I in Alabama again? "We don't drink, but when we do, we drink." Am I deep in the Bible belt again? Where are the Catholics when you need them?
Well, this is "almost Texas", and Texas is (well, just a little too southern). Maybe if I ride with the locals, they'll share the secret elixir source. Or they will offer a nice cup of Texas tea.
Moo
So far, I have to give walmart a vote for good beer. Albertsons has black butte Porter, and largemart has Cutthroat Porter. Why would I choose fish over butte? Really seems like a crime since CX NATS is in effect at the butte source this week. But the butte Porter is almost becoming a standard in many stores. Too bad the obsidian isn't. Back to the rant.
There is, what I thought would be an Irish bar, KELLY'S, Guinness on tap, but other than the name and the brew, it looks like a bad Patrick swayze cowboy drunken dancehall. The Burger is good too.
There must be someplace here that specializes in real beer. That ICE COLD YELLOW LIQUID is not really beer, no matter what the name and marketing says. Where's the secret place? Where the secret package store? Heck, where's any package store?
Am I in Alabama again? "We don't drink, but when we do, we drink." Am I deep in the Bible belt again? Where are the Catholics when you need them?
Well, this is "almost Texas", and Texas is (well, just a little too southern). Maybe if I ride with the locals, they'll share the secret elixir source. Or they will offer a nice cup of Texas tea.
Moo
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Complain About the Cold, and it Warms Up!
After my lunch ride ride yesterday, the thermometer hit 72! It was about 65 during my short one lap in the wind. The temp rose all week. I'd say that was a nice "welcome to Clovis" gift. From about 24 Tuesday morning on the bike, to 35 on Thursday morning. Yes, there is a big difference in those two temps on the bike. It takes longer for your toes to come back from being numb as the temp goes lower.
I did 142 miles last week, between lunch on Monday and lunch on Friday. Not a bad week. Hopefully my legs are awake now for the NM State Cyclocross Championships, today. Set up the course, race singlespeed and then CAT 1-2, take the course down, go home and nap. Ahh.
Moo
I did 142 miles last week, between lunch on Monday and lunch on Friday. Not a bad week. Hopefully my legs are awake now for the NM State Cyclocross Championships, today. Set up the course, race singlespeed and then CAT 1-2, take the course down, go home and nap. Ahh.
Moo
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Cold Ride to the Office Today
I had decided Monday night, that if it was 20 degrees or colder, Tuesday morning, that I would probably drive to work. at 530 am Tuesday, the internets said it was 25. I put everything on, even the leg warmers under the fleece bib knickers. I had not used my new Spec lobster claw gloves, so I was excited to try them out. And the plastic grocery bag corners were over my toes, inside the shoes.
A little wind from the west/northwest, mostly cloudy skies, and I was out the door about 630. Nice ride in , about 12 miles, from the golfcourse, all fairly flat. My toes were going numbish, with about 4 miles to go, and my right index finger was getting a little cool. Otherwise, my first ride in to the cannon was uneventful. I guess I'll find out how cold it can get until spring comes. I think my cutoff will be 20 degrees, or a stronger headwind.
The wind should be at my back all the way home!
Moo
A little wind from the west/northwest, mostly cloudy skies, and I was out the door about 630. Nice ride in , about 12 miles, from the golfcourse, all fairly flat. My toes were going numbish, with about 4 miles to go, and my right index finger was getting a little cool. Otherwise, my first ride in to the cannon was uneventful. I guess I'll find out how cold it can get until spring comes. I think my cutoff will be 20 degrees, or a stronger headwind.
The wind should be at my back all the way home!
Moo
Not Snowing
It was supposed to be snowing at 5:00 am Monday. I had been watching the weather all weekend, from ABQ, wondering if I would even be able to drive into Clovis Monday morning. I was wanting to ride at lunch, but weather under said it would be snowing and raining all day.
I left around 4 am, saw a few flurries (thin) as I headed east on I-40. Before I turned off at Santa Rosa, I could see nothing but clear skies. Beautiful typical NM sunrise, but different without "coming over the mountains" first. It would be a blue sky day.
I left the office on the bike around 1130, headed over to another building to meet another rider, Rob, for the tfirst time. We did two loops of the cannon, a little over 10 miles each, had a great ride, even with the wind as it was. It's only a head wind one direction. As we started the second loop, the clouds were coming in and getting dark; the sun was gone after a few miles.
Once I was back at the office, changed clothes, and looked outside about 20 minutes later, the snow was coming down hard. It didn't last more than about 30 minutes, and only moistened the ground a bit. Not much of an all day snow and rain storm.
We had a great ride in the sun, mostly. Wind is just a constant "hill" feature here, adds training resistence. Otherwise, it's all flat. The 42x15 fixie mode worked great, but I wasn't able to stand anywhere. Getting off the saddle is nice sometimes, but it was only an hour, kind of like the cyclocross races.
Moo
I left around 4 am, saw a few flurries (thin) as I headed east on I-40. Before I turned off at Santa Rosa, I could see nothing but clear skies. Beautiful typical NM sunrise, but different without "coming over the mountains" first. It would be a blue sky day.
I left the office on the bike around 1130, headed over to another building to meet another rider, Rob, for the tfirst time. We did two loops of the cannon, a little over 10 miles each, had a great ride, even with the wind as it was. It's only a head wind one direction. As we started the second loop, the clouds were coming in and getting dark; the sun was gone after a few miles.
Once I was back at the office, changed clothes, and looked outside about 20 minutes later, the snow was coming down hard. It didn't last more than about 30 minutes, and only moistened the ground a bit. Not much of an all day snow and rain storm.
We had a great ride in the sun, mostly. Wind is just a constant "hill" feature here, adds training resistence. Otherwise, it's all flat. The 42x15 fixie mode worked great, but I wasn't able to stand anywhere. Getting off the saddle is nice sometimes, but it was only an hour, kind of like the cyclocross races.
Moo
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
First Ride in Clovisss
Well, actually it was my lunch ride at CAFB. 23 November, a little wind, maybe 15-20. Always a head wind no matter where I ride anyway.
If it doesn't change direction, then in a loop ride, I can get a tailwind too. Well, the tailwind yesterday made me realize I need to change the ratio on the London (Specialized Langster London Edition). First I'll go to my 16 tooth freewheel, that'll do better with the standard 42 ring. If that doesn't work, I'll put on a bigger ring, or put the 15 fixie cog on the back.
Why not just put the cog on anyway? Riding fixie is enjoyable, but I'm not ready to grind my contact points away yet. Without being able to stand and coast occasionally, relieving high friction is not possible. Yes, butt butter does the trick, but I start to feel like I can't get on the bike without it sometimes.
My ride to work could turn out with "wind advantage". Looks like there may be little wind in the early morning and somewhere between south and northwest in the evening.
Moo!
Clovisss
What? Well, semi-acronymical- Clovis singlespeed.
Just "moved" here, 22 Nov. Will be biking in the area, and of course, on various singlespeed bikes (just goofy that way). Hopefully, I will join the local cycling community, if I find it. I've heard their are other bicycles in town and people who ride them. And, no, I don't care if you have those shifter thingies and deraillieur thingies. I just like to ride.
I'll be riding to work at CAFB, as often as possible, and practicable (?). I know there is a wind thing here, but it justs add to training. I've never been blown off the road, but I'm sure it's exciting.
For now, I'll be driving in on Monday mornings and leaving Friday evenings, headed to my family in ABQ, or to races. Hope to see you out there. I'll be posting ride info, when it's worthy of the time to type.
Chris
(C Cow)
Just "moved" here, 22 Nov. Will be biking in the area, and of course, on various singlespeed bikes (just goofy that way). Hopefully, I will join the local cycling community, if I find it. I've heard their are other bicycles in town and people who ride them. And, no, I don't care if you have those shifter thingies and deraillieur thingies. I just like to ride.
I'll be riding to work at CAFB, as often as possible, and practicable (?). I know there is a wind thing here, but it justs add to training. I've never been blown off the road, but I'm sure it's exciting.
For now, I'll be driving in on Monday mornings and leaving Friday evenings, headed to my family in ABQ, or to races. Hope to see you out there. I'll be posting ride info, when it's worthy of the time to type.
Chris
(C Cow)
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