I just updated my workouts at my Runner's World training log and realized that I had three bike rides to enter. The first was a meander down (and back up) Beach Dr. in Rock Creek Park with my wife, the esteemed Dr. J.
The second was a MTB ride at Fairland with Kevin, Kona (my dog), and Cassie (Kevin's dog). This was the second trail ride along for Kona and the first with her bestest friend in the whole wide world, Cassie. Kona made it for the whole 7 mile loop this time (the first time we only went 5 miles). After we dropped the dogs off, we rode the opening section in an all-out, reverse direct sprint.
The third ride was again with the esteemed Dr. J to/from my football game. Once I assured Dr. J that there was only 1 hill on the ride, she agreed to come along. Too bad I underestimated. There actually about 10 hills total. Oops, sorry hun.
Showing posts with label MTB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MTB. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Tree 1, Me 0
Friday's weather was gorgeous...too gorgeous to work all day and not get on the trails. Kevin simultaneously sent me this email and text, "Cut out early and hit shaffer today? Perfect, perfect, perfect day to ride... Did I mention its perfect out?" at 8:59 am. I hadn't been at work for a half hour yet, but I knew he was right. I left at 12:30.
Kevin was impressed by Shaffer Farm after our first ride there. He wanted to go back and even offered to pick me up. How could I refuse?
Cassie (Kevin's dog) recently tore off two of her paw pads, so she gets to wear these cute booties on the trail now.
The weather was perfect and the riding superb, except for that pesky tree. We were on a section of trail with several 180 degree turns passing back and forth across a wide, 5 foot deep ditch. I came around a left turn and dropped into the ditch a little off balance. I saw the tree and focused on it. Unfortunately, I was too focused on it...and too close to it. BAM!
There are alot of obstacles (trees, bushes, etc.) that pass close by while mountain biking. The best way to ensure that you'll graze one of those obstacles (or run into one in my case) is too focus on them. When I constantly (and consistently) look down the trail 10-20 ft, obstacles stay out of the way. I must try to remember this in the future.
Kevin was impressed by Shaffer Farm after our first ride there. He wanted to go back and even offered to pick me up. How could I refuse?
Cassie (Kevin's dog) recently tore off two of her paw pads, so she gets to wear these cute booties on the trail now.
Cassie is ready to go
The weather was perfect and the riding superb, except for that pesky tree. We were on a section of trail with several 180 degree turns passing back and forth across a wide, 5 foot deep ditch. I came around a left turn and dropped into the ditch a little off balance. I saw the tree and focused on it. Unfortunately, I was too focused on it...and too close to it. BAM!
There are alot of obstacles (trees, bushes, etc.) that pass close by while mountain biking. The best way to ensure that you'll graze one of those obstacles (or run into one in my case) is too focus on them. When I constantly (and consistently) look down the trail 10-20 ft, obstacles stay out of the way. I must try to remember this in the future.
It stings
Day after upper arm
Day after forearm
How do I even the score with the trees? Trim some branches? Pull out leaves? Or do I have to use a chain saw?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
10 Day Hiatus
As all 20 visitors from the last week and a half have noticed, I haven't posted in 10 days. Haven't been in the mood. I didn't post about my 4 mile run from a week ago Sunday. My legs actually felt normal before, during, and after the run. Exciting times that didn't last long. Another 4 miler on Wednesday went ok. Thursday, the legs were screaming. No, they weren't screaming "are we here yet?"
A five hour car ride to NYC didn't help on Friday either. But NYC was awesome as always and lots of fun. I had planned to run through Central Park for a 5 miler on Saturday, but the legs weren't having any of it. I was really looking forward to that...extremely disappointing. I did go down to lower Manhattan with Jeff for a couple hours. We probably walked several miles. That counts right?
I've given up trying to stick to a training schedule for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (5K?). I'm just...whatever. To perk up my spirits, I'm riding in my first ever MTB race this Saturday...I think. Kevin e-mailed some guy who says he'll give up his registration, but the transfer hasn't happened yet. I don't even know where or what the race is. I'll post an update about the race...hopefully, within the next 10 days.
You Tube has weird stuff
Tree lined path along the Hudson river
Sweet eagle! Some sort of WWII memorial.
As close as I've ever been to the Statue of Liberty. See it back there?
I've given up trying to stick to a training schedule for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (5K?). I'm just...whatever. To perk up my spirits, I'm riding in my first ever MTB race this Saturday...I think. Kevin e-mailed some guy who says he'll give up his registration, but the transfer hasn't happened yet. I don't even know where or what the race is. I'll post an update about the race...hopefully, within the next 10 days.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
This Is Why Safety Gear Exists
Instead of running my scheduled 4 miles on Saturday, I planned to go ride the Baker's Dozen MTB race course. However, rain showers were already attacking Manassas and moving north toward Leesburg by noon. With an hour drive to get to Leesburg, the forecast wasn't looking good for getting a ride completed.
Kevin made it over the rock. Regrettably, he landed almost vertically on his front wheel. Never a good thing. Over the handle bars, he tried to turn it into a headstand, but to no avail. The failed headstand turned into a somersault, which ended with Kevin's back squarely across a downed tree trunk. This is what happened to his helmet.
The helmet worked as intended. You should check out what happened to Kevin here. THIS IS WHY SAFETY GEAR EXISTS PEOPLE. USE IT!
God bless his spirit, Kevin is tougher than me. After collecting his thoughts...and quite possibly his unmentionables, we continued on.
Patapsco is awesome. It has lots-o-trails for variety and good climbs that turn into great downhill sections. Patapsco is a step up technically (rocks & roots mostly) from the trails I'm used to. So, it offers challenging terrain for me to improve my skills upon.
Continue riding. Stay safe. And always wear your helmet.
Further to the north near Catonsville, MD lies Patapsco state park. Kevin and I decided to go there to get away from the rain and a MORE post indicated the trails were ready for primetime. Correct on both accounts.
The trails were in great shape. Not many ruts. No mud. Smooth trails ready for a butt whoopin'. Unfortunately, it was Kevin's butt that received the whoopin' because he decided to jump the rock.
For some reason, The Rock kept saying "You better ask somebodyyyyy!"
Kevin made it over the rock. Regrettably, he landed almost vertically on his front wheel. Never a good thing. Over the handle bars, he tried to turn it into a headstand, but to no avail. The failed headstand turned into a somersault, which ended with Kevin's back squarely across a downed tree trunk. This is what happened to his helmet.
These things happen, but it's a good thing Kevin wore his helmet
The helmet worked as intended. You should check out what happened to Kevin here. THIS IS WHY SAFETY GEAR EXISTS PEOPLE. USE IT!
God bless his spirit, Kevin is tougher than me. After collecting his thoughts...and quite possibly his unmentionables, we continued on.
Patapsco is awesome. It has lots-o-trails for variety and good climbs that turn into great downhill sections. Patapsco is a step up technically (rocks & roots mostly) from the trails I'm used to. So, it offers challenging terrain for me to improve my skills upon.
Continue riding. Stay safe. And always wear your helmet.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Blah
I haven't felt like posting much this week because I'm getting tired of writing about leg issues. I did get a foam roller, which is for self massage, core strengthening, and relieving muscle tightness. It helped my sore hamstrings, but it seems like that soreness just moved up to my glutes. The foam roller definitely does something. I'm just trying to figure out exactly what. This instructional video helps.
I'm skipping my scheduled 4 mile run today to go ride the Baker's Dozen MTB course. I believe it's the same course as the Snotcycle race, but riding clockwise instead of counter. The course is on a private farm and the owners are gracious enough to open it up today. Difficult to pass up. So, I'll squeeze my 4 miler in tomorrow and adjust this week's runs accordingly.
If (future) Dr. J won't massage my legs, the Go Fit foam roller will
I'm skipping my scheduled 4 mile run today to go ride the Baker's Dozen MTB course. I believe it's the same course as the Snotcycle race, but riding clockwise instead of counter. The course is on a private farm and the owners are gracious enough to open it up today. Difficult to pass up. So, I'll squeeze my 4 miler in tomorrow and adjust this week's runs accordingly.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Introducing SNOW-RIDA (Who Almost Died Prematurely)
Continuing in the long tradition of sweet white rappers (yes, i'm talking about Vanilla Ice, Lil Wyte, and the immensely talented Eminem), I introduce my rap alter ego SNOW-RIDA (snow-rye-duh).
Why SNOW-RIDA? Well, the DC area got about 6 inches of snow last night and this morning. When I got to work and found a text message waiting from Kevin, I knew we were going riding. Hence SNOW-RIDA. I took off at 2:30 pm, headed home, then over to Fairland. I was a little late for our 4 o'clock meeting because the lock on my bike rack was frozen (still is).
This was my first snow ride, and it started out SHAKY. I fell in the parking lot within 5 seconds of getting on my MTB! We did the small loop first then headed back toward the cars because Kevin forgot his camera (all pictures are courtesy of Kevin). I fell at least twice on the inner loop and had to put my foot down about a dozen times. Roots with snow on them are not cool (indeed they are cool with snow on top of them, but i'm not picking up what they're throwing down). Instead of enjoying the ride, I was fearing it.
I was about ready to call it quits back at the car, but I had to get back on the horse one more time. Kevin suggested that I let most of the air out of my tires, which made all the difference in the world. Off we went yet again. We ended up riding almost the whole trail. We bailed on the last half mile section because it was getting dark.
The most difficult portion of the ride was clipping into my pedals. I had to get off my MTB many times due to loss of balance and/or traction. I actually think the constant balance issues will help me improve my non-snow balance later on. Also, I figured out that when losing traction, it's best to shift into the lowest gear, put my weight on the back of the saddle, pedal as slow as possible. This allowed my tires to grip.
In the end, I enjoyed riding in the snow. I love being in the woods where there's a couple inches of snow on the ground whether I'm biking, hiking, or skiing. The actual riding isn't my favorite (I prefer smooth, hard-packed single track), but it was a nice change of pace (once I got the air out of my tires) and the scenery was awesome. I'd try it again.
SNOW-RIDA out!
Why SNOW-RIDA? Well, the DC area got about 6 inches of snow last night and this morning. When I got to work and found a text message waiting from Kevin, I knew we were going riding. Hence SNOW-RIDA. I took off at 2:30 pm, headed home, then over to Fairland. I was a little late for our 4 o'clock meeting because the lock on my bike rack was frozen (still is).
This was my first snow ride, and it started out SHAKY. I fell in the parking lot within 5 seconds of getting on my MTB! We did the small loop first then headed back toward the cars because Kevin forgot his camera (all pictures are courtesy of Kevin). I fell at least twice on the inner loop and had to put my foot down about a dozen times. Roots with snow on them are not cool (indeed they are cool with snow on top of them, but i'm not picking up what they're throwing down). Instead of enjoying the ride, I was fearing it.
I'm probably about to fall
I was about ready to call it quits back at the car, but I had to get back on the horse one more time. Kevin suggested that I let most of the air out of my tires, which made all the difference in the world. Off we went yet again. We ended up riding almost the whole trail. We bailed on the last half mile section because it was getting dark.
The trees were our best friends when trying to clip in
The most difficult portion of the ride was clipping into my pedals. I had to get off my MTB many times due to loss of balance and/or traction. I actually think the constant balance issues will help me improve my non-snow balance later on. Also, I figured out that when losing traction, it's best to shift into the lowest gear, put my weight on the back of the saddle, pedal as slow as possible. This allowed my tires to grip.
Log domination
In the end, I enjoyed riding in the snow. I love being in the woods where there's a couple inches of snow on the ground whether I'm biking, hiking, or skiing. The actual riding isn't my favorite (I prefer smooth, hard-packed single track), but it was a nice change of pace (once I got the air out of my tires) and the scenery was awesome. I'd try it again.
SNOW-RIDA drops snow tracks
SNOW-RIDA out!
Friday, February 27, 2009
My Apologies To Rosy
Dear Rosaryville,
I left work at 1:00 pm on Tuesday on a quest to go riding (hey, what is comp time for anyway). I intended to try the Hoyle Mills Connector again, but thought it wouldn't be ridable just like Sunday. Then, I considered a road ride, but balked because I really wanted a dirt ride. Alas, a post on MORE indicated that your singletrack was in great shape as of 11:30 am and the night ride was on. Victory! A MTB opportunity.
The first few miles, your trail was solid. But then, the mud was upon me. Only a bit. Not too bad. Later on, many more mud sections arrived. Unfortunately, too late to turn around. In the end, it turns out that I shoudn't have ridden at all. My apologies. I've learned an important lesson...not to listen to my heart when my mind tells me trail conditions aren't ridable. Trail work is coming up April 4th and 5th. I'll try to make up for it then.
Sincerely,
Brian
I left work at 1:00 pm on Tuesday on a quest to go riding (hey, what is comp time for anyway). I intended to try the Hoyle Mills Connector again, but thought it wouldn't be ridable just like Sunday. Then, I considered a road ride, but balked because I really wanted a dirt ride. Alas, a post on MORE indicated that your singletrack was in great shape as of 11:30 am and the night ride was on. Victory! A MTB opportunity.
The first few miles, your trail was solid. But then, the mud was upon me. Only a bit. Not too bad. Later on, many more mud sections arrived. Unfortunately, too late to turn around. In the end, it turns out that I shoudn't have ridden at all. My apologies. I've learned an important lesson...not to listen to my heart when my mind tells me trail conditions aren't ridable. Trail work is coming up April 4th and 5th. I'll try to make up for it then.
Sincerely,
Brian
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
How Many Road Miles Will You Give Me For This Shiny MTB Mile?
It's official, I have settled on a conversion from MTB miles to road miles. Everytime I go mountain biking, I am way more worn out than if I had ridden the same number of road miles. So, my personal official conversion is:
1 MTB mile = 2 road miles
Feel free to use it or suggest a better one. Maybe I'll refine the conversion in the future, but for right now, it works. I took the afternoon off today, on a whim, and figured this thing out. No time now, but I'll explain how I came to this conclusion later in the week.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
A Mudder
I convinced Kevin to go trail riding today and we headed up to the Hoyles Mill Connector in an attempt to get some riding in. After riding Fairland a couple times recently, I'm tired of it and wanted to try something new.
Once the ground dries out, or freezes, I definitely want to get back up to the Hoyles Mill Connector. It offered some light rock garden riding. I'm not at all familiar with riding rock gardens, so I look forward to learning some more.
It started snowing heavily this morning and unfortunately, it wasn't cold enough to stick. It was warm enough to melt (just above freezing). I expected the trail to be a bit damp, but it turns out the trail's father was a mudder and his mother was a mudder.
No traction in this stuff
We drove by the trail head, wandering about the backroads of Germantown for a short while. Eventually we backtracked and found it. We rode no more than a quarter mile on the trail before deciding to call it a day because the trail was alot worse than expected. Neither of our tires were made for shedding the mud out there today. Even if they were, we would have torn the trail to shreds, which is NOT a good thing.
Three postives though:
1) I got out of the house and rode (even if it wasn't for long)
2) We discovered that Hoyles Mill Connector is a promising trail
3) We figured out how to find the trail head.
I couldn't turn, I floated
I couldn't see the tread in the woods
Once the ground dries out, or freezes, I definitely want to get back up to the Hoyles Mill Connector. It offered some light rock garden riding. I'm not at all familiar with riding rock gardens, so I look forward to learning some more.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Bathroom Break
Luckily I planned ahead. I worked about five hours yesterday working on the bathroom fan and five hours this morning. After all that, I got to the point where I only had to put the finishing touches on and clean up...time for a break.
Kevin and I planned to go for a ride. Fortunately for Kevin, he got to go hiking while I mucked around in my attic. Unfortunately, he also lost his truck keys while hiking, so he couldn't meet to go riding :(
I headed over to Fairland late afternoon and took a ride. The trails had firmed up a bit from the bread-dough-like conditions on Friday. I pushed myself hard today and by the last mile or so, I was exhausted. That could have had something to do with me only eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch, some yogurt, and a little bit of hummus all day.
The ride was good, although I didn't feel as comfortable with my lines as I did Friday. The highlight of the day was a total wipeout going over a tree trunk. I got a decent start going in, but I pulled up (and to the left) too hard and I bit it. FUN!
Friday, February 13, 2009
MTB Therapy
In an effort to stop feeling sorry for myself, I met up with Kevin for a trail ride at Fairland Park. We probably would have gone for a road ride instead, but the wind is atrocious around here today...bodacious according to Bodhi (en espanol no doubt). I hadn't been on my MTB in a couple weeks anyway, so I'm happy I got to use my new bike again.
We started out with the small loop like usual, trading the lead a couple times. Kevin took the whole shot, but luckily for me he doesn't know his way aroud Fairland yet. So, I took the lead back when he went the wrong way. Before the end of the small loop we both realized that we forgot our cameras (for blogging purposes of course). We went back to the cars to get the cameras. Between us, we ended up taking one picture...DOH. Sorry for the lack of photography...still working on that.
I felt alot of confidence with cornering ("my lines" as those in the know would say) today. I was able to corner while looking to pedal instead of braking like usual. There's a pretty sweet section at Fairland with several 2-6 ft rolling bumps. Normally I'm a bit off balance a couple times throughout this section, but today I was feeling it...anticipating the next move beautifully and steamrolling through.
About halfway through the ride, I stopped to take the sleeves off my jersey for some added air conditioning. I also took the opportunity to streatch my legs thoroughly, which left Kevin bored. I could tell he was getting ancy to continue the ride, but I needed the stretches...be supportive bro!
The trail wasn't muddy, but it certainly wasn't dry either. Many sections were like riding on bread dough...or possibly the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
Thank you Ghost Busters
Monday, January 19, 2009
new MTB
Kevin had been bugging me for months to get a mountain bike...aka MTB. he took me to a bike demo at Rosaryville State Park in October...i hopped on a $4000...yes that's 3 zeroes...Gary Fisher full suspension, full carbon frame BEAST...and...i only wrecked it once...good thing i didn't know how much it costs before we went riding.
eventually we put a new chain on my Raleigh M80...circa 1996...and tuned her up. we did a couple rides at Fairland Park...which is nice considering how close it is to both of us. on one of our rides...i tried his Jamis Dragon Exile 29er...and immediately decided that i needed a new MTB.
i visited a couple local bike shops...LBSs...and poked around the website for Bike's Direct...which has no name frames paired with name brand components for unbeatable prices. the only problem is that i would have had to partially assemble the bike and there's virtually no customer service from what i hear. unfortunately, Bike's Direct tainted my value evaluations at all the LBS's.
i had already been prepping (future) Dr. J that i was going to buy a new MTB...and the money had been saved...her only condition was that we are to have no more than 3 bikes in our storage room...her schwinn, my Raleigh, and my Felt F80 road bike already put us at the limit...she didn't care if i threw the Raleigh away, but no more than THREE bikes.
so we now have 4 bikes...OOPS! two weeks ago i found this sweet little monster on sale for 50% off...40% down on the retirement fund but 50% off on the bike...i think i'm getting ahead here! it's a 2007 Jamis Dakota Elite...way more machine than i deserve...but i just couldn't pass it up.
i think Kevin's disease has spread to me somewhat...but i'm pretty sure it's not terminal..........yet
eventually we put a new chain on my Raleigh M80...circa 1996...and tuned her up. we did a couple rides at Fairland Park...which is nice considering how close it is to both of us. on one of our rides...i tried his Jamis Dragon Exile 29er...and immediately decided that i needed a new MTB.
i visited a couple local bike shops...LBSs...and poked around the website for Bike's Direct...which has no name frames paired with name brand components for unbeatable prices. the only problem is that i would have had to partially assemble the bike and there's virtually no customer service from what i hear. unfortunately, Bike's Direct tainted my value evaluations at all the LBS's.
i had already been prepping (future) Dr. J that i was going to buy a new MTB...and the money had been saved...her only condition was that we are to have no more than 3 bikes in our storage room...her schwinn, my Raleigh, and my Felt F80 road bike already put us at the limit...she didn't care if i threw the Raleigh away, but no more than THREE bikes.
so we now have 4 bikes...OOPS! two weeks ago i found this sweet little monster on sale for 50% off...40% down on the retirement fund but 50% off on the bike...i think i'm getting ahead here! it's a 2007 Jamis Dakota Elite...way more machine than i deserve...but i just couldn't pass it up.
i think Kevin's disease has spread to me somewhat...but i'm pretty sure it's not terminal..........yet
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