RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite rides etc
View related threads:
(in this forum
| in all forums)
|
Logged in as: Guest
|
|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/2/2008 9:04:39 AM
|
|
|
benelchi
Posts: 2391
Joined: 9/14/2007
From: California
Status: online
|
My son had a chance to race this weekend on a top of the line (prototype) Time Trial bike loaned to him by one of Lance Armstrong's former teammates. The whole time he had the bike, he was just like a kid in a candy store. On the drive to the race he sat in the back of the van so he could be "near" the bike; it was a lot of fun to see him so excited.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/2/2008 11:36:21 AM
|
|
|
stellaluna
Posts: 3991
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: benelchi
My son had a chance to race this weekend on a top of the line (prototype) Time Trial bike loaned to him by one of Lance Armstrong's former teammates. The whole time he had the bike, he was just like a kid in a candy store. On the drive to the race he sat in the back of the van so he could be "near" the bike; it was a lot of fun to see him so excited.
Did it make a difference? Did it make him faster?
_____________________________
I'm tired of signatures.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/2/2008 2:09:38 PM
|
|
|
benelchi
Posts: 2391
Joined: 9/14/2007
From: California
Status: online
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: stellaluna
quote:
ORIGINAL: benelchi
My son had a chance to race this weekend on a top of the line (prototype) Time Trial bike loaned to him by one of Lance Armstrong's former teammates. The whole time he had the bike, he was just like a kid in a candy store. On the drive to the race he sat in the back of the van so he could be "near" the bike; it was a lot of fun to see him so excited.
Did it make a difference? Did it make him faster?
It's hard to tell. It wasn't his best time, but he has had some glitches in his training schedule and I think the time was more a reflection of his training more than the bike. However, his time was still very, very fast. At his level, a 60 second difference for 20 kilometers means the difference between a really fast time and a slow day. On a day without wind, the top kids average almost 29 MPH! Almost all of his competition were on similar bikes! Most of them borrowing their bikes as well. These bikes can save 40-60 seconds over 20K, and that will make the difference between a win and a loss every time.
< Message edited by benelchi -- 6/2/2008 2:18:04 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/10/2008 12:20:31 PM
|
|
|
benelchi
Posts: 2391
Joined: 9/14/2007
From: California
Status: online
|
While I was teaching some junior racers how to track stand, someone took a picture of me demonstrating the technique. I thought I would share the pic.
When I began racing, we used cleats that worked with the old toe clip system. The cleat itself was a metal or plastic piece that was nailed onto the bottom of the shoe. It had a slot that fit over the back of the peddle cage which meant that once you pulled the strap tight you were not getting your foot off of the pedal without reaching down and releasing the strap. Consequently, many of the racers from my era got quite good at the "track stand" because it meant you didn't have to reach down and release your foot at ever stop light.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/10/2008 3:46:52 PM
|
|
|
phosadaud
Posts: 9816
Joined: 9/19/2005
From: Washington State
Status: offline
|
Hi everyone! I mostly run, but now that winter is over, I'm starting to take some bike rides as well. Right now I am recovering from going one on one with a curb (I lost), but I'm anxious to get out there again. I just bought a new road bike (my first nice bike! woohoo!) and I'm really excited to get it (I hate waiting.....).
_____________________________
~Kristin~
42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/10/2008 3:48:58 PM
|
|
|
benelchi
Posts: 2391
Joined: 9/14/2007
From: California
Status: online
|
How much longer do you have to wait?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/11/2008 4:21:39 PM
|
|
|
joy2give2u
Posts: 4960
Joined: 9/19/2006
From: Indiana
Status: offline
|
Yesterday I had the most enjoyable ride........
I rode a route, though not long at only 12 miles, it is harder due to one really steep hill. I have not ridden it in a long time..........Not since my father passed away I think.
Anyway a little ways into the ride is a huge farm with cow pastures lining the road.
In the past I had gotten into the habit of talking to the cows as I rode the length of the fence. They would respond by coming closer to the fence when they saw me approaching.
Yesterday most the herd was in the pasture a little ways from the road. I came up to where the fence began and said " Hi cows do you remember me?"
They came to the fence. Two even ran. I felt so welcomed.
As I rode and they walked the fence I explained to them why I had been gone for so long. I told them about my father going to heaven.........a few nodded in understanding.
At the end of the fence I said my goodbyes and turned onto another road.
How sweet the cows were to greet me, they seemed content I was talking to them as they walked along the fence, and even at times seemed to be paying attention.......and when I was past them and no longer speaking they went back to how they were before I got to the fence.........As though I had never been there and they didn't understand what I said.......(just in case you are worried I know the cows didn't understand what I said LOL)
Then I had this thought
I wonder how often do I look like a cow to God?
How often does he speak in his soft, gentle voice and I am drawn to him, follow Him so I can hear his voice, but fail to understand what he is saying.
Are there times I am content to follow along the fence listening to his voice instead of noticing he is moving somewhere?
And after he is done speaking do I eagerly follow where he is headed next or do I turn and head back to where I was before he started speaking?
For a few miles I talked to God.......asking that I would never be a cow to Him.
Then I came to another farm and my friendly peacocks were out running around.
A male came towards me, his feathers lifted in pride, and I felt quite honored until I noticed the cute little female peacock on the other side of the road..........I have a feeling he was showing off for her not me.........oh well.
I also met three little baby raccoons. They were quite curious about my bike (I had to stop for them cause they were just so cute) and me coming quite close. Suddenly they all stood still and darted towards the tall grass.........I looked behind me to see if a car was coming but nope it wasn't a car.......it was there mommy and she was not happy with me.......needless to say I thought it best I continue my ride.
Yes it was a wonderful ride. I am so blessed to live in an area where riding is so very social......or at least it is for me. 
I hope everyone enjoys their rides as much as I do......
< Message edited by joy2give2u -- 6/11/2008 4:30:41 PM >
_____________________________
God's Majesty seen through my eyes
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/11/2008 5:04:18 PM
|
|
|
hotsaucygma
Posts: 2883
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
Good plan to get on that bike and ride Joy... Momma raccoons can be pretty mean!
Hmm, a new prayer to add - "Dear Lord, don't let me be a cow..."
_____________________________
Dear Lord, let my words today be as sweet and delicious as cheesecake... for tomorrow I may have to eat them!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/11/2008 5:16:41 PM
|
|
|
stellaluna
Posts: 3991
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: benelchi
While I was teaching some junior racers how to track stand, someone took a picture of me demonstrating the technique. I thought I would share the pic.
That. Rocks.
I want to try it, but I'm scared. Can you do it with platforms?
_____________________________
I'm tired of signatures.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/11/2008 5:42:46 PM
|
|
|
benelchi
Posts: 2391
Joined: 9/14/2007
From: California
Status: online
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: stellaluna
quote:
ORIGINAL: benelchi
While I was teaching some junior racers how to track stand, someone took a picture of me demonstrating the technique. I thought I would share the pic.
That. Rocks.
I want to try it, but I'm scared. Can you do it with platforms?
Yes, you can do it with platforms. I usually begin teaching people by having them wear street shoes rather than cleats, until they are solidly track standing.
Tips for anyone who wants to learn:
1) Start on a little bit of a hill (like a driveway), and make sure you are in a moderately low gear.
2) The front wheel needs to be turned (like in the picture), and the front wheel should be pointed straight up the hill (the bike itself should be angled across the hill)
3) Your pedals should be almost level, with the forward pedal on the same side as the direction you have chosen to turn (like in the picture)
4) When you are learning, NEVER EVER use your breaks!!! While the breaks are on you will not be able to balance the bike. This is by far the most common mistake people make when they are trying to learn. (Note: you can use the breaks to come to a stop, but quit using them completely once the bike has stopped or is nearly stopped)
5) The hardest part of a track stand is learning how to back up the bike up, so to begin with don't try to stop. Instead try and immediately back the bike up. This is done by very slightly lifting the weight of the forward pedal and letting the bike roll backwards. Practice this repeatedly until you can consistently let the bike roll at least 1 foot backwards before you put your feet down. If you cannot get the bike to roll backwards find a little bit steeper hill.
6) Once you have mastered backing up the bike, try to track stand by alternating slight forward motion with the now learned backwards motion (You should only move a few inches) to maintain your balance. This part should come very easily, if you have mastered step 5
7) The obvious: Start with both hands on the handle bars!
Following these directions most people can learn a basic track stand in about 30-60 minutes. It does help to have someone watch who knows what you should be doing because people often forget some of these steps as they try and learn.
Have fun!
< Message edited by benelchi -- 6/11/2008 5:50:42 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/11/2008 9:42:14 PM
|
|
|
42servehymn
Posts: 373
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: Littleton, Colorado
Status: offline
|
Hello fellow bicyclists! You all are doing so well. Our weather is finally right for biking and I have slowly been getting back out on the bike. One of our (husband and I) favorite things to do is to run Saturday errands on the bike instead of in the car. Last weekend was the first time this season that we did it but it felt GREAT! The client that I am working for right now lives 6.5 miles from my house and I am considering biking it. I rode there the other day after work just to see how it would work. It was a good ride but I am hoping to find a safer route (no riding on roads with no bike lanes). I think I can take bike trail most of the way but I haven't actually figured out that route yet. Stellaluna you are so right about missing out on all the beautiful sights and scents in a car. Spring is one of my favorite times to ride because I LOVE lilacs in bloom.
_____________________________
Lord help me to be the person that my dog thinks I am.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/12/2008 11:31:09 AM
|
|
|
joy2give2u
Posts: 4960
Joined: 9/19/2006
From: Indiana
Status: offline
|
Hi 42servehymn it is great to see you again.........it seems like it has been forever.
_____________________________
God's Majesty seen through my eyes
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/13/2008 8:40:46 PM
|
|
|
42servehymn
Posts: 373
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: Littleton, Colorado
Status: offline
|
Thanks so much Joy! It has been a while as my sore body can tell you. It feels good to be back at it though. I got a text message from my husband that he rode to work today. That means that I will be biking to meet him tonight. Yay! This weekend we will get some miles in I am sure.
_____________________________
Lord help me to be the person that my dog thinks I am.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/16/2008 10:57:04 PM
|
|
|
joy2give2u
Posts: 4960
Joined: 9/19/2006
From: Indiana
Status: offline
|
Yeah phosadaud..........I am so glad you will be able to get out and ride now.
_____________________________
God's Majesty seen through my eyes
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/16/2008 11:00:24 PM
|
|
|
phosadaud
Posts: 9816
Joined: 9/19/2005
From: Washington State
Status: offline
|
Actually, I am riding - but it's my cheap mountain bike that isn't the best ride. I'm just so excited because this bike is my first nice bike and it's a road bike which is what I really needed for around here...
_____________________________
~Kristin~
42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite ride... - 6/17/2008 12:19:13 AM
|
|
|
benelchi
Posts: 2391
Joined: 9/14/2007
From: California
Status: online
|
Guilty,
It's Empty Now!
On a different Note: Here is a great picture of my son taken during a recent race. They are at the top of a 4500' climb. My son is in the Red and White Specialized kit, the one in the blue and yellow is another top nationally ranked Junior, the rest are 23-35 year old men. This was the lead break away group in a 100 man field.
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
Anyway, I "get" it now and I'll try tomorrow.
