I had been trying to get into a decent form, however family always comes first. So, after the Tysons Corner Circuit, I left on vacation with my family to China for three weeks. I didn't get on a bike the whole time and gained about 10 pounds from eating three to sometimes 4 meals a day. My body is totally out of whack now as I am trying to acclimate to the time difference. There's nothing like going being 12 hours difference. You're supposed to be sleeping when you're supposed to be totally awake half way around the world.
Well, China....I'll have some pictures to post later on.
The air in China was very polluted. Many of the days, all we could see was a layer of smog. Of course the fog/light rain/humidity didn't help either.
So, I'm finally back from China after a 34 hour trip back from Shanghai to Beijing, to JFK Airport to a family friend's house on Long Island, then drive back to DC.
The weather here seems to be looking really good for a ride this weekend, however, other family things are scheduled including two dinners with the wife for fund raising activities and of course other children's activities. I hope to get out for a long ride one of the days this weekend. Of course, I'll be suffering from three weeks off of the bike and from breathing in polluted air in China. Not to mention that many of the men there smoke heavily. It really amazed me to see how many people smoked in China. By the way.. their economy is growing at 8% or more. They are now the largest market for automobiles. It seems like Volkswagon, Saab, and BMW are doing decently there. Of course Honda and Toyota are plentiful as they have joint ventures there. I saw a few Buicks and one or two Fords there. It doesn't bode well for the American car companies. Chrysler, Pontiac, and Chevy were missing in action. By the way, if you go there, I don't recommend driving as it's crazy to understand how to navigate traffic. Everyone in the large cities just drive around 25-30 miles an hour, disregarding traffic lanes, traffic lights, even the police officers directing traffic. Pedestrians do not have right of way and many times are trapped between the flow of traffic with only a foot of clearance beteen them and the other cars, busses, trucks, scooters, bikes, motorcycles. They seem to have a death wish. Cars, bikes, many times drive on the opposite side of the road to try to pass, even when there are cars coming the opposite direction. I would not recommmend riding a bike there for fun (training), as you'll never get enough speed going and you risk always getting cut off. I actually saw a few riders (in their kits and helmets) riding on the highway of all places. I guess that's when you can really get a good training session going, however dangerous it is being passed by trucks, buses and moto scooters.
My family had a good time there and was definitely an experience. I'll blog more about the trip later on.
I'm glad to be back in the US again, cleaner air, more space and I can ride my bike again. China definetly is not a Communist society anymore, they are so much like the US as they totally understand capitalism. Money, investments, productivity, selling and buying goods and services, REAL ESTATE, are all very much alive and well there. I think the only thing keeping them a socialist economy is the fact that they still need to support all of their people in the more rural areas who don't have access to money as easily as the population in the major cities. The other thing is the one child per couple law... They understand that it is necessary to prevent over population, however deep in their heart they want to have the freedom of choice of having more if they can afford it. The rich do have that ability as they can go out side of the country to have their births which don't count against them. Anyway, their country is continuing to grow even in the world ression and they actually said that they believe they've seen the bottom and are now going to trend upwards again. Good for them as hopefully this can help the US economy more (even if it is indirectly through global trade)
TTFN.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
You got Dropped, Tour of Walkersville.
Yep... I saw Lance Lacy this morning and laughed about the You got Dropped blog. Well, I was looking for a photographer, to give him the thumbs up sign to say I was Lance today. That's all I could think about chuckling as I got dropped only because my head wasn't in it. I was the Lantern Rouge for the 4th and 5th lap. I was getting cramps in my right side and had no power to move forward. The wind was my enemy! All I could think about was, why am I not protected within the pack. I guess after the crash by a Coppi rider, I had to sprint to catch back on to the back. That was after I already made a substantia effort to close down the gap on the two riders ahead. My fingers were cramping... I've got to reposition my brake hoods I think as it happens every once in a while. Being in the back (traded positions with Rayman this weekend), I suffered even more as I couldn't find a draft and I was constantly trying to close a gap caused by others. One of my fellow riders made an impressive move closing a gap which I could not close. I have to thank him!... however it wasn't any good for me as my head wasn't in the race because of the wind. I was pingged at 203bpm on my heart rate monitor... That's my max heartrate and recently I haven't ever gotten that high, so I was toast. I eased up and let the pack ride away knowing that I would be cutting it short to go home and pack for my vacation and to attend a big dinner for a family friend who turned 90 today. Well, maybe I'll see my picture on the You Got Dropped blog.. It will be funny. See you tomorrow at Tysons and I hope I'll be able to do something.
The worst part of this... I got dropped by a bunch of 50+ racers. They are definitely hardcore. I guess not riding except once this week is a good excuse.. Maybe I'll have to ride with the Trasher ride again.
The worst part of this... I got dropped by a bunch of 50+ racers. They are definitely hardcore. I guess not riding except once this week is a good excuse.. Maybe I'll have to ride with the Trasher ride again.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Jefferson Cup Masters 35+
Here are the results of the 35+ race. What amazes me is how many of the guys here are all over 40. Of the top 10 there is only one who is 35-39. Of the top 20 there are only 4 more. I guess the 35-39 guys are still racing CAT123's. So the question of lowering the race category to 35, did it make sense?
Masters 35+
1 norton rick LSV/Kelly Benefit Strategies 42
2 Wirsing Jon Van Dessel Factory Team 39
3 O'Malley Justin Red Lantern Racing 40
4 Gillespie Bob All American Bicycle Club 48
5 king daniel Van Dessel Factory Team 42
6 king mark van dessel factory team 49
7 Brown Arthur Team Latitude/ABRT 51
8 Lusby Steve Kelly Benefit Strategies/LSV Am 40
9 frazer marc Kelly Benefit Strategies/LSV Am 45
10 Strimbu Gregory Squadra Coppi 40
11 Hosang Michael Tripower 36
12 Scharff David Kelly Benefit Strategies/LSV Am 46
13 Sorrell Bryan ATLANTIC VELO 37
14 Friend Roger Monticello Velo Club/Blue Wheel 49
15 Clarke Christopher NCVC/Inova Health System 45
16 Netsch Robert GS OUTERBANKS 46
17 Coffman Michael NCVC/Inova Health System 39
18 McDermott Ace Team Latitude/ABRT 44
19 Robinson Stephen Squadra Coppi/IM SAAB 37
20 Fang Harry NCVC/Inova Health System 45
21 Byvik Larry 540Cycling 44
22 Nusbaum John 540Cycling.com 43
23 King Michael Saroff Racing 43
24 Neigh Matthew AABC
25 Klein Marc NCVC/Inova Health System 38
26 Scanlon Bill Van Dessel Factory Team 41
27 Estes James Hilton Cycling Club/Team Conte' 43
28 Goble Chip Team Nature's Path / 3-Sports 38
29 lyons thomas main line cycling- bikyle 46
30 Reidenbach Fred IMMEDIATE MORTGAGE - ARTEMIS EL 44
31 Gros Bill Evolution Cycling Club 45
32 McNelis Edward Team Nature's Path/3Sports 45
33 Draffen Thomas Whole Wheel Velo Club 36
34 Barry Ronald All American Bicycle Club 45
35 Reeder Keith Team Latitude/ABRT 43
36 HESSIAN JOHN CARYTOWN BICYCLE COMPANY 39
37 Michaels Ted Evolution Cycling 38
38 plewacki ray Evolution Cycling 49
39 kutney Mark VAN DESSEL FACTORY TEAM 51
40 Gaudio Jon Team Nature's Path / 3-Sports 38
41 Breslin Bill IMMEDIATE MORTGAGE - ARTEMIS EL
42 Satterfield Michael Mock Orange Bikes 43
43 Basler Paul Team Saroff 37
44 Albanese Matt Team Latitude/ABRT 43
45 Guttridge Ryan Latitude/ABRT 43
46 russell derek coastal racing 36
47 Manyoky Ray Clean Currents p/b Don Beyer Vo 46
48 Opria George Evolution Cycling Club 40
49 Richeson, Jr. Tom Virginia Beach Velo 48
50 Suydam Robert Virginia Beach Velo 43
51 Soma Grant Saroff Racing Team 49
52 Billington Bryan Toms Shoes 39
53 Henrickson David 540cycling.com 40
54 Houff Thomas Hefler Performance Coaching 45
55 Line Aric The Bike Lane 38
Anyway, here's my opinion of yesterday's race.
The weather was beautiful, though a bit too hot for me, so early in the season. My helmet was totally encrusted with salt as I was sweating a LOT. I heard many saying that the 2nd lap was extremely fast; I didn't notice that fact as I was in the front pack just motoring along. The third lap was animated with a couple of breaks, the second which finally stuck. I made a move, probably too late trying to bridge to the four guys up the road. I was kind of amazed that the pack didn't try to chase. I looked back after a half of a mile or so and I didn't see anyone behind me. About another 1/2 mile I was gaining on the guy stuck in the middle, however, when I turned around, I could see the pack gaining on me as well. Oh well, I gave up my chase thinking that the pack would ultimately catch the breakaway riders. I never got into a rhythm as I was going at 90-100 percent effort. When I got caught, the pack was going pretty fast up the hill and I hung on trying to recover, slowly but surely, I moved to the back. On the fourth lap, I felt that I had bonked. When the pack streamlined out, I could barely hang on pedaling as fast and hard as I could with the cross wind, slowing me down every so much, thinking it was time to give up. I had a teammate in the back with me and another old teammate back there with me as well. We chatted a bit, making sure they knew I was suffering, hoping that I wouldn't cause a gap. I knew I was out of gas, so I reached into my back pocket, grabbed my half eaten Cliff Bar and shoved it into my mouth. There's nothing like not being able to dissolve the bar in your mouth, as there was a lack of saliva. I chugged down some water and hit helped a bit. All while I'm trying to hang on! Breathing through my nose isn't typically easy for me, as my nostrils are not too big and to prove it, you'll see my pictures always with my mouth open gasping for air. On the fifth lap, I seemed to get my second wind about half of the way through that lap. I started moving up towards the front when I could and eventually found myself behind a couple of guy I know who could sprint. Unfortunately this was about 2 KM out and the pace slowed for a second and it all bunched up people jostling for a position. The effort I put out was enough for my legs as I started feeling the cramping in my calves and quads. I had to ease up. Many riders moved around and I found myself towards the back again. The final 200 meters came and I started my sprint, though it was very late, and without much power as I was too afraid I would get the sudden all stop cramps. Well, the race was a good one, very tiring and warm. Of course, you could ask my teammate, he was saying he was really fresh as he sat on the back. I think it's much harder in the back than it is in the front.
Oh yeah... I check last year's course... it was only 50 miles so they added an additional lap this year, why? Probably because we added the 35-39 year olds.
Ruth and Monticello Velo Club/Blue Wheel, thanks for a safe and fun race, again! Next time...hopefully it won't be the VA Championship RR. Too many riders who were in top shape already.
Masters 35+
1 norton rick LSV/Kelly Benefit Strategies 42
2 Wirsing Jon Van Dessel Factory Team 39
3 O'Malley Justin Red Lantern Racing 40
4 Gillespie Bob All American Bicycle Club 48
5 king daniel Van Dessel Factory Team 42
6 king mark van dessel factory team 49
7 Brown Arthur Team Latitude/ABRT 51
8 Lusby Steve Kelly Benefit Strategies/LSV Am 40
9 frazer marc Kelly Benefit Strategies/LSV Am 45
10 Strimbu Gregory Squadra Coppi 40
11 Hosang Michael Tripower 36
12 Scharff David Kelly Benefit Strategies/LSV Am 46
13 Sorrell Bryan ATLANTIC VELO 37
14 Friend Roger Monticello Velo Club/Blue Wheel 49
15 Clarke Christopher NCVC/Inova Health System 45
16 Netsch Robert GS OUTERBANKS 46
17 Coffman Michael NCVC/Inova Health System 39
18 McDermott Ace Team Latitude/ABRT 44
19 Robinson Stephen Squadra Coppi/IM SAAB 37
20 Fang Harry NCVC/Inova Health System 45
21 Byvik Larry 540Cycling 44
22 Nusbaum John 540Cycling.com 43
23 King Michael Saroff Racing 43
24 Neigh Matthew AABC
25 Klein Marc NCVC/Inova Health System 38
26 Scanlon Bill Van Dessel Factory Team 41
27 Estes James Hilton Cycling Club/Team Conte' 43
28 Goble Chip Team Nature's Path / 3-Sports 38
29 lyons thomas main line cycling- bikyle 46
30 Reidenbach Fred IMMEDIATE MORTGAGE - ARTEMIS EL 44
31 Gros Bill Evolution Cycling Club 45
32 McNelis Edward Team Nature's Path/3Sports 45
33 Draffen Thomas Whole Wheel Velo Club 36
34 Barry Ronald All American Bicycle Club 45
35 Reeder Keith Team Latitude/ABRT 43
36 HESSIAN JOHN CARYTOWN BICYCLE COMPANY 39
37 Michaels Ted Evolution Cycling 38
38 plewacki ray Evolution Cycling 49
39 kutney Mark VAN DESSEL FACTORY TEAM 51
40 Gaudio Jon Team Nature's Path / 3-Sports 38
41 Breslin Bill IMMEDIATE MORTGAGE - ARTEMIS EL
42 Satterfield Michael Mock Orange Bikes 43
43 Basler Paul Team Saroff 37
44 Albanese Matt Team Latitude/ABRT 43
45 Guttridge Ryan Latitude/ABRT 43
46 russell derek coastal racing 36
47 Manyoky Ray Clean Currents p/b Don Beyer Vo 46
48 Opria George Evolution Cycling Club 40
49 Richeson, Jr. Tom Virginia Beach Velo 48
50 Suydam Robert Virginia Beach Velo 43
51 Soma Grant Saroff Racing Team 49
52 Billington Bryan Toms Shoes 39
53 Henrickson David 540cycling.com 40
54 Houff Thomas Hefler Performance Coaching 45
55 Line Aric The Bike Lane 38
Anyway, here's my opinion of yesterday's race.
The weather was beautiful, though a bit too hot for me, so early in the season. My helmet was totally encrusted with salt as I was sweating a LOT. I heard many saying that the 2nd lap was extremely fast; I didn't notice that fact as I was in the front pack just motoring along. The third lap was animated with a couple of breaks, the second which finally stuck. I made a move, probably too late trying to bridge to the four guys up the road. I was kind of amazed that the pack didn't try to chase. I looked back after a half of a mile or so and I didn't see anyone behind me. About another 1/2 mile I was gaining on the guy stuck in the middle, however, when I turned around, I could see the pack gaining on me as well. Oh well, I gave up my chase thinking that the pack would ultimately catch the breakaway riders. I never got into a rhythm as I was going at 90-100 percent effort. When I got caught, the pack was going pretty fast up the hill and I hung on trying to recover, slowly but surely, I moved to the back. On the fourth lap, I felt that I had bonked. When the pack streamlined out, I could barely hang on pedaling as fast and hard as I could with the cross wind, slowing me down every so much, thinking it was time to give up. I had a teammate in the back with me and another old teammate back there with me as well. We chatted a bit, making sure they knew I was suffering, hoping that I wouldn't cause a gap. I knew I was out of gas, so I reached into my back pocket, grabbed my half eaten Cliff Bar and shoved it into my mouth. There's nothing like not being able to dissolve the bar in your mouth, as there was a lack of saliva. I chugged down some water and hit helped a bit. All while I'm trying to hang on! Breathing through my nose isn't typically easy for me, as my nostrils are not too big and to prove it, you'll see my pictures always with my mouth open gasping for air. On the fifth lap, I seemed to get my second wind about half of the way through that lap. I started moving up towards the front when I could and eventually found myself behind a couple of guy I know who could sprint. Unfortunately this was about 2 KM out and the pace slowed for a second and it all bunched up people jostling for a position. The effort I put out was enough for my legs as I started feeling the cramping in my calves and quads. I had to ease up. Many riders moved around and I found myself towards the back again. The final 200 meters came and I started my sprint, though it was very late, and without much power as I was too afraid I would get the sudden all stop cramps. Well, the race was a good one, very tiring and warm. Of course, you could ask my teammate, he was saying he was really fresh as he sat on the back. I think it's much harder in the back than it is in the front.
Oh yeah... I check last year's course... it was only 50 miles so they added an additional lap this year, why? Probably because we added the 35-39 year olds.
Ruth and Monticello Velo Club/Blue Wheel, thanks for a safe and fun race, again! Next time...hopefully it won't be the VA Championship RR. Too many riders who were in top shape already.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Where are they?
As I haven't been able to do too many weekend group rides (especially the 7am DCVelo), I haven's seen some of the usual suspects:
Do you know if they are racing this year?
Adam Fung? Last time I heard he was leaving the area. I think we went to Washington State. Well.. good.. he won't be able to hurt me in the rides anymore, though he's already been replaced with several of the Harley guys. I hope he's doing well.. His blog isn't updated...
Joe Baremore? I hadn't seen Joe around. Any DCVelo guys know where he is? He won't be dropping me on the climbs anymore and breaking away solo...
Guess, I should ride some of the weekend rides sometimes to get an update.
Do you know if they are racing this year?
Adam Fung? Last time I heard he was leaving the area. I think we went to Washington State. Well.. good.. he won't be able to hurt me in the rides anymore, though he's already been replaced with several of the Harley guys. I hope he's doing well.. His blog isn't updated...
Joe Baremore? I hadn't seen Joe around. Any DCVelo guys know where he is? He won't be dropping me on the climbs anymore and breaking away solo...
Guess, I should ride some of the weekend rides sometimes to get an update.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
GamJams Reviews: Cleaners & Degreasers
As you might know me, I always try to do thing cheaply. I don't buy the stuff from the bike stores as it's really expensive.
When it comes to cleaning the bike, I love this stuff. De-Solve-it Contractors Solvent.
It's non non-hazardous, non-corrosive and works like a charm and has that orange oil cleaner in it. It even has a bit ability to lube and get things unstuck.
http://www.dtep.com/de-solve-it.htm
I buy this stuff usually in a gallon jug as it's not too expensive in comparison to the Goo be Gone stuff which is much more expensive in the tiny bottle.
Buy a spray bottle and fill it up and you can just spray this on the chain, use a toothbrush and scrub to loosen the harder dried up gunk and wipe with a rag. Sometimes, I'll just spray it on, use the hose and spray water on it, then dry with a rag.
The other way you can clean the chain is to break the chain and dip it in paint thinner. Paint thinner is really cheap for a gallon jug. Even much less than the De-Solve-it stuff and works wonders. Leave it in a shallow pan and get your old toothbrushes out. After about 3 minutes of sitting there and scrubbing, take it out and rinse. The chain looks really clean.. However I've been told by one of my trusted mechanics that cleaning the chain like that, causes the chain to stretch more easily as you remove all the tiny particles within the links causing the chain to loosen and stretch more. Oh well, at least it's clean. I don't often do the chain cleaning like that however it makes it really clean, only to get dirty after a few rides.
Back to cleaning the bike.. you can spray the De-Solve-It stuff on the bike as well. Any areas where it's dirty it can clean it. It safe for cured, lacquered, or dried paint. I don't leave it on too long just in case.
This stuff also works wonders on tubular cement/glue. It takes the glue off of the rims, sidewalls, if you make a mistake.
What else... oh yeah. if you carry the bike in the car and the grease gets on the seats or carpets, one spray and a scrub with a rag, gets the grease right out. Make sure that the rag is cotton so it absorbs the liquid instead of just rubbing it around and spreading the grease.
Try it and you'll like it! By the way, this stuff can be found in the paint or adhesive aisle in the local hardware store or buy it online.
Hope this helped.
When it comes to cleaning the bike, I love this stuff. De-Solve-it Contractors Solvent.
It's non non-hazardous, non-corrosive and works like a charm and has that orange oil cleaner in it. It even has a bit ability to lube and get things unstuck.
http://www.dtep.com/de-solve-it.htm
I buy this stuff usually in a gallon jug as it's not too expensive in comparison to the Goo be Gone stuff which is much more expensive in the tiny bottle.
Buy a spray bottle and fill it up and you can just spray this on the chain, use a toothbrush and scrub to loosen the harder dried up gunk and wipe with a rag. Sometimes, I'll just spray it on, use the hose and spray water on it, then dry with a rag.
The other way you can clean the chain is to break the chain and dip it in paint thinner. Paint thinner is really cheap for a gallon jug. Even much less than the De-Solve-it stuff and works wonders. Leave it in a shallow pan and get your old toothbrushes out. After about 3 minutes of sitting there and scrubbing, take it out and rinse. The chain looks really clean.. However I've been told by one of my trusted mechanics that cleaning the chain like that, causes the chain to stretch more easily as you remove all the tiny particles within the links causing the chain to loosen and stretch more. Oh well, at least it's clean. I don't often do the chain cleaning like that however it makes it really clean, only to get dirty after a few rides.
Back to cleaning the bike.. you can spray the De-Solve-It stuff on the bike as well. Any areas where it's dirty it can clean it. It safe for cured, lacquered, or dried paint. I don't leave it on too long just in case.
This stuff also works wonders on tubular cement/glue. It takes the glue off of the rims, sidewalls, if you make a mistake.
What else... oh yeah. if you carry the bike in the car and the grease gets on the seats or carpets, one spray and a scrub with a rag, gets the grease right out. Make sure that the rag is cotton so it absorbs the liquid instead of just rubbing it around and spreading the grease.
Try it and you'll like it! By the way, this stuff can be found in the paint or adhesive aisle in the local hardware store or buy it online.
Hope this helped.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Paris to Nice update: Contador Blows It!
Guess, I was wrong. Alberto Contador blew it. He cracked (bonked)and lost so much time yesterday that it was very difficult for him to actually make it up today. I guess you can chalk this up as a learning experience for him. A few things you can surmise from this race about Contador, he's young, very strong, and beatable. Team Astana definitely didn't have the support for him. Of course, you can't expect to win all of the major events he's racing in. The coaching is definitely making him a better all around racer. His time trialing ability really has become much better. If Astana puts a strong team supporting him, he will be a hard guy to beat. They have to be there just like how they were there to protect and execute the moves for Lance Armstrong. The big question is will they be there during the Tour de France? And who will they work for?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Paris-Nice: Contador redeems himself.
I just finished watching the live coverage of Paris-Nice Stage 6 Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux - La Montagne de Lure.
I have to say Team Astana did its part today and helped Contador win today and gain enough time over Silvain Chavanel to take the leader's jersey. I think this is all over.
I have to give credit today to Jens Voigt for his early attack. He's a machine! Contador, however just rode away from the rest of them including Fränk Schleck. His tempo was tremendous and no one could keep up. This reminded me of the days of Lance Armstrong attacking up Mt. Ventoux and no one could match him. I don't think Lance can have a chance of of beating Contador if it was up hill climbing. Contador, though an amazing climber, still doesn't have the maturity/experience to control the peleton as Lance did. Having Lance ride for him will ensure that he wins again, however the question is will Lance really ride for him? The day before was proof that Contador couldn't control the situation as the Rabobank team did an incredible attack and Contador was nowhere insight and couldn't react. Team Astana didn't support their leader in any way that day.
I have to say I have not followed Paris-Nice in the past, however with streaming video, it's become much more exciting. I don't know if it always has been this exciting, however, technology has made it more accessible for all of us.
Now, it's up to Team Astana to lose this for Alberto. I don't think that's possible, however you never know.
I have to say Team Astana did its part today and helped Contador win today and gain enough time over Silvain Chavanel to take the leader's jersey. I think this is all over.
I have to give credit today to Jens Voigt for his early attack. He's a machine! Contador, however just rode away from the rest of them including Fränk Schleck. His tempo was tremendous and no one could keep up. This reminded me of the days of Lance Armstrong attacking up Mt. Ventoux and no one could match him. I don't think Lance can have a chance of of beating Contador if it was up hill climbing. Contador, though an amazing climber, still doesn't have the maturity/experience to control the peleton as Lance did. Having Lance ride for him will ensure that he wins again, however the question is will Lance really ride for him? The day before was proof that Contador couldn't control the situation as the Rabobank team did an incredible attack and Contador was nowhere insight and couldn't react. Team Astana didn't support their leader in any way that day.
I have to say I have not followed Paris-Nice in the past, however with streaming video, it's become much more exciting. I don't know if it always has been this exciting, however, technology has made it more accessible for all of us.
Now, it's up to Team Astana to lose this for Alberto. I don't think that's possible, however you never know.
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