This Board -- Local Rides -- Self-Improvement

[ti_boi]

I'm gonna come right out and say that I'm a fan of this board -- but I that I do not ride enough. I've been a roadie since about 1979, but now--at 40--need a kick in the pants. Simple fact. I need to structure my days to include more time on the bike. Early AM seems best to me. Week days and weekends.

I plan to use this board as motivation to become a better rider. Look for me to show up at a some local groups rides only after I have achieved that objective. This is a promise, not a threat! I'd like to also start to organize some of the folks that are local to this area and do some rides in Northern NJ, once I get my confidence and endurance back.

[Tom]

Hit it. I set the phone alarm to go off at 4:40. I set everything up the night before. I have a cup of coffee and as soon as I am able to move in a straight line I'm gone. I can get in 45 miles before work, and it's the best time because no cars are out. The ones that are aren't driven by people that are pissed off because their day sucked. It's quiet. The air is cleaner. The furry creatures of the forest are all stumbling home after a long night of carousing. It's great.

Keep us informed every step of the way or we're coming after you.

[Too Tall]

You game for some scrutiny? Izat what you are saying? Speaking for myself I'm up for kicking your virtual fanny into shape ;)

[keno]

I, too, live in NJ. I have thoughts on your subject, and have been thinking them for about 25 years more than you. I am happy to share them on a ride with you. I don't know where Northern NJ is in your case, but I can be found about four miles from exit 24 on Route 78. Come on down!

keno

[Pete Serotta]

I would love to have you join me in a ride in SOUTH NJ (in other words NC).

Additionally if you are in North NJ. CYCLESPORT has rides WED at 6 and SAT at 8. THey are in parkridge nj. Additionally our own PAULe rides out of there and he does not mind me hanging onto his saddle.....


PETE

[OldDog]

You game for some scrutiny? Izat what you are saying? Speaking for myself I'm up for kicking your virtual fanny into shape ;)


Count me in for a whooping. I too have lost the motivation to ride. Been riding pretty much straight on for 35 years, less the last few due to a nagging foot problem. Am I burned out? Lazy with age (49)? It's this board, that keeps me in some touch with "the bros". What keeps you other old farts going season after season? We recently sold our tandem for lack of use. Sad to see it go, but we can get another if needed. A few other singles are coming up for sale. Keeping a RS and MXL, for when that motivation returns. Heck, this is the first season in decades I have not waundered to T-Town on a Friday night. Someone beat me into submission, I know the beating will turn to pleasure once I get out there...

[ti_boi]

I would love to have you join me in a ride in SOUTH NJ (in other words NC).

Additionally if you are in North NJ. CYCLESPORT has rides WED at 6 and SAT at 8. THey are in parkridge nj. Additionally our own PAULe rides out of there and he does not mind me hanging onto his saddle.....


PETE


I was in that shop (picked up an accessory) for the first time recently...it is truly the PERFECT bike shop. I just ordered my 1" riser tube thingee from Serotta and plan to have that shop do the work on my as yet unpurchased new bars....my guitar tech lives around the corner from Cyclesport....


I joined the locals here about 2 years ago on a ride from Millburn (closer to home) and was dropped like a hot potato...nice guys though....I actually inadvertantly rode with the 'fast' group....they rocked. Gave me something to aspire to....I'm focusing now....I have goals....and a few dudes to push me...thanks!!! :cool:

[Too Tall]

OldDawg - Commit to a regular sched. of hrs. riding and start core work 3X/week. Report back. Recommend "Romana" style Pilates matwork. I can give specific references if you want. Pick ONE goal less than 4 months away and let's work to that. Your call: weight, cholesterol, avg. speed/dist. whatever. Gotta have a goal.

TiBoi - you in?

[ti_boi]

I'm in....I need a check-up and blood work...Chol. has always been high...heredity and a propensity for sausage....tho I am eating more chicken/turkey blends now....as far as the first part of what you said...I'm uh....not 100% sure what I am committing to, but darnit I'm IN!!!

[Sandy]

How often do you think that you might be riding? Distances and speed. I want to improve too. I have lost a lot of weight, will be losing more, and now it is time to start upping my mileage and my effort, so that I can improve substantially. Maybe I will come up to New Jersey and do a few rides with some of you if it is ok with you up there (and my wife). I would find a place to stay.


Sandy

[ti_boi]

not sure....goal right now would be 3 times a week....AM ride....12 - 20 miles to start during the week....longer rides on the weekends....

I was really sorry to miss that Westchester Co. ride last Spring, but things were crazy then....


So. Jersey would be a possible meeting spot on weekends. We have friends in Medford Lakes area, so my wife would buy into that one...she could visit with them, I could ride. Perfect!

[Too Tall]

KEWL!

How about a simple format - Don't post any comments in your activity logs (see example below) just activity + hrs. here and stated goal(s). If you cats pick an "A" and a "B" event I'll periodize your hrs. for the next 4 months.

You'll need to give me the number of approx. hr.s / week you can reasonably workout and age. Posting here will help keep you on track and give your pals opportunity to do some bench racing ;) I'll post periodized hrs. privately to y'all. Oooo, this is wicked pissah fun. Open for suggestions but this will prolly keep it reasonable.
============================================

Sample Ti_boi of: Week August 13, 2007 8 hrs. planned
6hr Century (xx/xx/2007), lower total chol. level 10 points 12/01/07,
1. 6 hrs. ride
2. 2 hrs. strength work

[OldDog]

I'm feeling the pain already....

Dounut? Anyone?

[swoop]

all i can say is that at 43 i'm faster than i was at 23. the jump is gone... or its slow mo.. but the diesel works better, i can suffer in ways i never knew existed, and i'm a little smarter and have much more power.

so it does get better. mind you, i have no talent.. its a good as i can be with what i've got scenario. so many old dudes think they woulda been pro if they foocused on it younger. i dont suffer from that delusion.... i know i don't have it. i just train and am commited.


what gets worse for me is.. recovery...
man, do i need time for recovery. a really hard hard deep effort can take me weeks to recover from.

atmo.

[ti_boi]

Heck yeah fellas....I won't go into any saga's of my lost youff....

However I will say that it is the future that matters more than ever....if not for me, then for my daughter..... :cool:

[A.L.Breguet]

+1 on the Cyclesport rides. Sat a.m. attracts a wide variety of levels.
Check it out.
Sunday a.m. too, sometimes.
This could be part of a training/motivation, plan. :bike:

[chuckred]

I'm uh....not 100% sure what I am committing to, but darnit I'm IN!!!

First - get cleared medically...

Then...


Pick something in the future - say next summer. Commit to it 100%. Make it your goal. Speak loudly about it to your friends, etc. Make it something that's a challenge, but if you work hard you can do. It needs to have enough of a glamour factor that you'll feel proud to be aiming for it, and when you do it, you'll feel even prouder!

Examples...

If you've never done a century... - even better - a 2 day ride like an MS 150 (do a century one day, 75 the next).

Mountain biking? How about getting a group together for a 24 hour race? Goal just not to be last... If you have a four person team, that's still 6 hours of racing each!

You get the idea...

I've been involved with several groups in scenarios like this - the comraderie, public commitment and solid goal seems to push people to be able to train more than just a vague "I want to be in better shape" type goal.

I've always enjoyed seeing how hard people will work and what a great feeling of accomplishment they have when they succeed!

Good luck!

[ti_boi]

Thanks for the support everybody....whew. So I got out this weekend for a quick ride and noted my weight, ride time, mileage, speed -- stretched prior to the ride....and afterward.

I felt so-so with a little chest and head cold nagging me, but the sweat and the breathing was therapeutic.

Appreciate the kind support here. Bottom Line, I am more enthusiastic than ever about riding. Had the bike tuned and ready for fall, which happens to be a great time to ride here in NJ.

Also found my new LBS...THE BIKERY in Montclair. The shop in Bergen Co. is a bit of a hike for me, and the Montclair group is so close-- They also have rides and post the times on their website....I cannot thank them enough for getting me out on the road this weekend. A fine group of guys and gals there. :beer:

[stevep]

man, do i need time for recovery. a really hard hard deep effort can take me weeks to recover from.
atmo.

this comment from swoops girlfriend.
months sometimes.

just trying to help clarify.

[regularguy412]

this comment from swoops girlfriend.
months sometimes.

just trying to help clarify.

I _knew_ there was a velvet cuffs line in this thread somewhere -- what with the mentions of beatings, pain & suffering mentioned.

:beer:

Mike in AR

[ti_boi]

Indeed these threads are always about so much more than just 'cycling'... :rolleyes:

[OldDog]

Indeed these threads are always about so much more than just 'cycling'... :rolleyes:

Because Ti's post, and TT's willingness to abuse me, I saddled up this weekend, after about 10 weeks off the bike, due to loss of interest. 24.8 rolling miles at a 15 ish average. I suffered. I scoffed. I swore. I spit. And I smiled like an idiot all the way.

Thanks guys.

[ti_boi]

Because Ti's post, and TT's willingness to abuse me, I saddled up this weekend, after about 10 weeks off the bike, due to loss of interest. 24.8 rolling miles at a 15 ish average. I suffered. I scoffed. I swore. I spit. And I smiled like an idiot all the way.

Thanks guys.


Here's to whipping virtual *ss one aging roadie at a time! :beer:

[Frank Draper]

Old :confused: Hey guys, here's some encouragement. I haven't ridden for 2 years. After my 2 year lay-off I had gained 25 lbs., increase in cholesteral and BP. Before then I was riding 200 + miles a week and a few centuries a year. Got my motivation back after my last annual physical about 6 weeks ago, and am now riding 4 days a week, 30-40 miles a day. Having a great bike and buying new wheels added to my incentive. I will be 63 years young next month. Looking forward to my next century uh, bike ride that is.

No excuses now Ti. You have someone to coach you and work out a plan. And for free :)

Go Ti_Boi :bike:

[OldDog]

Nice going Frank. I have the same BP and Chol. problems and riding keeps them in check, so long as I eat right. My next beating will come from my doc after a check up next month, I'm sure my numbers have jumped. Maybe I can pedal them down in a few weeks! Another rides tonight, rain or shine, on the 'cross bike to some dirt roading. And another silly grin....

[Karin Kirk]

all i can say is that at 43 i'm faster than i was at 23. the jump is gone... or its slow mo.. but the diesel works better, i can suffer in ways i never knew existed, and i'm a little smarter and have much more power.

...

what gets worse for me is.. recovery...
man, do i need time for recovery. a really hard hard deep effort can take me weeks to recover from.


I agree with all of this and I have noticed the same thing with my riding. I'm smarter and able to push harder. But boy does the day after a hard effort suck. It's really noticeable and actually this is a lot more unpleasant than the actual training. I'd love to know what's worked for folks to aid recovery.

I did a 40K state championship TT this weekend and I was very keen to see if I could get close to the times I used to get 15 years ago when I raced regularly. All through the race I was on pace to be right in there. And then with 5 k to go a crazy windstorm blew in and literally made it so it took all my effort just to keep the bike upright and moving forward. My speed dropped 10 mph!

Gusts were clocked at 48 mph at the airport, which was right across the street from the finish line. Tents and whatnot flew through the air. Needless to say, my race pace was hugely affected. Oh well, woulda been fun to come close to the times I rode as a 20-something.

Maybe next year... when I'm a year older!

[Too Tall]

NICE reports :) I think we've got some serious motivation here. Go For it!

[ti_boi]

OK....ride report...It's my final week of 'freedom' so to speak -- with a new school year beginning next week. Today I point the bike in the opposite direction--I usually go down 'the hill' and head out that way...this time, I went UP...and by up I mean a massive climb that dumps me out by a country club at which point I went 'exploring'...I felt a lot like I did when I was a kid with no where to go and all the time to get there. It was amazing. I figure I rode for an hour and a half...saw developments and streets with beautiful homes that I had never seen before. I looked for smooth roads and took them.

Hills? Not an issue. I felt great climbing today. It was pretty hot out, but gorgeous. One note: I had a disasterous weekend at which point I binged on saltwater taffy, felt fat -- and I mean grossly overweight.....and finally today...all was forgotten. Man I love my bike. More later. :beer:

[swoop]

this comment from swoops girlfriend.
months sometimes.

just trying to help clarify.


poor girl. i have to reinflate her soon.. she's looking low.

[OldDog]

A customer walks into a porno store asking for an inflatable doll. The guy behind the counter says, "Male or female?

Customer says: "Female'

Counter guy asks: "Black or white?

"Customer says: "White"

Counter guy asks: "Christian or Muslim?"

Customer says: "What the hell does religion have to do with it?"

Counter guy says: "The Muslim one blows itself up."

[ti_boi]

Wahoooooooooooooo. Joke of the day imho :D

[ti_boi]

New Week: Work Started. Today I commuted to work--approx. 3 miles there (I know, I know) it is a busy street though -- but a great luxury to be able to ride. I keep my bike in my office A.K.A classroom....the kids love it.

The AM ride was the perfect way to get going....had a double shot and was on the road. Skipped breakfast. Loved getting the heartrate up first thing in the AM. Plan to do this at least twice a week! STOKED! :bike:

[Too Tall]

Hey! Nice work young man. Very nice.

[Fixed]

bro good role model for the kids imho hick-up :beer:

[ti_boi]

Ahhhhhhh. Sunday Morning. On the road about 7AM, minimal traffic. Up the Big Hill to be greeted by one the the best views of NYC from the Jersey Side. And then around what can only be called one of my favorite circuits. Through a short curvy road with a wonderful sweeping downward hill into a very swank part of town. And then eventually home. Wonderful ride! 10 miles. :cool: Goal for Next Time..............Twice Around. :bike:

Feeling Stronger...clearing the sludge from my lungs and my brain.... :beer:

[mike p]

Thats Jersey? Where's all the toxic waste dumps and exits! I only see one piece of trash on the side of the road. Keep up the good work!

Mike

[ti_boi]

Yeah this little short hop road runs between a very nice park and an area where some of the nicest homes I've ever seen are set into a hillside with a view of the NYC skyline. Unfortunately heavy industry and the petro chemical firms have had a lasting affect upon the state.

Long after FoMoCo left, their legacy continues....with the dumping of lead based paints, and sludge from their plants making life for people in Allamuchy tough. BTW Allamuchy has some of the most amazing MTN biking that you will find.

Fortunately, my abode has no dumps nearby......But, my advice is to consult this list before moving into your new home in the Garden State:

http://www.cqs.com/super_nj.htm









;)