Moronacity Cycling Journal » Entries tagged with "Climbing"
Season Review – Assessment of 2008 Cycling Goals
In March, I wrote about my goals for 2008. I have shown some definite improvements, and have failed miserably in an area that is most important to me. The point of today’s post is to review those goals, assess my strengths and weaknesses, and make a new plan for the fall and winter. Podium Finishes For All My Races In My Age Group; First Place Age Group Finishes For the Keweenaw Chain Drive, Great Deer Chase, and Fat Tire Festival I was a little skeptical about this goal, but I chose to go for it anyway. Unfortunately, I didn’t train quite as well as I could have, but it was pointed out to me that “that is what ever racer says.” Ok, point taken. Since my … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
Inspired By Cyclocross
I set out for my very first fall commute with my cross tires. I wasn’t quite sure how long it would take me to get to class and it didn’t help that I was running late, anyway. It’s funny how a chronically late person can continue to run late even though he or she prepares in advance to make it all run smoothly. There is a learning curve, indeed. Yesterday, I swapped my road tires for my Maxxis Locust CX tires. First, let me state that these tires came with my Kona Jake the Snake and they are the only cross tire I’ve had the pleasure of using. Therefore, I am absolutely no authority on cross tires. My commute to school was a bit slower, which is … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
Return to Mountain Biking
It took some convincing, but I managed to get myself out on the trail for a great ride. I did almost all of the Churning Rapids trails (practically all) and rode home in less than two and a half hours. I felt strong. Even though I am sore from yesterday’s weight training, I pushed through my climbs and felt good. Some of the climbs even felt easier. As I was climbing High Point, I thought to myself, “This isn’t nearly as bad as it was a few weeks ago!” Moronacity.com … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Kryptonite
Sunday marked a rather unmemorable event for me. It was the last day of Superior Bike Fest and the mountain event, my best event, was the order of the day. After Saturday’s road event, it was no surprise that I was less than eager to begin this race. My legs were stiff, although soreness wasn’t really taking effect. They were heavy and energy failed to renew with the changing of the day. One mile in, I decided that my only goal was to finish the race. This is pretty sad considering it was only sixteen miles and I’ve excelled at distances longer than this. The pack lost me right away. By mile three, I was seriously considering a big DNF (did not finish). … Read entire article »
Filed under: Racing
Keweenaw Chain Drive Recap
Di (left) enjoying her second place age group finish. Photo by Sean Evans and edited by Di. I realize I rushed through my Keweenaw Chain Drive commentary. I didn’t really say anything except, “Here ya go!” . . . basically. One of my team mates started a thread for Chain Drive recaps and I decided to do my race play-by-play. Here you go! After realizing how well I did in … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Keweenaw Chain Drive Pre-Ride
Pat and James after conquering a Maasto Hiihto hill I can’t climb. My team mates James, Pat, and I embarked on a “32-mile” ride today. Our course wasn’t really 32 miles because we were doing the Keweenaw Chain Drive long course sans parade rollout. The “long course” consists partly of all the trails in the Churning Rapids trail system. These are the trails near my home that I will be riding the most … Read entire article »
Filed under: Racing
Copper Harbor Dream
Some people have wet dreams. People in the Keweenaw have Copper Harbor dreams. Tonight, for many mountain bikers, the Copper Harbor dream was realized. Over 15 riders met at the Mariner to begin an 11 mile ride (felt like a lot more) through the Copper Harbor wilderness. Rock ‘n Roll, Dancing Bear, Ma Maki Connector, and Garden Brook comprised the bulk of the ride. There was lots of climbing and lots of descending – all technical to varying degrees. My body hurts. I feel I rode better than anytime last year, but riding with a group of riders who are all faster than I made it difficult to realize this. My body hurts. Did I mention that already? Even when the climbs were grueling, … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Exercise Is a Benefit of Commuting
One of the first things I noticed when I began commuting by bike is the lack of guilt I would often feel when I chose not to ride after work. This is probably because I got my ride in on my way to and from work. Go figure. My work place is only about six miles away, and school is eleven. Even though it takes longer to get to school and work, I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Commuting
Secret Weapon Training Method
It is no secret that road riding is quite beneficial to competitive mountain bikers. It promotes endurance at a steady pace and allows the rider to work on techniques such as more efficient pedaling. I chose to trade in my Nissan Pathfinder for a Kona Jake the Snake. Jake and I spend a lot of time together. We roll to school and work and we’re even starting to shop and attend meetings together. Currently, our shopping is limited to a new stem and a rear view mirror for Jake. Jake will be sporting the new goods, but I’ll be able to ride with more comfort and with a visual on traffic approaching from behind. Jake and I will be safe together. In … Read entire article »
Filed under: Road Riding
Spring Training is Here
I woke up this morning with one thing in mind: long ride. I wanted to do a moderate ride for about three hours. I had three goals in mind:1. Average about 15 mph2. Maintain an efficient pedal stroke3. Ride for three hours I ate a healthy breakfast:* Malt-O-Meal* Yogurt with raspberries, vanilla, and chocolate chips * Grapefruit* 2 slices of toast* Water It took me longer than expected to get my lazy butt out the door, so I had a salad:* Leaf lettuce* Tomato* Croutons* Homemade French dressing I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cut it in two, wrapped the halves, filled two water bottles with Heed and left. I didn’t meet the first goal. I took it fairly easy starting out. I maintained a speed of … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
