Monday, May 08, 2006
Designed By Sadists For Masochists
The 2006 Alyn Ride Challenge on road route is sick. 385 miles in 5 days. On each of the last 4 days the cumulative climbing exceeds 4,000 feet. With an average of 77 miles a day and one day of 100 miles (all in the heat of the Negev), this is a VERY serious ride.
Time to start kicking up the training.
Time to start kicking up the training.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
The First Century of 2006
This past Sunday I rode in the Nassau to Suffolk Challenge on the north shore of Long Island. The ride had options of 25, 50 or 62 miles (62 miles is a metric century, 100 kilometers).
My plan was to try for the century but cut off at 50 if I was feeling tired (the cutoff wasn't until the 46 mile mark). I set out alone but soon hooked up for the first 20 miles with a young rider I know from the 'hood. (Strong rider but, at less than half my age, I would hope so).
The course was hilly but nothing too terrible. A very good start to the training year. At the 20 mile mark, I took a 'nature break' but my companion rode on. Because there were so few riders and the course was long, I ended up riding alone for the last 30 miles; not ideal when you don't know where you are going. It puts a lot of pressure on you to make sure you don't miss any of the direction signs that are painted on the street.
At the cutoff, I was still feeling strong so I decided to finish the century. For this early in the season, I am in excellent shape. I felt a little sore at the end but nothing major. All in all, very pleased.
There are 6 months left before the ride. The only question is whether I will do the 300 miler or the 400 miler. At this point, I am leaning to the harder ride. I need to decide soon; registration starts next week.
My plan was to try for the century but cut off at 50 if I was feeling tired (the cutoff wasn't until the 46 mile mark). I set out alone but soon hooked up for the first 20 miles with a young rider I know from the 'hood. (Strong rider but, at less than half my age, I would hope so).
The course was hilly but nothing too terrible. A very good start to the training year. At the 20 mile mark, I took a 'nature break' but my companion rode on. Because there were so few riders and the course was long, I ended up riding alone for the last 30 miles; not ideal when you don't know where you are going. It puts a lot of pressure on you to make sure you don't miss any of the direction signs that are painted on the street.
At the cutoff, I was still feeling strong so I decided to finish the century. For this early in the season, I am in excellent shape. I felt a little sore at the end but nothing major. All in all, very pleased.
There are 6 months left before the ride. The only question is whether I will do the 300 miler or the 400 miler. At this point, I am leaning to the harder ride. I need to decide soon; registration starts next week.
