Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone has a great CHRISTMAS! That right; not xmas, holiday or whatever retail people have made it into. It is Christmas whether or not you celebrate it, is up to you, but it is what it is; the birth of Christ. Enjoy!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Is it that Time Again? Pt II

To continue on...

I think a lot of people fall into the "I only ride _____ bike" syndrome. I know people that would never set foot into the clipless pedals of a mountain bike and vicee versee. Nothing wrong with that, but they miss out out on the extra benefits of what the other disciplines can offer. For me, riding the road bike in the winter is great. It is crisp, clean and the cold air keeps you moving; unless the temps get to be unbearable-than it is time to mount the dirt (or ice) machine. Of course, I ride the mountain bike all year round, but the winter offers some interesting rides depending on the weather round dees here parts.

I guess what I am getting at is base miles can be a bit on the snoozey side if you dont add some variety in the mix; yes this does include some trainer excursions as well. I know it is super convenient to just ride out of the front door on the road bike and do the same old same old. I have to agree that sometimes I go through those spells, too. It can be a bit of a drag to get everything loaded in the car a drive somewhere to ride your bike, but the mountain bike has so much to offer. From a great workout to getting in some great scenery. Most of all, it is just a great way to take a break from the mundane (and be honest-a little safer).

Now, this doesnt mean that you have to go out and feel like you have to throw it down as if you were on the road-and honestly, you aint gonna do that anyway. Just get out and enjoy this time of the year and meet some super cool people as well. Funny thing is, you will find more people willing to ride the trails when it is 30ยบ then you will find roadies.

So, do yourselves a favor and swing from both sides...yep, pun intended and throw in some rides that you wouldnt normally do on another bike during this upcoming boring base mile blast. Who knows, you may even enjoy yourself.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Is it that time again? Pt I

Yes, I am afraid it is. There are a few things that remain unchanged in this world; taxes, death, visiting the in-laws and yes the dreaded discipline known as base miles. Just the sound leaving the lips has reduced lesser men to mere mortals and sent a few others into the waiting arms of the recreational cyclist. NOOOOOO! No there is nothing wrong with riding for recreation so dont reply with some stupid comment, please.

The fact of the matter is if you want to elevate your cycling to the next level, base miles are THE most important aspect of training...period. Think of base miles like the gas tank in your car. Your car drives more efficiently and gets better gas mileage with a full tank for the long trip ahead. When was the last time you went on vacation knowing there was a quarter tank of gas left and convincing yourself you will make the 300 mile trip? Yeah, thats kinds like what base miles are like.

Now me...I have a little friend that can really put a damper on training-Will Power.  Funny thing is, I am finding out more and more that Will Power has brought his ugly form of defeat to many of us out there trying to keep the young guns at bay. It seems, Will Power, is a great friend to have-if you can keep him happy. Doing base miles requires keeping Will Power on your good side; if not, bad things can and Will happen.

You can rest assured of one thing; without base miles you will be on the side of the road with your AAA card and waiting for the fill up that will never come. Trust me, I have been there; it aint pretty. I have also been on the better side of that as well. I have been racing for a while now and I have gotten pretty good at spotting the guys that dont train properly (or at all) and by the first lap, yep like a bellows working overtime.

More to come...going to bed.