Great Week on the Bike

When I set up my training plan early this year I had a thought of peaking for the Swanson race that was held today. I was getting close to having my bride comfortable with the idea of racing again until Redemske crashed at Le Tour de Husker. Still may have pulled it off until Thursday. I still peaked this week but no racing.

Thursday? Where should I start? Let's go back to the beginning of the week first. I took Monday off, with intentions to ride hard Tuesday on the group MTB ride. Well, several things kept me from joining the group after spin class but I still cranked out the fasted lap I ever rolled at Maskenthine - 0:29:30. Others do it faster but I was damn pleased finally getting a sub-30 minute lap.

Wednesday I did a early AM spin class. Then went to the gym in the afternoon for weights and core. (I have decided I need to stay with the weights for work reasons. I am getting older but the crooks are getting younger as evidenced by the scrap I had in the courthouse last week.)

Thursday. I taught my spin class and bombed down to the shop for what was supposed to be a butt-kicking group ride. I was ready for the challenge. Everything started off good - the ride plan was a paceline into the wind up the flats to Pierce with a return trip with the wind through the hills back to Norfolk.

On the flats, two go off the front. The paceline formed giving chase and catching them a few miles up the road. Once the break is caught the pace at the front dropped, fast. Those of us at the back didn't see the slowdown fast enough and wheels were rubbed. Lots of wheels. Lots of rubbing.

I was toward the back with John S and Richard H behind me. I rubbed wheels and veered left to avoid plowing into the pack. John rubbed mine but went down. Hard. Then Richard used John as a lauch ramp doing his best Evel Kneivel imitation, including the crash landing and broken bones.

We regrouped, made some calls for someone to pick up the injured and tried to abbreviate the ride. The group splintered, then partially regrouped when Cody flatted then turned around for the trip home.

Todd J and I put our heads down and dropped the hammer. We dropped two who eventually bridged back at Hadar, and we all dropped the hammer again back to Norfolk. The last of the group, Nick and Devin, turned around about a mile farther down the road and had to kick it up to 30+ to catch us before gettting back to the shop. They caught us but barely.

I had a great ride, one of my best of the year. But, it ended up at the hospital checking on John and Richard. John - concussion. Richard - broken collarbone. Not good squared.

I did an easy spin on the trainer Friday. Saturday morning I went out for a quick ride before a family road trip and had another awesome ride. My north loop around the north side of Norfolk includes a couple hills I use to gauge my fitness and strength. usually on those I am down close to or in granny gear and topping out my HR while grinding to the top. Today I spun 2-3 gears higher at 100+ RPM without hitting zone 4. For a change I was smiling at the top of a hill.

Again, there are lots of guys locally who can just rip my legs off, but I am waaaay ahead of last year. I have ways to go before I can hang with those guys but its getting closer. Yay. I may not be racing yet but its still fun to go fast and ride well.