Spring ritual – PUNISHMENT
So, not sure why, but every spring I manage to find my self on an “easy” ride with a friend or two. Sunday afternoon I went for one of these “easy” spring rides with a good friend JP. Last March it was DJ, the year prior Hal and Chris H. Now, the term “easy” seems straight forward, but obviously I need to learn to use the SAME tire/bike setup as my riding companions.
Stating the obvious
Apparently there is a HUGE difference in rolling resistance between road bike tires and low quality cross tires. Last year DJ was polite enough to allow me to keep my HR around 160, while his was much, much lower. On Sunday, I didn’t wear my HRM, but could barely talk most of the ride while JP was just cruising along at 120 BPM, unclipped, on a SS road bike… Just glad he didn’t start pulling wheelies. It was just about ALL my early season lack of fitness could handle. I was really glad the sun still sets early. But don’t get me wrong, I still had a great time (time trialing).
March 9th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
I love it. For me it was perhaps one notch “wiser”…I went out alone, climbed the 201 curve 6 times. My form was ridiculous as I was trying to go biggest ring possible. Why??! Why not just ease into the idea of climbing a few measly meters at the beginning of spring? It did feel kind of good in a pathetic kind of way. Best thought on the way home…it can only get better.
Some fun times in the bike shop lately, doing some fork rebuilds and such. The thaw is on.
Also a few commutes in to work on the fixie. Life is good.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:42 am
If you need to put the shoe on the other foot and need a recovery ride, give me a call. I went out the other day and was complaining to myself about the elevation changes on Roblin Blvd. But be prepared for a solo ride because unlike yourself I am willing to be dropped.