Chilly Hilly

Last Sunday I rode Chilly Hilly, a 33 mile ride around Bainbridge Island that includes 2,675 ft of climbing. Organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club, a record setting 6000 plus cyclists invaded the island for the event. The weather couldn't have been any better, a sunny 55-60 degrees with a slight wind at our backs in the finishing stretch.

Resolutions

Last year I made the resolution to commute (roundtrip) at least once a week to work on my bike and I was able to almost stick to it for the entire year. The last week before my time off for the holidays was a shortened week, and I was just coming off a debilitating flu. I was unable to stick to the plan on the very last work week of the year. Funny how things work out. However, I've got plenty of weekend rides and multi-day bike commutes during fair weather times to make up for it. As far as I'm concerned, I kept my resolution.

I logged about 2000 miles the past year, with my longest ride being 100km (~60 miles). Decent, but there's definitely room for improvement. For 2010, I intend on keeping up with my at-least-once-a-week-bike-commute, and riding even more non-commuting rides. There are a few organized rides around Washington State that I've been thinking about participating in, and it would be a good opportunity for me to see where I stand amongst other cyclist since I primarily ride alone.

Anyway, Happy New Year everyone, and here's to keeping those resolutions.

Drafting

I'd forgotten how much a difference cycling with somebody else makes. Late afternoon on Saturday, I met up with Chris at Marymoor Park in Redmond for a ride out to Snoqualmie Falls and back.

Instead of the 14-15mph pace over I would have averaged if I had ridden by myself, we averaged about 18mph. We completed the 38 mile roundtrip in just over two hours of ride time, alternating pulling every mile post marker. One time while pulling I neglected to signal an upcoming pile of rocks at an intersection, so Chris's rear tire blew.

Next time I hope to start a little bit earlier—whoever I'm riding with—so that we we aren't racing to get done before dark. Perhaps stop and get coffee, which in my book, is pretty much mandatory when riding with friends. That, and to make sure whoever is drafting me doesn't run over rocks they can't see.

First Weekend of Fall

This past weekend Rand and I drove up (I drove, he slept) to the Methow Valley for a brief end of Summer getaway. Tara's been in Hawaii for the past couple of weeks so I figured the boys would go on a vacation of our own.



Much of the drive was spent with my mouth open, in awe of the view that surrounded me. The North Cascades Highway carves through the mountains, East to West, and is the only road that runs through the Northern part of the range. It's relatively low traffic volume and mostly wide shoulder make it an ideal epic bicycle route, one that I have committed myself to ride soon...





Hut 1 of the Rolling Huts was our home for the weekend. Designed by Tom Kundig of Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects and designer of the Delta Shelter–was a nice alternative to the bed & breakfasts' or roughing it at campsite.






Saturday was ride day. I rode East along Highway 20 to through Winthrop and then to Twisp where I had lunch at the Cinnamon Twisp Bakery. On the return, I took the Twisp-Winthrop Eastside Road. The ride was relatively short, 46 miles in 3 hours, but I wanted to make sure Rand had a chance to enjoy the day outside too.

Fast Friday

Had our own little version of Fast Friday, riding up to Ballard after work for a Midnight Cuban Sandwich at Paseo (R.I.P. Gordo's). Then hung out at Golden Gardens and enjoyed the sunset. It's amazing how long a group of guys can entertain themselves by throwing rocks at beer cans.

New Computer

Picked up a new bicycle computer since my other one broke. I had two requirements: it has to be wireless and has to measure cadence. After doing a little bit of research, the Cateye V2C seemed to be the one for me.

Setup and installation was straightforward; the computer had no problem connecting with the transmitter, which is held on the chainstay with a couple of included zip-ties. The only downside so far has been the lack of feedback when I press one of the four main buttons, especially when I'm wearing full-fingered gloves. There's a setting to make it beep on button press, but the sound of wind going by my ears while I ride pretty much makes that feature useless.

Regardless, it does what it says, and I'm happy with the purchase. I just need to keep riding.

Once A Week

I've committed myself to commuting to work on my bicycle at least once a week. I figure the only way I'm going to get myself back in riding shape is to start off slow, setting goals that I actually have a chance in hell of achieving. I think my problem last year was that I set my goals just as would have used to when I was riding 100km rides weekly.

With my renewed passion for cycling, I've been on the hunt, daily, for new cycling apparel. Rapha's new Spring/Summer '09 collection has definitely caught my eye.

I've kept up two weeks in a row so far, and I have very little doubt that I'll won't be able to commute many more. I'm getting my Lance Armstrong on, except without all the tour victories, sponsorships, foundations, and cancer. Wish me luck!

Maintain

So far I've managed to continue my personal goal of biking as much as possible. The first week has been tough getting my legs, but I know that after a few more days I'll have my stamina back and I'll be able to finish my training rides without feeling like throwing up when I'm done.

Tempted

Saw this beauty on my ride today around West Seattle. 3-speed overdrive V8, and it even comes with a vintage leather suitcase in the back seat! Very tempting...

Saturday Ride

Saturday a few of the boys and I decided to maintain the get-off-your-ass-while-it's-still-nice-outside tip and did a little ride up to Ballard. We had lunch at the Other Coast Cafe, and as usual, the Rajun Cajun sandwich was amazing while the service and attitude was subpar. We followed that up by tossing the frisbee around at Golden Gardens.

Even a flat bike tire on the way home couldn't ruin this day.

50%

So far I've been able to ride on 4 out of a possible 8 days of bicycle commuting, which is sort of pathetic, but I anticipate being able to ride more frequently in the coming days. So far I've logged 42 miles (14 miles round trip to work), burning an estimated 1400 calories, saving myself $23.60 in driving costs (calculated using the AAA estimate of 56.2cents/mile). Gone are the days of being able to ride a "century" in a day, but hopefully this summer I'll get myself back into a condition that's close.