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My police escort into Sparta, Illinois.

I finished the 400km brevet last weekend. It was a challenge because I have been slacking off bigtime the past few weeks. But temp's were mild and the wind only a minor annoyance. I rode the first 80 miles with my new friend Stephen (Stephen the Younger because he reminds of trail-running legend Stephen Reynolds). I enjoyed visiting with Stephen while we worked our way Okawville.

After a snack I headed out into the great unknown. Though I wasn't breaking any speed records, I did arrive in Pickneyville (mile 130) feeling much better than last year. Even the later miles - fueled by McDonald's - went pretty well.

At mile 177 I caught up with John and Ralph and we surged (crawled) north. They catnapped at mile 216 but I headed north because I was freezing and it wasn't getting any warmer as Saturday turned into Sunday morning. At mile 240, I finally bonked, but good, so the last few miles were awful. But I didn't crash my bike or lose my lunch and I finished in 21:41. Now the 600km will be a piece of cake because I have paid my suffering dues.

Update: 200km and 300km Brevets

The Brevet series has been rolling along nicely, though it has presented some hurdles. The second 200km on March 21st was something of a challenge with milder temp's but higher winds. The 300km on April 4th was a bigger challenge yet with strong winds throughout the first 110 miles that really beat up my legs. There were a couple of 15-mile stretches that had 15-20 mph headwinds. Not as bad as 2006's first 300km (which had rain, gusts up to 50 mph and a 14-mile detour) but a challenge nonetheless. We've got another 300km to knock off before the 400km. Hopefully all this hard work will get me ready for the 400km and 600km events. Last year, I did the 400km on one 200 and one 300, this year I'll have twice as many miles.

I'm trying to get back into running to get some exercise midweek. I rode 65 miles Sunday out to my in-laws, but I need the running to stay active and focused and keep my weight under control. I did a loop around Forest Park this evening and had great time. I need to get out there more often.

First 200km of the season

The brevet season came early this year, but it arrived with perfect weather. Bob and I headed east out of Edwardsville yesterday morning ready to make 2009 a great randonneuring year. It was chilly, but the wind was very cooperative. We had a gentle ENE wind all day long which pushed us to the turnaround but did not give us too much trouble on the way back. I rode the fixed-gear bike and enjoyed visiting with John (the RBA), Bob, and Tom (Tom decided a 126-mile ride wasn't enough and tacked on 20 miles more). It could not have been a more perfect day: a good time (for a fixed-gear bike) of 10:58 and I had energy to spare at the end.

Training ride

I took a short training ride yesterday with my buddy Bob to get ready for the first Randonneuring event next week. We rode a portion of the course for approximately 100km. We would have liked to do more but we both had things going on in the afternoon. On the other hand, riding even 100 mi would have had us out there all day. The wind was very steady and strong out of the south. On my fixed-gear, I could only make 12-13 mph into the wind. We flew back north at 18 -19 mph. The temprature was too mild to be a true randonneuring experience, but we did get some practice rding for hours into a headwind and that's the best practice there is.

Greetings from Sunny California

Not so sunny after all. But the 2009 Tour of California has not been a washout by any stretch.  My brother obtained press credentials for the two of us for Saturday's prologue and it turned out to be a great day.  I had a close up look at some of the stars such as Landis, the Schleck brothers, and Hincapie - just to name a few. I even got the chance to wish Jens Voight a "good race" and shake his hand.  A very cool guy with the fans (and the press).

Our viewing spot was just past the finish line and the race flew by once they got started. Plus, we were in a good spot to view the awards ceremony.

Sunday was slightly less thrilling for all the rain and wind.  Still, it was fun hanging around on the course and the little climbing we did was satisfying. Because of the rain, I had to put my planned  double Dipsea run on hold until another visit.  Marin county was great to see again.  And it's still raining today here in Red Bluff. Tomorrow should be nice, I'm told.

Anywho.... enjoy the pic's; the one guy in the black cap looks vaguely familiar.

Wintertime training

It's not really training, if there's no event on the horizon. I haven't been sharpening this winter so much as I have just been trying not to get too lazy. Cold, windy weather and a new routine in a new house have slowed me down some, but I've stuck with it.

Ups and downs. The bike commute is shorter, but running in the park is much easier. I rode 50 km on the fixed-gear two weeks ago, 100 km last week, but only 20 miles on Monday because it was too cold and windy. Today, had a pretty satisfying 6 mi run. Ups and downs.

I marvel at Stephen's fortitude because he's getting the long runs in and hitting the tough trails. I will to, as soon as I replace my trail shoes. Tomorrow (my birthday), I plan to ride to work and maybe do a loop around Forest Park on the ride home

California dreamin'

Honestly, there's a special place in hell reserved for people that get to run with vistas like these. I've always said the problem with the midwest is that gets cold during winter, but not cold enough to do anything - just cold enough to make you miserable.

Well I'm going to try to work in a groovy trail run while I'm in California next month - the Dipsea trail (actually a double Dipsea because I assume I'll have to find my way back to the start). So I'll have to do a little hill work between now and then. Plus, I want to look good in my bike kit on stage one.