Monday night fixed gear ride

The Monday night fixed gear ride was awesome again. This week it was Ron, Tim, Scott and myself. Our route is roughly 20 miles. We averaged about 18 mph. It includes several good straight aways where we can get cadence up to 110. Then we have a short climb over a bridge, just to help the legs know they been for a ride. Here's a pic of Ron (right) and Tim (left). Both guys are really strong riders. This is definitely the way to build strength and develop pedalling skill. Now I see that my photo skills need some improvement.



steelrider2

fasinated by this ballroom dancing show...

Since I've been riding my fixed gear bike on the trainer on Thursday nights in front of the TV, I've gotten hooked on "Dancing with the Stars." I don't much care who wins but the dancing itself looks like a blast. I have some friends who have been ballroom dancing for a few years. They have invited us to some of their parties and competitions; it sure looks fun. I have to get over the idea that I have two left feet. So who knows...maybe I'll try a few lessons to see if I can get the hang of it. As long as it doesn't interfere with riding.

steelrider2

thanks to all the regular readers...

A recent post got me thinking more about my blog and those that have been steady readers. I went to the stats page and found out about where you're coming from and what brings you to this blog. First off, let me say thank you for reading. I'm sorry I haven't been a regular contributor recently but will try to get better and find some interesting things to write about.

Several hits have come as a result of the my writing about my new fixed gear bike. So I thought I'd add a few more pics of the Langster. I'm riding the Langster almost exclusively until April 1st. I like the fixed gear. Loads of fun. I am riding with a fixed group ride every Monday night. These guys are strong riders. I'm hoping I develop into a stronger rider by late spring. Night riding is also new to me. Still lots of fun. From a set up point, I've changed nothing but added pedals. But I have added a few accessories. I have add a Specialized cycling computer with cadence, a blinkie and a Light& Motion head light. The Light & Motion products are awesome. I do plan to make a few changes like add some bar phat to the handlebars and change the tires to Armadillo Elite tires. As you can see here, the bikes sleep in the house. I get some noise about it occasionally, but never listen.





















































Others have found my blog as a result of me extolling the virtues of the Masi Bicycles. Let me say, these are absolutely great bikes!! I really enjoy riding my Speciale Carbon (steel/carbon frame). I'm hooked for life. (I do hope they have a fixed gear ride in the mix next year.) I encourage everyone to consider a Masi if you're in the market for a new bike. The biggest change I made to this bike was to upgrade from a compact crank to a FSA Team Issue 50/39 crank. I also upgraded the saddle to a San Marco Rever and upgraded the stem when I shortened it.














Still others have come as a result of the posts I done on the Team Inferno/A&F Cycling Team. From all I've read its a great team with a bunch of regular guys. They get to ride a some awesome bikes. I hope they do very well this season. Having seen a few pics of their new kits, if they ride as good as they look and as good as their bikes look, watch out!!!!!

Others have come as a result of my rants about bad drivers and bad cyclists. I really don't like bad drivers who don't care about cyclists using the roads. But what really steams me is cyclists who blatantly disrespect the rules of the road and give those of us who give a crap a bad name. I will save that rant for another day.

But to all my peops...thank you for reading. Please make sure you give me your opinions anytime.

steelrider2

January and 80 degrees....

While we're not setting records, we are only a few degrees away from all time record highs for January. I'll bet we pay it in February and March. Really, the weather has been great. The humidity is low and the temps moderate. I think it was 79-80 degrees today. Last weekend was good too! Its great bike time and I'm making the most of it. I think I was on the bike a total of 11 hours last week plus a 40 hour work week and a little time thrown in for the family and sleep too.

Tonight's fixed gear ride was good as well. We hit some rain pockets but were not detered. I even took my turn on the front tonight. (I'm the slowest in the group, so thats a big deal for me.) Ride stats drawn from the bike computer are: 23.45 miles, max speed 24.7, avg speed 18.2 (we had to stop for a train), avg heart rate 138 and finally 1,050 calories burned.

I can tell I'm getting stronger and that my pedalling has improved. I'm sure I have a long way to go but I'm getting better a day at the time. Not to mention, I've lost over 15 lbs since mid December. My hope is that by April 1 I will weigh a svelt 155. Someone kick me where it hurts if I let myself loose control again. It is very easy to gain the weight but hard as heck to loose it.

Work has finally improved a bit as well. Lots of positive things happening. Well its time to catch some zzz's (that's so 60's sounding)

steelrider2

Truly a great ride

Tonight was one of those awesome, write it down in a journal so I can remember it kinda rides. I rode my first night ride with three other fixes. Awesome, awesome awesome...the pace was quick (23-24) for 25 miles. My non riding friends call me an idiot...yet I consider that a compliment in that regard. It was cold and windy with one contact not pleased to be in my eye. Still, it was epic for me. I have been dying to get out there...last week it was raining sideways so we bagged it...by tonight I was ready to ride in ten feet of crap, if necessary. Scott, Dan and Tim (all Velobrew teammates) were really great as well. I'm a rookie but learning fast...one must learn fast riding a fixed gear. Although I've been in the trainer a good bit and out during the day, this was my first real night ride. I am so pumped.

I am riding a Specialized Langster...this thing is a bulldozier. But I love it. It really helps that the other guys are just as stoked as I am. I will not be on my road bike until the end of March. Hopefully my pedalling will improve dramatically. Hopefully I'll have all my base training in and my legs will be stronger. I know I sound like a broken record...but this was great. Whos cares about the state of cycling and all the petty junk when you're riding a fixie.

steelrider2

Happy New Year

2006 is here and 2005 is behind us. Its history. We can't do anything about it. I don't like resolutions so I don't make them. From my perspective noone keeps them anyway. Let's not whine about the past; instead do everything we can to make the future better. Take one day at the time. Treat others the way you want to be treated. And ride your bike (every day) like you stole it. Happy New Year!!