For the love of the ride

My last attempt at a post ended in a large failure. I had typed out a nice entry and left computer for few minutes. When I returned my connection had been broken and my draft entry was lost in ether...

Christmas eve I had off from work so a ride was needed. Had early morning with a walk for Chance in our neighborhood and a run in the big field. He loves to sprint around in the early morning and sometimes I run like crazy with him. Then a quick trip to Hemps Butcher shop in Jefferson Maryland. They are quite friendly and have been in business since the 1850s. After the errands I grabbed a fast bite at home and changed for my ride. Since Ive been riding for a few years - year-round I have become accustomed to winter gear. Fully clothed I topped off my water bottle and rolled down South street. I love empty mid-day city streets. The wind was a bit frigid I noticed as I jammed the pedals through Baker Park. When I approached Hood College I had to slow and proceed carefully as people were everywhere loving the Christmas lights and sights. Frederick in Christmas time is gorgeous.

Now I had passed the crowds and was moving at decent velocity West on Rosemont Avenue. I had enough speed to catch the green light at Schifferstadt/ Rte 15 intersection. Bingo I had idea. I would pick up speed to catch the green lights all way past Fort Detrick. Since I could only get 2 hours for ride I would work for extra intensity. I could feel quad muscles begin contracting harder and spit fly from my lips as I put total concentration into the goal. I cleared light at Sheetz. Thighs begin feeling heavy as I notice the pedestrian cross light begin flashing orange, dammit. I know this means the traffic light Im approaching will change to yellow any second. My hips come up off the seat as my calves almost grip the pedals in forced exertion. I see green still as I pass under the traffic light. Now a bit of relax as only 2 more intersections to go. As I fight the wind I turn my head to the mountains in distance and forget about the effort.

As I pass the last light and see the end of Fort Detrick I am exhausted but have a huge smile, made all the green lights. For a block or so I let pace slide. Then back to kicking it. All week I looked forward to this and every trip to the Catoctins is well worth it.

Feeling rather bold I only shift down a bit as the climb rears on Yellow Spring Rd. I struggle up to the intersection/ 4 way stop at Yellow Spring/ Hamburg Road. Bigger gear and mini time trial have worked me over in 1st part of this ride. Not sure why but not anyone else out riding.

Hamburg road really decides to work me over so I oblige and grind away at it with all my muscle. There, I reach the top without really noticing. As I approach the mtn biker park lot a pickup truck pulls out. I slow as the truck approachs me. In back of the truck is a mtn bike I notice as the driver side window rolls down. Truck stops and I unclip as the driver says Im impressed. I not sure I understood so I say huh? He repeats that hes impressed. I bad at taking compliments and exhausted stammer out thanks much and Merry Christmas. Stunned I roll on and grab my snicker bar. Guess the compliment is karmas attempt at making up for previous incidents of drivers rage towards me while Im riding or something cosmic.

Quickly I race towards and down Coxey Brown road. No pictures or bathroom brakes its express ride to bottom of Middletown valley. Reaching Harmony road intersection I shift way down. U-turn and I dig in for the ride back. Up and up and up I fight. Only being able to ride these mountain roads on the weekends is like torture. My calves are working hard but feet are really really cold and I lean in to keep my front tire on ground through the lower switchbacks. No one around and I struggle quietly up the mountain road. Theres the midway point clearing. A bit of even ground for my relax and I punch back with upshift to grasp at any speed I can get. A few crows cheer from the trees. Legs churn. Is dinner going to be success? Bit of spit falls and I try to keep head up.

Heres the hard ramp and then the switchback. If I keep in the clear part I can stand. Thats nice and I slip back into the soft track and am forced to sit again. Almost to the switchback I struggle with keeping my weight centered. Darn that front tire just loves to popup. Now I make the switchback and even have a bit of speed. The last driveway approaches. I lean on handlebars and start to shift up and up. Approaching the intersection at top I really feel accomplished.

Finally getting bigger gears rolling I slam down the mountain. Gloves strapped tight, I snug my cap and weave through the forest road.

Traffic is light as I approach Baker Park. Christmas decorations liven the park. Glad I was able to enjoy the day this way.

End of summer

I have loved this summer. Many great cookouts with friends and wonderful rides through Frederick County. A couple weekends ago I even had chance to visit my folks in Canaan Valley. Got in a ride up there also. Its always so beautiful in West Virginia. Back Hollow Road (I could have name wrong) was fun to climb. Also Cortland to 32 is another particularly challenging but gorgeous section of ride. Just before struggling to top of Cortland Rd where it meets Rt32 there is a awe inspiring view which stretches to Timberline, Canaan Valley State Park and possibly Dolly Sods. The view is reward for attempting the climb.

Bicycle is tuned up and ready. Switched to clipless pedals and replaced broken seat post, new brake pads, chain, cassette, and ouch I wish I had a 2nd job to help with the bill. Anyway well spent as its been used heavily over last 6 months. Countdown to Civil War Century has begun. It will be fun to ride with so many other people and also challenging.

Today was a clear and hot Maryland day. I didnt notice any crazy swamplike humidity but cruising around helps avoid stickiness. Busted outta the house after giving Chance his peanutbutter treats.

Darn it was 11:35 and already bright sunny and Hot. I flew over across Baker park to Rosemont. Just missed light at Rt15. Broke away from clutches of hungry traffic and tucked into the nice neighborhood of Dave and Erin by Biggs. Slashed the side streets over to Detrick and back into the ravenous traffic. Now I was ready and kept pace up to small rolling hills. I kept my clip and jammed. Now in distance lurked Hamburg Rd and the towers. Im on the way. Sliced thru Christopher Crossing and up and down and UP. Chugged it and climbed into the lush green confines of the Watershed. Hamburg Road climbs from roughly 500 or 600 Ft evelation to 1750Ft elevation in 2.5 miles. All of the way up the mtn road huge trees provide great shade over head. In true mountain road fashion there are tight passes and switchbacks.

Finally to Gambrill Rd at Catoctin Mtn peak (runs along mountain ridge - runs North/South with Mtn range). Only for a second as I drop down the West side of Catoctin on Screamer of country road called Highland School. Clocked it up to 51mph in a section without even trying. Now thats well worth the price of addmission. Clear country road ahead, can see ahead to scout cars, huge descent and nobody but me. Even had chance to stop and snap qwik shot out west in Middletown valley.

After hitting valley base I snaked with Middle river along 17South to Harp Hill. Another lovely farm road is Harp Hill. Snuggled between farm pastures on every side you wind over and down and then buckle into the pedals to climb Harp Hill. Great view over shoulder quick as I catch breath at peak. Now down into Wolfsville.

A quick hello and disappointed answer of no to 2 other cyclists I pass, as the look for store selling water. I get water another at least 6 miles up the road. Knowling Lallos Pizza behind me doesnt open til 4pm (it was 1pm when I saw the other guys) I said no stores around sorry. Then back to pedal strokes.

I keep nice rhythm in my head to my pedal stroke and it ends up relaxing my mind. As I end up feeling more and more exhaustion from heat and miles every bit of relaxation in my head helps. I now reach Cavetown / Smithsburg. Sweet theres a Dollar General. I slam a Pepsi and bag o chips. Tasty salt and sugar.

Now 25 miles into the fight. I turn around and almost exactly retrace path. Up and down and around and Im back climbing. I cross the Appalachain trail and see a couple hikers on roadside and share a quick hi. Still more climb. Now at top and into Frederick County.

Seems down hill all way to Harmony Rd. I love it going downhill. Then its like a hot smack in face as I wobble up Harmony Rd. Still nestled by farm pastures on both sides of my path I crest Harmony and speed to Coxey Brown, mile 38. Now a bit overheated I am a unworthy opponent for the hell of 20% gradients but I must. So I gulp agua and stand because the pain of steepness is immediate on this 2 mile long road. Funny part of the road is false flat of 5-6% gradient which is very relaxing. I smile at guys roosting on a dirt bike and quadrunner in their yard. Such a beautiful late summer day. This country road is so treacherously steep that it laughs at me as I sit and labor with each stroke of pedal. Sweat just keeps falling, sometimes it stings my eyes other times it just annoys as tries to break my concentration.

At last Im back at Gambrill Road and its lovely shade. Its quick dip down and then jump back onto Hamburd Rd towards Frederick. Always pass huge group mtn bikers at the Watershed prk lot (aka - trail head for Mtn Bikers). Quick waves as I get really moving downhill now. Into 40s mile wise and - oh damn - age wise too. As I reach the church at Yellow Springs Rd I can just catch glimpse of Downtown Frederick in distance ahead.

I slip and slide to keep alive and before I know it Im back home 50 miles, 4 plus hrs later. I unclip and stretch and sip my gin and juice. Nice to be home.

Another day in the swamp

I was DC bound today. Jumped Rt 270 down to the Shady Grove Metro. Surprised and thankful no real backups on road or metro today. Saw a pretty scary bike messenger this morning coming out of client office, but he had a cool ride. Some people like this messenger just lurve bein grumpy - I dont get it.

After some computer fun the day was flying. Pretty sweet I even squeezed in a pizza run for lunch, mmmm good and greasy. Well honestly I didnt run for lunch just walked to Pinos - too hot out for running unless youre being chased.

More computer fun and it was time to roll out. Reverse course, metro to Rt 270 up North. Im rollin in a loaner from car repair shop. This sweet ride has 357,000 miles on it! Amazing - it runs great and AC is ice cold.

When home I was in mission mode. Few minutes play time with pup then change and out the door. My legs were up to speed before I made it out of Frederick. Due to late start I had to take the bike light. I always feel safer with the light when close to sunset.

Shoot the heat was just draining me. As I hit steep section of Hamburg Rd in 1st half of the ride I noticed my lower legs were tightening up. Last time I felt this I had cramps in both lower legs. Ugh. Hmm, maybe eating better lunch would help. Or having a water instead of coke with my pizza. Nah, coke and pizza is perfect match cant break that up. I decided to speed up in attempt to ignore any muscle tightness. Wow, it actually worked. Bonus - now I was actually going pretty fast up hill. Before I knew it I was at top and prepping for downhill.

Coming down Coxey Brown Rd I shook out the leg tightness. Then time to get a good hold on brakes and clamp bike frame between my legs for stability. That darn road has some well hidden pot holes. The darkness almost had me flying over the handlebars as I hit brakes late and hard to bunny hop nasty crater in pavement.

That sunset was cool. Half way down mountain I had to stop for couple snaps. I never learn - when stopped for picture I leaned my leg against the front rim - OUCH thats hot! Amazing the rim gets flaming hot when braking hard for over a mile. Then time to hop back on for rocket ride to Harmony Rd at valley bottom.

I rode a few circles as shifting out of big front ring and into easiest gear then - going up. Good rhythm and pedal strokes. Lower back not too tight so I could keep weight centered. Always stoked when I can bust the 1st switch back seated and comfortable. Then I rode thru the false flat and back into woods rest of way to top. I love the nice tree shade along the road but swarms of bugs in forest - not my favorite. I made it back to Hamburg and a load off shoulders as this means - downhill most of way home.

As I rode past Fort Detrick I saw a bank sign displaying time and temp - 8:57 pm/ 97 degrees - wow. At least the sun was down and there was a breeze flowing. Not that I even noticed cuz I had home on mind. I raced thru Baker park and back to the hood. Oh yeah another good day

July 4th Weekend

Great weekend for bicyclists. Saturday the 3rd TdF kickoff in Rotterdam with a 10 mile prologue (individual time trial thru city streets). All weekend here in Frederick we had beautiful clear sunny skies. I hit the streets this weekend for a few hours riding each day. Monday I had the day off from work so I went out for a mid day ride. Nothing like the crushing midday sun to snap the elastic on your ride. I flew thru an almost cleaned up Baker Park (site of Sunday's Firework celebration). I hit Rosemont St and actually cruised all the traffic lights (wow, that doesnt happen often - I usually get stuck at 1st light and have to struggle to keep up with traffic out of town).

By time I made it to base of Catoctins my legs were fully warmed. The climb up to Hamburg Rd was smooth and fast. Little traffic on Hamburg helped increase my tempo. By time I topped mtn I noticed calf muscles a bit tight. No time now I had to get moving.

Left turn on Gambrill and short rise to Coxey Brown. Then get a good grip on brakes and shake out the legs for about 3 miles of downhill fun. At bottom of mtn I was really feeling hot and stopped in shade. A quick call to Lallo's Pizza in Wolfsville told me that I had waited too long to get out the door today, they were closing in 15 minutes (no way I would make it in time for a delicious greasy slice).

After catching my breath in shade I continued down Harmony Rd to Harp Hill. Then it was time to chug back up Harmony to Coxey Brown Rd up to Gambrill. By the time I made the top of mtn both my bottles were drained and I was drenched but no problem downhill rest of way home. This July has been beautiful but pretty darn warm.

Weekends are for riding

Last weekend I was riding up Shookstown Road (a road in Frederick county running west from town up the mtns). In this section the shoulder narrowed and disappeared. I wasnt paying attention and rode right off the road into drainage ditch, haha. Almost big bummer as I rode right onto a beer bottle and heard it crack under my tire (luckily I was jumping off the seat right as the bottle broke). Also luckily I have kevlar tires. That was too close.

The rest of the ride was nice. I rode out into Washington County into South Mountain State Park. The trees, plants and grass are almost neon green. Thankfully the pollen has died down a bit allowing me to breathe. When out riding for 5 hours I really need to breathe.

Lately Ive been letting my mind drift as I ride. One minute Im concentrating on hammering the pedals and next minute Im wondering if Ill eat pizza when home. I spend a lot of time trying to imagine Frederick county during the late 1800's. Our row house was built in 1886. The town of Frederick existed and lots of farms surrounding town were here also. Its easy to loose myself daydreaming on some of the quiet lonely mountain roads.

Cant wait to get the ride tuned. Last week I upgraded my helmet. Shoot wish I had done that earlier. The new lid is great and vents very well. Also I was getting embarrassed by the ancient one I'd been wearing forever. Next will be new brake pads, and maybe a new seat. Then pretty soon I gotta break down and get clipless pedals and shoes with cleats. Ive avoided these for a couple years. At first I was really uncomfortable about clipping feet to the pedals. Thought for sure I would just fall right over. Now Im much more comfortable in the saddle and feel like Im losing power wearing my addidas. All in good time.

progress, well kind of...

I still remember my 2 favorite bikes, a schwin scrambler with mag wheels (had it for like a day before was stolen from school bball courts) and my schwin varsity (loved that bike sooo much - it was a beast). But my Trek is a monster and works like a champ. So by last July I had been riding a few times a week for over a year and was getting comfortable. Shifting was working out well. I was getting good at climbing and was trying to spend all free time riding.

Then after my 40th bday I was tested. On a beautiful summer afternoon I went out for some climbing. After cresting hill I turned towards home. On way down hill I got a bit of speed. Week prior I had Wheelbase adjust my bars - dropping them as low as possible so I could get more aero. As Im cruising down Hamburg rd I was feelin good and let speed get up. Hamburg is winding 1 and 1/2 lane tree lined mtn road. I came around a long corner maybe a bit too quick. While still in turn I looked ahead and saw a Vette pullinig around a cyclist climbing hill towards me. I tried to drift wide, but I was hard on brakes and ended up eating gravel. It only seemed like I touched ground for a split second. I hopped up and noticed other cyclist and driver were huddled around me. Cyclist eyes were HUGE as he told me - "I thought you were in the tree for sure." Other driver was really worried. I was pissed cuz looked like my bike took it hard. Then I noticed i couldnt feel my finger and it was bent all strange. Other cyclist said I dislocated it and he got real strange look on face when he saw my back. Weird cuz i couldnt feel anything other than I was SOOO HOT.

I thanked both guys and apologized for goin way too fast for the road. I hopped on bike and bolted outta there. When I got to level ground I pulled over and called for the team car, oh wait I mean I called wife to come get me. haha. I was carried away there for sec.

Long story short, only dislocated 1 finger but was able to see bones in my back from the hole i cut above my hip. Those damn things took freaking forever to heal up. But Im happy to report that White Lightnin was a beast and absorbed nothing worse than a flesh wound - some tape scrape.

Funniest part of that 40th bday present which I got myself - road rash - was that the day before fateful ride I was sure my descending skills were spot on. Hmmm in retrospect I could have been more in control. Ok - a bit of an understatement.

Since I had to let finger, and hip heal I was off bike for a bit. But I tried using this time to get core strength in better shape. I couldnt do pushups or pullups for a bit so I concentrated on doing plank - isometric stuff. Great idea. Then when I was back on bike I felt more in control of both bike and my body when riding. Im still amazed how little time I need to spend doing isometric stuff daily to maintain. Proof that if you really take care of body it will function correctly.

Well thats all I can take - its way to nice out to be sit here type. late

So it begins

A few years ago I went to Wheelbase Bikes downtown interested in new parts for my mtn bike. Wheelbase is a little shop on Market St, main drag, of Frederick's Historic district. I wasnt able to find the parts I wanted, but I did find a "new" bike. Classic move - dont buy what you need, get what you want. After confirming I could make the bike a "birthday present" I returned to Wheelbase chomping at the bit to ride.

After getting "white lightning" adjusted by the mechanics I was cleared for take off. The Trek 1.2 was a total steal, bought it used for almost half its retail price new. Totally love at 1st sight/ ride. For the 1st few months I was content riding laps around the Historic district. I sought out a couple nice small climbs in town and raced from home around the city and back. Then I went to Jackson Hole Wyoming. And it all changed.

While in Tetons my cousin, wife and myself rented bikes and cruised out. Half way into the ride I couldnt catch my breath. Then I could hardly press the pedals. Whew - I limped back to bike rental shop and collapsed. Of course my wife and cousin had a blast. Never understood if it was the elevation or my lack of cardiovascular health. But what a wake up call - thought I was in shape and was blasted back to reality. I left Wyoming dying to get on MY bike.

Once home I began to stretch my riding. On Frederick County map I found smaller roads winding into Catoctin Mtns west of town. Perfection. So I packed my riding shorts pockets with iphone, granola bar, and couple bucks, grabbed water bottle and busted a move. I still remember the 1st ride up the hills on Hamburg road. I never had been good at shifting gears when riding and was now wishing I knew which gear lever to shift - cuz the hills were turning into mountains. I kept head down and fought the pedals up a nice section of steepness. As I crested the peak I felt strong and accomplished then I saw the road ahead went up a LOT more. A couple deep breaths and I saw a couple riders coming up behind. I slowed and watched as they sailed effortlessly by. I never caught up to those riders, I also never shifted, but I did make it to the top of Hamburg road. The climbing was not fun but I was hooked. No idea why I was hooked on something I didnt consider fun...

I kept crushing Hamburg road every weekend. Little by little I found myself able to go up the mtn quicker. One ride I finally decided to downshift since it was supposed to make climbing easier. Of course I downshifted on a very steep section and WHAMMO - chain came off! Nothing takes mind off hurting legs and lungs like both hands totally covered in grease. Lesson learned - when shifting pay attention to the amount of force being used on pedals.

So I was now climbing and shifting and loving it. The winter climbs were hard and taught me the value of good gear. Next post will be about last July and a fall