Bicycling On-the-Road

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Levi

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #260 on: 30 Aug 2010, 03:07 pm »
You need it if you want to track your progress.  I am predicting several Garmin Edge 705 in Amazon when the Edge 800 comes out.  :thumb:

jackman

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #261 on: 30 Aug 2010, 03:11 pm »
I love my Garmin 500 and have been following the news on the 800.  The Edge 500 is compact and has lots of useful data but lacks the ability to give directions.  This is not a big deal to me because I usually ride on roads I am familiar with or at least ride with groups who are familiar with the route.  Anyone looking for a relatively inexpensive little computer should check out the Edge 500.  You can track all of your rides on the Garmin site and it automatically posts a map of everywhere you rode (along with your max speed, avg speed, feet of climbing, heart rate, max hr, cadence, etc.). 

While we are on the topic, I had some excellent rides this weekend.  Rode a 20 miles on a borrowed 29" MTB bike in central Florida on Thursday evening (okay, not a weekend ride technically but it was fun), rode 40 mile training ride with my group on Saturday and rode a completely brutal 103 mile century ride (Bike Psycho Century) on Sunday. 

Sunday's century ride was the most difficult of my life.  Temperatures exceeded 100F on freshly blacktopped roads and we battled a fierce headwind for the last 15-20 miles.  There was no shade and several riders had to be escorted back due to severe dehydration (including a very strong rider from my group.  I also crashed early in the ride and had some nice road rash on my right leg.  Other than some tingly hands, I feel surprisingly good today.  Wil post pictures andlinks to the Garmin data later. 

Levi

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #262 on: 30 Aug 2010, 03:39 pm »
Congrats Jackman on the Century.  Sorry to hear about the crash.  How did you manage to do that?

Simply the Edge 500 is not a navigation tool.  Period. 

jackman

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #263 on: 30 Aug 2010, 04:36 pm »
Congrats Jackman on the Century.  Sorry to hear about the crash.  How did you manage to do that?

Simply the Edge 500 is not a navigation tool.  Period.

You are correct regarding the Edge 500, it has no navigation.  Nav is not important to me because I usually ride with a group and I carry an iPhone with navigation if I get lost.  I like the size of the 500 and the low cost and weight. 

I crashed on some gravel as we approached the first rest area.  It was a freak crash and my leg looks worse than it feels.  A couple scratches on my Red brake handle and saddle.  Aside from that, it was a great ride.  I'll download the Garmin data and provide a link later.  The time is all screwed up because I started the timer prior to the ride and did not pause it later in the ride when I stopped to help out a friend who was dehydrated and suffering from heat exhaustion. 

jackman

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #264 on: 30 Aug 2010, 05:51 pm »
Here is the Garmin Connect data from the century.  It was extremely hot and difficult to breathe and I am happy to have finished in one piece.  Also, the time is kind've screwy because I did not stop the timer while helping other riders at the end of the ride.

I don't think I will ever sign up for a ride on such a hot day.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/46864356

Levi

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #265 on: 30 Aug 2010, 09:57 pm »
Congrats Jackman. 

BrysTony

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #266 on: 30 Aug 2010, 10:43 pm »
I attempted to do my first century this past weekend at the Hotter N Hell 100 in Wichita Falls, TX but had to quit at the 100K mark due to leg cramps.  Otherwise I felt fine.  I think I stayed hydrated with Gatoraid and water but maybe I needed more.  Any advice from those who have dealt with leg cramps?

By the way the Hotter N Hell 100 was an awesome event and ride.  Somewhere around 15,000 riders.

jackman

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #267 on: 31 Aug 2010, 12:03 am »
I attempted to do my first century this past weekend at the Hotter N Hell 100 in Wichita Falls, TX but had to quit at the 100K mark due to leg cramps.  Otherwise I felt fine.  I think I stayed hydrated with Gatoraid and water but maybe I needed more.  Any advice from those who have dealt with leg cramps?

By the way the Hotter N Hell 100 was an awesome event and ride.  Somewhere around 15,000 riders.

Congrats on the 100K ride in such a hot climate.  15000 riders!???? That sounds like a blast.  I've done two century rides so far this month (and signed up for one in September) and learned the following (I'm far from an expert so I hope more experienced cyclists chime in!):

1.  Stay hydrated - you should stop at every rest area and drink isotonic beverages. Also keep both bottles on your bike full and bring an extra bottle or two to put in your jersey pockets.  I bought a dry mix isotonic and used about 1.5x the suggested dosage.  It didn't taste good but it seemed to keep me well hydrated.  If you dehydrated you will cramp up.

2.  Pace yourself  - I was riding with a fast group of riders during my first century.  They were in much better shape and kept a pace I could not sustain after the 50 mile mark.  I paid the price on the back fifty because I was out of gas around the 75 miles in.  The last 25 miles were brutal, but thankfully it was not 100F like yesterday's ride.

3.  Ride in a paceline - my group of friends (from my regular cycling group) helped maintain a paceline throughout the ride.  Riding in a paceline is much more efficient and more fun (IMO) because you can maintain a higher speed for longer stretches. 

4.  Make sure your bike is tuned up properly.  I threw a chain on the last century (going up a hill) and had problems with my brakes.  It sucks losing a chain while climbing a hill on rubbery legs. 

5.  Get fitted properly.  I experienced really bad pain (IT Band) on my first century and almost could not continue.  After 80 miles, my right knee was on fire and started to swell.  My local shop made some adjustments to my cleats and (thankfully) the pain went away.  It's funny because I never experienced any pain until mile 80 of the century.  Before that, I had literally logged thousands of miles on the bike (with the bad fit) without any issues. 

Best of luck to you on your next century.  To be honest, sometimes there is nothing you can do.  One of my closest friends is a very strong rider, much stronger than I am, and probably stronger than I will ever be.  He experienced cramps and heat exhaustion around mile 97 yesterday and was unable to continue.  Thankfully the organizers had cars picking people up who were injured or unable to finish. 

Cheers,

Jack














LadyDog

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 757
Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #268 on: 31 Aug 2010, 03:37 am »
100 miles is quite an accomplishment.  As is 62 miles.  The vast majority of people cannot do it.  Let alone those that consider themselves cyclist.

Not that everyone is not already careful, out there, but be careful!

A "trusted" rider and someone I know from another forum.  And for those who are not members, the Serotta is a great place.

http://forums.serotta.com/showthread.php?t=77938

BrysTony

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #269 on: 31 Aug 2010, 11:48 am »
Congrats on the 100K ride in such a hot climate.  15000 riders!???? That sounds like a blast.  I've done two century rides so far this month (and signed up for one in September) and learned the following (I'm far from an expert so I hope more experienced cyclists chime in!):

1.  Stay hydrated - you should stop at every rest area and drink isotonic beverages. Also keep both bottles on your bike full and bring an extra bottle or two to put in your jersey pockets.  I bought a dry mix isotonic and used about 1.5x the suggested dosage.  It didn't taste good but it seemed to keep me well hydrated.  If you dehydrated you will cramp up.

2.  Pace yourself  - I was riding with a fast group of riders during my first century.  They were in much better shape and kept a pace I could not sustain after the 50 mile mark.  I paid the price on the back fifty because I was out of gas around the 75 miles in.  The last 25 miles were brutal, but thankfully it was not 100F like yesterday's ride.

3.  Ride in a paceline - my group of friends (from my regular cycling group) helped maintain a paceline throughout the ride.  Riding in a paceline is much more efficient and more fun (IMO) because you can maintain a higher speed for longer stretches. 

4.  Make sure your bike is tuned up properly.  I threw a chain on the last century (going up a hill) and had problems with my brakes.  It sucks losing a chain while climbing a hill on rubbery legs. 

5.  Get fitted properly.  I experienced really bad pain (IT Band) on my first century and almost could not continue.  After 80 miles, my right knee was on fire and started to swell.  My local shop made some adjustments to my cleats and (thankfully) the pain went away.  It's funny because I never experienced any pain until mile 80 of the century.  Before that, I had literally logged thousands of miles on the bike (with the bad fit) without any issues. 

Best of luck to you on your next century.  To be honest, sometimes there is nothing you can do.  One of my closest friends is a very strong rider, much stronger than I am, and probably stronger than I will ever be.  He experienced cramps and heat exhaustion around mile 97 yesterday and was unable to continue.  Thankfully the organizers had cars picking people up who were injured or unable to finish. 

Cheers,

Jack

Jack,
Thanks much for the response.  I am now thinking that one of the main factors may be undertraining for the ride.  I found a good article on cramping here http://www.roadbikerider.com/cramps.htm
Thanks again,
Tony

PhilNYC

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #270 on: 31 Aug 2010, 02:11 pm »
Jack,
Thanks much for the response.  I am now thinking that one of the main factors may be undertraining for the ride.  I found a good article on cramping here http://www.roadbikerider.com/cramps.htm
Thanks again,
Tony

Yeah, sometimes cramps are just the result of pushing your muscles beyond their conditioning....

jackman

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #271 on: 31 Aug 2010, 07:30 pm »
I agree with you regarding cramping.  You just need to train sufficiently for a long ride and hope for the best.  Hydration is key but, if you are not in shape for the ride, all the water in the world is not going to get you through it. 

Aside from some numb pinkies on both hands and nerve pain in my palms, I feel great.  Need to adjust my fit to deal with this hand numbness.  I changed bar tape, from padded cork tape to unpadded Fizik tape (the stuff that looks like tennis racket grip) and my hands are still hurting.  My golves are padded but not enough, apparently.  Anyone else have a similar issue?  I've read about it on various forums and have tried different things.  This is not an issue with my usual distances (40-70 miles) but I may have to see a doctor if things don't improve over the next couple days. 

Thanks,

J

Levi

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #272 on: 31 Aug 2010, 08:30 pm »
Only my shoulders gets a little sore on long rides.

LadyDog

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  • Posts: 757
Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #273 on: 5 Sep 2010, 03:57 pm »
A few of my thoughts on making the Century club:

*  Eat before your hungry.  You might not be hungry, but don't use that as an excuse not to eat.  Hard to say what will work for you, some eat every hour, some only every 30 miles or so.
*  Drink before your thirsty. Lots!
*  Don't start out too fast.  Maybe 40-50% of what you are accustomed to.  Your sense of speed will be skewed based on what you normally ride, so everything will feel slow, but you'll be thankful when you don't bonk at mile 70.
*  Move around on the bike (change hand positions, relax your shoulders, move your arms, keep from getting in one position for too long or stiffness will set it).

I generally have a can of coke right around the 70 mile mark to give me a good boost to the finish.

I also bring tums incase of an upset stomach from the ride, heat, food/gels, ect.

Also take advantage of any rest stops if the ride has them or calls for it.  Getting off the bike for a bit can do wonders for your mental and physical state.

Oh and lastly, don't forget the chamois butter!  Sunscreen too if the day calls for it.
« Last Edit: 5 Sep 2010, 08:37 pm by LadyDog »

BikeWNC

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #274 on: 6 Sep 2010, 05:46 pm »
A few of my thoughts on making the Century club:

*  Eat before your hungry.  You might not be hungry, but don't use that as an excuse not to eat.  Hard to say what will work for you, some eat every hour, some only every 30 miles or so.
*  Drink before your thirsty. Lots!
*  Don't start out too fast.  Maybe 40-50% of what you are accustomed to.  Your sense of speed will be skewed based on what you normally ride, so everything will feel slow, but you'll be thankful when you don't bonk at mile 70.
*  Move around on the bike (change hand positions, relax your shoulders, move your arms, keep from getting in one position for too long or stiffness will set it).

I generally have a can of coke right around the 70 mile mark to give me a good boost to the finish.

I also bring tums incase of an upset stomach from the ride, heat, food/gels, ect.

Also take advantage of any rest stops if the ride has them or calls for it.  Getting off the bike for a bit can do wonders for your mental and physical state.

Oh and lastly, don't forget the chamois butter!  Sunscreen too if the day calls for it.

+1

Sums it up pretty well IMO.  Most riders start too fast on long rides.  It's hard not to get caught up in the moment but just relax and let your body warm up for the first 20-30 minutes of the ride. 

jackman

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #275 on: 7 Sep 2010, 03:53 am »
Great weekend of riding in Chicago area (western burbs) this weekend.  Finally some cooler weather but the fierce wind is back.  I made a deal (with myself) when I first started riding to never complain about the wind during the ride.  When we are riding into a heavy headwind, I usually say "that's some nice wind" or talk about the tailwind on the way back.  Today's ride featured the worst headwind I can remember. The ride home was a breeze, literally!

I rode with a group on the way out and we rode in a double paceline.  Three of us were separated dropped  :oon the way home because we could not keep pace with the group.  They were really flying and I was not up to the task!

Either way, I did about 140 miles this weekend and had a blast. 

Data:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/47920244

Levi

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #276 on: 13 Sep 2010, 03:21 pm »
I did the NYC Century this past Sunday and it was a blast!  My garmin goofed on me and decided to add @983 miles.  :roll: :roll: :roll:  Needless to say, I had a great time finishing the NYC Century feeling fresh.  Transportation Alternative did a great job with the route selection for this year's event. 

It rained late in the afternoon and saw some crashes.  The streets suddenly became slippery specially those manhole covers which I was quickly reminded.  Almost wiped out on a turn but managed to recover.   What a great feeling.  :thumb:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/48763284

After my friends decided to leave the tour @50 mile mark because of the wind and rain, I decided to start hammering all the way back to Central Park.  I was doing 21-22mph average alone passing people who where already tired.  The faster road guys where already way ahead at this point half way into the tour.  I think.  It was a great tour.  I will do this again next year.

jackman

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #277 on: 13 Sep 2010, 03:30 pm »
I did the NYC Century this past Sunday and it was a blast!  My garmin goofed on me and decided to add @983 miles.  :roll: :roll: :roll:  Needless to say, I had a great time finishing the NYC Century feeling fresh.  Transportation Alternative did a great job with the route selection for this year's event. 

It rained late in the afternoon and saw some crashes.  The streets suddenly became slippery specially those manhole covers which I was quickly reminded.  Almost wiped out on a turn but managed to recover.   What a great feeling.  :thumb:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/48763284

Any day you can average 143 mph on a bike is a good day!  Congrats on the century ride.  I'm nursing a sore knee but hope to get out later today.  If you have any pictures, please post them!  NYC Century sounds like a blast. 

Levi

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #278 on: 13 Sep 2010, 03:41 pm »
Thanks Jack.  I do have some pictures that I took.


NYC at dusk


Jerry and his wife (Owner of http://www.peakmtnbike.com/).  One of my sponsors. LOL!


The Original Nathan's at Coney Island...


Climbing the Brooklyn Bridge


Nice view




NYC Green Bike path


My road bike

jackman

Re: Bicycling On-the-Road
« Reply #279 on: 13 Sep 2010, 03:52 pm »
Thanks!  Great pictures, cool ride and shiny new bike!  It also looked like a beautiful day.  This is the best time of year to ride.  Congrats on the beautiful Cervelo also!  It's a very cool looking ride.