Sunday, March 18, 2007

Crusty Stuff

The early morning departure Sunday morning was a stretch (especially for those with some Irish in the family) but it paid off with the proverbial pot of gold. Crust was rock hard, smooth as a baby’s bum, and gripped like Spiderman. We covered every inch of the park even taking two trips past MDBRS. Steve got some “on the job training” on bike repairs by the dam, quite a few laughs but I can’t figure out how to explain it without triggering your corporate email filters so you’ll just have to ask someone who was on the ride. We did experience a couple of bouts of attrition near the end of the ride, but logged a solid FOUR hours on the trails, ending with tanks absolutely bone dry. The last couple of falls (sideways, not enough energy for an endo) actually felt pretty good – warm sun, snow nice and soft, could have laid there until spring…

Unfortunately temperatures are moderating this week so it looks like the last opportunity to ride this stuff will be tomorrow morning. I have an early meeting so can’t do it, but if anyone has the flexibility you might consider it. Biking prospects for this week:

Monday warm with rain – sloppy, no good
Tuesday and Wednesday night forecast is mid-20s. Maybe a night ride if things freeze up by 8pm. Let me know if you are interested, and we’ll touch base by phone around supper time.
Thursday low 38 – sloppy, no good

If the biking doesn’t work out then maybe a good week to do some cross training – break out the running shoes and the kayaks. We will want to log some time in the canoes before the Savage, but some flat water paddling in the kayaks is also an option (logistically easier as well). Remember wet suit if you have one and don’t paddle alone.

Time to hit the treadmill (kidding).

Chris

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Savage Throwdown

For our first official Sunday ride of the 2007-08 season we rode across (except the lunatic who bombed straight down) the dam to the Struble and out to Penny Packer for some “slow racing.” It was a great way to shake out the cobwebs after a month on the sidelines. Also 7 guys “slow racing” sure drew a few stares from passersby.

Time to get the weekday rides going again. This month we have 3 birthdays so we’ll try to fit a Chelsy’s trip in this week. Note the time change for this week:
Tuesday depart LL at 8:30pm – Woods trails are a mess right now, but Monday and Tuesday are dry so we’ll hope they firm up a little.
Thursday depart UL at 9:00pm – Chelsy’s so bring some cash, we’ll see if they recognize Riley without his bobsled uniform. There is possibility of rain late in the week so we’ll monitor this one.

Note: After a month of no use, your batteries are likely down 30% so be sure to top them off before Tuesday night.

OK, now for the BIG NEWS. We have an “Adventure Sprint Race” coming to OUR BACK YARD at the end of next month. It is called “The Savage” and it entails 20 miles of trail running, orienteering, mountain biking, and paddling. Sort of like a triathlon except groups of 2-3 compete as TEAMS, not individuals. So if you need some motivation to get off the couch and impress the ladies, this is surely it. We have registered one team already – Anegada 1703 (JA, CD, SF) – and surely this group can field a couple more teams at least! Check out the website for more details on the event, photos from past events, mandatory equipment, and online registration http://www.goalsara.org/yr2007/sav_race.html. Note this is the first event I’ve ever encountered that REQUIRES you bring a knife (that’s got to be a good sign).

Team Anegada 1703 has discussed our goals for this race and they are twofold: no training injuries and HAVING FUN. We have not deluded ourselves into gunning for the podium. Finishing will be great, not finishing last would be even better. Regarding training, if we have enough interest from this group we might start mixing up the rides in a few weeks – shortening them and combining with running and paddling to help everyone with the cross training. Also I have a canoe with paddles – if anyone is interested in borrowing at any point just say the word. Finally note the the schedule of clinics on adventure racing skills: 3/25 (French Creek) and 4/15 (Hibernia). We’ll consider designating these as our monthly roadtrips for March and April.

I think that’s it for now. It’s good to be back in the saddle.

Chris