Another weekend and another Saturday morning ride. After completing our first morning group ride only less than a month ago, we are total converts and we look forward to each weekend ride with anticipation.
The day started with a 5am rise and it was totally pitch black outside. Urgh! After last weeks horrid bonk that Polka Dot Lisa and I suffered, we were taking no chances. We had a bigger breakfast, more and better food to carry with us, Staminade drink in one of our bottles and a baggy of extra powder to refuel ourselves for the return trip.
Unfortunately, because I can’t find a jersey made to fit me (and believe me, I have searched the world for a jersey big enough), I have no pockets to carry anything and so PDL had to have her jersey pockets filled up with both our snacks. She makes a great domestique! LOL
PDL was pretty nervous about her new cleats and pedals after only getting them the day before. We did a little trial ride the day before around a local park where we did some work on her technique for corners, but the 2 falls (1 on grass, 1 on concrete) shook her up a little.
As we left our apartment, PDL saw $5 on the ground - score! Then just as I was rolling down to the old cannon as the meeting place for the Northern Stopping All Stations ride, Gregga from BV turned up in his car to say he was running late and that he would meet us at the Beaconsfield hotel.
We rode on down Hoddle St and oh my gawd it was cold! There were a few other cyclists riding but they dropped us when we caught a set of lights. As we descended from Bridge Rd, for the life of me I couldn’t get my left shoe to clip in and I wondered if my cleat had fallen off. I stopped, and of course the cleat WAS there and it clipped straight in. I had adjusted the cleat the night before and just a few mm difference and I was all at sea! LOL
As before, we rode up Anderson St and just like the other times, it hurt like crap. Every ride we do I feel like shit for a good hour or so before I feel in the swing and then I feel like I can keep going and going. Strange.
At the Beaconsfield Hotel meeting point there were only 2 other riders already there but soon the corner became a mass of about 24 bikes and riders, all a bit tense and nervous before the start. Maybe it’s the cold or maybe everyone is a touch apprehensive about the ride ahead but the chatter is short between everyone. I don't mind because I am cold and apprehensive about the ride too. :)
The call went out to get going and yikes- the pace was ON. Until now the pace has been gentle to start with for the first 10km slowly building up to around the 28-30kph but this time it was straight into the 32-34kph speed and I was pushing hard to keep up but doing ok-ish. Then a few sets of lights around Brighton and the group were split pretty badly. Matt (Commi) was riding with me but after a set of lights, he took off to chase down the group and that was the last I saw of him, and the group.
PDL and I rode on alone wondering where the crap everyone was. Even on the long straight sections we couldn’t see them and it was a pretty lonely ride south. As we rounded Ricketts Point and hit the rolling hills around this section, we were both feeling shite and I doubted once again my ability to do the full ride. The fast pace at the start took it out of me and I was paying the price now. I think riding as a group makes SUCH a difference and I was cursing the group for not waiting for the traffic light slowed riders, and also cursing myself for not being able to keep up a faster pace.
As we rode the last flat section into Mordi, Ben from InFront, his GF Melissa and his Belgium mate rolled up next to us and we turned into Mordi together. Thankfully, we met up with the rest of the group and one of the women in the group in a Predictor Lotto jersey (sorry- can’t remember your name) told us that she told off the group for riding so fast, but just as we were trying to shovel down some energy snacks and drink, the group all took off leaving us totally unprepared and alone again. Sheesh, you guys may have been here for 10 mins, drinking, peeing, eating and resting but we JUST rolled in! PDL also though there was 2 women behind her but we never saw them again and don't know what happened to them.
I hope these fast paced rides don't put off any slower riders as it would have done to me if this was my first ride. Maybe a quick chat with the group before we head off will allow those slower riders to stick together so the fast dudes and dudettes can then do their thing at their faster pace.
Thankfully, Ben and co were still with us so we rolled down Station St at a very modest pace of about 22kph. As we crossed back over the train lines to Nepean Hwy, Ben suggested we stop at Carrum for a coffee and although I was hoping to keep going in an attempt to catch up with the Franger return group, I figured what the heck- we have been totally dropped so we my as well stop for a chat.
We assembled on the footpath and drank and chatted and it was nice to feel the sun on our faces. We watched the groups of riders whizzing past and wondered what value all the bikes would be worth. You would have to think on a weekend morning, at least a millions dollars worth of carbon fibre would roll past. Wow!
Ben’s mate from Belgium (sorry- I have forgotten you name) was telling us how the whole cycle and coffee thing is a real Australian thing and that in Belgium it is usual to ride and then have a few beers. Now, maybe it’s just me but the idea of a beer after riding early in the morning doesn’t exactly thrill me. Maybe on a hot day I could understand it but on a cold morning, never! EVER!
As we rode on, a few k’s out of Frankston I noticed a small group of BV’ers riding back towards Melb so I waved thinking- “there goes any chance of any company on the way back”. But to my surprise a few mins later, Dave (Percrime) rolled up next to me having turned around to keep us company. I was SO grateful for the company I could have kissed him! LOL
A stop at the Franga visitors centre for a pee and drink refill saw Ben and co leave us behind as they rode off to Mt Martha while Dave, PDL and I headed back north. As we rode through Frankston, PDL was hurled unknown abuse at by a 10yo from his front yard. Charming child, his parents must be so proud!
We had a really good pace going back, sitting on 30-33kph and passing quite a few riders along the way. As we came up to one rider, he tagged onto the back of us and rode on our wheels for a good 15km without even a word to us. The really funny part about this guy was he was wearing a fancy aero TT helmet with the integrated visor, yet he had on big baggy flapping shorts. THAT must make for interesting wind tunnel data!
A stop at Mordi and we caught up with Oz and Eddie. The usual chat and refuel was had with plenty of looking over my trusty stead (Oz has a Dew Deluxe as a commuter so he was comparing the difference to his bike). During this chat Oz showed me how to align the hydraulic brakes properly. Strange that BSC never bothered to do this from new, nor during the bikes first service. I give up on that workshop. I’ll do it properly myself!
A refill of our drink bottles with the Staminade powder (carrying around a bag of powder- very suss!) and a nut bar and we were back on the road, headed straight for the dreaded hills around Mentone. As usual I was dropped on the hills but THIS time I wasn’t totally killing myself to make it up the hills. I spun the pedals well up the hills and I think my slowest speed was about 19kph which was a big difference to other attempts. As I spun the pedals, a song came to mind which I kept singing to myself – “Spin The Black Circle” by Pearl Jam (see below).
It was the perfect song to accompany me up the hills and before I knew it I was at Black Rock for a quick drink and regroup.
As we went up the hill out of Black Rock, I was surprised how easily I did it this time. I wasn’t fast, by no means at all, but I also never wanted to get off the bike, nor did I curse and swear my way up the hill. Not great - but MUCH better.
Once up on the flat, we rode as a group of 5 at around 30kph. Dave mentioned that we should drop in to see a friend of his who runs a cycle clothing store in Brighton to see about a jersey to fit me which I was grateful for.
Unfortunately PDL didn’t see Dave stopped at the shop and rode on while I stopped and waited. Dave took off to catch her but she had already stopped as Oz let her know she had passed the place so Dave didn’t have to sprint too far.
In the shop we met Liz who had a look around the shop for something to fit me, however I knew very well it was a lost cause- nobody makes anything even close to my size. Been there done that. Liz gave me an XL and asked me to “try it” but exactly as I knew- it wouldn’t even go over my shoulders. In the end Liz suggested a custom made jersey which I knew was the only option so we measured me up for size and Liz will get back to me during the week for price and style options available.
After this break and back on the road, my right upper thigh was really sore. The muscle was hurting every pedal stroke and it was getting worse and worse with each stroke but I kept on going hoping it would warm up and be OK (it didn’t - it just got worse and worse).
As we rode up Fitzroy St headed for the return meet point, 2 of the BV riders pulled up behind us just as we were about to cross the road. Surprised, I looked across the road and there was everyone else. I had figured with our being dropped so badly and our extra stops they would have been long gone but apparently they just got to the café before us, having passed us while we were in the clothing shop. Good timing.
We jumped into the last 2 seats which much have made for quite a sight - 18ish cyclists clad in Lycra seated along a long table on a sunny Saturday St Kilda morning. I have to admit, I love the feeling of being part of a group of cyclists after a ride. We are all in a great mood, all with our own tales to tell of our experience on the ride, all laughing and chatting with people we have just met or only known for a short while. And you just know that people walking past are looking at us with a sense of envy and slight intimidation in them. LOL
While we eat, a dodgy looking guy came walking up and asked us if it was OK if he looked at our bikes. We all said “umm, yeah ok” (what were we going to say - "avert your eyes mere mortal"?) and we kept an eye on him without making a big deal about it. I felt bad for being a bit suspicious of the guy as all he did was have a good look at the assembled bikes. You could see he was really digging them and I wished I had been a nice guy and gotten up to have a chat to him. You never know - he might have been inspired to get into cycling himself with a little encouragement *shrug*. Note to self - don’t be so quick to pass judgment!
With food and drinks consumed by all, we all got up to go our separate paths when Richard (who was nursing a cold pack on his shoulder) turned away from me which caused me to see his back shoulder blade which didn’t look right at all. I mentioned to Matt that he didn’t look right and after mentioning it to Richard and a closer inspection, it was obvious that something was dislocated badly. After a few of us talked to him out of genuine concern, he agreed to walk home and go to the hospital (he would have none of us walking him home - HAF!).
I must comment here that PDL had ridden really well all day with her first proper ride in cleats. She didn’t have one mishap all day with the cleats, her bike handling was miles better after Friday's training session, she changed lanes and did right hand turns without fear, and she also tackled all the hills without a problem. Stu (Stubacca) was sure to make special mention of her efforts over breakfast as I tend to get all the attention (due to this blog and also my participation on the BV forum). For a woman who just a few weeks ago was scared to even look behind her she has come in leaps and bounds with her skill and confidence. I am super, duper proud of her!
After breaky we rode home around Albert Park and through the city with no incidents or drama at all after last weeks drama filled 8km. Down Brunswick Street I was SUPER careful of car doors, riding really, really slowly. A quick stop at BSC for a Topeak Tri-Bag to hold my snacks and Ben looked after me really well. If you want great sales service at BSC - see Ben. Top bloke!
Ride Stats 22-09-07 - Northcote > Frankston > Northcote
Dist: 105.53km
Time: 04:28:26
Max: 47.7kph
Average: 23.6kph
The following morning (Sunday) and it's weigh in time again. Woohoo- another 1.1kg lost and I’m down to 138.8kg which means I have lost 3.8kg in 3 weeks. It’s not a massive amount but it’s a sensible, measured amount that is healthy.
My right upper thigh is still sore and I am struggling to lift my leg properly. If its still hurting on Monday I will go see my osteo. I struggled to put my undies, socks and pants on today.
I have to admit I am looking forward to an easy ride next week. We have been pushing hard for 6 weeks now so a bit of a back off is in order I think.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Fitter, stronger and faster (but still dropped)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Feeling fat and fugly
Recently I have been reading "Heft on wheels" which is a true story about a guy who gave up his unhealthy lifestyle and cycled his way to health and weight loss. As it is an American writer, it's all written in pounds rather than kilograms and I haven't a clue what those weights mean compared to kilos. His worst weight was 265lbs and that just "sounds" a lot and so I assumed he was as big as me.
Or so I thought.
So today, in an attempt to stall for time on a job that I was lacking inspiration on, I looked up one of those online conversion websites to see what my weight was in pounds and I was horrified. My current weight (about 140kg is equal to about 300 pounds, while the writer of the above mentioned book's worst weight was just 265 pounds (about 120kgs).
I don't know exactly why but that made me feel so freaken crap to discover this. I mean, it's not like I am suddanly fatter, of less fit or anything. I suppose it just goes to show how damn long a road I have ahead of me and how hard I really am working.
Now, if your reading this and thinking- "20kgs- whats the big deal". I suggest you go pick up a 20 liter container of water and imagine cycling with that on your back. And if your an average build, try imaging riding with 2 to 3 of those strapped to you, while every single pedal stroke has to push against your gut to reach the top of the pedal stroke.
BAH! Double BAH!
Don't mind me, I just feel crap and this is my rant.
*sigh*
Sunday, September 16, 2007
WHAT a day!
Yesterday was quite a day for me and Polka Dot Lisa with our first 100km plus ride, a mechanical incident, several close calls with stupid drivers, an uncooperative bike shop and a near car door crash!
It started with another early start and a ride down to meet up with a group to ride down Beach Rd to Frankston. It started OK but as PDL and I hit the hill of Anderson St, Sth Yarra (next to the Botanical gardens). We both really struggled to make it over - I felt worse over this climb than last weekend and I was a bit apprehensive about the ride ahead. My legs just didn't feel full of energy and I was a touch concerned.
On Beaconsfield Pde, we meet up with several riders in the group (everyone seems to know me by my green jacket). Outside the Beaconsfield Hotel (the meeting point) a group of about 12 riders showed up all ready to hit the road.
We take off down Beach Road and the pace was pretty swift right from the start. Polka Dot Lisa and I were keeping up OK, but we could feel the strain of the pace and wondered if we would be able to make it to Frankston at this speed. All was going fine till the climb just before Black Rock where the rest took off leaving PDL and myself for dust. We tried to catch up over the rolling hills around Rickets Point but try as we did (and we gave it our all), the best we could do was get within about 150mts when the bunch stopped at a crossing.
PDL was worried about not being able to make the distance and wanted to turn around at Mordi, but I kept reassuring her that from Mordi to Frankston was dead flat and if we got too tired we could always catch the train. As we came into Mordi we saw the group in the car park and we pulled into regroup and refuel.
We were both pretty stuffed at this stage and I slumped over my bars for a moment, trying to regain my breath after the hammering I have given my legs and lungs until now. Apparently we were only 30 seconds behind them and everyone seemed surprised that we were that close after their sprint (or were they just being nice? LOL).
A drink, pee and munch on some dried apricots and jelly babies gave us a sugar filled boost and a now much smaller group headed south while about half the original group turned back towards St Kilda.
As we headed south, we turned left to ride down the other side of the train tracks. As we came around the left hand turn (in the left hand lane), some tool in a white shit box zoomed around us WAAAAY too close, almost touching Sally and Bryce. We all stopped at the boomgates where Bryce knocked on the guy's passenger window and said "that was too close and uncalled for". The guy's response was to jump out of his car - and he looked like he was gonna knock Bryce's head off. There were a few heated words thrown and I think the driver saw the 20+ riders stopped there, then thought better of trying to punch Bryce. Just as he looked like he was gonna go back for more, I yelled out, "Are you sure you want to take us all on mate?" and he retreated to his tin box, the gates lifted and we all moved on. I just can not understand this aggressive attitude some drivers have. 20+ bicycles were taking up only 1 of 2 lanes, with little traffic about, yet he seems to think we should be off the road and out of his way!
Onwards we rode, on a perfectly smooth road surface such delight to ride on. As we crossed back onto Nepean Hwy (a dogleg over the train lines), several of us mid pack missed the traffic lights lights changing so there was sudden squealing of brakes and frantic un-clipping of shoes from pedals. Oops!
Coming into Frankston I was feeling nervous about the "optional" climb up Hopes Rise (Olivers hill). My ego wanted me to do it but the rest of me didn't. As we just started the initial climb I could feel my legs straining already so with the last place to stop and u-turn upon me, I pulled out and PDL did too. We rode back to the Frankston Visitors Centre to waited for the rest. I was surprised how quickly they arrived back and we all sat around and chatted, drank and munched.
Just as we were about to head back I noticed a broken spoke on the rear wheel (drive side). We took out the broken spoke and tried to remove the other end at the hub, but were unable to remove the gears to get at it so we had to leave it in flopping about as I rode. Everyone assured me it would be safe but I was a bit nervous. I'm a big guy so one broken spoke and 50km to ride had me worried.
Just about this time Matt (Commi) from BV forum turns up having ridden down from Windsor solo at top speed. He had slept in and had to play catch up to meet up with us. I was surprised that he still wanted to do Hopes Rise after the smashing he had just given his legs already. We waited a few minutes for him to do the climb and return. What an effort!
Heading back I was careful to avoid any bumps and I rode on the RHS to get some shelter from the wind. Dale was kind enough to shelter me by riding on my left which I appreciated VERY much.
Another quick stop at Mordi then into the section I dreaded the most - climbing back up the rolling hills to the top of the cliffs around Black Rock beach. I had cause to be worried because I was pretty tired at this point, before we even got to the hills.
As each hill passed I hurt more and more, struggling along and spinning my legs. Damn, I was slow but I kept going forwards; cursing and egging myself onwards. I wasn't wearing my HTFU band - dammit! Ross rode with me most of the way so I wouldn't be riding solo and I appreciated this very much as everyone else had disappeared off ahead.
As we came out of the Black Rock roundabout I had one last hill ahead and I was so close to walking at one stage but once again - I willed myself to make it to the top. PDL had stopped and waited for me as I think she was worried about me. I rode on past her, telling her I was OK and not wanting to break what little momentum I had. I was sooooo glad to finally make it to the top of all the climbs and knew I would be OK from now on. a little way down the road, around Sandringham, the group had pulled over to wait for PDL and me.
I pulled up and slumped over the bars (again) and everyone was full of encouragement (again). Stu (Stubacca) said that next week they should all wear backpacks with 40kg's in them and I would smash them, LOL. I really appreciated the comments yet again but I was starting to feel embarrassed at being the centre of attention. I also felt bad for holding everyone up when I know they could have all zoomed off without a care in the world. Maybe I should hold off on longer rides until I am fitter and faster so I don't slow the group down.
Finally we turned into the finishing straight and to my relief, I could see the Palais Theatre ahead of me. I was pretty spent at this stage, so it was like seeing the '1km to go' kite in the at the Tour De France...but with out the sprinting! Every single part of me was hurting and I was pretty much willing myself to go on with every pedal stroke. It was then I said to PDL "when we get to the cafe I'm going to lie down on the footpath." She did not say it at the time, but she hoped I would not really do it - which I didn't, LOL.
We rode up Fitzroy St and I was so tired I struggled to clip in my shoe after each traffic light. I was rooted! Finally we made it to breakfast and whilst everyone was trying to find a place for us to sit, I just slumped on the step near the doorway. Everyone laughed at me, but I didn't mind - I was far too tired to care!
After some food, drink and a rest I felt a ton better and we all went our separate ways with PDL and I riding around Albert Park lake, onto St Kilda Rd and up Swanston St towards home.
We were riding at a gentle pace up Swanston St when a horse and buggy pulled out straight in front of me (no signals, didn't even look), causing me to slam on the brakes and giving me quite a scare. As I came to a skidding stop I let out in exclamation - "FUCK" to no one in particular, to which the driver finally turned his head and yelled at me - "Ya gotta give way to horses mate - and don't swear!" I was pretty angry and yelled back "You just pulled straight into my path and I almost fell off" to which he yelled something that I didn't catch. Would he have pulled out like that if I was a taxi or a tram? No of course not. But a cyclist doesn't matter - we are expendable. Maybe I should have just run into his horses?
As I got back riding again, PDL pulled along side me and told me what the driver said that I didn't hear. He said "Why don't you lose some weight". I was FURIOUS to hear this and I was in two minds as to turn around and pull him up and confront him. The traffic incident is one thing, but to insult my weight is a totally different matter and I will be making a formal complaint to the operator of the horse and buggy rides, requesting an apology. I am NOT letting that one go. No way - no how!
We rode on, planing to stop at BSC to get the broken spoke replaced but as we rode slowly and carefully down Brunswick St in the cycle lane, suddenly a car door was flung out in front of me and I locked up both wheels up in an attempt to avoid slamming into the door. The driver pulled the door back a bit just in time as I finally came to a stop with my front wheel just past the edge of the door (missed the edge by 2cm) and I had to grab hold of the door to stop my self from falling (feet still clipped in).
The guy immediately started apologizing but I was in shock at the near miss and could only say gently "OK - mistakes happen but please look before opening your door from now on". I still had a block or two before reaching the bike shop but was too shaken up at this point so wheeled on to the footpath where I crouched down next to the bike to compose myself (I was shaking a bit). The driver and his partner came over to see if I was OK. I just repeated what I had already said (it was all I could think of; in my mind I kept seeing the door edge flying towards me over and over- yikes!).
OK, that's incident number 2, moving on.
Into BSC and the bike mechanics tell me that I must have fallen on the RHS (pointing at some scratches on the rear derailer) which has caused the derailer bracket to bend, which in turn caused the chain to come off, damaging all the spokes on the RHS, (which was why one of them broke). They said it was going to cost me about $70+ dollars to fix which didn't impress me at all as the bike had not received the damage they claim it had. I told them the truth of the bikes history-
1) The only time the chain jumped off was on my second ride, 1km from home, which caused the bike to lock up.
2)Right after the chain jump incident, I took the bike straight down to be fixed (where they just adjusted the gears).
3) The bike had NEVER been dropped on the RHS up until that point (not even bumped).
4) I DID fall on the 4th week of owning the bike which "may" have bent the bracket but that was AFTER the chain jump incident anyway.
The mechanics (who also referred the matter to the boss) kept holding the line that there is no way it could have happed without the bracket being bent (by me) and I kept sticking to my side of the story (which was 110% true, as recorded right here in this blog!!). Finally they begrudgingly backed down and said "if you feel THAT strongly about it, we will do it for free but its gonna take a few hours". Gee - screw you too!
Now I was in the position that I had cycling shoes on, was 3km from home and I had to be home in 20 mins so I could drive PDL to a meeting at 3pm. The shop gave me a loaner bike which was the biggest pile of crap I have ever ridden. It was a Malvern Star MTB with a seat pointed WAY up at the front, soft spongy tyres and front suspension that bounced like a pogo stick. I was embarrassed to be seen riding this pile of junk and I was so slow on it (remembering I am already knacked). I felt like I was riding on an old tractor. YUK. PDL could not ride slow enough to keep up with me...or was it just that I was cramping her style? LOL.
Just as we are 20 metres from home in a service road with only High St to cross to be home, a white hatch zooms from no where, swerving around me and he pulls up to a stop next to Lisa (who was just coming to a stop at the intersection). I could see it startled PDL, so as I pulled up next to the car (on his LHS) I said calmly, "slow down a bit buddy". As usual with an abusive car driver, he started yelling at me, "why don't you ride on the bike path, fuck you, blah blah blah..." to which PDL and I said that we have every right to ride on the road. The tool in the tin box started swearing at me so I started yelling back for him to "get out and say it to me you chicken shit". I felt like I wanted to knock this prick to the ground - I had had enough crap for one day, but of course the pathetic bully just drove off, pulling out onto the road which caused him to be beeped for being a dick head and cutting the other cars off. I hope his bimbo girlfriend sitting next to him was suitably horrified at his behavior but somehow I doubt it. Idiots tend to stick together.
Once we are home, PDL quickly changes out of her lycra, I drive her to her meeting, come home, jump BACK on the shite bike, ride back to BSC (expecting some hassles with the boss about my bike but thankfully it was ok), grabbed my bike and rode home (again). Wow, the difference between the bikes was night and day.
Ride Stats 15-09-07 - Northcote > Frankston > Northcote
Dist: 112.27km
Time: 4:35:30
Max: 46.6kph
Average: 24.6kph
Overall, I did almost 40km further than my previous longest ride, our average speed was our best yet, the wind was its worst and all this just 3 weeks after my inability to complete our first BBC ride to Black Rock.
Am I happy? YOU BET!
I have to say that I am less than thrilled with the service from BSC. The workshop staff make you feel like you are intruding, are less than cheerful and their work is questionable. Two of the sales staff have been VERY helpful (particularly Ben - nice guy, always happy to chat no matter how busy he is and I always get knowledgeable service from him), but some staff treated me like I knew nothing. NEVER underestimate a customer!
So, if you are a bike shop owner and are reading this, we would like to find a new LBS- we are committed to cycling, will be buying road bikes as soon as finances allow and we will continuing to need parts, accessories and service, so leave a comment with your shops details and your name so we can ask for you :)
Oh and one laaaaaast thing, I did my first weight check in this morning (Sunday) and I am down from 141.1kg last weekend to 139.9kg. That's a drop of 1.2kg's in exactly 7 days.
Woohoo!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Sunshine, flat tyres, sprints and man love
What a great day for riding. After standing on our balcony watching the hot air ballons take off into a beautiful sunrise, we set off. Shortly after we met up by chance with Allez Allez from BV on Hoddle St and rode as a threesome down to St Kilda for the meeting point. We followed Allez Allez through Gosch's Paddock, then up the steep hill of Anderson St past the Botanical Gardens which really hurt me but I made it. Two weeks ago I wouldn't have even thought about riding up that hill. Down Beach Rd we were all enjoying the ride too much and as we approached Fitzroy St we all realized we had ridden past the meeting point and had to pootle back on the footpath (slowly). Doh!
Good turn out and a nicely behaved ride down. It was really nice to be up at the front of the group for once. Along the way an older guy asked me if he could join the group, to which I replied "of course". We chatted for about 15k's before I dropped him somewhere around Hampton. Turns out he had been out of cycling for about two years and was really enjoying being back in the saddle and and wondered why he had left it so long. I told him about BV and he sounded keen to further investigate. Vidman recruits: one.
I was shocked to be able to stay with the group without ANY problems on the way down. I can't believe it was just 2 short weeks ago I struggled on the BBC ride and now the rises that I struggled with so much just seemed to pass under the wheels without so much as a sweat broken. I actually wished the group would pick up the pace a little!
On our descent into Black Rock, everyone was cruising down slowly so I jumped out of the saddle, sprinted past everyone and hurtled down into Black Rock at top speed - I couldn't resist the chance to stretch the legs and go for a sprint. Downhill is the ONLY place where overweight has its advantage.. LOL! As Polka Dot Lisa said- "you can take the boy out of the racing, but you can't take the racer out of the boy!"
On the way down to Mordi a dog darted out from behind a car directly into my path but unbeknown to me, was on a leash and was pulled back just in time. Boy, did I shit myself over that one! Mordi was filled with bikes - WOW. PDL, RedZ61, Tennisdude and someone else (sorry I can't remember who you were now) had a dunny stop and drink before heading back. The Mordi pier was blocked off by the cops and later that night on the news we saw that some guy chained his wife up in the car and drove it off the pier to kill her!
The ride back was a bit harder with more uphills. After the series of hills to Black Rock my legs were feeling pretty dead. I did hang on to the back of a group for a while until a rise saw me drop off- damn those hills! The rise out of Black Rock hit me hard but I used the power of the HTFU wristband to drag my sorry ass over the top and was fine the rest of the way, sitting on about 25-30 kph.
A cafe stop in Hampton with RedZ61 and Tennisdude whilst PDL did Cog's Girls refresher course was nice, though after about 20 mins, all the cyclists left leaving us as the only lycra clad customers left.
After a while the guys went their own ways so I stretched out on a park bench and took in the sun. It was oh so nice to feel the warmth of the sun on my face and I was hoping to keep my muscles warmed up for the return ride (it didn't).
On the way back I think I was giving PDL a run for her money and she was working hard to keep up to my pace (however she hadn't had any lunch, and she was still riding while I sat and relaxed so fair's fair). We stopped on the St Kilda foreshore for a dunny stop, water refil and photo, but while walking back out to the road (with PDL behind me as she had stopped to adjust her shoe) two gay guys we walked past apparently gave me the BIG check out and noise of approval! They much have a thing for fat guys?
As we rode into the city, the road was really packed with cars and to PDL's credit, she handled the weaving through the traffic jam without any drama. Riding up Swanston St I got my first flat. Bugger! While working on the front wheel, a guy knocked my bike over with his shopping- nice work MATE!
Whilst trying to pump up the new tube, the pump would only take it to 40psi. Considering I usually run it at 110 - well you get the picture. I had to really nurse the bike till I could get it pumped up (keeping the front light over any bumps). Time for a new pump me thinks. We carefully rode home via Brunswick Street where we stopped at BSC to pump up my front with their track pump.
All in all it was another big jump in distance and fitness for me. I can't believe how quickly I have progressed in so little time. PDL also regained her confidence after last Sundays incident which was also good to see. It was mentioned to me several times and also to PDL that given how I am riding with my current weight and fitness, when I drop down in size I will really fly. I can't wait!
Ride Stats 08-09-07 - Northcote > Mordialloc > Northcote
Dist: 74.33km
Time: 3:12:13
Max: 50.5kph
Average: 23.2kph
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Look what I got today!
Wow!
Today I was most fortunate to be GIVEN for free a Minoura Rim Drive trainer for free by Jumbo (Mark) from the BV forum. I feel so humbled that a stranger would just give it to me with the only request that I put it to use (which I plan to do as much as I can).
I got home and set up the trainer in the lounge, put on my knicks and shoes and had a quick spin to see what it was like. I was actually surprised how hard it was and I could feel the heat build up even on a quick spin.
I set up the fan and got to work while Polka Dot Lisa took photos for this blog and Miette watched on, acting as my coach. Quickly I was dripping with sweat and PDL grabbed me some towels. Spicks and Specks came on the TV and my aim was to ride till the end (30 mins), but PDL had dinner ready at the 20 min mark so I gladly stopped to eat and rest.
I was covered in sweat, even though I had a fan blowing straight on me and had stripped down to just the knicks. The trainer was working great but the constant work on the pedals without any break that you get on the road was really killing me. But I suppose that is the point- It's not supposed to be easy. It's supposed to give you a workout and that it did in spades!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
More self motivational messages
After the lows of last Sunday, I decided to turn lemons into lemonade by using my shocking weight reading as a motivation to push harder on the bike. So next time I'm on a hill and my lungs are about to burst and the legs feel like they have nothing left, a simple look down will give me ALL the extra motivation I need to keep going.
It's SPRING time
The flowers are blooming and the trees are full of fresh tyres. Hmm.. I wonder where the Campagnolo trees are?
Sunday, September 2, 2007
After the highs, comes the lows: a bad day today.
After yesterdays achievement in riding to Black Rock and back, today was a day of frustration, fear, pain and disappointment.
It all started in the morning after a lazy breakfast when I went to change the tires to the Continental Ultra Gatorskin and i discovered the valves on the new tubes that Brunswick Street Cycles sold me were ridiculously long (60mm). I did mention to the sales guy that I had a Kona Dr Dew with the deep-ish rims so I just trusted what he gave me. Grrrr...
A trip back to BSC and they didn't have 3 tubes with 40mm valve stems and they gave me the line "oh we haven't got any sorry." So I pointed to the Continental tubes which were right next to the other tubes (sheesh!), and they finally handed over 3 of those with 48mm valves and said- "here, take these, they are more expensive but that will do". Gee, thanks!
Ok, off to buy some scales and a tiny tool bag so I can carry a tube for my bike. We found a set of scales that measures your fluid levels and body fat which I thought would be a good idea for me and I find a nice tiny Specialized seat bag.
Back at home we tried the scales out and the damn things don't work properly. I followed the instructions to the letter but it doesn't work as it should. I did manage to get a weight reading and.. well.. umm.. *sigh* take a look at the photo right.
The last time I weighed myself I was about 130kg and I thought I was about the same so it was a really awful shock to see just how heavy and fat I was. And to add to my rotten feelings, the scales, although rated to go up to 150kg, wouldn't give a body fat or body fluid percentage for weights above 120kg (this was not disclosed on the packaging anywhere- I only found out by supporting myself to test the scales). Those scales are going straight back for a refund- the extra features are useless to me!
Anyway, knowing I have to loose 1/3 of my body weight to get even close to healthy, and struck with the enormity of my road ahead, I decided I had to work even harder if I was to get somewhere.
So I set about changing the tyres to the Gatorskins and I discover that the 3 tubes with 48mm valve stems are actually 2 x 48 and 1 x 38. Grrr... So I'm changing the first tyre and all was going fine until- SNAP! One of the plastic tyre leavers broke the tip off. Ok, I just use the other end carefully as the second lever. I get the tyre on, pump it up and as look on at the wheel, pleased at my work, I remember the tyres are directional and bugger it, I got it wrong.
I take it off and wouldn't you know it- half way through it the already broken lever breaks off the other end rendering it a useless piece of plastic with sharp tube cutting edges. With only one lever left and tyres that were a bit tough to get on/off, I had to dig up an old metal tyre lever and hope I wouldn't scratch my black aluminum rims (which try as I did, I couldn't avoid).
OK, the tyres are on and pumped up, no pinching and the bikes looking mighty fine. The bike looks faster and sleeker just with the change of tyres. Sweet!
With the knowledge of my weight freshly eating away at my self ego, I talk Polka Dot Lisa into going for a ride around the Boulevard and back (our first time). PDL is reluctant to go but I reassure her that we can make it around the Bouli and that she will be fine across the Chandler Hwy bridge.
It all starts well, riding down Westgarth Street and I can tell that the new tyres are faster. As we ride down Heidelberg Rd I am a bit worried about PDL as we approach the intersection with Chandler Hwy. A quick head check and the road is totally clear so I move over to enter the two right hand lanes and I give PDL the big thumbs up to signify that it's cool for her to follow me. As I stop at the lights, I look back and Lisa rolls to a stop next to me and she's a VERY freaked out by that maneuver. She's really upset and I don't really know what to do other than try and relax her. We have the Chandler Hwy bridge to cross up ahead and considering its just the one lane with no footpath, we have no choice but to ride across taking up a whole lane.
I advise PDL to try and pick up some speed on the downhill onto the bridge, move over into the lane as you approach the bridge and position yourself to take up the whole lane, then straight after the bridge move into the right hand turn lane where you can stop and wait for a brake in the traffic (in the shelter of the traffic island).
The lights change so I head off assuming that PDL is right behind me but as I pull up to a stop in the right hand turn lane, PDL is not behind me and a car comes across the bridge straight after me. "Shit- where is PDL?" Slowly she comes across and pulls up next to me and she is TOTALLY freaked out now. I comfort her and tell her it's ok, and that we can just stay here till she feels better but she's not in a good way. A woman in a car pulls into the lane behind us and I motion for her to go around us. After pulling around us, the woman opens her door and asks if we are ok and we just motion that we are. PDL is embarrassed that people are seeing her like this and she wants to cross the road and get going again.
I feel really bad at this stage, wondering if I would have been best to ride at HER pace down onto the bridge and across with her. I suppose I underestimated her fear factor. My bad... my BIG bad!
Now we are on the Bouli and its straight up a decent hill (well- it's a decent hill for us). I ride wide so PDL can ride on the left of me to give her reassurance and at the top of the hill we have to stop. PDL is suffering from stomach cramps as a result of her earlier freak out and then riding up a hill. I drop my bike, take her's from her and try to talk her through it. I know she just has to gather her breath and take some water on board. I hug her and reassure her that I am NOT angry or annoyed at her tears while several cyclists ride past looking at us (I just give then a thumbs up to let them know it's ok). After a while she calms down and is feeling ok enough to ride again.
Onwards we ride and as we head down a long sweeping fast corner, a bug decides my ear hole is a great place to stop for the night. I'm doing about 40kp/h +, entering a corner while I try to shake my head from side to side hoping to shake it free but the FREAKEN bug thinks that in deeper is better than out! Oh shit, what do I do? So as I round the corner at 40kph, I have my head tilted to the side while I'm trying to dig the little fucker out with my pinky (hoping not to push him deeper). It's about at this stage that I wish I had a long fingernail on my pinky finger. Eventually I squish the bug in my ear and I'm trying to dig him out (all at 40kph mind you). Finally- its all out but I come to a stop as the bike path ends and I spend the next 30 seconds shaking my head about to knock loose any stray legs, wings, bug guts, etc. Yuk!
As we ride on, I am REALLY struggling with the uphills. These are the biggest hills I have ever ridden up so far and its hurting REAL BAD! On the second last uphill before the Studley Park Rd overpass, I come very, very close to getting off and walking but I drop down to the small front gear and I spin the cranks to get myself up. I'm breathing way too hard to verbalize it, but I'm thinking to myself- "C'mon David, Harden The Fuck Up" and I manage to reach the top without stopping; just! As silly as it sounds, those wrist bands do help me. Finally we make Studley Park Rd and we stop for a break and drink. It's getting quite dark now and I slump over my bars and blinking headlight, unable to do anything but struggle for air. Polka Dot Lisa also struggled up the hills, but she did it much better than I did.
As I gather myself together, I worry how PDL will do down Studley Park Rd considering its a fast downhill. I tell her I will not zoom away so she can ride with me and feel safer but even with no pedaling and the brakes on for a considerable length, I still pull ahead by 50mts so I slow right down at the bottom so she can ride on my wheel up Johnston St. At the Wellington St corner, I figure a hook turn is the more conservative approach and PDL is happy to do a right hand turn this way.
Wellington St takes us up into Clifton Hill and I'm feeling every single kilogram of my 142.6 kg weight, pulling against my efforts up the hill. We ride on along Queens Pde and as we approach the Merri Creek bridge, I decide I am too stuffed to plod up the last hill to home, so I sprint down the hill harder than I ever have. I'm clicking up the gears and pulling on the bars so hard that the front wheel lifts off the ground with each pedal stroke. Yep- sprinting is definitely my strength and my top speed for the ride was during this sprint! Cool.
Home finally and we are both totally rooted! PDL is really down on herself and I try to offer her words of encouragement. I remind her that she has only been riding for 6 weeks after not driving for approx 6 years.
Ride stats 02-09-07 - Home > Boulevard > Home Loop
Dist 13.14km
Trip Time 00:36:48
Av Speed 21.50kph
Max Speed 46.9kph
Me- While I hurt like never before on those hills, I was happy to complete the ride without getting off to walk. I was also very happy considering I did 54km the day before so my recovery has also improved.
As for my weight, well I have been stewing over it all evening and yeah, it's really got me down I'll admit it. Discovering my weight is 142.6kg and that my goal is to get down to at least 90kg means I have to loose a minimum of 52.6kg. That's right- I have to loose 37% of my current body weight! As I type this and think about the path ahead of me, its pretty much overwhelming to even imagine reaching my goal. It really rips me deep inside and I feel a tear welling up just thinking about it. But at the same time, I haven't given up and I'm tempted to do the Bouli ride tomorrow morning on the way to work alone (PDL isn't ready to tackle the traffic and downhill speeds). I'll wake up early at 7am and see if I can muster up the energy and enthusiasm to do it again.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
I DID IT!
What did Polka Dot Lisa and I do for our 5th wedding anniversary?
Go riding of course...
Yep- I achived my goal of riding from Northcote to Black Rock and all the way home again, and I did it SOOOO much easier than last week on the BBC ride. And whats more, I could have ridden another 15km more before I would have had to wave the little white flag.
Am I happy?
BLOODY HELL YEAH!!!
Ride stats 01-09-07 - Northcote to Black Rock Return
Dist 53.75km
Trip Time 02:25:28
Av Speed 22.30kph
Max Speed 49kph
We started off leaving home about 6.45am, following the same path as last time Punt Rd > Swan St > St Kilda Rd > Fitzroy St > Beach Rd and back. As we set off, OH MY GAWD! The air was freezing cold. Our faces were stinging and the air hurt our lungs.
We rode on and as we crested the Punt Rd hill at Bridge Rd, I climbed it waaaay better than last week. Hmm, this is looking better I thought.
We rode on up St Kilda Rd and our original plan was to stop for a drink outside BBC to replicate our last ride but I felt too good to stop, so we kept on riding until we stopped for a quick 2 min drink break at a servo somewhere in Brighton and a bottle top up.
Onwards we went and as usual all the more experienced cyclists passed us with one guy mentioning to his mates- "Beginners!" Gee, thanks buddy! However as one group of guys all decked out in Team Discovery gear and riding nice looking Trek's passed me, I latched onto the back of the last guy and managed to ride on his wheel for quite a while (10 mins). Now- I know he was taking it easy and he knew I was behind him also but damn- it felt GREAT. Of course as soon as we hit a rise, the group dropped me but not like previous rides down beach road. I even got to experience my first draft as well and I was amazed at how much easier it was. Polka Dot Lisa even said she was struggling a little to keep up with me. Cool!
As we rode past the spot I turned around at last weekend, I was really feeling a sense of achievement. I had thought about this moment since last Saturday and I was dammed if I was gonna be beaten again.
Down the hill into Black Rock and I was full of energy. I clicked up the gears as I pushed down on the pedals and I zoomed ahead of PDL. I passed one or two riders on the way down the hill and as I rode into the roundabout I couldn't resist myself and I gave a fist pump in the air to celebrate. How embarrassing!
We stopped at Le Knicks as I wanted to see if their size 10/6XL jerseys would fit me and to my horror they were no where near big enough- yikes! The nice woman in the shop said they sometimes get in some size 12 (yep- that's XXXXXXXXL kids!) but truth be told, I doubt they would even fit me. Boy these cycling tops are stupidly small sizes... what gives? In the end, I brought a Liquigas headband which felt nice under my helmet soaking up my sweat but I quickly soaked through that so I will have to get a few more so I can change over during the ride.
We walked across the road to have a drink and stretch in the sun and PDL took some photos of me with the clock with her camera phone (see right) but the photo turned out awful. After a very short break and watching in wonder at the sight of cyclists EVERYWHERE (roads, parks, cafes, side streets) we set off on our return.
Now this was the moment I had been dreading the most- riding back into a slight headwind and back up the hill I so joyfully flew down. Polka Dot Lisa rode off ahead while I spun the pedals in my attempt to make my way up. As I struggled to keep up any pace, hurting from the strain of dragging my heft bulk along, I reminded myself of my HTFU wrist band and talked encouragement to myself. "C'mon David, Harden the fuck up" I kept saying to myself and it DID help. PDL slowed to wait for me at the top of the rise and from then on she was actually struggling to keep up with me (except for inclines of course hehe).
At one stage we took off from a set of lights behind a big peleton and I said to PDL, "Try and stick on their wheels and enjoy the draft" but we didn't have a hope- they took off like a bullet and were out of sight in no time. Ah wishful thinking... LOL
As we came into the home stretch of Beach Rd, I pulled myself up to the rear wheel of a guy and I stuck to him for quite a way until he peeled off. I rode on solo until we got to Cafe Racer where I stopped to wait for PDL.
We found a table to share with an older couple and we both got fruit toast (2 slices) which was too much for me. I think my eating has reduced which is strange considering I am exercising harder than I ever have in my entire life.
PDL noticed that the guy across from me had on a Rapha jersey which has to be the best looking cycling clothing I have ever seen. If you don't know what I'm talking about- do yourselves a favor and go click on that link (don't worry- it will open in a new window so you won't loose this blog). Anyway, I asked him about it and he said it was really nice to wear but also expensive (which he added emphasis with the universal sign for expensive by holding up one hand and rubbing his thumb against the side of his forefinger, LOL).
After a short break and a little leg stretching, we resumed our ride and boy- we could both notice that our bodies had cooled down and it was a lot harder than it was before we stopped. Eventually we got back into the swing of it and headed towards the city down St Kilda Rd. As we rode down, stopping at all the lights, I managed to balance and slowly inch my way forward at every single traffic light to avoid putting my foot down. that reminds me, I really want to get some cheap flat pedals to use to learn the art of track standing!
In the city we stopped at "High and Mighty" to see if they had any new athletic tops in that I could use when cycling but alas, it was all the same stuff so we rode on.
As we came to the intersection of Lonsdale and Swanston St, a tram had stopped at the lights and a police car was also stopped at the lights next to the tram. Myself (on the RHS) and another guy on a bike (on the LHS) stopped behind the cop car and we didn't try working our way past as he didn't have any blinkers on. As the lights changed the cop car moved forward before turning left and coming to a stop. The other rider and I got a shock at this as he didn't have any blinker on and we almost ran up the back of him. Being on the RHS, I maneuvered around the car and as I rode past the drivers window I yelled out very loudly- "BLINKERS" (but I should have added- DICKHEAD after it)!
On the way down Brunswick St, we stopped at Brunswick Street Cycles so I could select some faster tyres and book our bikes in for their free 200km service. After choosing Continental Ultra Gatorskin 25mm's (which I would go back to pickup later in the day), we rode home where I was ecstatic to have achieved my aim and I celebrated with a high 5 with PDL! Not only did I make the full ride- I did it with plenty of energy to spare! What a difference 7 days makes.
I spent the rest of the day, unable to wipe the smile off my face! Fantastic!
Next week- the same ride only FASTER!
