Slow Ride, Take it Easy!

Foghat - -

I'm in the mood, the rhythm is right,

Move to the music, we can roll all night.

Oooh, oooh, slow ride - oooh, oooh ...

I don't think Foghat was into cycling. Nevertheless, we took it easy this morning, for the most part. Dykes, Loaf, AT, Ullrich, VJ, The Reaper, Hoodie and the White Knight showed up for the relaxed festivities.

Rolled out with the intention of the full OZ. Many had marching orders to take it slow, so we did. With Loaf, Dykes, AT and (sometimes) Hood, that was a tall order. Getting passed by a gaggle of geese on 620 put the plan to the test. Some passed, some failed.

Hood punctured on the first plateau of the Dam Loop, and we watched about 40 bikes (including Ullrich) roll past during the change. WK also rolled up, but stopped to gather himself during the interlude. The Hood has had a run of bad luck with the Punctures. Let's hope it's in the past.

Spun from there up to Walgreen's, which looked like a lycra convention.On a positive note, Loaf's bottle is no longer on suicide watch. Not a single bottle ejection issue today. I think the counselling is paying off!

WK ripped and headed back post Walgreens. How was the wind that direction?

Second flat of the day behind the HEB at 620 and Anderson Mill. This time it was Dykes. Not to belabor the point, but we had some time to catch up as a group. Someone should have recorded minutes of the meeting. Loaf educated us on the definition of a Meat Curtain. I will be haunted by that phrase forever more.

Spun it nice and easy from there on out. With the exception of a little punch on Anderson Mill. And Spicewood Springs. Hey, sometimes you gotta heed the call of the Wild. Ullrich decided to Full Oz it, as he had a lacrosse match to watch at House Park. The rest of us ripped, on 360 as we had about an hour of unplanned downtime.

Ended with Loaf, Dykes and Reaper off the front. AT reined himself back in on the Riverbend hill and spun it out with us. Reaper reaped the rewards at Lola, quaffing two brews Norm-style, while the rest of us enjoyed Machiattos, Coffee and Smoothies. I wonder if Lola's appreciates the big ass stains we leave on those leather sofas? Nasty.

Good ride fellas.

Wind at My Back

Such a typical human emotion. Wind-assisted speed is so easy to credit to yourself. You think, "man this training is paying off," or "Am I having a good day or what?"

These fantasies always evaporate. Wind turns, taking your fantasy with it, careening down the road behind you and out of your consciousness. You are reminded that your success on the planet is driven in large part by forces outside your own skin. [Life Lesson #1]

Me, Ullrich, AT, Stanton, Q (for Qlimb), and Dan P! (aka bunny hopper) showed up for a morning roll. It was great to see Dan again. He looks unchanged in the six months of elapsed time between rides. Only having two hours, we did not get enough time to catch up, since he turned off at 222, at least I presume he did.

With the bolt-on of Lime Creek, I had planned to stretch our first refuel stop to the 7-11 at Anderson Mill and 620. I did not communicate this in the parking lot. [Life Lesson #2].

We spun out west on Bee Cave, with Q immediately off the front. That guy is using the same coach as Mauricio, and it shows. Once warm (about 25 minutes in), we bridged the Q and rolled briskly around to 620. Once on 620, Ullrich declared that this endurance pace was ill-suited for his gameplan, and ratcheted down his effort accordingly. I think Dan was back there too.

AT and I agreed that the pace was too brisk, slowed down for about 3 minutes, then promptly worked to bridge the Q gap. 620 was awesome today. I think I was just having a great day. And the training was really paying off. And it was a tailie the whole way. That may have contributed.

Climb up out of the dam was controlled. Q and Stanton hung back and all was well until AT "schlecked" his chain. We slowed down but didn't stop. At this point I will remind you that the planned refuel had been communicated only to Stanton and Q. We dropped AT (due solely to his chain) and cruised up Oasis. Rolled right through the light and CRANKED.

3 man paceline on 620. Hammer and tongs. Stanton and Q had some mega-pulls. Shortly after arriving at 7-11, AT rolled in. He would have been faster, but had rolled around Walgreens once. Or twice. Like a dog that lost his owner, not sure WTF to do.

At 7-11, we waited for Ullrich. I texted. We waited. I called. We waited. I called again. We waited. Guilt rising in my super-ego for the lack of communication. Given the already blown "endurance pace", we guessed that the German (not-so-big anymore!) had turned right with Dan and given us the finger. So we rolled.

Lime Creek was a headwind all the way to Volente. About halfway there, we spot an oncoming Doughnut. WTF is that? If you are quicker than me, you have already guessed it. The German had Rule 5'd it. And dropped down Bullick Hollow. All we got was a smile and a wave as he blew past us, enjoying his tailie while we toiled into the wind. [Ullrich later texted me. He did the full Oz solo. Big Rule 5 props to the German!!]

At Volente we ran into the Assassin. Apparently, he rides with other buddies too. as we made small talk, the ATC ride turned right onto Lime Creek. That is a svelte group. Bidding Sean and his two bros adieu, we hoofed it on the heels of ATC. Q bridged us about a mile or so up the road. We sat in with those dudes until the 3 beeyotches. It was a blast. Here's the weird thing. No Rey. Whaddup with that? No rey, but there were apparently 3 pros in the group. This was evident once we hit the hill.

BAM! There went the party. Those guys busted ass up that hill in stunning fashion. Give Q and Stanton props. They hung in there for varying degrees of the climb. But all the Dough were ultimately digested and shat out the back of the ATC Monster.

Anderson Mill was a blast. Spicewood was fast. Q was doing 5 minute VO2 Max intervals. We hung on for the first one.Once on 360, the wind gave us a Dikembe Mutombo. And we "let" Q go. Me, Stanton and AT spun it out, ending a brisk run with a bit of a whimper. Stats below.

Happy Easter!!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/81038555

MS150 Day 2

Saturday night's sleep was pretty good, though a couple of Dough were trading some snores from 2-3am. Given that we had about 10 guys, it was relatively quiet. And Ullrich on BOU were in another conference room (don't ask don't tell), so there was no risk of smoke alerts, if you know what I mean...

Veej and Mauricio roused the troops at 5am. Well almost all of the troops. Somehow, Bergie slept until 5:30am, with people walking around him, the lights on, and coffee on the stove. His homelife must be pretty chaotic. Remind me to talk with JB about that. The Berg needs his beauty rest.

Anyhoo, great spread for Breakfast. Dykes cooked up the pancakes, Ullrich cooked some bacon, and we PASSED on the eggs. The coffee was hot and effective.

We packed up VJ's mystery machine and rogue started once again, this time at 6:45am. A little too late to avoid all of the freddage, but not bad nonetheless. In the group were me, Sean, Bergie, Ullrich, Craig, VJ, Dykes, Stanton, Frank, Mauricio/Mauricio Sr and last/not least BOU. When we got on the course, BOU and the Mauricio's formed a gruppetto coalition, dropped back and were not spotted again.

Frank almost got run over early by a rental mobile home, which would have been ironic, but not funny.

About 30 minutes in, the pace jumped. Stanton executed a mega-pull to the Park, and we all sat in and enjoyed the ride. Serious work, at least by Stanton, had us at the Park with a 20.9mph average. And I couldn't even feel my fingers. Downside of the first of several Stanton outbursts was the splintering of the group. VJ, Frank, Craig all fell off the back.

Anyone ever see Sean? Rumor was that he made it to Lubbock by 5pm. No stops. 2 water bottles.

The Park was a carnival roller coaster. Fast, fun and dangerous. So many people in there that have no idea how to climb. I guess that was me 5 years ago, so I won't throw too many stones. Dykes and Stanton dropped me and Bergie, and Ullrich slipped into a climbing trance that left him back. But only a bit. Well done German!

At one point I asked Stanton, Dykes and Bergie who was gonna take the polka dots, and Stanton took me seriously. He erupted with a Hoodie-style attack. Dykes immediately responded. Me and Berg gave no chase. We just ground it out. I knew I was in for it when Donnie sez "My inner Mountain Goat wants to make some noise", whereupon he dropped me. Cool.

We regrouped on the next flat and stayed together the remainder of the Park. Saw Stanton lounging at the last rest stop in the Park, but me and Berg were in no mood for the lounge. It was time to work, and we did it. Turns out that the Berg got the Polka Dots. I made the podium. Dykes got third, only because he didn't know we were competing. Stanton is awarded most aggressive rider.

Cruised into Bastrop (Ullrich tracked us down at the Park exit) and ate some soggy sandwiches. It was a beatdown to the end, and I loved it. Dykes lead the flogging, and me and Bergie bridged him after an eternity. All in, another fun, fast day of riding. I did not hang around for victory beers, so the rest of you need to post your highlights!!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/79816807

Highs and Lows at this weekend's MS150 - SATURDAY

I wasn't really looking forward to this weekend. Even though Ullrich and Veej had done yeoman's work to eliminate the redneck factor, I was looking forward to it like a teenager anticipates a night at home with Mom and Dad.

Rebounding from the 337, a particularly vicious deep tissue massage and a hard week of PedalHard efforts, I kinda wanted to chill out at the house. But it's a great cause, and as I already documented, some Dough had laid some meticulous plans. So count me in. So glad I did it!

Caught the bus at 1:30pm on Friday with Hoodie, Ullrich, Bride of Ullrich (BOU),  Mauricio,  and Dr Fuentes. And about 30 TacoDelians, none of which did I know. Stanton, Frank, Bergie and Sean made other travel arrangements. Ride down was fun, with plenty of banter worthy of an AT-approved video. Hoodie was Hoodie, Ullrich was still reminiscing about his 337 deuce, and Mauricio was picking out VJ's new ride....hilarrious.

Checked in at the Courtyard, which was the recipient of an Extreme Makeover. If the hotel was a Westlake Soccer Mom, I would say the liposuction was a success. Dinner at Carrabas was awesome fun, and I never wanna live in Houston. Mauricio's dad joined us. proving to be an excellent dude. This was to be both his first ride over 45 miles, and represent a bucket list achievement.

FYI - VJ snores.

Saturday we woke up at 4:30, knocked back some little chocolate doughnuts (thx Mr Belushi!)  and rogue-started at 6:15 am with me, Hoodie, Bergie, Friend of Bergie, Veej, Ullrich and 4 Okies with Euro-Steeds (2 Looks, 1 Colnago, 1 Ridley). Mauricio and pops started at the forward location, and Bride of Ullrich (BOU) rolled with the Atkins team. Missing from the roster were the enigmas, Charlie G (aka Frank) and the Lurker. Both were unaccounted for. But we were not calling roll, so we rolled with no call. In the dark. And btw, it was freakin' cold. 45 degrees.

Best start ever, as we rolled Charlie Murphy-style ("Darkness!) for the first 45 minutes. The lack of unicycles and chickens at the start, combined with the temp made this a surreal beginning. Almost got T-boned by a jackass that ran a light about 15 minutes in. As I already stated, Houston sucks.

Despite the close call, we were slow-rolling our way out of Houston, and it was a perfect warmup for some inevitable hammer and tongs. Which occured about an hour into the roll. Our boy Hoodie went off like a rocket, prompting our Okies to say "I guess Todd wants to go fast." This is something they were fully prepared to do. With the Okies turning up the heat, we all hung on to the wheel in front of us, and kept turning the pedals.

We soon caught Todd, and pretty much everyone else on the course. Don't recall getting passed by anyone from Hour 1 until the Okies dropped me at mile 88. Did I mention the weather was great? And that VJ hung on until mile 60, Ullrich until mile 77 along with Hoodie? The Ticket was under the weather but he still gets most Agressive Rider for Saturday. He went out in a blaze of glory. At mile 77, me and Bergie determined to hang back with Hood and pals. The kinder gentler coach lasted all of 4 miles, whereupon we found ourselves well in front of our flagging Ticket, with the Okies' wheel about a 1/4 mile in front of us. This is where we made our big mistake. "Let's get 'em!" sez coach. Bergie responds in affirmative. Me and Bergie alternated pulls and the Okie's got larger in agonizingly slow increments. About 8 minutes into this insanity, Bergie came to his senses and sat up. Another five minutes of suffering got me on Tulsa Time. Which moves too fast. Having burned the whole box, I survived two rotations at the front with the EurOkies. Then exploded, quickly shat out the back.

I sat up at mile 88. Here's the kicker. from that point to the finish, I averaged 21.6. Sitting up. Those Okies were bombin'.

All told, it was a blast. We met up with Stanton, Jeff D, Sean, Frank and the rest of the crew post-ride. Hoodie withdrew from Day 2 with symptoms that are defined as bronchitis by all but the medical crew at the MS150. Those jokers thought he had a heart problem, which we know is BS. Hood is all heart baby. Hope you are feeling better Hood!

Everyone rode strong. Our team captain was playing domestique, following the Commandment to "Respect Thy Father". Well done to both Mauricios!

Ullrich is transforming into the not-so-big German, and his riding shows it. Veej continues to gain form. Stanton and Dykes promised to ride with us on Sunday. Their buddy Craig? was delightful. Frank regaled us with stories of rides past.

The TacoDeli tent was awesome. Food, Beer and Massage. Good times.

The LCRA facility was a big win. Only downside was the shower sitch. Just cold water (hello shrinkage), and one shower left me grimy for a long time. But once clean, it was a great deal. Thx to VJ and Ullrich for the hard work!

I will get a Sunday recap out a little later.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/79816346

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

Saturday's morning crew met at Lola's at 8:00. Rip Cord, Dr Fuentes, and Ullrich rolled the Mod Aussie. Forty miles and no drama on the menu. I had a plan to ride an endurance pace, AT had a series of four intervals to crank up his HR to a certain zone.

And Dr Fuentes??? I think he was along for the ride. I also think he is quietly becoming a beast. Gone are the wobbly out of true wheels, his pedal stroke looks smooth and consistent. After Coach's comment about his natural bald legs, I think he may have gone under the knife and shaved his legs. Could it be?

It was windy at 6:00 am when I got up and it was windy at the 8:00 o'clock start. It was windy at our finish. It was just friggin windy all day! Down Bee Cave there was a vicious cross wind that turned into a tailee along 620. Quick stop at Walgreen's (well not as quick as AT wanted) Adam pulled along 620 to Anderson Mill. 25mph was like a walk in the park. I pulled the train along Anderson Mill and then Adam took another pull on Spicewood.

AT peeled off at Rob Roy and Dr Fuentes and I finished with coffee at Lola's. We made plans for the upcoming MS 150 Dough roll. If you are doing the MS 150 look for an e-mail from me with details on where and when to drop off your Saturday bag for delivery to the LCRA facility. Looking forward to our next big ride.

Ullrich

Wind Blows, Coach Goes

Morning soccer dropped me from the peloton before the first turn of the pedal.

Not sure who rolled this morning (looking for a debrief), but it was just me, the sun, the wind and the full Aussie, starting at 11am. From the casa, the first 20 miles were all downwind. Intoxicated by the God-aided acceleration, I pushed it a little too hard early. Go figure. Averaged 21.2 from start to the turn at Anderson Mill and Balcones. What a blast!

Then work began. With the wind, I still have the Prince in a mullet (Business in the front - Mavic ES, Party in the Back - Edge 68). It was the right call, as I was stone-cold cranking just to stand still.

Spicewood was great (Trees gave shade and a little wind shelter), but slower than I have ever rode it.

Left at 360 was awesome (thanks La Nina!). First stop was at the C-Store at Mesa and Steck.

Shoal Creek was work. Was definitely missing the peloton. The Ticket's wheel woulda been perfect. Hell, I woulda settled for the Wulf (does he still live in Austin?).

Second stop was at a Girl Scout Lemonade stand in Westlake (Walsh Tarlton and Old Bee Caves). Those Girl Scouts know how to attack a market. I ordered up an Arnold Palmer, cuz after all, it's Masters Weekend, and a straight Lemonade. It was Puckering good.

By the time I hit Bee Cave, no other cyclists were on the road. HOT and WINDY. Think Giselle Bundchen after a big bean burrito. To say I limped home would be appropriate.

Non-Facebook Thoughts on 337

OK, I guess it's not funny if no one gets the joke. My last post was Facebook-style, which was unrecognized by nearly every reader. Like my Red Sox, it was a swing and a miss. So here is a conventional recap of what may be the best ride in Texas.

Nine of us congregated at Garner State Park Saturday morning. Stanton and Loaf stayed at the Bates Motel in Leakey, joining us after what they termed "best breakfast ever" at some greasy spoon. This hurt the peloton, as the trip shopper (Ullrich) neglected to pick up eggs. For some reason, eggs were interpreted as the holy grail of pre-ride nutrition, beyond the yogurt, milk, bacon and cereal that made it in the shopping basket.

Despite the lack of chicken embryos, we all felt ready. We had 3 cameras and 2 video cameras, so this was about to be more documented than an episode of Cops. By the way, we saw a number of motorcyclists on the road that likely starred on that reality show.

We rolled to Leakey in a tight 2-line paceline, all nerves and adrenaline. From Garner all the way to the third "sister" it is generally uphill. In cosmopolitan Leakey we turned right (east) onto, you guessed it, 337. About 2 miles out of town we crested a little hill, and BLAM, there is the Hill Country. The Flowing Roads, Grace, Sisters.....Striking. While there was no Dalai Lama, you could feel the spirit of Texas.

Immediately, we started climbing, and immediately the group splintered. There was Mauricio off the front, and a few moths (Ticket, AT, Loaf?) unable to contain themselves, following the flame. As I said previously, the first Sister was the smoothest grade, and really the sweetest climb. At the top we waited for the gruppetto, and snapped some sweet stills. Turns out that Ullrich punctured at the base, so the wait was longer than anticipated.

Second sister was a little harder than the first, but no grades above 11% (i think). I climbed solo, as I now descend like a sister.

The third sister, if she was a breathing creature, would be termed a bitch. Closest to Jester of the three (but still no more than 12%), the climb took some effort, even at a controlled pace. Not sure who finished second, but Mauricio danced to the top. I know that Loaf and Ticket were in front of me, but I was not looking for polka dots at the top.

The descent from #3 was ridiculously fast. We all topped 50mph. Think Tumbleweed Hill, but 3 times as long.

With the big climbs over, we all breathed a sigh of relief. This was a tactical error, as we were only 30 miles into a 110 mile ride, and the Hill Country had some more tests for the Dough. Uneventful but pleasant roll to Medina, where we mingled with our motorized brethren, noting a pronounced lack of hotness amongst the better halves of the Harley crowd.

A downhill, upwind stretch to Bandera ensued, with Mauricio pulling the whole way. This segment boasted the smoothest pavement of the day, and we were lulled further into false confidence. We were met in Bandera by Toni, wife of Ticket, and their two sweet girls. They volunteered to SAG for the Dough, a first for any of our group rides. Since we had just refueled in Medina, Toni suggested she meet us a little further down the road. Utopia was the next town on the map (30 miles), so we said goodbye and kept the trek moving.

Chip seal was the reality of the day, and the last stretch gave us our fill. We hit some generally downhill rollers, and the pack splintered. I felt great at this point, and hammered for a bit. It was getting HOT, and hydration started to become an issue.

No C-Stores on this route. Only roadkill, vultures and plenty of flora/fauna-Hill Country Style.

Just as everyone was running dry, Mother Nature gave us a gut shot. Sucker Punch of a Hill, with 15% grade, pretty much out of nowhere. Combined with the lack of water and the growing heat, attitudes shifted from walking in the park to surviving to Utopia.

Toni was waiting for us on the outskirts of a town, her presence the only visible evidence of the town's namesake. Watermelon, Gatorade, sandwiches, fruits and some shade were all lifesaving. 19 miles left.

The rest was uneventful grinding.

Once back at Garner, we took a dip in the Frio, drank a shitload of near-beer, and ate like kings. Looking forward to making this an annual Dough Trip!

"Dad, it's time for your digital!"

The Flowing Roads, Sisters, Grace....Striking

2:45pm Friday - AT, Ticket and Coach were at RV America

3:45pm Friday - AT, Ticket and Coach  were at Walmart on Slaughter

3:47pm Friday - Mauricio, VJ and Bergamo got in Shitty-ass RV

7:32 pm Friday - Dough was at Garner State

7:45 Friday - Ullrich wheeled up in Canary Colored Porsche

9:30pm Dough were in the rack

6am Saturday - Dough rose to a  Big Breakfast (no eggs)

7:30 am - Dough joined in Garner State Park by Stanton and Loaf

8:09am Saturday -  Dough head out on best ride of year

Coach
is really excited about the ride! It's a little chilly at the start. I hope I don't need arm warmers!

Ticket
is chomping at the bit

Ullrich
is still talking about his mammoth deuce

9am Saturday - Dough is in Leakey, Tx

9:10am Saturday - Dough is on 337

9:20am Dough is at the top of Sister #1 [easily the sweetest climb in Texas]

10:45am Saturday - Dough is at the top of Sister #3

Loaf
lost his water bottle

Ticket
Where are my rice cakes

Dough
thinks all the hard work is over! [wrong]

12:00pm Dough is at Old Timer General Store, Medina Texas

1pm Saturday - Dough is at Thunder in the Hill Country Biker Rally, Bandera Texas

Loaf
Lost his water bottle

Dough is Friends with Toni, Anna and Sophie Steward

2pm Saturday - Dough is in Middle of Nowhere

Coach
is Hammering

Ullrich
is hot

Loaf
lost his water bottle

3pm Saturday - Dough is at SuckerPunch Hill of the Century

Mauricio
is in control

Coach
is in heaven

Ticket
is in a rhythm

Stanton 
is at 145bpm

Bergamo
is pulling VJ and Ullrich to safety

Loaf
lost his water bottle

3:30pm Saturday - Dough is in Utopia Tx

AT
Toni Steward saved our lives!

4:00pm Saturday - Dough is at Garner State Park

Coach
thinks MGD 64 is beer flavored Perrier!

AT
is a kickass cowboy chef!

Mauricio
is a ridiculous beast


Bergamo
Did somebody mention a tossed salad?

Sunday - 10am Garner State Park

VJ
Clark! Shitter's Full!

Bergamo
An Apple a Day keeps the pisswater at bay


Dough
had a ridiculously good time