December 30, 2011 - Bikram

You might ask why Bikram?  I planned this as an important part of the training ahead of me.  Bikram is a 90 minute moving meditation in the form of "hot" yoga  with 26 postures.  I've always hated yoga as I wanted to curl up on my mat and go to sleep during the class..hehehe... But I heard great things about hot yoga so I thought I would try it...   It originally provided for me a way to strengthen my center and increase my flexibility while still challenging due to the extreme heat.    BUT in addition to that....  I realized after the first few classes that it indeed provided much more to me.  I found that making it through these classes took an enormous amount of focus and mental strength.  Two very important things to master when riding.  When venturing up the climb or on your last miles of a distance ride mental strength and focus of your goal is absolute.   Another key function of this training piece is the increase of lung capacity.  Being able to maximize your lung capacity along with controlling your breathing is key when pushing yourself through rides.    Although I will say,  savasana is my favorite part... hahahaha!!!  Namaste

December 29, 2011 Minnewaska and Mohonk Mountain

Since the weather has turned I have learned thru a series of trial and error what is necessary and what is not during these below freezing days.  Unfortunately it took a few painful rides to figure out the right balance.   First off, booties are a must,  2 pairs of socks, one at least should be of skiing grade and ...  2 layers on the bottom a must and for today's ride I had 5 layers on the top although you need to remember that the layers need to be breathable.  Ski gloves with warmer and a second pair of skin gloves can't hurt.  Lastly a thin dry balaclava... for those downhill spins... that can take your breath away at 40 mph.  Today's challenge came from staying warm after I broke a sweat....  All layers were wet and hence very cold during our descents, and when your talking about 4 hours of riding that can be very frustrating.  Ralph although has given me some hints for next time.  I find these cold days it is a bit harder to ride as you feel so bundled up and hard to move. 

Stats for the ride:
Partners for the day; Trusty Ralph and Steve
52 miles
4:16 time
Starting point East of " Walkway over the Hudson"
Thru New Paltz
Climb up to Minnewaska
Climbing the west side of Mohonk ( which btw almost killed me ) 2 mile straight climb
Back down Mohank... which was the highlight of the trip... hehehe... speed hit 40 mph - although Ralph comments that I need to take advantage of the descents... OMG!!! He has hit upwards of 60 mph
Grades as steep as 14.8% in the last climb and climbs totaling about 4,500 ft. ( I think - map route not finished completed )
Average speed was 12.5 mph.

The ride was a bit cold at first but as we started to spin, I quickly warmed up. We hit some steep dirt roads which were a bit scary for me.  Ralph and Steve are big mountain bikers so they left me in the "dust" literary.. The last climb hitting 14.8% grades killed me... but I had some great support pulling me thru... Or should I say pushing me.  The riding as the weather has changed is a bit tougher as you need to be extremely focused due to the ice patches which you're bound to encounter. Also the cold air at times can be heavy, especially when you are struggling for your air.  As Ralph would say... Slow deep breaths..  and short goals... "Let's make it to that rock over there"

What I took from this ride: 
During this ride I found the last intense 2 mile climb the part that I walk away with the most benefit.  There is something that I have used in riding for a long time and in life.   Something very similar to Ralph's short goals.  That is;  when facing a steep hill in from of you.. Don't look at the top as at times it might be overwhelming, but instead look right in front of you. You will eventually make it to the top.

Overall the trip was good... Was in bed passed out by 9:00 pm...  The day after ( today ) I'm back to normal, headed to Bikram as part of my training.  Will write about that later. 

BTW - This was right after the last climb....  Mohonk House - I'm surprised I was able to smile.. haha!

The Journey to Arizona...

Okay....  So here it is, a passion for the road and speed ..... It started as a way to get outside, explore a bit and burn some calories.  Oh but it grew into so much more... The miles became therapy, a time to think,a time to look at all the things in front of me, a way to push myself in ways I never thought possible.  The first race was about finishing, then the next followed was about speed, and then next distance.  Now the story goes on.  A shot in the dark for a scholarship.  A long shot, for sure..but I tried none the less.  My daughter said to me a very long time ago, you never know unless you try.  So I tried and I was chosen.  So here I am, I figure it is not just about the event but it is about the journey that exist in between now and then.  What I gain from it, what I learn, how I grow. I figured I could share in my journey.  The time, route, distance, average speed and most importantly perhaps what I learned... And no it will not always be about the sport. It may be in fact about me, about what is around me, what I see, what I feel... So enjoy with me my journey.