went for a ride this morning - first since great perth bike ride. i am finding it a real slog to get on the bike. my bum hurts, i am unfit (from lack of riding) and i ride at my max just getting the pedals to move.
rode 30km today (24:6) with a stop at brewha in the middle. did a simple loop from home to burswood, around the river to UWA and then up to Subi. Coming home i head down to the railway bike path, go to leederville and then ride up Oxford St to mount hawthorn.
while it wasnt too hot today there was a slight breeze blowing (and i mean slight) but even that was giving me the S...s.
I have now covered 3715km.
on the brighter side of life i was able to go for a ride, to see the river and to enjoy the city and kings park when others are unable to do this for various reasons (work, at war, laid up) so i really should not winge too much
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
great bike ride
i got up early this morning (unusual for me to see sunday at 6.30 am) to join in the Great Bike Ride.
I did the 53km event (1 lap of the river) and managed to complete it in 1:52 (average 27.5km/h). It was a nice morning for it really with no rain, although it was forecast, and little wind. In addition, i rode an extra 10 km getting to and from the event.
there were thousands of people riding which was good as it was a fund raiser.
i really am not bike fit, because it was a real slog in places. i struggled up Heart Attack Hill (just like everyone else) and managed to ride up it, but i thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I hate to imagine what the hr was (over 180 for sure).
thank you to all the organisers and volunteers for a great event. Well done to all.
I have now done 3685km. still a chance to get to 4000 before year end
I did the 53km event (1 lap of the river) and managed to complete it in 1:52 (average 27.5km/h). It was a nice morning for it really with no rain, although it was forecast, and little wind. In addition, i rode an extra 10 km getting to and from the event.
there were thousands of people riding which was good as it was a fund raiser.
i really am not bike fit, because it was a real slog in places. i struggled up Heart Attack Hill (just like everyone else) and managed to ride up it, but i thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I hate to imagine what the hr was (over 180 for sure).
thank you to all the organisers and volunteers for a great event. Well done to all.
I have now done 3685km. still a chance to get to 4000 before year end
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
bloody wind
Two days in a row (a minor miracle). Rode 47.5km with a stop at Sayers Cafe (after 45km) for coffee/muffin.
Rode around the shelley loop the right way around (anti-clockwise) today for the first time in a long time. although the temperature was fine, the wind was pretty strong in places.
So now i have clocked up 3622km (or thereabout). My riding fitness has evaporated - no surprise really - and my backside is no longer saddle "hardened" so things are a bit tender down south.
No photos - batteries are flat - sorry, but the sky was clear and the river was a bit chopped up because of the wind. No dolphins but plenty of bird life (all varieties).
not sure if i will ride tomorrow - might leave it until Thursday or Friday so i can taper for the Perth Bike Ride (kidding).
Rode around the shelley loop the right way around (anti-clockwise) today for the first time in a long time. although the temperature was fine, the wind was pretty strong in places.
So now i have clocked up 3622km (or thereabout). My riding fitness has evaporated - no surprise really - and my backside is no longer saddle "hardened" so things are a bit tender down south.
No photos - batteries are flat - sorry, but the sky was clear and the river was a bit chopped up because of the wind. No dolphins but plenty of bird life (all varieties).
not sure if i will ride tomorrow - might leave it until Thursday or Friday so i can taper for the Perth Bike Ride (kidding).
Monday, November 17, 2008
back again
more comebacks than lance armstrong. Been 4 weeks since last ride but my excuses are solid - wedding in melbourne (10 days), flu (10 days) life in general (the balance).
Rode 29.5km at a reasonable pace (surprisingly). Just rode over to Burswood via Northbridge and then around river to UWA and up into Subi and then home. Didnt stop along the way. Bit of a breeze (south easterly) but it wasnt head on for most of the ride so that was good.
I intend to ride in the Great Bike Ride on Sunday so that should be interesting. I am only going to do the 50ish km ride. Will just have to slog it out i guess.
i have now completed 3575km this year. Disappointing effort given my circumstances really.
Rode 29.5km at a reasonable pace (surprisingly). Just rode over to Burswood via Northbridge and then around river to UWA and up into Subi and then home. Didnt stop along the way. Bit of a breeze (south easterly) but it wasnt head on for most of the ride so that was good.
I intend to ride in the Great Bike Ride on Sunday so that should be interesting. I am only going to do the 50ish km ride. Will just have to slog it out i guess.
i have now completed 3575km this year. Disappointing effort given my circumstances really.
Monday, October 20, 2008
bloody hot
went for a ride today but it was bloody hot and there was a fairly strong easterly wind blowing. Rode around the shelley loop backwards (the wind was behind me) and then down the freeway and then across the city and home.
Clocked up another 46km, so i am not 3546km down.
The dolphins were out and about in a couple of different places today. The first was just near the burswood golf course and the other one was around near the Canning Bridge. I dont think they were the same one, but it is possible because the sightings were about 1 hour apart.
No more rides now for a couple of weeks probably as we are going to Melbourne for a wedding.
Clocked up another 46km, so i am not 3546km down.
The dolphins were out and about in a couple of different places today. The first was just near the burswood golf course and the other one was around near the Canning Bridge. I dont think they were the same one, but it is possible because the sightings were about 1 hour apart.
No more rides now for a couple of weeks probably as we are going to Melbourne for a wedding.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Windy City
Perth is sometimes called the Windy City and today it was living up to its reputation. While it was warm - 26 ish - there was quite a strong west/SW breeze blowing when i went for my ride this afternoon.
Had the bike serviced yesterday so it was running pretty good today.
It was still a nice day to be out on the road and i clocked up 44.5km (42 and 2.5) with a stop at Cranked in Leederville for coffee and late lunch on the way home.
Did the river and shelley loop the right way around today - riding up the freeway to Mt Henry and than around the shelley loop. i think this way would have been slightly easier from a wind perspective.
Heart rate average was better today (151bpm overall) but speed average is still down (25km/h overall). this was probably not too bad given the wind and riding on my own.
It was a nice day for sailing but probably not such a nice day for spotting dolphins. The sailing photos are not bad considering i was riding at ~30km/h down the freeway when i took them. Got some interesting looks from cyclists going the other way but hey. Good camera to deal with the motion and the amateur photographer.
I have now covered 3500km this year. Wont get much riding in next week or the following as I will be heading to Melbourne for Paul and Amber's wedding.
Had the bike serviced yesterday so it was running pretty good today.
It was still a nice day to be out on the road and i clocked up 44.5km (42 and 2.5) with a stop at Cranked in Leederville for coffee and late lunch on the way home.
Did the river and shelley loop the right way around today - riding up the freeway to Mt Henry and than around the shelley loop. i think this way would have been slightly easier from a wind perspective.
Heart rate average was better today (151bpm overall) but speed average is still down (25km/h overall). this was probably not too bad given the wind and riding on my own.
It was a nice day for sailing but probably not such a nice day for spotting dolphins. The sailing photos are not bad considering i was riding at ~30km/h down the freeway when i took them. Got some interesting looks from cyclists going the other way but hey. Good camera to deal with the motion and the amateur photographer.
I have now covered 3500km this year. Wont get much riding in next week or the following as I will be heading to Melbourne for Paul and Amber's wedding.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sublime
The warmer weather has hit Perth today (30c) and it was just a fantastic day to get out on the bike. There was little wind and it was easterly so it was behind or across me for most of the ride. I just LOVE the warmer weather.
Did the Shelley Loop backwards and had some lunch at Brew Ha before riding home.
Covered 52km overall. Heart rate was a bit higher on average today. Not sure why. Although I amn still not as fit as i should be and I am again carrying more weight around that i would prefer.
The dolphins were out again today near the jetty on the Como foreshore about halfway along the freeway cycle path.
the bike needs a service and i need to replace a rear tyre - it has a flat spot which occurred the other day when i had to brake hard to avoid a car that cut me off (bastard).
I have now covered 3455km. I reckon i might get to 5000km if i dont start working fulltime before the end of the year. In the scheme of things that might not be too bad. Although it will only be half of what i set out to achieve.
Did the Shelley Loop backwards and had some lunch at Brew Ha before riding home.
Covered 52km overall. Heart rate was a bit higher on average today. Not sure why. Although I amn still not as fit as i should be and I am again carrying more weight around that i would prefer.
The dolphins were out again today near the jetty on the Como foreshore about halfway along the freeway cycle path.
the bike needs a service and i need to replace a rear tyre - it has a flat spot which occurred the other day when i had to brake hard to avoid a car that cut me off (bastard).
I have now covered 3455km. I reckon i might get to 5000km if i dont start working fulltime before the end of the year. In the scheme of things that might not be too bad. Although it will only be half of what i set out to achieve.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Paradise
went out again today. 3 rides in one week. last time i did that was seven weeks ago and i only did 2 rides in between (sad but true).
Did the shelley loop again today (i just love going around the river and although a lot of the ride is on the road it is safe because it is very quiet).
I rode 55km today without a stop at an average of 24.5kmh. not overly quick. my bum was sore from the saddle - it takes a few rides to get used to the idea again.
the city skyline looked pretty good
and the dolphins were out and about near the Burswood speedboat club. I never get tired of seeing these guys "fishing".
I have now completed 3403km this year. I might make it to 4000 if i manage to get 2-3 rides in per week.
Did the shelley loop again today (i just love going around the river and although a lot of the ride is on the road it is safe because it is very quiet).
I rode 55km today without a stop at an average of 24.5kmh. not overly quick. my bum was sore from the saddle - it takes a few rides to get used to the idea again.
the city skyline looked pretty good
and the dolphins were out and about near the Burswood speedboat club. I never get tired of seeing these guys "fishing".
I have now completed 3403km this year. I might make it to 4000 if i manage to get 2-3 rides in per week.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
two days in a row - are you sick i hear you ask
The weather was so fantastic (26c and little or no breeze) today i just had to go for another ride (after i had finished all my chores).
I rode down to the beach and then came home along the river. Completed a 44km loop in around 2 hours but the ride was a bit up and down so this was ok really. I rode over to Hale Road (up it) to the beach road and then along to Cottesloe, rode down past the golf course then cut up one of the hills worked my way into Claremont and then up to the river just near "Meads Restaurant" then i headed to Perth around the Dalkeith/Nedlands bike lane and then along Mts Bay Road to the city. I then cut through to Leederville - stopped for a quick drink - and then rode home.
Legs were a bit heavy after riding yesterday, but HR was too bad averaging 153bpm. It maxed out at 180 when i was climbing hills in the Peppermint Grove area.
the beach was just perfect - photos of City Beach below - and there were a few families about as it is school holidays
I have now completed 3348km this year.
I rode down to the beach and then came home along the river. Completed a 44km loop in around 2 hours but the ride was a bit up and down so this was ok really. I rode over to Hale Road (up it) to the beach road and then along to Cottesloe, rode down past the golf course then cut up one of the hills worked my way into Claremont and then up to the river just near "Meads Restaurant" then i headed to Perth around the Dalkeith/Nedlands bike lane and then along Mts Bay Road to the city. I then cut through to Leederville - stopped for a quick drink - and then rode home.
Legs were a bit heavy after riding yesterday, but HR was too bad averaging 153bpm. It maxed out at 180 when i was climbing hills in the Peppermint Grove area.
the beach was just perfect - photos of City Beach below - and there were a few families about as it is school holidays
I have now completed 3348km this year.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Shelley Loop
It was another perfect day in paradise - low 20s with a slight breeze. Today was the first day i have really had for a few weeks to go for a ride so i did and i went and did my old faithful (the shelley loop). the river was just fantastic - gleaming (you've seen the photos before) - and the dolphins were out. This is alway a treat. In addition, spring has really sprung and there were heaps of baby birds around (baby swans, baby ducks and others).
As it is school holidays here there were also heaps of kids playing in parks and mothers sitting in the sun or walking on the paths.
Overall i covered 52.5km in two legs (46.5 and 6) with a stop at Brew Ha in the middle for a coffee.
I have now covered 3304km - way short of my intended targets (something about best laid plans of mice and men)- and i should be able to clock up more Kms as the weather warms up.
As it is school holidays here there were also heaps of kids playing in parks and mothers sitting in the sun or walking on the paths.
Overall i covered 52.5km in two legs (46.5 and 6) with a stop at Brew Ha in the middle for a coffee.
I have now covered 3304km - way short of my intended targets (something about best laid plans of mice and men)- and i should be able to clock up more Kms as the weather warms up.
Monday, September 22, 2008
first ride for 4 weeks
I went for a small ride today, the first for 4 weeks. I was away for 2 weeks in Melbourne and I had the flu last week so i did a short, gentle ride (17km + 5.8km) with a coffee stop at Brew Ha in between.
Pace was "slowish" mid 20s but legs felt good and breathing/HR were fine considering i have not done much and i have been quite sick.
Rode from home into the city and then around Mounts Bay Road from the Narrows to UWA and around the back of Nedlands before heading into Subi. The weather was fine but it was a bit cool.
Good start. hopefully i will get more rides in now spring is here
Pace was "slowish" mid 20s but legs felt good and breathing/HR were fine considering i have not done much and i have been quite sick.
Rode from home into the city and then around Mounts Bay Road from the Narrows to UWA and around the back of Nedlands before heading into Subi. The weather was fine but it was a bit cool.
Good start. hopefully i will get more rides in now spring is here
Saturday, August 23, 2008
on strike - sayonara
ok here's the deal. i know i have my share of global voyeurs but not a comment shall be had.
i am now going on strike on this blog until such time as those of you who drop by choose to leave a calling card.
if the blog dies it dies. sayonara
i am now going on strike on this blog until such time as those of you who drop by choose to leave a calling card.
if the blog dies it dies. sayonara
Thursday, August 21, 2008
blowing my way
went out relatively late for me because i was humming and ha-ing about going at all because it has been blowing a gale for the past two days. in the end i couldnt justify not going so i went.
because of the wind it has been cool so i rugged up and put my head down and rode. As it turned out the wind, although strong, was blowing from a "strange" direction today (east/ne) and for at least half of my ride it was behind me or at least not directly into me. it feels like you are cheating when this happens as you go 5-10km faster easily.
I managed to ride 32km (at 25km/h) and i did this more comfortably even with the wind around. In 4 rides my average hr has dropped 5 bpm which is good. it now means i have a bit more upside where i can ride harder without blowing myself up. I have now done 3252km this year
Photos of the flags near the base of kings park. First is from the narrows bridge and second is from the path along the river. I rode up into kings part again today and my time was slower by 15secs, but i am putting that down to the wind.
because of the wind it has been cool so i rugged up and put my head down and rode. As it turned out the wind, although strong, was blowing from a "strange" direction today (east/ne) and for at least half of my ride it was behind me or at least not directly into me. it feels like you are cheating when this happens as you go 5-10km faster easily.
I managed to ride 32km (at 25km/h) and i did this more comfortably even with the wind around. In 4 rides my average hr has dropped 5 bpm which is good. it now means i have a bit more upside where i can ride harder without blowing myself up. I have now done 3252km this year
Photos of the flags near the base of kings park. First is from the narrows bridge and second is from the path along the river. I rode up into kings part again today and my time was slower by 15secs, but i am putting that down to the wind.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
what a difference a day makes
today i rode again. first time in months i have backed up 2 days in a row. the weather today was overcast and the air damp - although i did not get rained on thankfully. in addition, there was a bit more breeze and i rode into it for most of the ride.
completed 33km in two rides (27 and 6) with a coffee stop at brew ha in between.
rode up into kings park today for the first time in ages and it showed. I rode the hill in 6:28 which is a bit slower than my best. I have now completed 3220km.
here are some photos from kings park:
my old office on the left - even though it was overcast i still feel better out here than in there
PS - this isnt cloud in the foreground of this picture - its condensation i think from being in my jersey while i was riding. looks like i need to put it in a plastic ziplock bag.
down the river through the lookout
Clouds on the hills in the distance
completed 33km in two rides (27 and 6) with a coffee stop at brew ha in between.
rode up into kings park today for the first time in ages and it showed. I rode the hill in 6:28 which is a bit slower than my best. I have now completed 3220km.
here are some photos from kings park:
my old office on the left - even though it was overcast i still feel better out here than in there
PS - this isnt cloud in the foreground of this picture - its condensation i think from being in my jersey while i was riding. looks like i need to put it in a plastic ziplock bag.
down the river through the lookout
Clouds on the hills in the distance
Monday, August 18, 2008
life's a beach
had a few spare hours today and the weather was fantastic = too good not to ride. I went down to the beach and rode along the bike path from just south of Scarborough (near hale road) to Hillary's boat harbour. Stopped briefly to take some photos of the sand and the sea for a friend who cant be near the beach everyday.
On the way back i road back along the coast on the road (pretty tight) until i got to North Beach Rd and then i cut inland until i got to Erindale Road. There is a good bike lane along most of this road, but as usual some Road Planner drops the path just where it is most dangerous, going through the freeway interchange area. Riding along Erindale Road is interesting but i was only on if for a KM or 2 until i cut into the back roads in the Stirling area. in the end i came out on Karrinyup Road and then along Main Street until i got to Scarborough Beach Road and home.
While i try to avoid riding on the road sometimes you just cant. I rarely feel in danger but you do get the odd idiot out and about. I only had one today, a young smart arse trying to impress his girlfriend driving a 4WD who got way to close and tooted his horn right on top of me. He got the finger - small consolation.
the photos:
Scarborough Beach Area - this is one of the few places along the coast where people have been able to build on the beach side of the main road.
Trigg - looking south back to Scarborough
trigg - looking north to Hillary's Boat Harbour
Hillary's Boat Harbour - great little kids beach and marina area. Took me about an hour to ride up here from home. Only took me 50 mins to get home
lokking at Hillary's from about 2km away
In the harbour area
Overall i covered 42 km in total. Rode first half at 24.5 km/h and second at 28.5km/h. I have now done 3187km
On the way back i road back along the coast on the road (pretty tight) until i got to North Beach Rd and then i cut inland until i got to Erindale Road. There is a good bike lane along most of this road, but as usual some Road Planner drops the path just where it is most dangerous, going through the freeway interchange area. Riding along Erindale Road is interesting but i was only on if for a KM or 2 until i cut into the back roads in the Stirling area. in the end i came out on Karrinyup Road and then along Main Street until i got to Scarborough Beach Road and home.
While i try to avoid riding on the road sometimes you just cant. I rarely feel in danger but you do get the odd idiot out and about. I only had one today, a young smart arse trying to impress his girlfriend driving a 4WD who got way to close and tooted his horn right on top of me. He got the finger - small consolation.
the photos:
Scarborough Beach Area - this is one of the few places along the coast where people have been able to build on the beach side of the main road.
Trigg - looking south back to Scarborough
trigg - looking north to Hillary's Boat Harbour
Hillary's Boat Harbour - great little kids beach and marina area. Took me about an hour to ride up here from home. Only took me 50 mins to get home
lokking at Hillary's from about 2km away
In the harbour area
Overall i covered 42 km in total. Rode first half at 24.5 km/h and second at 28.5km/h. I have now done 3187km
Thursday, August 14, 2008
another beautiful day in paradise
managed to get out for a ride again today. first time this week due to work commitments. the weather is beautiful - see last blog for a sense of the day. I managed to ride 41kms in two rides (35 and 6) stopping at Brew Ha for lunch in between. there were a few people out but essentially i had the paths to myself.
I have now clocked up 3145km this year - way off my target but there are some reasons.
Rode to Burswood, then along river to south perth, up Douglas Ave to Curtin Uni and then along to Manning Road, back along Manning Road to Canning Bridge and then jumped back on the bike path and headed into the city along the FWY bike path. then i went to UWA and up into Subiaco to Brew Ha. Coming home from Brew Ha i head along the railway bike path back to leederville and then home up Oxford St.
The 35km took me 1:23 (26km/h average) which wasnt too bad really. My heart rate average was up (160bpm average) but i felt reasonably comfortable. However, there was no upside without getting right into my RED Zone.
Unfortunately, there are no photos but just use your imagination. the sky was clear, the temperature was ~18c, the river sparkling silver,the breeze was light and a little from the E/NE so i really wasnt riding into it too much.
I have now clocked up 3145km this year - way off my target but there are some reasons.
Rode to Burswood, then along river to south perth, up Douglas Ave to Curtin Uni and then along to Manning Road, back along Manning Road to Canning Bridge and then jumped back on the bike path and headed into the city along the FWY bike path. then i went to UWA and up into Subiaco to Brew Ha. Coming home from Brew Ha i head along the railway bike path back to leederville and then home up Oxford St.
The 35km took me 1:23 (26km/h average) which wasnt too bad really. My heart rate average was up (160bpm average) but i felt reasonably comfortable. However, there was no upside without getting right into my RED Zone.
Unfortunately, there are no photos but just use your imagination. the sky was clear, the temperature was ~18c, the river sparkling silver,the breeze was light and a little from the E/NE so i really wasnt riding into it too much.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
oh my god i hear you say
yep its been a month since my last ride. no excuses. however, today the weather in perth was soooo fine i just had to get the bike out.
i went out around lunch time and in total i rode nearly 1:50 hours. I covered a grand total of 38.5km (32.5 and 6). Now 3103km down although that seems slightly meaningless at the moment. it was glorious out on the bike paths. I went into the city from home and then up the freeway to mt henry and then back to the city, before heading off to UWA and Subi (brew ha) for a light lunch and then home.
there were a couple of riders out but basically i had the paths to myself. the river was spectacular (a little reddish in colour due to all the run off resulting from the stormy weather we had through july) but still great.
I had a ride around UWA - my alma mater - and took a couple of photos of the site where i got married (it is unchanged - cant say that for the marriage though). I know why i loved that place. architecturally it is stunning and there are lots of young and stunning people (who are generally smart to boot). i intend to post these photos on one of my other blogs - life of jeff - as they are part of that story.
here are my photos:
the city from Mt Henry Bridge - i never get tired of this vista
fields of gold - spring must be on the way as this is the first crop of flowers next to the path at canning bridge
the bike - at brew ha - out on its own apparently
i went out around lunch time and in total i rode nearly 1:50 hours. I covered a grand total of 38.5km (32.5 and 6). Now 3103km down although that seems slightly meaningless at the moment. it was glorious out on the bike paths. I went into the city from home and then up the freeway to mt henry and then back to the city, before heading off to UWA and Subi (brew ha) for a light lunch and then home.
there were a couple of riders out but basically i had the paths to myself. the river was spectacular (a little reddish in colour due to all the run off resulting from the stormy weather we had through july) but still great.
I had a ride around UWA - my alma mater - and took a couple of photos of the site where i got married (it is unchanged - cant say that for the marriage though). I know why i loved that place. architecturally it is stunning and there are lots of young and stunning people (who are generally smart to boot). i intend to post these photos on one of my other blogs - life of jeff - as they are part of that story.
here are my photos:
the city from Mt Henry Bridge - i never get tired of this vista
fields of gold - spring must be on the way as this is the first crop of flowers next to the path at canning bridge
the bike - at brew ha - out on its own apparently
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
oliver - mr switzerland
we have a friend - oliver - who has visited Australia on a number of occasions. he has a new mountain bike. you need one in the mountains.
Here is his new bike
she is lighter and faster, but as oliver suggested she still needs to be pedalled.
this is the Swiss guy who used to pass road bike riders on his mountain bike wearing shorts and thongs going along the mitchell freeway bike path on his way to uni.
you can be assured this bike goes up hills/mountains ok
Here is his new bike
she is lighter and faster, but as oliver suggested she still needs to be pedalled.
this is the Swiss guy who used to pass road bike riders on his mountain bike wearing shorts and thongs going along the mitchell freeway bike path on his way to uni.
you can be assured this bike goes up hills/mountains ok
there is a new god in the house - God Cadel
so few have the stamina and the mental capacity to wear Yellow in the tour de france. tonight yet another in a very small group of Australians since 1900 (5) has put that jersey on his shoulders.
Cadel Evans - my vote already for Australian of the Year 2008.
He arrived at the top, not a stage winner, but in a gruelling stage he managed his main rivals pretty much without support from his team in the high mountains.
Tomorrow he will rest and then hopefully his mates will get together and work with him to see him over the line on the Champs Elysee in 2 weeks time.
If this doesnt happen, for whatever reason, you will have earned the right to be considered God of Australia for today.
Best wishes and good luck for the balance of the tour.
Cadel Evans - my vote already for Australian of the Year 2008.
He arrived at the top, not a stage winner, but in a gruelling stage he managed his main rivals pretty much without support from his team in the high mountains.
Tomorrow he will rest and then hopefully his mates will get together and work with him to see him over the line on the Champs Elysee in 2 weeks time.
If this doesnt happen, for whatever reason, you will have earned the right to be considered God of Australia for today.
Best wishes and good luck for the balance of the tour.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
short and sharp
on my bike again today but only for a quick lap of the river. I felt much better than yesterday. I did 27km in just over 1 hour. The weather was overcast and cool but i did not get rained on.
I went from home around to burswood then down to the narrows bridge, UWA, Subiaco and finished at Cranked in Leederville.
Had a great coffee and then rode home - 2.5km. So all up i did 29.5km and I have now completed 3065km
I knew there was a reason to have the Caffeine and the paper proved it today talking about this research paper. Caffeine with carbohydrates improves the amount of glycogen which gets back into the muscles
I went from home around to burswood then down to the narrows bridge, UWA, Subiaco and finished at Cranked in Leederville.
Had a great coffee and then rode home - 2.5km. So all up i did 29.5km and I have now completed 3065km
I knew there was a reason to have the Caffeine and the paper proved it today talking about this research paper. Caffeine with carbohydrates improves the amount of glycogen which gets back into the muscles
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
slugging it out
went out for a ride again today in mid-afternoon, but my heart and legs were really not in it so i had to slug it out. in the end i clocked up 52.5km but i was a fair bit slower overall so the ride took me 20 mins longer (go figure). I have now completed 3036 km (not bad for 1/2 a year plus eight days i suppose).
I did the same ride as yesterday and the weather conditions were pretty much the same although it might have been slightly warmer and the breeze slightly stronger.
the river was fantastic - showing a different face near the base of kings park on the way around to UWA. there was a bit of cloud cover so the water was inky black and because this bit of the river was getting some shelter from the wind it was almost dead calm.
Brickbats and Bouquets
Firstly the bouquets - someone has spent some money upgrading a small section of the freeway bikepath (pity they didnt do the whole lot) but whoever did this work needs to be congratulated. It certainly enhances the riding experience.
Second - a brickbat for my fellow cyclists. Come on guys take your rubbish home. I counted 5-6 gel packs (and probably a few drink bottles)on the freeway bikepath which had a 99% chance of coming from a bike rider. there is really no excuse for this, it spoils the amenity of the ride and it brings us all into disrepute. it came out of your pocket, so why not put the rubbish back in there when you are finished PLEASE.
I did the same ride as yesterday and the weather conditions were pretty much the same although it might have been slightly warmer and the breeze slightly stronger.
the river was fantastic - showing a different face near the base of kings park on the way around to UWA. there was a bit of cloud cover so the water was inky black and because this bit of the river was getting some shelter from the wind it was almost dead calm.
Brickbats and Bouquets
Firstly the bouquets - someone has spent some money upgrading a small section of the freeway bikepath (pity they didnt do the whole lot) but whoever did this work needs to be congratulated. It certainly enhances the riding experience.
Second - a brickbat for my fellow cyclists. Come on guys take your rubbish home. I counted 5-6 gel packs (and probably a few drink bottles)on the freeway bikepath which had a 99% chance of coming from a bike rider. there is really no excuse for this, it spoils the amenity of the ride and it brings us all into disrepute. it came out of your pocket, so why not put the rubbish back in there when you are finished PLEASE.
Monday, July 7, 2008
paradise in the middle of winter if you are a bike rider
God i love this place. I went for a ride today and the weather was fantastic (if a bit fresh and breezy) for the middle of winter. Managed to ride 52km around my favourite ride (shelley loop). My bike fitness is way off. My heart rate average was 160 and it topped out at 189 when i was trying to catch some guys down the freeway into the breeze. I managed to get around at 26km/h average which wasnt too bad and get a top speed of 52km down hill and with the wind behind me.
Here is the watch as i rode around the shelley loop
I did the shelley loop, down the freeway to the narrows and then to UWA and through Subiaco before stopping in Leederville at Cranked for a coffee. This coffee house brews a really good coffee and it is worth a stop. It is also next to the Riders Choice Leederville bikeshop so if you have any problems with your bike you can get them looked at while you get a drink.
the river was gleaming - we are so lucky to have such a beautiful river running right through our city and to be able to ride near it almost its entire length.
this is the bike parked at Cranked
I have now knocked off 2984km
Here is the watch as i rode around the shelley loop
I did the shelley loop, down the freeway to the narrows and then to UWA and through Subiaco before stopping in Leederville at Cranked for a coffee. This coffee house brews a really good coffee and it is worth a stop. It is also next to the Riders Choice Leederville bikeshop so if you have any problems with your bike you can get them looked at while you get a drink.
the river was gleaming - we are so lucky to have such a beautiful river running right through our city and to be able to ride near it almost its entire length.
this is the bike parked at Cranked
I have now knocked off 2984km
Thursday, July 3, 2008
another ride today in paradise
after dropping sue at work early, having some breakfast on the way home and then re-cleaning some windows I had attempted to clean yesterday I went for another ride today.
While the heart rate monitor did not work properly (i was officially dead) i did manage to get a cadence and Km readout. I clocked up 37.5km riding from home down the freeway to Mt Henry Bridge and back and then to UWA through Subiaco and home.
It was another gentle ride for me, but the weather was perfect (until the clouds came in) and there werent many people on the bike paths (some of which have been resurfaced since i last rode that way - much quicker and smoother).
The camera was still sans-batteries so no photos but there were a couple of interesting sights (other than my big fat a,,,) riding about.
I got passed by a motor cyclist (i kid you not) coming the other way on the fwy bikepath doing 60-70 km/h with a rider and pillion (no helmets). While this was interesting it is a recipe for disaster and they complain about cyclists!!!
I also could not catch and pass anyone myself, but i did manage to get caught by a bunch of older riders (probably the rich and retired) who had done 95km when the caught me. the lead rider about 60ish (at a guess) rides up next to me and taps me on the shoulder and says "havent you got any clothes". After taking my ipod earphones out I said to him i was trying to get a tan (in the middle of winter). When i thought about what he had said it sunk in. Here i was riding in short knicks and a short sleeve top and he and all his mates were in full winter gear - leg warmers, arm warmers etc. Really it was that cold (18-20 degrees) but i had only been riding for 45 mins and they had been out for at least 2 1/2 to 3 hours before catching. we rode together for a k or 2 and then they turned off.
So with today's 37.5km ish i have officially closing in on the 3000km barrier. 2932km down. Only another 7000 odd km to go this year. I need to win lotto to get anywhere close to this, but i might get half way there
While the heart rate monitor did not work properly (i was officially dead) i did manage to get a cadence and Km readout. I clocked up 37.5km riding from home down the freeway to Mt Henry Bridge and back and then to UWA through Subiaco and home.
It was another gentle ride for me, but the weather was perfect (until the clouds came in) and there werent many people on the bike paths (some of which have been resurfaced since i last rode that way - much quicker and smoother).
The camera was still sans-batteries so no photos but there were a couple of interesting sights (other than my big fat a,,,) riding about.
I got passed by a motor cyclist (i kid you not) coming the other way on the fwy bikepath doing 60-70 km/h with a rider and pillion (no helmets). While this was interesting it is a recipe for disaster and they complain about cyclists!!!
I also could not catch and pass anyone myself, but i did manage to get caught by a bunch of older riders (probably the rich and retired) who had done 95km when the caught me. the lead rider about 60ish (at a guess) rides up next to me and taps me on the shoulder and says "havent you got any clothes". After taking my ipod earphones out I said to him i was trying to get a tan (in the middle of winter). When i thought about what he had said it sunk in. Here i was riding in short knicks and a short sleeve top and he and all his mates were in full winter gear - leg warmers, arm warmers etc. Really it was that cold (18-20 degrees) but i had only been riding for 45 mins and they had been out for at least 2 1/2 to 3 hours before catching. we rode together for a k or 2 and then they turned off.
So with today's 37.5km ish i have officially closing in on the 3000km barrier. 2932km down. Only another 7000 odd km to go this year. I need to win lotto to get anywhere close to this, but i might get half way there
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
first ride for ages
the last time i rode i think was May 6. I have my excuses for about 1 month of this time, but the rest was just pure laziness (well sort of). I find i need to make riding a habit, rather than a past-time. If i dont do this i lose my motivation as well as my fitness.
I "forced" myself to go for a nice gentle ride around the river from Burswood to UWA and then went to Brewha for lunch. I have no proof as my heart rate monitor did not work and the camera's batteries were flat so you will just have to take my word for it.
I was averaging about 26km/h and i rode for 1hr getting to the cafe and then 15 mins to get home so i am crediting myself with 30km
When i last rode i had covered 2865km so I am now 2895km towards my, increasingly unattainable, target of 10000km this year. I might just have to reset my target to something like 7500-8000 or just accept "failure" if i dont reach 10000km.
Oh by the way, the weather here today was simply perfect - about 19 degrees and sunny - for a mid Winter day. The forecast is for rain later this week and then clearing up again next week.
see you around on the great bike path of life
I "forced" myself to go for a nice gentle ride around the river from Burswood to UWA and then went to Brewha for lunch. I have no proof as my heart rate monitor did not work and the camera's batteries were flat so you will just have to take my word for it.
I was averaging about 26km/h and i rode for 1hr getting to the cafe and then 15 mins to get home so i am crediting myself with 30km
When i last rode i had covered 2865km so I am now 2895km towards my, increasingly unattainable, target of 10000km this year. I might just have to reset my target to something like 7500-8000 or just accept "failure" if i dont reach 10000km.
Oh by the way, the weather here today was simply perfect - about 19 degrees and sunny - for a mid Winter day. The forecast is for rain later this week and then clearing up again next week.
see you around on the great bike path of life
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Bike has a flat tyre
seems my bike is feeling a bit deflated. She looks all forlorn sitting in the garage with a flat rear tyre. I need to fix this and give her a bit of a dust down and take her for a ride to make her feel wanted again.
My annual target of 10000km has now clearly gone out of the window as i have not ridden for 7-8 weeks and i was already several hundred kilometres behind before i stopped.
My annual target of 10000km has now clearly gone out of the window as i have not ridden for 7-8 weeks and i was already several hundred kilometres behind before i stopped.
Monday, May 19, 2008
No rides and none planned
I have not ridden now for quite a while (busy working on Backyard Blitz 2). I wont be able to ride for several more weeks now as I have to visit Melbourne so if you want to come back later (after the 8 June) i will "see" you then.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
no rides - life got in the way
unfortunately i have not been able to get on my bike for over a week now (she will be getting dejected i am sure - this is better than happy my f.. a... is not weighing her down).
I have been busy doing another Backyard Blitz - i am over them. my back and thighs hurt. much worse than any ride i have ever done. god knows why anyone does landscaping and brickpaving for a living!
Hopefully, next week it will be all over and i will be back on the road again. But winter is coming/has arrived so it might be less fun on the roads than in summer/spring/autumn
Dont go away - i will be back
I have been busy doing another Backyard Blitz - i am over them. my back and thighs hurt. much worse than any ride i have ever done. god knows why anyone does landscaping and brickpaving for a living!
Hopefully, next week it will be all over and i will be back on the road again. But winter is coming/has arrived so it might be less fun on the roads than in summer/spring/autumn
Dont go away - i will be back
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
perfect day in Paradise
went for a ride today in Paradise. the temperature was mild (low 20s) but the sun was shining bright and there was only a light breeze but today was one of those days where it just seemed to be against me irrespective of which direction i was riding.
i did a completely different ride today by riding to Fremantle (backwards) around the east side of the river from Canning Bridge and then back up the beach to Swanbourne, before riding around the river through Dalkeith and Nedlands back to UWA then to the city and home via leederville. Overall the loop was 55km.
It wasnt the fastest ride in the world, but it was steady. I got held up near Fremantle (long enough to take the photos below) by some heavy loads crossing the Fremantle Bridge and then near the beach by a goods train which seemed to take an age to cross through the road.
While i was standing around here a young female triathlete rode up next to me. She dragged me up the coast until we got to Cottesloe where she promptly rode away from me. Oh well it was nice while it lasted.
I have now completed 2865km.
This is the Fremantle Port from the new Fremantle Bridge (the old one is in the foreground).
this is the North Fremantle rdevelopment - between the two bridges
this is looking back up the river towards East Fremantle (i had come from this direction)
i did a completely different ride today by riding to Fremantle (backwards) around the east side of the river from Canning Bridge and then back up the beach to Swanbourne, before riding around the river through Dalkeith and Nedlands back to UWA then to the city and home via leederville. Overall the loop was 55km.
It wasnt the fastest ride in the world, but it was steady. I got held up near Fremantle (long enough to take the photos below) by some heavy loads crossing the Fremantle Bridge and then near the beach by a goods train which seemed to take an age to cross through the road.
While i was standing around here a young female triathlete rode up next to me. She dragged me up the coast until we got to Cottesloe where she promptly rode away from me. Oh well it was nice while it lasted.
I have now completed 2865km.
This is the Fremantle Port from the new Fremantle Bridge (the old one is in the foreground).
this is the North Fremantle rdevelopment - between the two bridges
this is looking back up the river towards East Fremantle (i had come from this direction)
Thursday, May 1, 2008
1 may - not so grey
today was just a fantastic day to get on a bike - so i did and i feel so lucky
the following photos (taken from Canning Bridge) show the difference a day can make in the weather (not really a cloud in sight). The City looks perfect and the water was mainly glistening today.
I did the Shelley Loop backwards and rode down the freeway to the Narrows, to UWA and up into Kings Park (did climb in 5:46 - which was pretty good for me at least) and then went into Subi (Brew Ha) for lunch.
I concentrated on keeping my cadence up today (above 90rpm) and I managed to hold an average of 94 for the 50km that i rode to get to Brew Ha. At times i worked quite hard to do this so my HR was significantly higher (157bpm average) than it has been on my rides over the past month or so.
The ride from Subi to home is only 6km and there are traffic lights etc so I just cruised home.
With this 56km i have now completed 2809km
the following photos (taken from Canning Bridge) show the difference a day can make in the weather (not really a cloud in sight). The City looks perfect and the water was mainly glistening today.
I did the Shelley Loop backwards and rode down the freeway to the Narrows, to UWA and up into Kings Park (did climb in 5:46 - which was pretty good for me at least) and then went into Subi (Brew Ha) for lunch.
I concentrated on keeping my cadence up today (above 90rpm) and I managed to hold an average of 94 for the 50km that i rode to get to Brew Ha. At times i worked quite hard to do this so my HR was significantly higher (157bpm average) than it has been on my rides over the past month or so.
The ride from Subi to home is only 6km and there are traffic lights etc so I just cruised home.
With this 56km i have now completed 2809km
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
god i love this town and the river (s)
i went out again today - i didnt feel the freshest (we had visitors for dinner last night) but i put on my "unmatched" knicks, jersey and wind breaker and headed out.
the conditions were the same as yesterday (we had a pretty serious storm go through this morning) but it was much more windy. I didnt quite ride the same route as yesterday (i went into the city and up the freeway before completing the shelley loop and the coming back to the narrows and then along the south perth foreshore to Burswood, Northbridge and home)
Overall i did 54km, but it took me 2:18 which was 15 mins longer than yesterday. Much of it was a bit of a slog into the wind, but i just kept plugging away.
even though it was not as pleasant as yesterday it was "good" to be out and about. I love the river and I never get tired of riding around the loop as the river is never the same. Today, in places it was shimmering silver when the sun caught it correctly, in others it was inky black (when the clouds were overhead) or in others a kind of tea colour (i guess from all the run off we have had due to the rains over the past month). while there were few people out and about there were plenty of birds of all descriptions (but no dolphins today).
there was only 1 cyclist going my way today and he past me early and i decided i couldnt be bothered trying to hang on so he probably scored reasonably well using the metrics below.
2753km down
the conditions were the same as yesterday (we had a pretty serious storm go through this morning) but it was much more windy. I didnt quite ride the same route as yesterday (i went into the city and up the freeway before completing the shelley loop and the coming back to the narrows and then along the south perth foreshore to Burswood, Northbridge and home)
Overall i did 54km, but it took me 2:18 which was 15 mins longer than yesterday. Much of it was a bit of a slog into the wind, but i just kept plugging away.
even though it was not as pleasant as yesterday it was "good" to be out and about. I love the river and I never get tired of riding around the loop as the river is never the same. Today, in places it was shimmering silver when the sun caught it correctly, in others it was inky black (when the clouds were overhead) or in others a kind of tea colour (i guess from all the run off we have had due to the rains over the past month). while there were few people out and about there were plenty of birds of all descriptions (but no dolphins today).
there was only 1 cyclist going my way today and he past me early and i decided i couldnt be bothered trying to hang on so he probably scored reasonably well using the metrics below.
2753km down
I can relate to this
The following was sent to me by a friend (thank you Oliver)
Expensive Bike: If the person you’re passing has a bike that costs more than 50% more than your bike, give yourself an extra point. If the bike costs more than double your bike’s cost, give yourself two points. Regardless, be certain to comment on what a nice bike the person you’re passing has. There’s nothing quite so satisfying as a backhanded compliment.
Misidentified Bike: If you’ve pushed yourself as never before to catch a cyclist on the road, thinking how awesomely fast you’re going to appear as you blow by, only to discover that the person you’re passing is on a mountain bike or a hybrid with frame material that can best be described as "rebar," subtract a point from your score.
Silly Bike: If you pass a recumbent, add ten points to your score, as long as you are going 10kph faster – at a bare minimum – than he. Be sure to snort in derision as you go by.
Legs
It’s very nearly creepy how carefully cyclists study one another’s legs. I of course except myself, because I never do this. That said, your passing score relies heavily on the attributes of your opponents legs.
Hair: If the person you pass has shaved legs, give yourself two extra points. If he has shaved legs and you do not, give yourself four extra points, because he’s going to eat his heart out when he sees that he just got passed by what appears to be a Fred.
Rookie Mark: If your victim has a chainring mark on his right calf, subtract a point from your score. If he has a chainring mark on his left calf, add two points to your score, but only if you can find out how he managed that trick.
Tattoos: If the person you pass has a bike-related tattoo on one or more of his calves, add ten points to your score. You have just defeated someone who identifies so closely with cycling that he is advertising it, permanently. Say “Nice tattoo,” as you go by. You may also want to add, “What is it, exactly?”
Clothing
This one’s tricky. The truth is, many riders will wear a jersey in support of their favorite rider or team, and that doesn’t mean anything. Thus, to assess how many points to give yourself for what the cyclist you’re passing is wearing, you must look at the full package:
Full Kit – By this, I mean everything: helmet, shorts, jersey, socks, gloves. If he’s outfitted like a full-on pro, give yourself seven points. If it turns out that he is a full-on pro, give yourself ten points, unless you stop him and ask for his autograph. In which case you must reset your score back to zero and give up biking forever, because you are shameless.
Club Kit – If he’s wearing just the jersey or just the shorts, no point adjustment is made. If wearing both, you should give yourself two points. If the club kit is ridiculously ugly, give yourself three points. This is a judgment call, but I think I can trust you on this. Unless you’re one of those people who design really ugly club kits. If you’ve designed a jersey that is regarded as ugly even by your club, you must start every ride for the rest of your life with a score of -10. You brought it on yourself, man.
What they say
There’s a fair chance that the guy you pass will say something as you go by. This tells you something about how deep the wound has gone – or, in other words, how complete your victory is.
Greeting: A simple “hello” or “How’s it going?” means nothing. Your score does not change.
Congratulations: A “Hey, nice climbing” or “Keep it up” means that they – unfortunately – bear you no ill-will. Subtract a point from your score.
Excuses: This is the holy grail of passing someone – they are so deeply humiliated by your passing that they want a chance to explain themselves, usually by saying something about being at the tail end of an all-day ride or being told by their coach they must keep their heartrate under 80. When this happens, smile knowingly as you go by, then double your score because I guarantee the person you just passed will be able to think of nothing else for the next 72 hours.
Other Factors
There are a few other miscellaneous factors that affect your passing score. Be certain to make a careful note of each of them.
Gender Misidentification: If you think you’re passing a man and it turns out to be a woman, subtract two points. If you think you’re passing a woman and it turns out to be a man, add three points. Why the inequality? It is not for you to question.
Knee In Gut: If the other guy’s knees squash into his gut on each upstroke, you get no points for passing him. Unless your knees squash into your gut, too, in which case you get an extra three points.
Re-Pass: If, after passing the other guy, he makes a superhuman effort and passes you again, give yourself an extra two points. This may seem counterintuitive, but this kind of re-passing is your victim’s way of admitting that you have cut him, and cut him deep.
No-Pass: If it turns out that the other guy really was just spinning along and is now happy to ride at your pace and chat, and seems capable of riding at your pace and chatting even though you are at your absolute upper limit, and continues doing so until you explode and collapse in a quivering mass on the road, set your score back to -25, for you have just been totally pwned.
Final Results
After each ride, be certain to tally your score and then evaluate yourself on the following scale:
50+ points: You are the stage winner. Puff out your chest. Add this score to your race resume, for it is a magnificent accomplishment.
20 – 49 points: Not a bad ride, but you may want to exaggerate your score when comparing with your friends. Since there’s no way for them to disprove your score, you should feel confident in your “exaggeration.” Hey, you think your friends aren’t “augmenting” their scores, too?
Fewer than 20 points: You may want to consider changing your training route, so as to encounter different riders. After all, it isn’t how you play the game, it’s whether you win or lose.
Elden Nelson
Expensive Bike: If the person you’re passing has a bike that costs more than 50% more than your bike, give yourself an extra point. If the bike costs more than double your bike’s cost, give yourself two points. Regardless, be certain to comment on what a nice bike the person you’re passing has. There’s nothing quite so satisfying as a backhanded compliment.
Misidentified Bike: If you’ve pushed yourself as never before to catch a cyclist on the road, thinking how awesomely fast you’re going to appear as you blow by, only to discover that the person you’re passing is on a mountain bike or a hybrid with frame material that can best be described as "rebar," subtract a point from your score.
Silly Bike: If you pass a recumbent, add ten points to your score, as long as you are going 10kph faster – at a bare minimum – than he. Be sure to snort in derision as you go by.
Legs
It’s very nearly creepy how carefully cyclists study one another’s legs. I of course except myself, because I never do this. That said, your passing score relies heavily on the attributes of your opponents legs.
Hair: If the person you pass has shaved legs, give yourself two extra points. If he has shaved legs and you do not, give yourself four extra points, because he’s going to eat his heart out when he sees that he just got passed by what appears to be a Fred.
Rookie Mark: If your victim has a chainring mark on his right calf, subtract a point from your score. If he has a chainring mark on his left calf, add two points to your score, but only if you can find out how he managed that trick.
Tattoos: If the person you pass has a bike-related tattoo on one or more of his calves, add ten points to your score. You have just defeated someone who identifies so closely with cycling that he is advertising it, permanently. Say “Nice tattoo,” as you go by. You may also want to add, “What is it, exactly?”
Clothing
This one’s tricky. The truth is, many riders will wear a jersey in support of their favorite rider or team, and that doesn’t mean anything. Thus, to assess how many points to give yourself for what the cyclist you’re passing is wearing, you must look at the full package:
Full Kit – By this, I mean everything: helmet, shorts, jersey, socks, gloves. If he’s outfitted like a full-on pro, give yourself seven points. If it turns out that he is a full-on pro, give yourself ten points, unless you stop him and ask for his autograph. In which case you must reset your score back to zero and give up biking forever, because you are shameless.
Club Kit – If he’s wearing just the jersey or just the shorts, no point adjustment is made. If wearing both, you should give yourself two points. If the club kit is ridiculously ugly, give yourself three points. This is a judgment call, but I think I can trust you on this. Unless you’re one of those people who design really ugly club kits. If you’ve designed a jersey that is regarded as ugly even by your club, you must start every ride for the rest of your life with a score of -10. You brought it on yourself, man.
What they say
There’s a fair chance that the guy you pass will say something as you go by. This tells you something about how deep the wound has gone – or, in other words, how complete your victory is.
Greeting: A simple “hello” or “How’s it going?” means nothing. Your score does not change.
Congratulations: A “Hey, nice climbing” or “Keep it up” means that they – unfortunately – bear you no ill-will. Subtract a point from your score.
Excuses: This is the holy grail of passing someone – they are so deeply humiliated by your passing that they want a chance to explain themselves, usually by saying something about being at the tail end of an all-day ride or being told by their coach they must keep their heartrate under 80. When this happens, smile knowingly as you go by, then double your score because I guarantee the person you just passed will be able to think of nothing else for the next 72 hours.
Other Factors
There are a few other miscellaneous factors that affect your passing score. Be certain to make a careful note of each of them.
Gender Misidentification: If you think you’re passing a man and it turns out to be a woman, subtract two points. If you think you’re passing a woman and it turns out to be a man, add three points. Why the inequality? It is not for you to question.
Knee In Gut: If the other guy’s knees squash into his gut on each upstroke, you get no points for passing him. Unless your knees squash into your gut, too, in which case you get an extra three points.
Re-Pass: If, after passing the other guy, he makes a superhuman effort and passes you again, give yourself an extra two points. This may seem counterintuitive, but this kind of re-passing is your victim’s way of admitting that you have cut him, and cut him deep.
No-Pass: If it turns out that the other guy really was just spinning along and is now happy to ride at your pace and chat, and seems capable of riding at your pace and chatting even though you are at your absolute upper limit, and continues doing so until you explode and collapse in a quivering mass on the road, set your score back to -25, for you have just been totally pwned.
Final Results
After each ride, be certain to tally your score and then evaluate yourself on the following scale:
50+ points: You are the stage winner. Puff out your chest. Add this score to your race resume, for it is a magnificent accomplishment.
20 – 49 points: Not a bad ride, but you may want to exaggerate your score when comparing with your friends. Since there’s no way for them to disprove your score, you should feel confident in your “exaggeration.” Hey, you think your friends aren’t “augmenting” their scores, too?
Fewer than 20 points: You may want to consider changing your training route, so as to encounter different riders. After all, it isn’t how you play the game, it’s whether you win or lose.
Elden Nelson
Monday, April 28, 2008
10 days since last ride
I havent ridden for 10 days, but i got home early today after dropping Sue off at work and didnt think i could find any reasonable excuses not to go (including the clouds and the threat of rain) so i went.
I did the Shelley Loop (backwards) and rode down the freeway and then around the South Perth foreshore back to Burswood, through Northbridge and home. The ride, 55km, took just over two hours (2:03) and surprisingly I rode on average as quick as i have for a long time. I cant explain it really. While my heart rate average was up a little, overall i rode really well even though there was a bit of a head wind in places.
Winter is just around the corner and we have had one of the wettest April's on record. Photos today are of storm clouds on the horizon - east from the Shelley bridge back up the river. I had ridden around the road (left side of photo) next to the river (this is the Shelley Loop) to get to the bridge.
I have now covered 2699km but i am well off target.
I did the Shelley Loop (backwards) and rode down the freeway and then around the South Perth foreshore back to Burswood, through Northbridge and home. The ride, 55km, took just over two hours (2:03) and surprisingly I rode on average as quick as i have for a long time. I cant explain it really. While my heart rate average was up a little, overall i rode really well even though there was a bit of a head wind in places.
Winter is just around the corner and we have had one of the wettest April's on record. Photos today are of storm clouds on the horizon - east from the Shelley bridge back up the river. I had ridden around the road (left side of photo) next to the river (this is the Shelley Loop) to get to the bridge.
I have now covered 2699km but i am well off target.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
seems like there are some regular visitors
I started this blog mainly to keep track of my efforts to complete 10000km in one year. However, it seems to have caught the attention of a handful of people who check in regularly - Hi.
to date there has been no comments left here, but please feel free. If you would like more/different info (and other photos etc) let me know.
If you ever come to Perth and need a bike or a riding buddy drop me a line - i may be able to assist. I have a spare bike in the garage and I know people around town who may be able to help so ask away.
If you want to stay in the background that's fine too. hope you still get some joy out of visiting and seeing how i am going.
to date there has been no comments left here, but please feel free. If you would like more/different info (and other photos etc) let me know.
If you ever come to Perth and need a bike or a riding buddy drop me a line - i may be able to assist. I have a spare bike in the garage and I know people around town who may be able to help so ask away.
If you want to stay in the background that's fine too. hope you still get some joy out of visiting and seeing how i am going.
Rain Rain - Winter is Coming
I had planned to go for a ride this morning but we had a fairly major storm through the night with thunder, lightning and nearly an inch of rain. Our power went out so Sue slept through the alarm and so did i. It was still raining when we got up so i passed on the riding.
After i dropped Sue at work I came home and pottered around. It rained until lunch time and then it "cleared up". It was still cloudy but there was no rain so i decided my excuse had gone away and i got on my bike.
Rode 55km around the river and the Shelley Loop. The dolphins were out and about and while the paths were a bit wet I avoided the rain and the wind was really quite light. because the sky was so dark with thunder clouds the river was a dark inky colour which is a bit unusual, but it looked really good and quite a change from normal.
The rain had washed all the trees down and done the same for the paths so there was little if any glass on them which was a blessing.
I have now done 2642km of the 10000. I have set up a bike on a wind trainer in the garage so i will have no excuses for those days when i cant get out on the roads.
After i dropped Sue at work I came home and pottered around. It rained until lunch time and then it "cleared up". It was still cloudy but there was no rain so i decided my excuse had gone away and i got on my bike.
Rode 55km around the river and the Shelley Loop. The dolphins were out and about and while the paths were a bit wet I avoided the rain and the wind was really quite light. because the sky was so dark with thunder clouds the river was a dark inky colour which is a bit unusual, but it looked really good and quite a change from normal.
The rain had washed all the trees down and done the same for the paths so there was little if any glass on them which was a blessing.
I have now done 2642km of the 10000. I have set up a bike on a wind trainer in the garage so i will have no excuses for those days when i cant get out on the roads.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
group ride - river loop
went out this morning for a "group ride" with Hooman (owns the coffee shop in Woodside building), his friend Pete and Siobhan. We met at the Narrows Bridge and did a river loop, stopping for coffee at the Left Bank in East Fremantle.
The firts half of the ride is really a bit up and down and i got my arse kicked, struggling to hang on but it was friendly so they waited for me. I definitely go down hill better than i go up (it is an inertia thing combined with a big fat A...).
I got a slow puncture just as we got to the left bank (f..... glass) but i had a spare and i changed it while we waited for coffee.
After coffee we rode around east fremantle around Attadale and Mt Pleasant on the foreshore and then we split at the Canning Bridge. Siobhan and i rode down the fwy together and then into leederville.
Overall I did 71km on a perfect day for a ride. great company, fantastic weather and even a puncture could spoil my day.
2587km down
The firts half of the ride is really a bit up and down and i got my arse kicked, struggling to hang on but it was friendly so they waited for me. I definitely go down hill better than i go up (it is an inertia thing combined with a big fat A...).
I got a slow puncture just as we got to the left bank (f..... glass) but i had a spare and i changed it while we waited for coffee.
After coffee we rode around east fremantle around Attadale and Mt Pleasant on the foreshore and then we split at the Canning Bridge. Siobhan and i rode down the fwy together and then into leederville.
Overall I did 71km on a perfect day for a ride. great company, fantastic weather and even a puncture could spoil my day.
2587km down
Thursday, April 10, 2008
a tale of two rides
Had to go out to my mum's today to lift a TV and to look at an area of the garden which needs paving. She lives at the Vines,about 39 km away to the east.
The weather in Perth is starting to change ahead of winter and it rained overnight and when i set off it was cloudy and blustery and the temperature was about 24 degrees.
on the way there the wind was generally across and behind me and it took me 1:20 to get there which was pretty good (average speed - 28.6kmh). On the way back i rode into the wind pretty much all of the way and it took me 1:40 to get home (average speed - 23.1 kmh).
I have now completed 2516km of the 10000 so i am a quarter of the way to the goal.
The weather in Perth is starting to change ahead of winter and it rained overnight and when i set off it was cloudy and blustery and the temperature was about 24 degrees.
on the way there the wind was generally across and behind me and it took me 1:20 to get there which was pretty good (average speed - 28.6kmh). On the way back i rode into the wind pretty much all of the way and it took me 1:40 to get home (average speed - 23.1 kmh).
I have now completed 2516km of the 10000 so i am a quarter of the way to the goal.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
53.5km - great day to be on your bike
Sue came home this morning from South Africa after spending most of yesterday travelling. I picked her up from the airport and we had some breakfast, but she hadnt slept on the plane (9 1/2 hour flight overnight) so she was pretty tired.
After a quick breakfast we came home and she went to bed so i decided to go for a ride. the temperature is in the mid 20s and there was a slight breeze blowing but basically it was a perfect day for a ride. I was out on my own again but i felt pretty good on the bike and i managed to clock up 53.5km around the river and shelley loop.
I have now knocked off ~2438km so I am nearing the quarter mark for my 10000km target which all things considered is pretty good I think.
After a quick breakfast we came home and she went to bed so i decided to go for a ride. the temperature is in the mid 20s and there was a slight breeze blowing but basically it was a perfect day for a ride. I was out on my own again but i felt pretty good on the bike and i managed to clock up 53.5km around the river and shelley loop.
I have now knocked off ~2438km so I am nearing the quarter mark for my 10000km target which all things considered is pretty good I think.
Monday, April 7, 2008
40km - shorter and a bit sharper
went out this morning for a ride. wasnt intending to do too much but wanted to roll my legs over again after yesterday.
Wasnt sure which route i was going to take and i made a spur of the moment decision to go into Subi heading towards Kings Park, because i was trying to avoid riding into the wind. In the end it didnt matter because it just seemed to be in my face most of the ride, but it was not too strong overall which was a good thing.
Ended up not riding into KP, but went down Thomas Road to UWA and then around the nedlands foreshore area to Bethedsa. This route is a bit up and down with a couple of steeper climbs. I then came back on the same loop to UWA, went down Mts Bay Road to the Narrows (hoping for a tailing breeze which didnt happen) and then turned around (hoping for the same - but again it seemed to be against me) and rode back past UWA and then up into Subi.
The ride was mixed pace wise. In some sections i was travelling well and averaged in the high 30s, but then at other times it was a slog and i was riding in the mid 20s. When i look at my polar monitor results it is clear i need to change something to get to the next level (riding in the low 30s as an average speed). Clearly i need more KMs, and i need to do them faster. I would also benefit from losing 5-10 of the Kgs i carry. Perhaps i need to get back into the bunches and "hurt" myself a bit for a few weeks.
Having said all of that, the blessing is that i am fit and able to get out and do this kind of exercise. Perth is a great place to ride and I really have no complaints, just a higher expectation of myself.
2382 down
Wasnt sure which route i was going to take and i made a spur of the moment decision to go into Subi heading towards Kings Park, because i was trying to avoid riding into the wind. In the end it didnt matter because it just seemed to be in my face most of the ride, but it was not too strong overall which was a good thing.
Ended up not riding into KP, but went down Thomas Road to UWA and then around the nedlands foreshore area to Bethedsa. This route is a bit up and down with a couple of steeper climbs. I then came back on the same loop to UWA, went down Mts Bay Road to the Narrows (hoping for a tailing breeze which didnt happen) and then turned around (hoping for the same - but again it seemed to be against me) and rode back past UWA and then up into Subi.
The ride was mixed pace wise. In some sections i was travelling well and averaged in the high 30s, but then at other times it was a slog and i was riding in the mid 20s. When i look at my polar monitor results it is clear i need to change something to get to the next level (riding in the low 30s as an average speed). Clearly i need more KMs, and i need to do them faster. I would also benefit from losing 5-10 of the Kgs i carry. Perhaps i need to get back into the bunches and "hurt" myself a bit for a few weeks.
Having said all of that, the blessing is that i am fit and able to get out and do this kind of exercise. Perth is a great place to ride and I really have no complaints, just a higher expectation of myself.
2382 down
Sunday, April 6, 2008
62km river loop
I felt like a real slug today and I rode like one too. Went to a birthday party yesterday afternoon and drank way too much red wine. The night was really nice and i ended up sleeping on the boat, which was ok but i woke up quite a few times.
Got up and drove home (about an hour's drivc) and thought i needed to go and work some of the food and wine off.
Did the burswood, narrows, fwy to shelley and return loop.
2342km down or thereabouts
Got up and drove home (about an hour's drivc) and thought i needed to go and work some of the food and wine off.
Did the burswood, narrows, fwy to shelley and return loop.
2342km down or thereabouts
Thursday, April 3, 2008
64km and even more bloody windy
did a completely different ride today for the first time in a long time. I went to the Beach via Hale Road and West Coast Hwy and then around the river via Fremantle, Melville and back to the Canning Bridge before coming down the FWY then to UWA. I then did KP hill and down into Subiaco. Had some brunch at Brew Ha and then rode home (~5.5km of total)
Got a small tow for 2-3km down the freeway but the rest of the time i rode on my own.
The highlight of the day, other than being out on the bike near the beaches and the river was chasing a rider down Mounts Bay Road from the Narrows to UWA at about 40km/h only to be rewarded by the beautiful bottom and legs of a young female rider who was going to UWA. She said she was only a commuter, obviously a fit capable rider though because she worked really hard not to be caught or overtaken (i didnt - the view was better where i was riding). We had a brief chat while we waited for the lights to change and then we went our separate ways. Shame i could have followed her all day.
Did i say it was bloody windy - it was howling again from the East/SE and I actually hate riding into the wind.
Approximately 2280km down
Got a small tow for 2-3km down the freeway but the rest of the time i rode on my own.
The highlight of the day, other than being out on the bike near the beaches and the river was chasing a rider down Mounts Bay Road from the Narrows to UWA at about 40km/h only to be rewarded by the beautiful bottom and legs of a young female rider who was going to UWA. She said she was only a commuter, obviously a fit capable rider though because she worked really hard not to be caught or overtaken (i didnt - the view was better where i was riding). We had a brief chat while we waited for the lights to change and then we went our separate ways. Shame i could have followed her all day.
Did i say it was bloody windy - it was howling again from the East/SE and I actually hate riding into the wind.
Approximately 2280km down
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
63km - bloody windy
Could ride much the backend of last week as my dad had a stroke and it messed things up a bit (him included obviously) but I went for a ride this morning. it was on the cool side and bloody windy. did the shelley loop backwards down the freeway, then to UWA and Subi. there were a few riders around, but none were going my way. Had a coffee at brewha and then came home.
I am falling off the pace a bit on my 10000km challenge, having now completed 2217km or thereabouts against about 2800km as a target (we are in week 14 of the year can you believe that) and my fitness has dropped back a bit again. Not too concerned about that because i am still bashing along on my own at a good pace and I just enjoy being out and about. the river is alway fantastic as is the other scenery on the paths around town.
I am falling off the pace a bit on my 10000km challenge, having now completed 2217km or thereabouts against about 2800km as a target (we are in week 14 of the year can you believe that) and my fitness has dropped back a bit again. Not too concerned about that because i am still bashing along on my own at a good pace and I just enjoy being out and about. the river is alway fantastic as is the other scenery on the paths around town.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
54km and some quick sections
went for a ride again today after meeting one of my mates for lunch. Did Shelley Loop and then around south perth, into north bridge and then via leederville to home.
round trip was 54km. Got a tow both ways along freeway (10kms of overall ride), but couldnt really help out as the pace was too quick - high 30s - and my heart rate didnt like working at 175+. Rode alone for rest of ride. Not much breeze but for some reason today it seemed to be in my face most of the way.
2164km down
round trip was 54km. Got a tow both ways along freeway (10kms of overall ride), but couldnt really help out as the pace was too quick - high 30s - and my heart rate didnt like working at 175+. Rode alone for rest of ride. Not much breeze but for some reason today it seemed to be in my face most of the way.
2164km down
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
shelley loop - blowing a gale
went for a ride today for the first time in a week. slack (i know) but sometimes that is just the way it is. Did Shelley Loop and then around past UWA and into Subi, leederville and home.
round trip was 51.5km but it might as well have been 60 as it was blowing a gale (easterly) and i rode into it for 2/3rd or the ride. Did work together with another guy along the freeway bikepath and around the loop to the Shelley Bridge, but i seemed to be on the front whenever we were into the wind (bad planning on my part).
Given the conditions my overall speed was ok, but my HR was a bit higher than it has been of late.
2110km down
round trip was 51.5km but it might as well have been 60 as it was blowing a gale (easterly) and i rode into it for 2/3rd or the ride. Did work together with another guy along the freeway bikepath and around the loop to the Shelley Bridge, but i seemed to be on the front whenever we were into the wind (bad planning on my part).
Given the conditions my overall speed was ok, but my HR was a bit higher than it has been of late.
2110km down
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
short 18km ride
had to take the car in for a service today so i threw the bike on the back to get a ride in on the way home.
After dropping the car off I jumped on and went for a short ride. this was more a consequence of how my legs felt than anything else. I really felt tired in the legs, it was cooler (low 20s) than i have been used to over the past couple of weeks and it was windy.
In the end i simply rode into Kings Park did one lap (climbed the hill just under 6:00) and then rode to a coffee shop (brew ha)for breakfast and then came home.
2055 km down
After dropping the car off I jumped on and went for a short ride. this was more a consequence of how my legs felt than anything else. I really felt tired in the legs, it was cooler (low 20s) than i have been used to over the past couple of weeks and it was windy.
In the end i simply rode into Kings Park did one lap (climbed the hill just under 6:00) and then rode to a coffee shop (brew ha)for breakfast and then came home.
2055 km down
Monday, March 17, 2008
Shelley Loop - 62km
went out for a ride mid afternoon. Did my usual river loop and then went up to UWA and into Kings Park. Rode up this the quickest i have for many months (5:25 to get to the top).
Overall i rode 62km and a good chunk of this was into a strong SW/W wind.
Highlight for the day - other than the KP hill - was watching 2 dolphins carving up the water while fishing in the shallows near the freeway in South Perth. Cool to watch them anytime.
2037km down
Overall i rode 62km and a good chunk of this was into a strong SW/W wind.
Highlight for the day - other than the KP hill - was watching 2 dolphins carving up the water while fishing in the shallows near the freeway in South Perth. Cool to watch them anytime.
2037km down
Adelaide Rides
Over the eight days we were effectively in Adelaide I managed to do 7 rides and i rode 335km, with the shortest ride being 25km and the longest 60km. While we were there it was bloody hot - everyday was over 35 and many were over 40 C.
Overall it was relatively simple to ride around Adelaide as because unless you deliberately want to ride in the hills it is generally flat and the road surfaces (except along Port Road) are good. You have to ride on the roads most of the time but this was not really an issue if you are a confident rider as the roads generally have a bike lane which is really good and the drivers were, in the main, really good. One minor challenge though was where the bike lanes "vanish" when you come up to roundabouts, traffic lights etc which puts you "back in with the cars". I am not sure if this is a design standard, but if it is in my view it needs to change.
I didnt take any photos but here is an overview of the rides i did:
Ride 1 - 51.5km loop from Glenelg to North Haven and back along the coast road. This is a flat, fast ride with great ocean views all of the way along from West Beach to North Haven. This ride has lots of roundabouts but fortunately not many cars. There is a bike path along much of it but it is really for recreational riders and kids. the ride took me about 1:40 to complete.
Ride 2 - 57.2km loop from Glenelg to Adelaide along Anzac Hwy (takes about 25 mins) and then down Port Road to Port Adelaide, from there to North Haven and then along the coast back to Glenelg. Port Road has a shocking surface in both directions but it is wide and generally has limited cars (especially in non peak times). this ride took me 2:12 to complete.
Ride 3 - 56km loop - did ride 2 in reverse. Had a strong headwind going from north haven to the city. ride took 2:00 to complete. There is a slight downhill section in the glenelg - north haven and in the city to glenelg sections which probably made the ride just a little quicker. Not sure why the distance was different, but i might have taken a slightly different route.
Ride 4 - short/sharp 25km loop down coast from Glenelg to Seacliff back to glenelg then up to henley beach and back. Ride took 56 mins. the ride from glenelg to seacliff along the coast is very pretty but you have to contend with speed humps. in some parts of it you go faster than the cars which have to slow much more to get over these monster humps. the route is also a bit up and down.
Ride 5 - did some up hill work today. Rode 37.5km and went down to jetty road brighton, then up sturt road to Main South Road, down to Daws Road/ then up it and Springbank Road to Belair Road. this is the top of this ride and from here i went down belair into Unley Road and into Adelaide down to North Terrace and then back to glenelg down anzac hwy. Unley Road is a bit narrow and has quite a few cars to contend with. Ride took 1:37 so speed average given the hill sections was pretty reasonable.
Ride 6 - Glenelg - Adelaide loop (39.5km) but i went up anzac hwy and down Sir Donald Bradman Drive to West Beach and then into glenelg and down to Seacliff and back. It was hot and there was a strong NE headwind blowing most of the ride. Ride took 1:30 to complete.
Ride 7 - Ride 3 loop but only into the city as i had to take the bike back. 48.5km ride which took 1:43 - fastest ride of the week. had a bit of a HW as i rode along coast but once i got to North Haven it was basically behind/across.
After these rides I have completed 1975km or thereabouts since 1 January.
My weight this morning was 97.2km so i have not lost a single kg of weight. Must be living the good life. So that is my ongoing challenge.
Overall it was relatively simple to ride around Adelaide as because unless you deliberately want to ride in the hills it is generally flat and the road surfaces (except along Port Road) are good. You have to ride on the roads most of the time but this was not really an issue if you are a confident rider as the roads generally have a bike lane which is really good and the drivers were, in the main, really good. One minor challenge though was where the bike lanes "vanish" when you come up to roundabouts, traffic lights etc which puts you "back in with the cars". I am not sure if this is a design standard, but if it is in my view it needs to change.
I didnt take any photos but here is an overview of the rides i did:
Ride 1 - 51.5km loop from Glenelg to North Haven and back along the coast road. This is a flat, fast ride with great ocean views all of the way along from West Beach to North Haven. This ride has lots of roundabouts but fortunately not many cars. There is a bike path along much of it but it is really for recreational riders and kids. the ride took me about 1:40 to complete.
Ride 2 - 57.2km loop from Glenelg to Adelaide along Anzac Hwy (takes about 25 mins) and then down Port Road to Port Adelaide, from there to North Haven and then along the coast back to Glenelg. Port Road has a shocking surface in both directions but it is wide and generally has limited cars (especially in non peak times). this ride took me 2:12 to complete.
Ride 3 - 56km loop - did ride 2 in reverse. Had a strong headwind going from north haven to the city. ride took 2:00 to complete. There is a slight downhill section in the glenelg - north haven and in the city to glenelg sections which probably made the ride just a little quicker. Not sure why the distance was different, but i might have taken a slightly different route.
Ride 4 - short/sharp 25km loop down coast from Glenelg to Seacliff back to glenelg then up to henley beach and back. Ride took 56 mins. the ride from glenelg to seacliff along the coast is very pretty but you have to contend with speed humps. in some parts of it you go faster than the cars which have to slow much more to get over these monster humps. the route is also a bit up and down.
Ride 5 - did some up hill work today. Rode 37.5km and went down to jetty road brighton, then up sturt road to Main South Road, down to Daws Road/ then up it and Springbank Road to Belair Road. this is the top of this ride and from here i went down belair into Unley Road and into Adelaide down to North Terrace and then back to glenelg down anzac hwy. Unley Road is a bit narrow and has quite a few cars to contend with. Ride took 1:37 so speed average given the hill sections was pretty reasonable.
Ride 6 - Glenelg - Adelaide loop (39.5km) but i went up anzac hwy and down Sir Donald Bradman Drive to West Beach and then into glenelg and down to Seacliff and back. It was hot and there was a strong NE headwind blowing most of the ride. Ride took 1:30 to complete.
Ride 7 - Ride 3 loop but only into the city as i had to take the bike back. 48.5km ride which took 1:43 - fastest ride of the week. had a bit of a HW as i rode along coast but once i got to North Haven it was basically behind/across.
After these rides I have completed 1975km or thereabouts since 1 January.
My weight this morning was 97.2km so i have not lost a single kg of weight. Must be living the good life. So that is my ongoing challenge.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Back after a week or so cycling in Adelaide
I will do some posts here over the next couple of days but none of the following blogs would have occurred without the fantastic assistance i received from Bicycle Express in Halifax St, Adelaide.
Keith Wong provided me with a good entry level road bike for $30/day and it was bike fitted using my data. This saved me the cost and aggravation of carting my bike and minimised the risk of damage.
I managed to ride over 300kms without any problems. So if you need a bike in Adelaide see these guys. They were simply fantastic.
Keith Wong provided me with a good entry level road bike for $30/day and it was bike fitted using my data. This saved me the cost and aggravation of carting my bike and minimised the risk of damage.
I managed to ride over 300kms without any problems. So if you need a bike in Adelaide see these guys. They were simply fantastic.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
56km - windy day in paradise
went out quite late today (3pm) and when i do this i invariably have to ride with the afternoon wind (Fremantle Doctor) which is typically a SW'ly and usually strong.
Managed to ride 56km - essentially Shelley Loop = quite comfortably really and got a high speed tow (38-40 km/h) around 1/2 of the shelley loop. Because the wind was assisting and i am getting bike fit again I hung on fairly easily for 4-5km until we went in different directions.
When i got back to the city i rode up Mount Street which is a short (0.8km), but very steep climb (rises 100m in that distance) - watch suggests grade is 6.4%. My heart rate topped out at 184 which is pretty close to its absolute maximum i would think.
I then cruised down into Subi and then home via Leederville.
I have now covered 1640km.
Managed to ride 56km - essentially Shelley Loop = quite comfortably really and got a high speed tow (38-40 km/h) around 1/2 of the shelley loop. Because the wind was assisting and i am getting bike fit again I hung on fairly easily for 4-5km until we went in different directions.
When i got back to the city i rode up Mount Street which is a short (0.8km), but very steep climb (rises 100m in that distance) - watch suggests grade is 6.4%. My heart rate topped out at 184 which is pretty close to its absolute maximum i would think.
I then cruised down into Subi and then home via Leederville.
I have now covered 1640km.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
48km - getting easier again
Went out for a ride this afternoon. bit breezy and i had to ride into it for about 40% of the ride. did a slightly different route today, but still rode around Shelley Loop. Didnt go into kings park but i did climb the hill up St Georges Tce. Although my HR max out at 177bpm I rode up it fairly comfortably at a good pace i thought.
No photos today but pick any of the bright sunny days already shown here and imagine today.
I managed to get 210km completed this week. first time in 3-4 weeks i have managed to get the average and I have now completed 1585km of the 10000 so i am about 200km behind.
No photos today but pick any of the bright sunny days already shown here and imagine today.
I managed to get 210km completed this week. first time in 3-4 weeks i have managed to get the average and I have now completed 1585km of the 10000 so i am about 200km behind.
Friday, February 29, 2008
riding today - heaven on a stick
went out for a ride this morning and it was PERFECT. the temperature was warm and there was only a zephr of wind (and it was mostly behind me today). I did a different ride this morning - riding down to the Beach where i had some breakfast before riding home.
I rode 65km (or thereabouts - my watch doesnt appear to have recorded after breakfast for some reason but i had done 51kms to get there and i estimate it was 15ish to get home). I certainly rode much better and my heart rate was much more reasonable, although it still jumped up under pressure, and recovery was better.
1535km down
Some photos:
Shadow of man (yep that's me) - i aim to throw even less of a shadow in the next 3 months
Indianna Teahouse (a restaurant on the beach) and Cottesloe beach (site of Heath Ledger after party and after party swim by guests). I had breakfast opposite here. The water is dead calm because we have an onshore wind (easterly) blowing.
See the pylon in the water - when i was about 6-7 i was on that when the shark alarm rang. there were a bunch of us and we had to swim back one at a time (long 50 or so metres). I would have preferred a bunch swim. You can just imagine all the mums on the beach hoping little johnie (in my case jeffery) made it back
I rode 65km (or thereabouts - my watch doesnt appear to have recorded after breakfast for some reason but i had done 51kms to get there and i estimate it was 15ish to get home). I certainly rode much better and my heart rate was much more reasonable, although it still jumped up under pressure, and recovery was better.
1535km down
Some photos:
Shadow of man (yep that's me) - i aim to throw even less of a shadow in the next 3 months
Indianna Teahouse (a restaurant on the beach) and Cottesloe beach (site of Heath Ledger after party and after party swim by guests). I had breakfast opposite here. The water is dead calm because we have an onshore wind (easterly) blowing.
See the pylon in the water - when i was about 6-7 i was on that when the shark alarm rang. there were a bunch of us and we had to swim back one at a time (long 50 or so metres). I would have preferred a bunch swim. You can just imagine all the mums on the beach hoping little johnie (in my case jeffery) made it back
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
ok - maybe back to square 3, not 1
was a bit disappointed with my ride the other day, so i went out again today (similar conditions - high 30s) but did a shorter ride. I completed 32km and while my heart rate was still high (average 152 bpm) it was not off the scale. I also climbed the KP climb and managed to complete it in 6:08 which for me is close to the fastest i have done it in a while [albeit getting to it after 1 hour/25kms rather than 1 1/2 hours and 50km) and 45 secs quicker than the other day.
So my take is I am less fit, but i am not back to square 1, especially if i havent worked in the garder and i am not physically tired (especially in the lower back and hamstrings) and i am well hydrated (which i probably wasnt the other day).
I have now completed 1470 kms and i only need to find 60 ish kms over the next couple of days to do the 150 i was looking for this week.
So my take is I am less fit, but i am not back to square 1, especially if i havent worked in the garder and i am not physically tired (especially in the lower back and hamstrings) and i am well hydrated (which i probably wasnt the other day).
I have now completed 1470 kms and i only need to find 60 ish kms over the next couple of days to do the 150 i was looking for this week.
Monday, February 25, 2008
back to square 1
well it seems my riding fitness has fallen dramatically. went for a ride today (it was bloody hot) after doing 3 hours in the garden this morning. I managed to complete 64km, but i was over my limit the whole way and I had to stop and get some more fluids.
I did the shelley loop, the normal way - anticlockwise -after riding around the south perth foreshore to the narrows. Just after i turned onto the fwy bike path a guy passed me so i chased him to get a tow. in the end i didnt really get a tow as i had to work hard just to stay on his wheel. We went up the fwy at >30km/h which in my condition was a bit quick. My heart rate average was 170bpm for the 11km I chased him.
Once we parted company I slowed down and basically slogged it out to get home (still 38kms to go). my speed average dropped to 26 km/h and i really struggled. after another 11km I had to call into a service station and buy two more drinks - i had already drunk my two - otherwise i am not sure i would of made it home.
I completed the ride by riding back down the fwy and then around to UWA (into the afternoon sea breeze) and then up through Kings Park (my climb time for the 2.2km climb was off by 30 secs which is another indication of my fatigue and fitness slipping). Finally I went through Subi, Leederville and home.
Took some photos of the local bird life by the river. Arent pelicans cute (not). The other birds, Black Swans, are part of the State's Emblem.
I have now completed 1435km of the 10000
I did the shelley loop, the normal way - anticlockwise -after riding around the south perth foreshore to the narrows. Just after i turned onto the fwy bike path a guy passed me so i chased him to get a tow. in the end i didnt really get a tow as i had to work hard just to stay on his wheel. We went up the fwy at >30km/h which in my condition was a bit quick. My heart rate average was 170bpm for the 11km I chased him.
Once we parted company I slowed down and basically slogged it out to get home (still 38kms to go). my speed average dropped to 26 km/h and i really struggled. after another 11km I had to call into a service station and buy two more drinks - i had already drunk my two - otherwise i am not sure i would of made it home.
I completed the ride by riding back down the fwy and then around to UWA (into the afternoon sea breeze) and then up through Kings Park (my climb time for the 2.2km climb was off by 30 secs which is another indication of my fatigue and fitness slipping). Finally I went through Subi, Leederville and home.
Took some photos of the local bird life by the river. Arent pelicans cute (not). The other birds, Black Swans, are part of the State's Emblem.
I have now completed 1435km of the 10000
Sunday, February 24, 2008
riding has gone out of the window
over the past month my KMs have been right down. I now need to start building them up again. I need to do at least 150km this week so i will need to ride at least 3-4 times.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
57km - great way to start the day
Got up when Sue went to work and went for a ride. It was "fresh" with only a light breeze blowing. As i havent done much riding over the past 3 weeks I took it easy, riding around Shelley Loop and then up into Kings Park. Overall I was pretty good, but it is amazing how quick you lose riding hardness (my heart rate was quick to jump up again when i put any pressure on).
Stopped at Cranked for a coffee on the way home (best long black i have had for a while). Seems like people have now found this place as it was packed.
1375km down. I have slipped back a little on the target (should be at 1600km). but i can catch up once i finish the backyard
Stopped at Cranked for a coffee on the way home (best long black i have had for a while). Seems like people have now found this place as it was packed.
1375km down. I have slipped back a little on the target (should be at 1600km). but i can catch up once i finish the backyard
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
57km - bloody hot and windy
went out for a ride this afternoon after getting home from french class. Left around 2.30pm and got home after stopping for a drink in leederville (Green & Cock)
managed to do 57km total with 55 of them before i stopped for a drink. I was pretty dehydrated by the time i stopped despite drinking 2 L of water while riding.
Couple of photos - lanterns in cafe and bike at cafe. HOw cool are the lights?
managed to do 57km total with 55 of them before i stopped for a drink. I was pretty dehydrated by the time i stopped despite drinking 2 L of water while riding.
Couple of photos - lanterns in cafe and bike at cafe. HOw cool are the lights?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
40km - what a glorious day
Got up late this morning. Sue headed off for breakfast with friends and I went for a ride. there was a pretty strong easterly blowing but the temperature was great. there were lots of people out on the paths. Did a relatively short ride (still trying to balance the demolition work with the riding so i dont kill myself).
Clocked up 40kms so I have now completed 1265kms. I was a bit under my 200/week last week and this week but overall i am still on track.
Followed these two riders along mounts bay road (doesnt look like they are doing ovree 30kmh does it). Look at the boats and the blue sky (another great day in paradise)
Clocked up 40kms so I have now completed 1265kms. I was a bit under my 200/week last week and this week but overall i am still on track.
Followed these two riders along mounts bay road (doesnt look like they are doing ovree 30kmh does it). Look at the boats and the blue sky (another great day in paradise)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Rainy Day in Paradise - 57km
Wasnt intending to ride today because it started raining last night for the first time in 40+ days and it continued to persist down through the day. Spent a couple of hours cleaning downstairs and then thought bugger it. As the saying goes you only get wet once (and i did).
Did the shelley loop backwards and there was plenty of water laying around so we have had a good downpour.
I was pretty much out on my own (apparently only fools and anglais/australien - thats me in french so they tell me - go out in pouring rain). covered 57km but i felt good and the pace was pretty good. I am now over 1200km down.
Took a picture of the city from Canning Bridge
Did the shelley loop backwards and there was plenty of water laying around so we have had a good downpour.
I was pretty much out on my own (apparently only fools and anglais/australien - thats me in french so they tell me - go out in pouring rain). covered 57km but i felt good and the pace was pretty good. I am now over 1200km down.
Took a picture of the city from Canning Bridge
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