I was able to put on the extra miles this week!
I started the week with 41 miles on Sunday morning. It was good group ride with a few attacks and sprints to keep things interesting. Wednesday was a 23 miler from SAS that took me to the edge of western Cary and a goose crossing. Friday, today, was a 20 miler with the SAS Pro Team and I got dropped as usual, but had a partner in crime to ride the rest of the way back.
The body is feeling good after 84 miles this week. I going to try to get in another 40 plus mile ride over the weekend as I need to build up to 50,60 and finally 70 miles before the Jimmy V Ride for Cancer Research.
Unfortunately the donations fell off this week after a super-strong first 2 weeks that got me to 70% of my goal. No pressure here, the net difference will come out of the kids college fund. ;-)
But seriously, Thank YOU to everyone who has already donated!!
Whether you've donated, are thinking about donating or just can't do it right now, please spread the word to friends and family who might want to support this cause.
Thank you, and have a great weekend everyone!
- Dwight.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Hot Hot Hot
Yep, the ride was HOT today. It was actually in the 80's but the humidty was in the 80's as well so it felt way hotter!
Great ride though!
I left with the SAS "pro team" and was able to hang on for almost half the ride. I dropped back right before we made the turn on "up chuck" and finally lost site of them by the time I got to Green Hope High. Luckily another rider dropped back as well and we rode the rest of the way together.
We took a slightly different route to what I normally ride back to SAS.
Came back on High House to Davis and then cut through the Preston neighborhood coming out on Morrisville Parkway (the road with the big up hill). At Chapel Hill road, rather than going back to Cary Pkwy like I normally do we went back to Weston and did the many climbs that it takes to get back to Harrison Ave and SAS.
Given the heat and hard start I think I did pretty well.
Ended up with about 20 miles and no "events" on the ride today.
- Dwight.
Great ride though!
I left with the SAS "pro team" and was able to hang on for almost half the ride. I dropped back right before we made the turn on "up chuck" and finally lost site of them by the time I got to Green Hope High. Luckily another rider dropped back as well and we rode the rest of the way together.
We took a slightly different route to what I normally ride back to SAS.
Came back on High House to Davis and then cut through the Preston neighborhood coming out on Morrisville Parkway (the road with the big up hill). At Chapel Hill road, rather than going back to Cary Pkwy like I normally do we went back to Weston and did the many climbs that it takes to get back to Harrison Ave and SAS.
Given the heat and hard start I think I did pretty well.
Ended up with about 20 miles and no "events" on the ride today.
- Dwight.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
23 miles and almost got drenched
Missed a downpour by 5 minutes!
I did the medium SAS route today that's touted as 25 miles but I somehow end up with 23.3 every time. :) My average speed went up a little today to 16.6 from 16.2 last week. I was at almost 17 before the last couple of hills bit me.
Oh yeah, did the "break away" again, but only lead the main group by 5 minutes today. They still didn't catch me so I guess it's time to go ahead and ride out with them. I'll just have to suck it up while they pound through the first few miles that should be a warm-up.
The ride did start out a little bumpy. Dropped my chain at the light turning left onto Weston. This is a busy intersection where you really don't want to do that! Luckily there were some nice motorists who let me recover and pedal through.
Then, later on Weston there was some construction where they created about 6 "speed bumps" spaced about 20 feet apart. Well the last one threw my water bottle (OK it was store bought gator aid bottle - that's another story) and it skid behind me for 30 feet or so almost catching me while I came to a stop.
Speaking of speed bumps, I decided to hit the 10 mph bump I mentioned last week even faster today and did it at almost 12 mph, but paid for it. I forgot that it's a false plateau and the hill keeps going up. :( OUCH!
Ended the ride by going through the Apartment complex that corners Cary Pkwy and Chapel Hill road and then up hill the rest of the way back to SAS.
By the time I showered and got back to my office it was pouring outside. Great timing!!
- Moot
I did the medium SAS route today that's touted as 25 miles but I somehow end up with 23.3 every time. :) My average speed went up a little today to 16.6 from 16.2 last week. I was at almost 17 before the last couple of hills bit me.
Oh yeah, did the "break away" again, but only lead the main group by 5 minutes today. They still didn't catch me so I guess it's time to go ahead and ride out with them. I'll just have to suck it up while they pound through the first few miles that should be a warm-up.
The ride did start out a little bumpy. Dropped my chain at the light turning left onto Weston. This is a busy intersection where you really don't want to do that! Luckily there were some nice motorists who let me recover and pedal through.
Then, later on Weston there was some construction where they created about 6 "speed bumps" spaced about 20 feet apart. Well the last one threw my water bottle (OK it was store bought gator aid bottle - that's another story) and it skid behind me for 30 feet or so almost catching me while I came to a stop.
Speaking of speed bumps, I decided to hit the 10 mph bump I mentioned last week even faster today and did it at almost 12 mph, but paid for it. I forgot that it's a false plateau and the hill keeps going up. :( OUCH!
Ended the ride by going through the Apartment complex that corners Cary Pkwy and Chapel Hill road and then up hill the rest of the way back to SAS.
By the time I showered and got back to my office it was pouring outside. Great timing!!
- Moot
Monday, July 27, 2009
Rest Day
Didn't intend for it to be a day of rest, but I just didn't get the time to work out. I'm definitely riding on Wednesday (weather permitting) so I'm going to either swim or do weights on Tuesday. I'll post the outcome later.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Hot and Humid but mostly Humid
Decided to ride with the Thorns and Roses today. Since they typically do 30 miles on Sundays I did 10 miles before meeting up with them at Caribou Coffee on High House at 7:30.
It took a while to roll out, mainly due to the ride leader not being there. They'll post details of the ride later in the week on their blog http://trailsandtrib.blogspot.com/ so rather than go into it now, I'll let you check it out as detailed by the ride leaders.
In summary, we went out to Jordan Lake and back. There were two designated sprints, both of which I wasn't ready for. There's also a part of the ride that goes through a super hilly neighborhood. I've decided to own that one and be first up the last hill before we take a left and head back to Cary.
Great ride completing 41 miles total with an average speed of 17.2.
- Dwight.
It took a while to roll out, mainly due to the ride leader not being there. They'll post details of the ride later in the week on their blog http://trailsandtrib.blogspot.com/ so rather than go into it now, I'll let you check it out as detailed by the ride leaders.
In summary, we went out to Jordan Lake and back. There were two designated sprints, both of which I wasn't ready for. There's also a part of the ride that goes through a super hilly neighborhood. I've decided to own that one and be first up the last hill before we take a left and head back to Cary.
Great ride completing 41 miles total with an average speed of 17.2.
- Dwight.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Week 2 Summary of training for Jimmy V Ride
What a great week.
As I promised last week, I increased my mileage. The total, including the ride home from work later today, was 58 miles. There were a few interesting moments but overall a great week of riding. Feel free to read my earlier posts for more details.
The best part of the week however was what happened to my fund raising total. Since last Friday's post my percent to goal for the Jimmy V Ride for Cancer Research went from 34% to 70% as of noon today!!
Thank you to everyone who donated!!! Please continue to spread the word by passing a link to this blog or my fund raising page to anyone you think would be interested.
I still have a little ways to go so I'm making another plea to anyone who hasn't considered making a donation yet. This is a great cause and the process is extremely easy. A side benefit is that I won't ask for further donations once I reach my goal. :)
Please visit this site every week to get an update on the fund raising and my training for the ride.
- Dwight.
As I promised last week, I increased my mileage. The total, including the ride home from work later today, was 58 miles. There were a few interesting moments but overall a great week of riding. Feel free to read my earlier posts for more details.
The best part of the week however was what happened to my fund raising total. Since last Friday's post my percent to goal for the Jimmy V Ride for Cancer Research went from 34% to 70% as of noon today!!
Thank you to everyone who donated!!! Please continue to spread the word by passing a link to this blog or my fund raising page to anyone you think would be interested.
I still have a little ways to go so I'm making another plea to anyone who hasn't considered making a donation yet. This is a great cause and the process is extremely easy. A side benefit is that I won't ask for further donations once I reach my goal. :)
Please visit this site every week to get an update on the fund raising and my training for the ride.
- Dwight.
Friday's Ride
Great ride to work today. My "long route" ended up being 12.5 miles with an average speed of 16.5. Not too bad with having a lot of traffic lights to deal with.
Took the route that had me crossing Davis Dr and circling back through Morrisville. Went past Green Hope High and saw the Drivers Ed. class in session. Glad they were in the parking lot and not on the road. :)
Then headed to Morrisville Carpenter and back to Davis. This was the part that made it a "long route".
Once on Davis there's a quick left to get onto Morrisville Pkwy which goes to Chapel Hill Rd.
I had a personal challenge to "speed" on one section of the road. Right before you get to the final climb up to Chapel Hill there is sign that says "Bump - 10 mph". It's actually a railroad track that's at the top of a steep hill. I decided to take it as a challenge and reached the summit at 11.2 mph! Of course the climb continues right after you cross the tracks so I paid for it a little.
Once reaching Chapel Hill Rd. I ended up inadvertently wasting a bit of time. I usually take a short cut through an apartment complex, but once I was in it they had the road blocked so I had to turn around and wait at a traffic light to turn left. So much for the short cut.
Once back on Chapel Hill Rd. it's a short distance to Cary Parkway and then a couple of miles to SAS and a quick shower. With all the rain last night the bike got pretty grimy so it'll need a shower tonight as well. :)
Overall the ride felt real good.
On a side note, I encountered quite a few polite drivers today. The best was a lady who was in the right turn lane at a traffic light in front of Cary Academy. She waited for me to see if I was turning right. (I was in the next lane going straight but real close to her lane) She actually pulled up beside me and asked if I needed to turn ahead of her. That was awesome. I made to sure to give her a big "Thank You" and let her by.
A summary of the week's rides and fund raising to follow.
Stay safe.
-Dwight
Took the route that had me crossing Davis Dr and circling back through Morrisville. Went past Green Hope High and saw the Drivers Ed. class in session. Glad they were in the parking lot and not on the road. :)
Then headed to Morrisville Carpenter and back to Davis. This was the part that made it a "long route".
Once on Davis there's a quick left to get onto Morrisville Pkwy which goes to Chapel Hill Rd.
I had a personal challenge to "speed" on one section of the road. Right before you get to the final climb up to Chapel Hill there is sign that says "Bump - 10 mph". It's actually a railroad track that's at the top of a steep hill. I decided to take it as a challenge and reached the summit at 11.2 mph! Of course the climb continues right after you cross the tracks so I paid for it a little.
Once reaching Chapel Hill Rd. I ended up inadvertently wasting a bit of time. I usually take a short cut through an apartment complex, but once I was in it they had the road blocked so I had to turn around and wait at a traffic light to turn left. So much for the short cut.
Once back on Chapel Hill Rd. it's a short distance to Cary Parkway and then a couple of miles to SAS and a quick shower. With all the rain last night the bike got pretty grimy so it'll need a shower tonight as well. :)
Overall the ride felt real good.
On a side note, I encountered quite a few polite drivers today. The best was a lady who was in the right turn lane at a traffic light in front of Cary Academy. She waited for me to see if I was turning right. (I was in the next lane going straight but real close to her lane) She actually pulled up beside me and asked if I needed to turn ahead of her. That was awesome. I made to sure to give her a big "Thank You" and let her by.
A summary of the week's rides and fund raising to follow.
Stay safe.
-Dwight
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
About Map my Ride
This is a great concept but I have to say that it needs some work. As you could see from my post on Monday it looks a lot like google maps, but it just doesn't work that way. It takes way too long to get an accurate "turn by turn" map. They have a premium product, so maybe that's where the "easy button" is located. Anyway, I won't be using it much. I might try to just use Google Maps so that so my training is a little more interactive for those following the blog.
Happy Trails.
-Dwight.
Happy Trails.
-Dwight.
Wednesday's Ride
Meant to do 26 miles today but took a wrong turn and did 23.5. Also didn't ride with the SAS group so that I could go longer than normal. I just headed out a few minutes ahead of them and they never caught me. :)
The reason for it is that they usually start out too fast so I end up fading by about mile 10 and then have to limp home. This way I could ride my own pace at the start and finish much stronger. The weather was great but it felt a lot hotter than 80 degrees by the time I rode back to SAS.
By the way, as you can see from the widget on the right, my fund raising for the Jimmy V Ride is at 60% of goal! This is far outpacing my predictions. Thanks to all who have donated!
Have a great Hump Day!
The reason for it is that they usually start out too fast so I end up fading by about mile 10 and then have to limp home. This way I could ride my own pace at the start and finish much stronger. The weather was great but it felt a lot hotter than 80 degrees by the time I rode back to SAS.
By the way, as you can see from the widget on the right, my fund raising for the Jimmy V Ride is at 60% of goal! This is far outpacing my predictions. Thanks to all who have donated!
Have a great Hump Day!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Ride to work
Forced the training today by riding to work. It wasn't a long ride, 7.5 miles, but its mostly uphill. If the weather holds out I'll ride the long way home to get in some extra miles.
Bonus: on ride to work days I usually wear shorts!
Bonus: on ride to work days I usually wear shorts!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Happy Friday
Not so good for Levi of team Astana. Ended up breaking his wrist yesterday and had to retire from the tour. Astana still kept up the pace today though and Lance is still in 3rd only a few seconds off the overall lead.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Maintenance Class
Won't be able to make the free class at Performance Bike of Cary today. It was a good one too, maintaining and adjusting your derailleurs. I'm installing new shifters and cables on the commuter so the timing would have been perfect. Hopefully I can make the next one.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Fuji Team Bike
Just an update on the new bike. Since I got it in February, I've been able to ride at least once a week. Short rides feel absolutely great. The bike is really comfortable. Since I don't do a lot of longer rides I can't really attribute any soreness to the bike itself. That's probably just my conditioning. It's had its first "break in" maintenance and everything checked out great.
Definitely worth the purchase.
My 1997 LeMonde is looking for a new home if anyone is interested. :)
Definitely worth the purchase.
My 1997 LeMonde is looking for a new home if anyone is interested. :)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Shimano pedal update
The shimano pedals felt good at first, but either I have to get used to them or I need to adjust them. The spot behind both of knees was killing me after 10 miles. Hopefully its just a quick adjustment. I'll get to the bike shop later in the week.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
More Running on Saturday
Ran for 48 minutes today. I know why not round up to 50, but that feels like cheating. Not sure how far I went. I'll try to map it out but I need a longer route anyway as I ran out of trail before I ran out of gas. Had to go past the house a couple of blocks and circle back for a cool down.
Thanks to everyone who has donated to the Jimmy V Foundation so far! I'm up to $145 but still have a long way to go to reach my $500 goal. Remember, any amount helps.
Just go to http://www.firstgiving.com/dwightmouton to make your secure donation.
- Dwight
Thanks to everyone who has donated to the Jimmy V Foundation so far! I'm up to $145 but still have a long way to go to reach my $500 goal. Remember, any amount helps.
Just go to http://www.firstgiving.com/dwightmouton to make your secure donation.
- Dwight
Friday, July 10, 2009
Had 19 miles for Lunch
Can't buy that at Subway! Averaged 17 mph, mostly pushed by two of the faster riders at SAS. At the halfway point they finally dropped me, I mean I let them go :) . Looking to get in a longer ride this weekend, maybe 30 to 35 miles.
- Moot
- Moot
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Installed new pedals
Finally upgraded to real road pedals. Put on the Shimano Ultegra 6620's. They aren't the super-lite race versions, but for the price and my level they are plenty good enough. Tying them out tomorrow. Looks like a great day to ride, 86 for the high and clear!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Run first
Started off the training with a short run last night, just over 3 miles. Way too slow, but it was my first run in over 3 weeks. Hope to get on the bike this week but the schedule is way crazy so I'll have to see how it pans out.
More later...
I just signed up for the 2009 Jimmy V Ride for Research in Cary NC. Follow this link to get more information and donate to the cause. http://www.firstgiving.com/dwightmouton
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