So annoyed, I won't repeat what I said to it yesterday morning. So annoyed, it's going back to where I bought it.
I hopped on the bike, intending to ride for at least half an hour to 45 min. At ten minutes, the flywheel started to stiffen up, slowing me down, then it would ease up, and I'd be almost freewheeling... it did this a dozen times before grinding to a complete lockup. I had to get off the bike, wiggle the flywheel back and forth before it let go.
So mad!! Just bought it last year, I would expect it to last longer than this! We'll see if the shop can do anything...
The good news is, I got to try out my Real Rides Grand Canyon (even though I wasn't able to finish it)... and I did do some yoga instead, which I needed.
Still busy with the holidays! Helped some family friends move all day yesterday, had other friends over for dinner, working a few hours today, back to helping move, then having my cousin and her family for dinner! Crazy, but I'd rather be busy than not!
Showing posts with label Tri Equipment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tri Equipment. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Techno Spin and New Treadmill
When I spin at home, I haven't really been following a specific program, other than "ride for 30 minutes" (which, I know, isn't long enough). So usually what I do is put the iPod on shuffle, and go with what the music tells me.
I have a wide variety of music on that thing, but for some reason today's main feature was techno/ electronica. I usually skip the stuff (which is allowed), but today it just worked-- got me in a rhythm at about 80-85 rpm. I even shifted down a little for more resistance.
As great as the steady bass is for cadence/tempo, gotta have some rock to really grind and push. "Cherub Rock" by Smashing Pumpkins came on, and I really started to crank! It came on at the perfect time, around 25 minutes in for a strong finish.
Cooldown was a 5 minute slow spin, then 5 minutes on Nicole's new treadmill! (Plus about 7 mins ab work, 10 mins stretch)
Yep, Santa came yesterday. Thankfully, I was able to get some help getting it downstairs before she got home from work. I was even able to put it together, and make up an excuse to bring her downstairs.
Santa wants us both to get moving, apparently.
Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Techno Spin
7
I have a wide variety of music on that thing, but for some reason today's main feature was techno/ electronica. I usually skip the stuff (which is allowed), but today it just worked-- got me in a rhythm at about 80-85 rpm. I even shifted down a little for more resistance.
As great as the steady bass is for cadence/tempo, gotta have some rock to really grind and push. "Cherub Rock" by Smashing Pumpkins came on, and I really started to crank! It came on at the perfect time, around 25 minutes in for a strong finish.
Cooldown was a 5 minute slow spin, then 5 minutes on Nicole's new treadmill! (Plus about 7 mins ab work, 10 mins stretch)
Yep, Santa came yesterday. Thankfully, I was able to get some help getting it downstairs before she got home from work. I was even able to put it together, and make up an excuse to bring her downstairs.
Santa wants us both to get moving, apparently.
Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Techno Spin
7
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
More Data, Gearing and Highwood Plans
Went on a bit of a shopping spree yesterday at MEC. Like a kid at a candy store!
The main thing was to replace the pilfered pack and it's contents. You can never have too many spare tubes, either. Or snacks: Clif bars, Clif Shot Bloks, Honey Stingers, Sharkies... And having lots of water is important too, so I broke down and bought a Platypus "bladder" for the backpack.
I've been thinking about picking up a cycling computer for a while. A Garmin Edge 705 would be great, but I just can't justify spending $600 on something that only works on my bike, and that--according to my wife-- I'll probably just break/lose anyway. So, in an uncharacteristic move, I went for the cheapest 'puter I could find. 22 bucks for speed, odometer, tripmeter, clock, and cadence. That's all I need right now-- we'll see how well I've calibrated and installed them. Yep, got one for my gal, too. She knows generally what her cadence should be, so now she'll be able to see if she's over or under.
***
I also made a brief stop at Pedalhead to chat with the guys about gearing. Nicole rides a Frankenbike that she bought second-hand, and it has a smaller cassette on the back wheel, meaning that her bike is potentially faster, but requires more effort, especially uphill. Pedalhead had suggested rather than a "granny gear" (a third smaller, "easier" gear near the pedals), switching the cassette for a slightly larger one, ie more teeth, making her gearing slightly easier overall. Since that conversation, I realized that my cassette is larger, and that I could maybe handle the extra effort.
So we're going to experiment. After installing the cycling computer, I swapped our rear wheels, so we can both try the different gearing. I tested both bikes, and had to fine-tune the front derailleur on mine, but hers ran through all the gears no problem. The big test will be tonight-- it's Wicked Wednesday.
If all goes well, I'll bring the bikes in on Thursday for the swap (so I can get my "fast" wheel back) ;) and we'll be ready to rock up to the Highwood Pass on Saturday!
The plan so far is to meet for breakfast in Canmore at 10am, then be at the gate around 11:30-12:00. We'll ride to the summit (if we can), then probably just head back to the cars. I doubt anyone (aside from me) in our group will want to do the climb twice.
The main thing was to replace the pilfered pack and it's contents. You can never have too many spare tubes, either. Or snacks: Clif bars, Clif Shot Bloks, Honey Stingers, Sharkies... And having lots of water is important too, so I broke down and bought a Platypus "bladder" for the backpack.
I've been thinking about picking up a cycling computer for a while. A Garmin Edge 705 would be great, but I just can't justify spending $600 on something that only works on my bike, and that--according to my wife-- I'll probably just break/lose anyway. So, in an uncharacteristic move, I went for the cheapest 'puter I could find. 22 bucks for speed, odometer, tripmeter, clock, and cadence. That's all I need right now-- we'll see how well I've calibrated and installed them. Yep, got one for my gal, too. She knows generally what her cadence should be, so now she'll be able to see if she's over or under.
***
I also made a brief stop at Pedalhead to chat with the guys about gearing. Nicole rides a Frankenbike that she bought second-hand, and it has a smaller cassette on the back wheel, meaning that her bike is potentially faster, but requires more effort, especially uphill. Pedalhead had suggested rather than a "granny gear" (a third smaller, "easier" gear near the pedals), switching the cassette for a slightly larger one, ie more teeth, making her gearing slightly easier overall. Since that conversation, I realized that my cassette is larger, and that I could maybe handle the extra effort.
So we're going to experiment. After installing the cycling computer, I swapped our rear wheels, so we can both try the different gearing. I tested both bikes, and had to fine-tune the front derailleur on mine, but hers ran through all the gears no problem. The big test will be tonight-- it's Wicked Wednesday.
If all goes well, I'll bring the bikes in on Thursday for the swap (so I can get my "fast" wheel back) ;) and we'll be ready to rock up to the Highwood Pass on Saturday!
The plan so far is to meet for breakfast in Canmore at 10am, then be at the gate around 11:30-12:00. We'll ride to the summit (if we can), then probably just head back to the cars. I doubt anyone (aside from me) in our group will want to do the climb twice.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Getting Used to New Goggles
After taking a rest day Monday, it was back to the pool on Tuesday. Since I had such a great race on Sunday, I decided to go to the deep end. The workout there was 2500m-- not too long.
What killed me were the sprint sets - 4x50m descending on 1:10. That is, do 50m, and whatever time you have left under 1:10 is your rest. Oh, and you have to swim faster each time. It actually felt great, I was able to build gradually, and was going pretty all out by number four. The next set though, was 5x250m at 1500m race pace, and I just couldn't pull it together. I was drained for the first two, sloppy and sluggish. By the third and fourth ones, it was starting to come together, but it still felt relatively sloppy. Oh well.
I started off a little behind, too- trying to adjust the new goggles. They are awesome for visibility: sighting is easier, and I don't have to take them off to see the clock. But for something that suctions to my face that well, it's odd that they leak slightly. After some playing around, I figure I need to just not press them onto my face.
As usual, after the swim, it was onto the deck for abs/pushups with the team. Good times. It's actually getting a little easier, I think. I've decided to do yoga every morning-- I'm on day 4, I think.
Tonight, the hill at Edworthy. I'll bring the camera.
What killed me were the sprint sets - 4x50m descending on 1:10. That is, do 50m, and whatever time you have left under 1:10 is your rest. Oh, and you have to swim faster each time. It actually felt great, I was able to build gradually, and was going pretty all out by number four. The next set though, was 5x250m at 1500m race pace, and I just couldn't pull it together. I was drained for the first two, sloppy and sluggish. By the third and fourth ones, it was starting to come together, but it still felt relatively sloppy. Oh well.
I started off a little behind, too- trying to adjust the new goggles. They are awesome for visibility: sighting is easier, and I don't have to take them off to see the clock. But for something that suctions to my face that well, it's odd that they leak slightly. After some playing around, I figure I need to just not press them onto my face.As usual, after the swim, it was onto the deck for abs/pushups with the team. Good times. It's actually getting a little easier, I think. I've decided to do yoga every morning-- I'm on day 4, I think.
Tonight, the hill at Edworthy. I'll bring the camera.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Adventures With Pedals
Growing up, I had two bikes (not counting the tricycle that I apparently broke). One was "BMX style", and the other was a mountain bike. I remember riding both of these literally ALL THE TIME. The mountain bike was an oversized birthday present when we lived in Lloydminster-- I will always remember the moment I first saw it in the basement cold room. It had actual gears! It seemed like a technological wonder-- and I fell off it all the time. It's a wonder I don't have more scars than I do; and I have quite a few scars.
That mountain bike, as much as I loved it, seems like a clunker compared to the bike I have now. I mean, I need special shoes just to ride the TCX! Sure, I've got a pair of "platform" pedals (which are slightly more advanced than "reglar" pedals, in that they are bigger, for a more stable platform), but as N has recently discovered, those don't provide nearly as much pedaling power as a pair of today's road pedals do. Yes, that's right-- she finally put the pedals Santa brought onto her bike.
I'm sure there are plenty of people out there like myself who are willing to just hop on a bike, and bind their feet to the pedals without thinking. Speaking from personal experience, though it might work for some, I don't recomend this method. You're almost guaranteed to crash-- at low (no) speed, most likely, but still. N is smarter than that, and much more cautious.
Teaching and doing are two very different issues altogether. Though I've never been a bike instructor, I've taught snowboarding, and participated in course development... not that either of those skills were immediately apparent, seeing the fear in N's eyes at the prospect of locking her feet into her pedals on the first ride of the year!
After a little trial and error, we came up with a pretty good progression for learning clipless pedals. She'd had some experience with them on the spin trainer, but it's different when it's on your bike, even if I'm holding onto it, trying to keep it from tipping over. Anyway, here's what we came up with:
After the fact, I found this video:
****
I almost forgot my own adventures... my tri shoes are cracked from using the CrankBrothers Candy pedals that came with my bike : (
Well, they're really designed for mountain-bike shoes, not the stiff plastic soles that my shoes offer. So I decided to spring for a pair of Look Keo pedals-- just the basic ones, though. I'm hoping they'll make my shoes last one more season. The catch is, they're taking a little getting used to! Went for a solo ride yesterday (Saturday) through Fish Creek park (Sicome and back, then west all the way to 37 St and back via residential roads). They were great-- better power transfer, less wobble, but a slightly different unlock, just because of the deeper toe cleat. Didn't actually crash, but was a little worried at times.
Back in Ohio this week, planning to log some miles.
That mountain bike, as much as I loved it, seems like a clunker compared to the bike I have now. I mean, I need special shoes just to ride the TCX! Sure, I've got a pair of "platform" pedals (which are slightly more advanced than "reglar" pedals, in that they are bigger, for a more stable platform), but as N has recently discovered, those don't provide nearly as much pedaling power as a pair of today's road pedals do. Yes, that's right-- she finally put the pedals Santa brought onto her bike.
I'm sure there are plenty of people out there like myself who are willing to just hop on a bike, and bind their feet to the pedals without thinking. Speaking from personal experience, though it might work for some, I don't recomend this method. You're almost guaranteed to crash-- at low (no) speed, most likely, but still. N is smarter than that, and much more cautious.
Teaching and doing are two very different issues altogether. Though I've never been a bike instructor, I've taught snowboarding, and participated in course development... not that either of those skills were immediately apparent, seeing the fear in N's eyes at the prospect of locking her feet into her pedals on the first ride of the year!
After a little trial and error, we came up with a pretty good progression for learning clipless pedals. She'd had some experience with them on the spin trainer, but it's different when it's on your bike, even if I'm holding onto it, trying to keep it from tipping over. Anyway, here's what we came up with:
- Stand over the bike, in front of the seat. Space your feet wider than shoulder-width.
- Choose a leg to stand on. With the other foot, move that pedal to the bottom position-- closest to the ground. Practice clicking in and out of the cleat-- toe in first, then push down. Twist your heel out to disengage.
- Now, click in that one foot, and push off with the other. At this point, just put your weight on the foot that is in, and coast. Brake, and put your foot back on.
- Next, you want to push off, and sit in your seat. Don't worry about clicking your other foot in just yet-- rather, rest it on the pedal, and pedal with the foot that is clicked in. (You need a little momentum to be stable.) Maybe push down on the free pedal with your heel, but just practice gliding for now, and leave that foot free to set down when you brake to a stop.
- Do the same thing, except click your second foot in, pedal a few times, then click that same foot out. To do this, stand up out of the seat, with your first foot in the bottom position, put your weight back on that first foot.
After the fact, I found this video:
****
I almost forgot my own adventures... my tri shoes are cracked from using the CrankBrothers Candy pedals that came with my bike : (
Well, they're really designed for mountain-bike shoes, not the stiff plastic soles that my shoes offer. So I decided to spring for a pair of Look Keo pedals-- just the basic ones, though. I'm hoping they'll make my shoes last one more season. The catch is, they're taking a little getting used to! Went for a solo ride yesterday (Saturday) through Fish Creek park (Sicome and back, then west all the way to 37 St and back via residential roads). They were great-- better power transfer, less wobble, but a slightly different unlock, just because of the deeper toe cleat. Didn't actually crash, but was a little worried at times.
Back in Ohio this week, planning to log some miles.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Right Stuff
The biggest problem I have with living in Calgary is the cold weather. Don't get me wrong, I love to snowboard, and I love the crisp, clean edge the air gets. But my training has always suffered in the winter. It's just too easy to have an excuse. My excuses lately have mostly been "It's too cold, I don't have the right gear" and "It's dark out already"
But, I did manage to get out yesterday-- a nice, sunny day. But I'm finding the air so dry, it's aggravating my asthma, so I have to be even more careful about taking my medication.
As for gear, I think I'll be taking water more often, even on short runs. This month's Runners' World featured an article about running in cold weather, and suggested breathing through the nose is more important so you don't dry out as quickly. My nose is constantly plugged, so a bandana over the mouth might be the way to go...
I'm also thinking about getting another pair of tights that are more suited to cold weather. I'm looking at CW-X Insulator Stabilyx (partly, I admit, because they have cool print ads), or I might just go for the Running Room brand gear.
No matter what it takes, I have to keep running, even if it's only once a week. I'm not a huge fan of track running, though I could do that at the Shawnessy Y if it came down to it... but there's no way I'll be running on a treadmill-- they always seem to jump and skip and catch when I run on any treadmill.
I've taken the bike in for a last tuneup for the winter, before it goes into storage, but I'm thinking it would be great to have a spin trainer like one of these, or this one. I just don't know if I could convince my lovely wife to let me keep the bike in the spare bedroom, or spend the money on the trainer.
But, I did manage to get out yesterday-- a nice, sunny day. But I'm finding the air so dry, it's aggravating my asthma, so I have to be even more careful about taking my medication.
As for gear, I think I'll be taking water more often, even on short runs. This month's Runners' World featured an article about running in cold weather, and suggested breathing through the nose is more important so you don't dry out as quickly. My nose is constantly plugged, so a bandana over the mouth might be the way to go...
I'm also thinking about getting another pair of tights that are more suited to cold weather. I'm looking at CW-X Insulator Stabilyx (partly, I admit, because they have cool print ads), or I might just go for the Running Room brand gear.
No matter what it takes, I have to keep running, even if it's only once a week. I'm not a huge fan of track running, though I could do that at the Shawnessy Y if it came down to it... but there's no way I'll be running on a treadmill-- they always seem to jump and skip and catch when I run on any treadmill.
I've taken the bike in for a last tuneup for the winter, before it goes into storage, but I'm thinking it would be great to have a spin trainer like one of these, or this one. I just don't know if I could convince my lovely wife to let me keep the bike in the spare bedroom, or spend the money on the trainer.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Overdoing the Taper
I really did plan to train this week. I know I can still finish the race (Chaparral Olympic Tri) this weekend, but I'm definitely not in top form. Too stressed from work and Fiji stuff! Ironically, training helps me de-stress...
Had a great time last weekend at N's race, the Strathmore Women's Tri. She did great, I was so proud! I had a blast making signs with the kids-- our neices and nephew-- and really enjoyed just supporting N, talking her through it, and giving a little bit of last minute advice on positioning her bike on the rack and relaxing, having fun! I felt really terrible though when she came in from her bike a little later than I expected, and told me that her front brake rubbed the whole way, until she held it away from the wheel! Well, she won't find it very hard to improve her time next year.
So aside from me freaking out a little about the increased distance and my relative lack of training, I'm pretty excited about this weekend. Going to be super busy though, as I have to go pick up my wetsuit after work, then I'm going to go buy a tri racing suit. In the Sprints, I've been racing with my Tyr knee-length jams, and throwing on a shirt, but for this race and the others I'm planning for next year, I think it's time for a one-piece suit. Maybe the time it saves me in transitions will counteract my training deficiencies. Yeah, right.
At some point either tonight or tomorrow, I have to check out the course. The bike course has a LOT of corners, and I want to make sure I know it well. If I can squeeze in a run tonight, a lap around the run course (which is also part of the bike course) is probably the best option.
Oh, and I also have to pick up my race package tonight. Can't do it tomorrow, as I have a haircut and a Fiji meeting. Hmm... maybe a buzz-cut will make me go faster?
Just kidding, N. (She married me for my hair ;) )
Had a great time last weekend at N's race, the Strathmore Women's Tri. She did great, I was so proud! I had a blast making signs with the kids-- our neices and nephew-- and really enjoyed just supporting N, talking her through it, and giving a little bit of last minute advice on positioning her bike on the rack and relaxing, having fun! I felt really terrible though when she came in from her bike a little later than I expected, and told me that her front brake rubbed the whole way, until she held it away from the wheel! Well, she won't find it very hard to improve her time next year.
So aside from me freaking out a little about the increased distance and my relative lack of training, I'm pretty excited about this weekend. Going to be super busy though, as I have to go pick up my wetsuit after work, then I'm going to go buy a tri racing suit. In the Sprints, I've been racing with my Tyr knee-length jams, and throwing on a shirt, but for this race and the others I'm planning for next year, I think it's time for a one-piece suit. Maybe the time it saves me in transitions will counteract my training deficiencies. Yeah, right.
At some point either tonight or tomorrow, I have to check out the course. The bike course has a LOT of corners, and I want to make sure I know it well. If I can squeeze in a run tonight, a lap around the run course (which is also part of the bike course) is probably the best option.
Oh, and I also have to pick up my race package tonight. Can't do it tomorrow, as I have a haircut and a Fiji meeting. Hmm... maybe a buzz-cut will make me go faster?
Just kidding, N. (She married me for my hair ;) )
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