Comet - Easy Cruise

Route and Ride Data Links:                                           
Garmin - Ride Data
Strava   - Ride Data

Overall Ride Metrics:                                                       

Distance: 40 miles

Avg. Moving Speed: 17.8  mph

Moving Time:   2:17:02

Total Time: 2:23:44 

Ride Total TSS: 118 (0.72 IF)

Group or Solo:                                                                  

Solo

Goal:                                                                                 

Spin the cranks at lower intensity L2 endurance

Ride Description:                                                            

Lots of people to keep my pace from getting out of control. It was a good day just to be out and even if it wasn't crowded enough to keep my pace down, my legs were pretty much toast from yesterday's 80 mile ride and previous days of training.

Weather:                                                                          
Awesome!, sunny, 70's F, slight breeze 

Nutrition Intake During and after the Course:             

24 oz from Bottle #1 water, BCAA, Glutamine, maltodextrin
Hammer gel @ mile 20
Post Ride | 30 gram protein drink
Home | Beef, pasta, skim milk

Bike:                                                                                  

LOOK 585,  Garmin 800, Powertap G3, HED Belgium/Conti 4000s @ 95 psi

Overall Power Data:                                                        
Entire workout (143 watts):
Duration: 2:17:02 (2:23:44)
Work: 1177 kJ
TSS: 118.1 (intensity factor 0.72)
Norm Power: 155
VI: 1.08
Distance: 40.63 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 455 143 watts
Cadence: 1 104 74 rpm
Speed: 0 24.1 17.8 mph
Pace 2:29 0:00 3:22 min/mi
Crank Torque: 0 1590 167 lb-in
 
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Brewery to 411 - Solo Endurance Level

Route and Ride Data Links:                                           
Garmin - Ride Data
Strava   - Ride Data

Overall Ride Metrics:                                                       

Distance: 80 miles

Avg. Moving Speed: 17.7  mph

Moving Time:   4:32:25

Total Time: 4:37:26 

Ride Total TSS: 238 ( 0.72 IF)

Group or Solo:                                                                  

Solo

Goal:                                                                                 

Endurance (L2) type ride

Ride Description:                                                            

Really awesome weather and ride and I cannot believe there are not more out there enjoying this type of fall weather before the temperatures really start to dip. Oh well....not my problem as I enjoyed a 4+ hour solo ride on my usual route. I met my goals for today, which was keeping my intensity around 0.7 IF, 4 hours pedaling and close to 200 TSS.

The headwinds on the ride up were not too bad and on the way back just made it all seem sweeter even though I still kept my cadence fairly steady. The most unfortunate part of the day was seeing one of the few cyclist out today limping on the side of the road, but before I got up to them three dogs came out chasing hard with one showing teeth. I assumed that maybe the dogs made her crash. Bad news was one of the dogs bit her and spoiled her fine day on the bike. I imagine that will send her to urgent care and maybe shots.
 

Weather:                                                                          
Mostly clear and sunny, wind from NNW, 53F start, 70F finish

Nutrition Intake During and after the Course:             

24 oz from Bottle #1 water, BCAA, Glutamine, maltodextrin
10 oz from Bottle #2 water, BCAA, Glutamine, maltodextrin
Hammer gel @ mile 20
Cliff Bar @ mile 40
Post Ride | 30 gram protein drink
Home | green leaf salad with grilled chicken

Bike:                                                                                  

Felt B10, Garmin 800, Quarq, Flo 60's/Michelin Pro 4's @ 95 psi

Overall Power Data:                                                        
Entire workout (136 watts):
Duration: 4:32:25 (4:37:26)
Work: 2219 kJ
TSS: 238.1 (intensity factor 0.725)
Norm Power: 156
VI: 1.15
Distance: 80.159 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 410 136 watts
Cadence: 9 109 76 rpm
Speed: 0 33.1 17.7 mph
Pace 1:49 0:00 3:23 min/mi
Crank Torque: 0 821 155 lb-in

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BBC31 - Solo

Route and Ride Data Links:                                           
Garmin - Ride Data
Strava   - Ride Data

Overall Ride Metrics:                                                       

Distance: 31 miles

Avg. Moving Speed: 18 mph

Moving Time:   1:43:55  

Total Time: 1:45:28  

Ride Total TSS: 115 (0.8 IF)

Group or Solo:                                                                  

Solo

Goal:                                                                                 

Just see what I can do.

Ride Description:                                                            

I gave it all I could with the amount of fatigue already on my legs. I was a couple minutes over my best time. Except for a few passing cars, I just about had the entire route to myself. It sure beats sitting on the trainer today. Loved being outside and on the bike.

Weather:                                                                          
Heavy to partly cloudy, light drizzle at start, nice at the end, headwind, 70 F

Nutrition Intake During and after the Course:             

10 oz from Bottle #1 water, BCAA, Glutamine, maltodextrin
Post Ride | 30 gram protein drink
Home | Roast beef, carrots, potatoes, skim milk

Bike:                                                                                  

LOOK 585,  Garmin 800, Powertap G3, HED Belgium/Conti 4000s @ 95 psi

Overall Power Data:                                                        
Entire workout (158 watts):
Duration: 1:43:55 (1:45:28)
Work: 982 kJ
TSS: 115.2 (intensity factor 0.817)
Norm Power: 176
VI: 1.12
Distance: 31.187 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 552 158 watts
Cadence: 5 142 76 rpm
Speed: 2.8 34.8 18.1 mph
Pace 1:43 21:27 3:19 min/mi
Crank Torque: 0 1383 175 lb-in
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Finally got an out front computer mount with some bling points

 

 

 

 

Brewery - JRA Solo

My Pack Mule

Route and Ride Data Links:                                           
Garmin - Ride Data
Strava   - Ride Data

Overall Ride Metrics:                                                       

Distance: 67 miles

Avg. Moving Speed: 17 mph

Moving Time:   3:58:19

Total Time:  4:07:53

Ride Total TSS: 197 (0.7 IF)

Group or Solo:                                                                  

Solo

Goal:                                                                                 

Saddle time at Endurance L2 +/- for about 4 hours

Ride Description:                                                            

Wet for the most part. The more I pushed to the north on my typical route the darker and more rain. It wasn't so much about the rain, but I only had one small red light clipped to the back of my helmet. Most of the cars passing me had their lights on with some of them flashing their lights at me. I understood that it was hard for them to see me and the conditions looked even worse ahead.

I turned back to the brewery and back into lighter rain or even no rain at times. I went toward Adairsville to get a taste of the 75 Hill and tack on a few more miles before returning to the brewery.

As it would go the sun came out in the last miles. Good to be spinning the cranks anyway.

Weather:                                                                          
 70 F, dark heavy clouds and rain toward the north, partly cloudy toward the end.

Nutrition Intake During and after the Course:             

24 oz from Bottle #1 water, BCAA, Glutamine, maltodextrin
Hammer gel @ mile 20
Post Ride | 30 gram protein drink
Home | Roast beef wrap, skim milk

Bike:                                                                                  

Felt B10, Garmin 800, Quarq, Flo 60's/Michelin Pro 4's @ 95 psi

Overall Power Data:                                                        
Entire workout (124 watts):
Duration: 3:58:19 (4:07:53)
Work: 1769 kJ
TSS: 197.1 (intensity factor 0.705)
Norm Power: 152
VI: 1.22
Distance: 66.951 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 459 124 watts
Cadence: 5 104 73 rpm
Speed: 0 34.9 17.1 mph
Pace 1:43 0:00 3:31 min/mi
Crank Torque: 0 1577 147 lb-in
 
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Rain is over

Not a half bad view consider the first miles were in the rain

Sportful Hot Pack Ultra Vest

Sportful Hot Pack Ultra Vest



I looked around for a very lightweight (very packable) vest that would take up the least amount of space in one of the rear jersey pockets for use during those transition weeks where the temperature is a cool start, but then warms up. Another situation that comes up in a chilly long descent.

Although this is a pricey vest it is worth it to me to get something that will help block the wind for temporary situations and then I can store it for the remainder of the ride. Most of the lightweight vests that appeared to be packable like this were in the same price range, which is close to $100 US. I ordered this vest from Competitive Cyclist.

When you feel this material in your hands it seems super fragile, but I think with being careful it should last a few seasons of selective use. I have a heavier Pearl Izumi vest for situations where I need a wind block for the full duration of the ride and the need to pack is not as crucial and of course the next step in chilly weather I just use a soft shell form fitting jacket (more like a jersey) with wind front and the chest and sleeves.

For fit the sizing chart worked for me. I am a stocky build at 5'6" and ordered a medium. It is tight enough over my winter cycling jersey and yet not so tight that I am limited in motion. Wind flap should be minimal compared to my other vest and wind shells.

39 grams claimed weight

Weight on a certified scale rounds up to 39 grams.

Silver in color and bit transparent with metal zipper. Light mesh on sides.

Small rear pocket big enough for iPhone 5 or equivalent sized objects

Reflective trim around the rear pocket and near the collar

 

Very packable and will save some rear jersey pocket real estate for other necessities

August and September Reflection

August



Click to enlarge
 

September



Click to enlarge

 

Click to enlarge

Comet - TT Bike Cruise

Route and Ride Data Links:                                           
Garmin - Ride Data
Strava   - Ride Data

Overall Ride Metrics:                                                       

Distance:40 miles

Avg. Moving Speed: 18.3  mph

Moving Time: 2:13

Total Time: 2:16 

Ride Total TSS: 109 (0.7 IF)

Group or Solo:                                                                  

Solo

Goal:                                                                                 

Just ride

Ride Description:                                                            

Just an out and back steady pace type of ride. Main goal just enjoy the day out and the remaining moderate days before it turns cold again. Seemed like a short summer.

Weather:                                                                          
Mostly sunny, slight breeze, mid 60's (F) 

Nutrition Intake During and after the Course:             

24 oz from Bottle #1 water, BCAA, Glutamine, maltodextrin
24 oz from Bottle #2 water, BCAA, Glutamine, maltodextrin
Hammer gel @ mile 20
Post Ride | 30 gram protein drink, Larabar
Home | Smoothie and more protein

Bike:                                                                                  

Felt B10, Garmin 800, Quarq, Flo 60's/Michelin Pro 4's @ 110 psi

Overall Power Data:                                                        
Entire workout (140 watts):
Duration: 2:13:15 (2:16:30)
Work: 1119 kJ
TSS: 109.2 (intensity factor 0.703)
Norm Power: 151
VI: 1.08
Distance: 40.483 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 462 140 watts
Cadence: 7 93 77 rpm
Speed: 0 26.7 18.3 mph
Pace 2:15 0:00 3:17 min/mi
Altitude: 925 1263 1091 ft
Crank Torque: 0 1774 158 lb-in
 
_____________________________________________
 

Armuchee Group Ride

 

 

Route and Ride Data Links:                                           
Garmin - Ride Data
Strava   - Ride Data

Overall Ride Metrics:                                                       

Distance:  miles

Avg. Moving Speed:   mph

Moving Time:  4:15:38

Total Time: 4:40:27 

Ride Total TSS:  233 (0.74 IF)

Group or Solo:                                                                  

With Mike Q., Gary and Neal

Goal:                                                                                 

Group ride

Ride Description:                                                            

This has to be in the top 3 of my favorite routes in North Georgia and throw in a great group of guys to ride with me it was an awesome day. Our goal was to take it easy and just enjoy the route, but even with that goal the course itself has a few challenges.

We rolled out from the Armuchee Middle School about 8:30 this morning and were all a bit chilled. Just a week ago we were sweating in 80 degree temperatures and this is the coldest morning we have started in since the end of last winter. Not much time to get adjusted to the cooler temps. I was fairly comfortable in a summer kit with a vest and arm coolers.

With just four of us we each had some good long turns on the front and a few of those driving against headwinds. Other than climbing up Fouche Gap Road the rest of it felt like a fairly comfortable pace. It was a great day out cycling with the guys.

Weather:                                                                          
47 (F) start, 62 (F) finish, stiff wind from N, partly cloudy

Nutrition Intake During and after the Course:             

24 oz from Bottle #1 water, BCAA, Glutamine, maltodextrin
Hammer gel @ mile 20
Cliff Bar @ mile 30
Post Ride | 30 gram protein drink, Larabar
Home | Chili, cornbread and skim milk

Bike:                                                                                  

LOOK 585,  Garmin 800, Powertap G3, HED Belgium/Conti 4000s @ 95 psi

Overall Power Data:                                                        
Entire workout (121 watts):
Duration: 4:15:38 (4:40:27)
Work: 1849 kJ
TSS: 233 (intensity factor 0.74)
Norm Power: 159
VI: 1.32
Distance: 67.899 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 501 121 watts
Cadence: 1 218 68 rpm
Speed: 0 32.7 16.0 mph
Pace 1:50 0:00 3:45 min/mi
Crank Torque: 0 1679 149 lb-in
 
_____________________________________________
 

Mike Q.

Neal



Gary

 

XLAB Options

XLAB:   Options to help extend the miles                                        

 Even though I love training and improving performance the one thing I am not going to drop is a fondness for cycling in a recreational manner. It works well in my training structure to have a long endurance (L2) type ride on most Saturdays. On these rides I am typically solo and venture out on routes that are self-supported. It is during the hottest months that I find a need for a third bottle. I can usually do these 80+ mile routes in the cooler months with just two bottles and use the Mini Cage Pod.

By added the behind the seat bottle cage mount I needed to find an option to carry a few more items that I cannot stuff into my already over stuffed jersey pockets. The following items from XLAB are what I plan to use to roll those longer distances and keep it a little sleeker.

The two pockets will be used a bit different than their intended use, which were intended to be mounted behind the headset. In this case I am inverting the pockets and using them behind the seat post to fit under the bottle mount. I tried a couple other bags, but none would fit.

• Delta 100 Bottle Seat Rail Mount
• Gorilla XT Bottle Cage 
• Mini Cage Pod
• Stealth Pocket 100
• Rocket Pocket XL

Just a note about the pictures that I have not decided the arrangement and use of the pockets so the Velcro straps have not been cut to reduce the overlap. Once I decide which bag to use behind the seat I will cut the straps.



Mini Cage Pod - Inside holds 2 air cartridges, 2 tire tools, mini tool, tube with 60mm valve. This setup works fine for shorter routes where a third bottle is not needed.

Rocket Pocket XL on seat post and Stealth Pocket 100 up front

XLAB Rocket Pocket XL - Intended for the top tube, but this works on the seat post as well if a rear bottle mount is used. Most typical seat bags will not work with the rear bottle mount.

Stealth Pocket 100

Once I cut the straps the bag is just about hidden behind the seat post. This is the case for both the Rocket Pocket XL and the Stealth Pocket

Stealth Pocket typically used on the top tube, but in this case it inverted and used behind the seat post as a replacement to a typical seat bag