Monday, November 22, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Epilogue
Now that I'm back, I had time to jot down a few final thoughts and memories about my recent ride for Alyn Hospital.
It's a daunting thought that I was among the more normal people on the challenge ride. But being around a bunch of "unsual" people for five days was one of its charms.
A few examples:
Two guys paid extra so that they could room alone. Reason: so that they could bring their bikes into their rooms at night.
A 65 year old rider from Finland had done 39 century rides through Europe this summer before joining us on the ride.
One rider, from Bet Shemesh, rides 3 hours or more every day, six days a week. His only day of rest, appropriately, is the Sabbath.
But the best example of lunacy happened on Tuesday's climb of Maale Akrabim. Since I am relatively slow and was not confident of my ability to actually get to the top, I purposely started last (I ended up passing quite a few riders and a number of others ditched in the middle). I had mashed my way up about 2/3 of the hill when a rider from Chicago, came bombing down. He was yelling something as he passed me but I couldn't quite make it out. When I triumphantly made it to the top I found out that he had challenged some of the other riders that he would go down and up Maale Akrabim again if they would collectively contribute an extra $1000 to Alyn. Of course they took the bait. And, of course, he made it back up (not before me; that would have been incredibly humiliating).
All in all, I was very happy with both the ride and my riding. I struggled mightily the first day (for reasons that I still don't fully understand) but I did better the rest of the way. (In contrast, a number of riders blew themselves up the first day trying to follow the pace of the alpha dogs and struggled the rest of the way). I made it up every hill without having to stop or get off my bike. There are definately a couple of things I need to work on for next year (more weight work and more intense interval training) but, all-in-all, I'm pretty happy about how I rode.
The final adjusted stats: 26 hours on the bike, 345 miles, over 18,000 feet of climbing and about 13,000 calories burned. My average heart rate was 149.
The two highlights of my ride were, first, finally climbing Maale Akrabim, the steepest, most technical and most difficult climb I've ever done. It was exhilirating to make it to the top, especially since, the night before, exhausted by our 85 mile ride, I thought I had no chance. The second highlight was riding two days with Zev. What a great experience!
But, at the end of the day, the thought that sticks with me is how blessed Sara and I have been to have raised four healthy children and now to have the opportunity to raise a fifth. Seeing the profound, almost indescribable, challenges faced by the children of Alyn really brings that home. And seeing the unbelievable dedication of the professionals and staffers of Alyn makes me proud to be associated with such an amazing place.
I would be lying to say that I ride for the kids of Alyn. That's simply not the case. I ride because I love to ride, Israel is an amazing place to ride and we've had one or more of our kids living or studying there for most of the past ten years. But knowing that, with your help, my riding has raised about $140,000 over six years, makes every pedal stroke and every groan well worth it.
It's a daunting thought that I was among the more normal people on the challenge ride. But being around a bunch of "unsual" people for five days was one of its charms.
A few examples:
Two guys paid extra so that they could room alone. Reason: so that they could bring their bikes into their rooms at night.
A 65 year old rider from Finland had done 39 century rides through Europe this summer before joining us on the ride.
One rider, from Bet Shemesh, rides 3 hours or more every day, six days a week. His only day of rest, appropriately, is the Sabbath.
But the best example of lunacy happened on Tuesday's climb of Maale Akrabim. Since I am relatively slow and was not confident of my ability to actually get to the top, I purposely started last (I ended up passing quite a few riders and a number of others ditched in the middle). I had mashed my way up about 2/3 of the hill when a rider from Chicago, came bombing down. He was yelling something as he passed me but I couldn't quite make it out. When I triumphantly made it to the top I found out that he had challenged some of the other riders that he would go down and up Maale Akrabim again if they would collectively contribute an extra $1000 to Alyn. Of course they took the bait. And, of course, he made it back up (not before me; that would have been incredibly humiliating).
All in all, I was very happy with both the ride and my riding. I struggled mightily the first day (for reasons that I still don't fully understand) but I did better the rest of the way. (In contrast, a number of riders blew themselves up the first day trying to follow the pace of the alpha dogs and struggled the rest of the way). I made it up every hill without having to stop or get off my bike. There are definately a couple of things I need to work on for next year (more weight work and more intense interval training) but, all-in-all, I'm pretty happy about how I rode.
The final adjusted stats: 26 hours on the bike, 345 miles, over 18,000 feet of climbing and about 13,000 calories burned. My average heart rate was 149.
The two highlights of my ride were, first, finally climbing Maale Akrabim, the steepest, most technical and most difficult climb I've ever done. It was exhilirating to make it to the top, especially since, the night before, exhausted by our 85 mile ride, I thought I had no chance. The second highlight was riding two days with Zev. What a great experience!
But, at the end of the day, the thought that sticks with me is how blessed Sara and I have been to have raised four healthy children and now to have the opportunity to raise a fifth. Seeing the profound, almost indescribable, challenges faced by the children of Alyn really brings that home. And seeing the unbelievable dedication of the professionals and staffers of Alyn makes me proud to be associated with such an amazing place.
I would be lying to say that I ride for the kids of Alyn. That's simply not the case. I ride because I love to ride, Israel is an amazing place to ride and we've had one or more of our kids living or studying there for most of the past ten years. But knowing that, with your help, my riding has raised about $140,000 over six years, makes every pedal stroke and every groan well worth it.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Day 5: Lemonade From Lemons
Today was one of those days where many things did not work out as planned, partly because of faulty planning, partly because of human error but mainly because the One Above had a different plan.
Nevertheless, Zev and I had another fantastic day of riding. Not only that, but our "escape" from the always chaotic scene at hospital after the ride could not have worked out better.
Let's start with the main story, the weather. It was over 98 degrees and some of the riders' computers were registering temps as high as 103! I'll get back to that later.
Second, the City of Ashkelon police. For whatever reason, after diappearing on our way in on Wednesday night, they made us regroup many times on our way out so our exit took a while.
Third, faulty planning by the "Vaad", the organization that runs the ride. In conjunction with the five day ride, they also insist on running a one day ride called "Galgalyn". (A play on words that combines the Hebrew word for "wheel" with "Alyn"). This ride is integrated with ours and, besides making the logistics much more difficult, drives the Jerusalem police crazy. (Worst of all, it raises virtually no money for Alyn. Don't ask).
Despite all that Zev and I put in 52 hard but fun miles and climbed over 3000 feet.
Here's how:
Zev and I went to bed at 9:15 last night after ditching the after-dinner party. We had experienced a brutal day of riding and were scheduled to get up at 4:30 a.m. Today. Not being party animals, we figured sleep trumped rock and roll.
We'd been told that today's ride had been abbreviated by the Jerusalem police but would still entail 60 miles and about 5000 feet of climbing. The highlight was to be the ascent of a killer 7k climb of Nes Harim, a hill only slightly less daunting than Tuesday's Maale Akrabim.
Starting from the west coast at sea level and ending in Jerusalem meant that virtually the entire ride would be uphill. The challenge riders led the way and, once out of town, set a fast but manageable pace for 24 miles until the first rest stop at Bet Guvrin, where we met up with some of the one day riders.
While the heat was already intensw during that first segment (at times I felt as though a hair blower was aimed at my face), as long as rode it was tolerable. I was drinking litres of water and pouring water over my head. (Of course the water over the head thing was not too effective since you could almost have brewed tea from the the water in our bottles). We were also religiously going through our electrolyte pills and nutrition supplements. Drinking water alone on a day like today can actually be dangerous.
After a short break it was 24 miles from Bet Guvrin to the bottom of Nes Harim. This stretch of road was almost "off road". We were riding on narrow one-lane farm roads in wine country. At one point the road narrowed and sloped downhill (a treat on a day we started at sea level and were mainly climbing). Unfortunately, that lovely 2 mile stretch turned out to be an inexcusable mistake (a sign posted by the organizers pointed left when it should have pointed right. After a long delay, we had to circle back, this time uphill (it was so hot that a couple of tire tubes popped on the asphalt during the wait).
After a few more miles we stopped at a rest stop. We had been hearing whispers that the day's ride would be terminated early because of the heat and the rumours were now confirmed. The organizers rightly decided that it was too hot to allow riders to ascend Nes Harim and decided to stop the riding after 45 miles and bus everyone to the top for lunch and then to Alyn for the final ceremony. (This was a no-brainer; I've done Nes Harim a dozen times and even the best riders would have been endangered in this heat after almost five days and over 300 gruelling miles. At mid-day there is literally no shade for at least two miles of Nes Harim and one is totally exposed to the sun (Just where the gradients exceed 12 to 15 percent)).
The group, tired and hot and disappointed, took the decision in stride. Everyone knew it was the only choice and many weren't too keen about getting back on their bikes anyway.
Here's where plan B kicked in. Although neither Zev nor I knew exactly where we were (because we were on an unmarked farm road), we sensed that we were close to Zev's house in Ramat Bet Shemesh (the Heights of the house of the Sun). We found out it was indeed only 10k away (albeit all uphill).
Our choice was either bus up to Nes Harim for a lunch in our wet and dirty kits in 100 degree weather followed by a bus trip to the hospital ceremony in our wet and dirty kits in 100 degree weather or ride 6 miles to Zev's air conditioned house, shower and change and drive to the hospital in an air conditioned car
Duh.
Zev and I loaded up with water and cranked our way home at a very strong pace given the heat and the gradient. All told, we had pounded out 52 miles and over 3000 feet for the day, most of which I spent riding with Zev.
What a great and fortuitous finish to an awesome week of riding. (While not doing Nes Harim was disappointing to many riders, we didn't care. I do it almost every time I visit Zev and Zev does it almost every week).
After hanging out at Zev's house (where my one-year old grandson Daniel was starting at me in my spandex outfit and riding sunglasses the whole time, we drove to the always inspiring ceremony at the hospital (ironically taking the road to Ramat Raziel, an even harder climb than Nes Harim), I got my bike boxed in 6 minutes and picked up my bags, said my farewells and made it to dinner with Rebecca by 6 p.m.
Nevertheless, Zev and I had another fantastic day of riding. Not only that, but our "escape" from the always chaotic scene at hospital after the ride could not have worked out better.
Let's start with the main story, the weather. It was over 98 degrees and some of the riders' computers were registering temps as high as 103! I'll get back to that later.
Second, the City of Ashkelon police. For whatever reason, after diappearing on our way in on Wednesday night, they made us regroup many times on our way out so our exit took a while.
Third, faulty planning by the "Vaad", the organization that runs the ride. In conjunction with the five day ride, they also insist on running a one day ride called "Galgalyn". (A play on words that combines the Hebrew word for "wheel" with "Alyn"). This ride is integrated with ours and, besides making the logistics much more difficult, drives the Jerusalem police crazy. (Worst of all, it raises virtually no money for Alyn. Don't ask).
Despite all that Zev and I put in 52 hard but fun miles and climbed over 3000 feet.
Here's how:
Zev and I went to bed at 9:15 last night after ditching the after-dinner party. We had experienced a brutal day of riding and were scheduled to get up at 4:30 a.m. Today. Not being party animals, we figured sleep trumped rock and roll.
We'd been told that today's ride had been abbreviated by the Jerusalem police but would still entail 60 miles and about 5000 feet of climbing. The highlight was to be the ascent of a killer 7k climb of Nes Harim, a hill only slightly less daunting than Tuesday's Maale Akrabim.
Starting from the west coast at sea level and ending in Jerusalem meant that virtually the entire ride would be uphill. The challenge riders led the way and, once out of town, set a fast but manageable pace for 24 miles until the first rest stop at Bet Guvrin, where we met up with some of the one day riders.
While the heat was already intensw during that first segment (at times I felt as though a hair blower was aimed at my face), as long as rode it was tolerable. I was drinking litres of water and pouring water over my head. (Of course the water over the head thing was not too effective since you could almost have brewed tea from the the water in our bottles). We were also religiously going through our electrolyte pills and nutrition supplements. Drinking water alone on a day like today can actually be dangerous.
After a short break it was 24 miles from Bet Guvrin to the bottom of Nes Harim. This stretch of road was almost "off road". We were riding on narrow one-lane farm roads in wine country. At one point the road narrowed and sloped downhill (a treat on a day we started at sea level and were mainly climbing). Unfortunately, that lovely 2 mile stretch turned out to be an inexcusable mistake (a sign posted by the organizers pointed left when it should have pointed right. After a long delay, we had to circle back, this time uphill (it was so hot that a couple of tire tubes popped on the asphalt during the wait).
After a few more miles we stopped at a rest stop. We had been hearing whispers that the day's ride would be terminated early because of the heat and the rumours were now confirmed. The organizers rightly decided that it was too hot to allow riders to ascend Nes Harim and decided to stop the riding after 45 miles and bus everyone to the top for lunch and then to Alyn for the final ceremony. (This was a no-brainer; I've done Nes Harim a dozen times and even the best riders would have been endangered in this heat after almost five days and over 300 gruelling miles. At mid-day there is literally no shade for at least two miles of Nes Harim and one is totally exposed to the sun (Just where the gradients exceed 12 to 15 percent)).
The group, tired and hot and disappointed, took the decision in stride. Everyone knew it was the only choice and many weren't too keen about getting back on their bikes anyway.
Here's where plan B kicked in. Although neither Zev nor I knew exactly where we were (because we were on an unmarked farm road), we sensed that we were close to Zev's house in Ramat Bet Shemesh (the Heights of the house of the Sun). We found out it was indeed only 10k away (albeit all uphill).
Our choice was either bus up to Nes Harim for a lunch in our wet and dirty kits in 100 degree weather followed by a bus trip to the hospital ceremony in our wet and dirty kits in 100 degree weather or ride 6 miles to Zev's air conditioned house, shower and change and drive to the hospital in an air conditioned car
Duh.
Zev and I loaded up with water and cranked our way home at a very strong pace given the heat and the gradient. All told, we had pounded out 52 miles and over 3000 feet for the day, most of which I spent riding with Zev.
What a great and fortuitous finish to an awesome week of riding. (While not doing Nes Harim was disappointing to many riders, we didn't care. I do it almost every time I visit Zev and Zev does it almost every week).
After hanging out at Zev's house (where my one-year old grandson Daniel was starting at me in my spandex outfit and riding sunglasses the whole time, we drove to the always inspiring ceremony at the hospital (ironically taking the road to Ramat Raziel, an even harder climb than Nes Harim), I got my bike boxed in 6 minutes and picked up my bags, said my farewells and made it to dinner with Rebecca by 6 p.m.
Day 4: Keeping Pace
Day 4's ride was 86.3 miles from Dimona to Ashkelon. With only 1750 feet of climbing and much downhill riding, the pace was blistering. (So was the temperature). Indeed, we reached our lunch stop, at 62 miles, a half hour earlier than scheduled. (Zev, who joined me today, rode with the alpha dogs for the first 22 miles, and averaged more than 22 mph despite navigating two nasty climbs).
Either I got stronger or other riders were getting tired but, today, I was able to spend most of the day in pacelines, even taking turns pulling at the front. Some of the pacelines picked up as many as ten riders and a few lasted for over ten miles at a stretch. It's a special treat for me to ride this way since I generally ride alone and rarely get to team up with others. And, besides the fun of working together (and the increased speed) it is also so much easier to ride protected from the wind.
I even had a chance to ride for a while in a line with Erez, the group leader, who is a beast on the bike and one of the most skillful leaders I've ever met.
As usual, we passed some lovely terrain but one of the highlights for me was getting closer to civilization. It's hard to describe how in the middle of nowhere we've been the past few days.
Most importantly about reaching civilization, it meant that lunch was served at a place with a kiosk so I was able to buy a Coke, something I'd been dreaming of for three and a half days. After drinking warm bottled water for three and a half days, an iced cold Coke was the Real Thing.
Much of the ride was spent in farm land and at one point, a farmer was plowing up a duststorm as we were passing. We were almost totally blinded for a few seconds The ride into the sea side town of Ashkelon was was very chaotic. The police were nowhere to be seen and we were left to our own devices, weaving in and out of traffic. In general, the organization and logistics of this ride were worse than in past years, but more about that another time.
It was good to finally arrive and meet up with many of my friends from the other rides whom I hadn't seen since Sunday.
It was also great to ride and spend some time with Zev. We pounded dinner (and I had a beer for the fourth straight night; my usual annual allotment) and went to bed early. Four thirty a.m. wake up call for the climb to Jerusalem. Weather prediction: 100 degrees.
Either I got stronger or other riders were getting tired but, today, I was able to spend most of the day in pacelines, even taking turns pulling at the front. Some of the pacelines picked up as many as ten riders and a few lasted for over ten miles at a stretch. It's a special treat for me to ride this way since I generally ride alone and rarely get to team up with others. And, besides the fun of working together (and the increased speed) it is also so much easier to ride protected from the wind.
I even had a chance to ride for a while in a line with Erez, the group leader, who is a beast on the bike and one of the most skillful leaders I've ever met.
As usual, we passed some lovely terrain but one of the highlights for me was getting closer to civilization. It's hard to describe how in the middle of nowhere we've been the past few days.
Most importantly about reaching civilization, it meant that lunch was served at a place with a kiosk so I was able to buy a Coke, something I'd been dreaming of for three and a half days. After drinking warm bottled water for three and a half days, an iced cold Coke was the Real Thing.
Much of the ride was spent in farm land and at one point, a farmer was plowing up a duststorm as we were passing. We were almost totally blinded for a few seconds The ride into the sea side town of Ashkelon was was very chaotic. The police were nowhere to be seen and we were left to our own devices, weaving in and out of traffic. In general, the organization and logistics of this ride were worse than in past years, but more about that another time.
It was good to finally arrive and meet up with many of my friends from the other rides whom I hadn't seen since Sunday.
It was also great to ride and spend some time with Zev. We pounded dinner (and I had a beer for the fourth straight night; my usual annual allotment) and went to bed early. Four thirty a.m. wake up call for the climb to Jerusalem. Weather prediction: 100 degrees.
Day Three: The Scorpion
Today was the best day of riding I've ever had.
Beautiful weather, spectacular scenery and some of the most challenging riding you can do.
Weighing on everyone's mind was Maale Akrabim (the Ascent of the Scorpion), a 5 mile climb with an average grade of 13% with some spots as high as 20%. But before we got there we knocked out 40 intense miles.
Compounding things, we climbed over 2000 feet before reaching Maale Akrabim. We started with an intense 5 mile climb over which we gained 1000 feet. We then hammered the next fifteen rolling flat miles and, thankfully, I was able this time to stick with a group. It made a huge difference to be able to work with a paceline.
We rested at Yerucham and then set out for Maale Akrabim. The way to that challenge was through an amazing descent into Machtesh Gadol (the Big Crater). The view was breathtaking but you had to ride very carefully because the gradient was serious and the speed high.
(Although we've been experiencing wonderful mid-80s weather, the temperature in the Machtesh and climbing Maale Akrabim was near 100).
After the descent into the Machtesh, we climbed another 1000 feet to the lip of Maale Akrabim and began the insane descent. You had to be careful on many fronts. Given 32 sharp switchback turns on a crazy grade on a gravelly, pot-holed road, you had to keep your speed under control. At the same time, you had to keep from squeezing the brakes too much for fear of generating too much heat and blowing a tube. (And, you had to make sure not to mezmorized by the incredible view, lest you end up being "off road").
I made it down and then turned right around. This is without question the most difficult ride I've done and I was thrilled to make it to the top after one previous attempt where I had to walk part way and another in which I pulled out.
Another ten miles in the wind an we reached our hotel in Dimona.
What a day!
Stats: 68 miles, six hours, 4550 feet of climbing, 3030 calories, average heart rate of 149.
Tomorrow a relatively flat 85 miles to Ashkelon, in all likelihood into a stiff headwind.
Beautiful weather, spectacular scenery and some of the most challenging riding you can do.
Weighing on everyone's mind was Maale Akrabim (the Ascent of the Scorpion), a 5 mile climb with an average grade of 13% with some spots as high as 20%. But before we got there we knocked out 40 intense miles.
Compounding things, we climbed over 2000 feet before reaching Maale Akrabim. We started with an intense 5 mile climb over which we gained 1000 feet. We then hammered the next fifteen rolling flat miles and, thankfully, I was able this time to stick with a group. It made a huge difference to be able to work with a paceline.
We rested at Yerucham and then set out for Maale Akrabim. The way to that challenge was through an amazing descent into Machtesh Gadol (the Big Crater). The view was breathtaking but you had to ride very carefully because the gradient was serious and the speed high.
(Although we've been experiencing wonderful mid-80s weather, the temperature in the Machtesh and climbing Maale Akrabim was near 100).
After the descent into the Machtesh, we climbed another 1000 feet to the lip of Maale Akrabim and began the insane descent. You had to be careful on many fronts. Given 32 sharp switchback turns on a crazy grade on a gravelly, pot-holed road, you had to keep your speed under control. At the same time, you had to keep from squeezing the brakes too much for fear of generating too much heat and blowing a tube. (And, you had to make sure not to mezmorized by the incredible view, lest you end up being "off road").
I made it down and then turned right around. This is without question the most difficult ride I've done and I was thrilled to make it to the top after one previous attempt where I had to walk part way and another in which I pulled out.
Another ten miles in the wind an we reached our hotel in Dimona.
What a day!
Stats: 68 miles, six hours, 4550 feet of climbing, 3030 calories, average heart rate of 149.
Tomorrow a relatively flat 85 miles to Ashkelon, in all likelihood into a stiff headwind.
Day 2: Without the Wind, It Would Have Been a Breeze
The wind, more than the hills, was todays greatest challenge (the distance was nothing to sneeze at).
Today's route was the very same one we did on the first day of my first ride I'm 2004 with another 25 thrown in for good measure.
We went north from Mitzpeh Ramon towards Har Harif, at over 3000 feet, the highest point in the Negev. What was cool was we went along a restricted army road literally on the Egyptian border. The Egyptian Border guards happily waved to us and we waved back. The uncool part was that the roads were pretty poor (relative to what we've been used to). The army vehicles that pass through tend to bring up dust and gravel. Unfortunately, this had severe consequences, a bad accident on a steep descent involving one of our riders (ok but broke her pelvis) and, less significantly, 19 flat tires!
There were many rolling hills and lots of wind. And that was before Nitzana.
Nitzana was at mile 60. We went another 25 miles in the howling wind to Masube Sade. I was out on my own most of the time, although I felt much stronger than Sunday. I was again in the very back but in contact. (At one point a few Israeli kids were yelling at me from the road: Aharon! Acharon! (Last! "Last!) I screamed back in my best Hebrew, someone has to be last!).
A few people bonked in the wind during the last stretch and did not finish. I was sore all over and incredibly tired at the end.
Totals: 3300 calories, 85 miles, 3500 feet of climbing.
Today's route was the very same one we did on the first day of my first ride I'm 2004 with another 25 thrown in for good measure.
We went north from Mitzpeh Ramon towards Har Harif, at over 3000 feet, the highest point in the Negev. What was cool was we went along a restricted army road literally on the Egyptian border. The Egyptian Border guards happily waved to us and we waved back. The uncool part was that the roads were pretty poor (relative to what we've been used to). The army vehicles that pass through tend to bring up dust and gravel. Unfortunately, this had severe consequences, a bad accident on a steep descent involving one of our riders (ok but broke her pelvis) and, less significantly, 19 flat tires!
There were many rolling hills and lots of wind. And that was before Nitzana.
Nitzana was at mile 60. We went another 25 miles in the howling wind to Masube Sade. I was out on my own most of the time, although I felt much stronger than Sunday. I was again in the very back but in contact. (At one point a few Israeli kids were yelling at me from the road: Aharon! Acharon! (Last! "Last!) I screamed back in my best Hebrew, someone has to be last!).
A few people bonked in the wind during the last stretch and did not finish. I was sore all over and incredibly tired at the end.
Totals: 3300 calories, 85 miles, 3500 feet of climbing.
Day One: The Fried Piker
We arrived at the hotel last night at around 10:30. It was quite a "balaganl (it was chaotic). There was no direction and no one seemed to know what the next day's schedule was. I take back all those nice things I said yesterday.
The Alyn group was staying at two hotels. One was much dumpier than the other (although even the nice one would not be confused with the Waldorf). In a very sweet move, I had privately arranged for a room is the less dumpy place even though the Challenge Riders were staying at the dumpier one. (Last night was not part of the registration package. You had to pay separately. Interestingly, I paid less than the riders who booked rooms through the hospital).
We ate breakfast at 7:15 and left for the tedious opening ceremony. It may be inspiring to some but when you hear the same thing 6 times and are itching to ride, it's tedious.
Unfortunately, the ceremony didn't start until after ten so we baked in the morning sun for two hours. Many riders had come from numerous cities by bus and arrived way late. Boy, who could have imagined that busses would get caught in rush our traffic (Sunday is a work day).
When we finally left, it was as if the alpha dogs on the Challenge Ride let out all their frustration at once.
The first few miles were relatively flat but the pace was blistering. My heart rate was well into the 170s and sometimes topped 180. I was hanging on, but just barely. The first part also had some 4 to 5% grade rolling hills for good measure but mostly we were descending. But the wind was impossible, seemingly coming from all directions so that even modest descents didn't do much good.
We stopped for lunch after 25 miles. My legs, as they often do on the first day of the ride, were borderline cramping. I stretched out during lunch and had two delicious bowls of vegetable soup.
From lunch we circled back, south towards Mitzpeh Ramon in a gradual but relentless climb. This route was more direct and we reached the Machtech Ramon (Ramon Crater) Overlook at about mile 41. What an awesome sight!
After a brief rest, the fun part came. Followed by the not fun part. A 7 mile descent into the crater on fairly rounded curves made for a relatively safe descent at serious speeds.
We then turned around an went back up the may we came.
My quads and hammies were hollering! I managed not to cramp (although I came close) and made it up, actually passing three riders. To add insult to injury, the last two miles had grades of 8 to 10%. Manageable under normal circumstances but just plain cruel after 50 miles.
I was pleased to finally make it up the crater and end the day. Stats: 4 hours, 55.55 miles, 3353 feet ascended, 2421 calories burned, average heart rate a ridiculous 162 bpm.
I have been saying for a while that I am a piker and today bore that out. I struggled to hang on to the back and spent most of the day isolated and in the wind. But I never had to stop, I never lost contact with the group and I never was threatened by the SAG van.
(The regular road riders had a mich less fun day; they only road 36 miles and the better riders waited for long periods of time. That's why I do the callenge).
Tomorrow: 83 miles and 4500 feet.
The Alyn group was staying at two hotels. One was much dumpier than the other (although even the nice one would not be confused with the Waldorf). In a very sweet move, I had privately arranged for a room is the less dumpy place even though the Challenge Riders were staying at the dumpier one. (Last night was not part of the registration package. You had to pay separately. Interestingly, I paid less than the riders who booked rooms through the hospital).
We ate breakfast at 7:15 and left for the tedious opening ceremony. It may be inspiring to some but when you hear the same thing 6 times and are itching to ride, it's tedious.
Unfortunately, the ceremony didn't start until after ten so we baked in the morning sun for two hours. Many riders had come from numerous cities by bus and arrived way late. Boy, who could have imagined that busses would get caught in rush our traffic (Sunday is a work day).
When we finally left, it was as if the alpha dogs on the Challenge Ride let out all their frustration at once.
The first few miles were relatively flat but the pace was blistering. My heart rate was well into the 170s and sometimes topped 180. I was hanging on, but just barely. The first part also had some 4 to 5% grade rolling hills for good measure but mostly we were descending. But the wind was impossible, seemingly coming from all directions so that even modest descents didn't do much good.
We stopped for lunch after 25 miles. My legs, as they often do on the first day of the ride, were borderline cramping. I stretched out during lunch and had two delicious bowls of vegetable soup.
From lunch we circled back, south towards Mitzpeh Ramon in a gradual but relentless climb. This route was more direct and we reached the Machtech Ramon (Ramon Crater) Overlook at about mile 41. What an awesome sight!
After a brief rest, the fun part came. Followed by the not fun part. A 7 mile descent into the crater on fairly rounded curves made for a relatively safe descent at serious speeds.
We then turned around an went back up the may we came.
My quads and hammies were hollering! I managed not to cramp (although I came close) and made it up, actually passing three riders. To add insult to injury, the last two miles had grades of 8 to 10%. Manageable under normal circumstances but just plain cruel after 50 miles.
I was pleased to finally make it up the crater and end the day. Stats: 4 hours, 55.55 miles, 3353 feet ascended, 2421 calories burned, average heart rate a ridiculous 162 bpm.
I have been saying for a while that I am a piker and today bore that out. I struggled to hang on to the back and spent most of the day isolated and in the wind. But I never had to stop, I never lost contact with the group and I never was threatened by the SAG van.
(The regular road riders had a mich less fun day; they only road 36 miles and the better riders waited for long periods of time. That's why I do the callenge).
Tomorrow: 83 miles and 4500 feet.
Prologue: October 23rd
I'm on the bus from Jerusalem to Mizpeh Ramon. To my great surprise, the bus left at 7 pm, much earlier than I thought. I guess after ten years of running this ride, Alyn is getting sharper.
I had a delightful, if short, time with my kids and grandkids on another beautiful day in Jerusalem. (And, thankfully, I got a very solid night's sleep). Getting to see the kids is one of the best side benefits of doing the ride.
As usual, I started to get very nervous during the afternoon. Even though I've done this ride five times and I've done virtually every part of this year's route, I still got the same quesy feeling in my stomach as I did the very first time. The feeling doesn't go away until I clip in on the first morning.
Tomorrow's ride is around 50 miles with about 3700 feet of climbing. (I never know how accurate the mileage and elevation estimates are but this year I will be using a Garmin GPS that will give me all that information as well as the gradients. I would not normally buy myself such an expensive toy, but effectively, I got it as a gift. It's very cool, I have to admit).
The difficult part tomorrow comes at the end, when we descend into the Ramon Crater and then climb right back out.
Normally I would not worry about a relatively easy day like tomorrow but I have been feeling a bit off, with cold that doesn't seem to want to go away. This ride is difficult under the best circumstances. Not feeling 100 percent is very intimidating. I will try to take it as easy as I can tomorrow.
I had a delightful, if short, time with my kids and grandkids on another beautiful day in Jerusalem. (And, thankfully, I got a very solid night's sleep). Getting to see the kids is one of the best side benefits of doing the ride.
As usual, I started to get very nervous during the afternoon. Even though I've done this ride five times and I've done virtually every part of this year's route, I still got the same quesy feeling in my stomach as I did the very first time. The feeling doesn't go away until I clip in on the first morning.
Tomorrow's ride is around 50 miles with about 3700 feet of climbing. (I never know how accurate the mileage and elevation estimates are but this year I will be using a Garmin GPS that will give me all that information as well as the gradients. I would not normally buy myself such an expensive toy, but effectively, I got it as a gift. It's very cool, I have to admit).
The difficult part tomorrow comes at the end, when we descend into the Ramon Crater and then climb right back out.
Normally I would not worry about a relatively easy day like tomorrow but I have been feeling a bit off, with cold that doesn't seem to want to go away. This ride is difficult under the best circumstances. Not feeling 100 percent is very intimidating. I will try to take it as easy as I can tomorrow.
Countdown
From October 23rd
The last forty eight hours have been an incredible whirlwhind. I barely know
which way is up.
After landing at Ben Gurion Airport, I rode (by car!) to Alyn Hospital to
resgister and have my bike assembled. I always love to go ther; I get to see
the same old volunteer faces, I usually meet up with some veteran riders, and,
most importantly, I get to see what this ride is really all about. They are
constantly making improvements, so we get to see where our money is going and it
is always inspiring. Incidentally, the mechanics assembled my bike in 12 minutes
this year.
I also got to see Erez, the leader of the Challenge Ride. Besides being an
accomplished rider, Erez is one of the nicest and most skillful leaders you
could meet. It isn't easy dealing with 55 maniacs, setting a pace that everyone
is comfortable with and keeping the group cohesive, but Erez does it every year.
Later on, I had a lovely outdoor dinner with my daughter Rebecca on a Jerusalem
evening that could not have been more glorious. Unfortunately, I spent a good
part of the rest of the day on the phone and on my blackberry dealing with the
fire drill that started Wednesday morning. And, to make things more difficult,
I'm having major phone issues. I apparently kept breaking up when I tried to
speak and it was also difficult to hear.
Rebecca and I spent a very pleasant morning with friends in Efrat and then did
some food shopping. In about an hour, I get to see my son, daughter in law and
grandchildren and we will be spending most of the next 24 hours together. I am
really looking forward to that since the little ones are growing up so quickly
without us.
On Saturday night, we leave for Mitzpe Ramon where the ride starts. They asked
everyone to assemble at 6:30 p.m. but I've seen this movie before. I will get
there at 6:30 and the busses won't even be there. If we leave by 7:30, it will
be a miracle. (If you want to know why I don't just show up later, it's because
I know that the first time I do that, they will be on time and leave without
me). On Sunday we start with a desceptively difficult but short 51 mile ride.
My goal for tonight is to get a solid 8 hours of sleep. I slept fitfully last
night and you simply can't do the Alyn Ride without adequate sleep. A good
night's sleep tonight is critical.
The last forty eight hours have been an incredible whirlwhind. I barely know
which way is up.
After landing at Ben Gurion Airport, I rode (by car!) to Alyn Hospital to
resgister and have my bike assembled. I always love to go ther; I get to see
the same old volunteer faces, I usually meet up with some veteran riders, and,
most importantly, I get to see what this ride is really all about. They are
constantly making improvements, so we get to see where our money is going and it
is always inspiring. Incidentally, the mechanics assembled my bike in 12 minutes
this year.
I also got to see Erez, the leader of the Challenge Ride. Besides being an
accomplished rider, Erez is one of the nicest and most skillful leaders you
could meet. It isn't easy dealing with 55 maniacs, setting a pace that everyone
is comfortable with and keeping the group cohesive, but Erez does it every year.
Later on, I had a lovely outdoor dinner with my daughter Rebecca on a Jerusalem
evening that could not have been more glorious. Unfortunately, I spent a good
part of the rest of the day on the phone and on my blackberry dealing with the
fire drill that started Wednesday morning. And, to make things more difficult,
I'm having major phone issues. I apparently kept breaking up when I tried to
speak and it was also difficult to hear.
Rebecca and I spent a very pleasant morning with friends in Efrat and then did
some food shopping. In about an hour, I get to see my son, daughter in law and
grandchildren and we will be spending most of the next 24 hours together. I am
really looking forward to that since the little ones are growing up so quickly
without us.
On Saturday night, we leave for Mitzpe Ramon where the ride starts. They asked
everyone to assemble at 6:30 p.m. but I've seen this movie before. I will get
there at 6:30 and the busses won't even be there. If we leave by 7:30, it will
be a miracle. (If you want to know why I don't just show up later, it's because
I know that the first time I do that, they will be on time and leave without
me). On Sunday we start with a desceptively difficult but short 51 mile ride.
My goal for tonight is to get a solid 8 hours of sleep. I slept fitfully last
night and you simply can't do the Alyn Ride without adequate sleep. A good
night's sleep tonight is critical.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Almost There
I arrived in Jerusalem yesterday morning after a pleasant flight on which I (i) ate, (ii) slept, and (iii) met a few fellow Alyn Riders. In truth, it was the first time I was able to relax in a few days because of the insanity going on at work.
Of course, I got home at 4:30 and only got to the airport at 5:15 for a 7 p.m. flight because I was involved in a fire drill at work (that, sadly, will last all through the ride).
I always look forward to registration at Alyn. I get to see the volunteers again and often run into veterans riders whom I haven't seen in a year. This year was no exception. Even better, I ran into Erez, the Israeli leader of the challenge ride who is not only an incredibly strong rider but one of the nicest guys in the world. It isn't easy managing a group of 55 maniacs but Erez does a very skillful job.
This year, the mechanics put my bike together in 12 minutes. Pretty impressive.
I checked out some of the other Challenge Riders' bikes. Some serious equipment (not that my six year old Lightspeed Ti is so bad). And, as Lance says, It's not about the bike! The problem is, that means it's about the rider. Am I supposed to feel good about that?
The rest of my day was spent on a series of calls for work and writing and responding to scores of emails. The best part of the day was a wonderful dinner with my daughter Rebecca at one of my favorite restaurants (enhanced by the fact that we ate outdoors on a glorious evening).
On Saturday night we head out for Mitzpe Ramon and we start on Sunday, a short, but deceptively difficult 51 mile ride with a lot of climbing. In the meantime, I get to spend a lovely Shabbat with with my daughter, son and son in law and three grandchildren, whom I hadn't seen since August.
Of course, I got home at 4:30 and only got to the airport at 5:15 for a 7 p.m. flight because I was involved in a fire drill at work (that, sadly, will last all through the ride).
I always look forward to registration at Alyn. I get to see the volunteers again and often run into veterans riders whom I haven't seen in a year. This year was no exception. Even better, I ran into Erez, the Israeli leader of the challenge ride who is not only an incredibly strong rider but one of the nicest guys in the world. It isn't easy managing a group of 55 maniacs but Erez does a very skillful job.
This year, the mechanics put my bike together in 12 minutes. Pretty impressive.
I checked out some of the other Challenge Riders' bikes. Some serious equipment (not that my six year old Lightspeed Ti is so bad). And, as Lance says, It's not about the bike! The problem is, that means it's about the rider. Am I supposed to feel good about that?
The rest of my day was spent on a series of calls for work and writing and responding to scores of emails. The best part of the day was a wonderful dinner with my daughter Rebecca at one of my favorite restaurants (enhanced by the fact that we ate outdoors on a glorious evening).
On Saturday night we head out for Mitzpe Ramon and we start on Sunday, a short, but deceptively difficult 51 mile ride with a lot of climbing. In the meantime, I get to spend a lovely Shabbat with with my daughter, son and son in law and three grandchildren, whom I hadn't seen since August.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Boxing The Bike
My training for the Alyn Bike Ride is over. I did my last outdoor ride, a short 30 miler, early this morning, concentrating on hills. I then brought my bike over to Brands in Wantaugh and had them box it in my travel case.
It's pretty pathetic that I don't box it myself (it really isn't that difficult) but the following story illustrates why I spend a few bucks and have someone else do it.
When I arrived at the Alyn Hospital staging ground for my last ride, in 2008, there was another American rider trying to assemble two bikes, his and his wife's. Since there were 5 Israeli mechanics whose sole job it was that day to assemble bikes, I thought that was quite strange. Keep in mind that these guys all served in the Israeli army and chances are they were tank mechanics who learned to fix on the fly the most sophisticated tanks in the world. Who would I rather have assemble my bike? Them or me, a little guy from New York with a law school degree who is proud of that fact that he can actually change a flat tire? Exactly.
In any event, this guy was shvitzing for a half hour and wasn't close to finishing even one of the bikes while the mechanic assembled mine in less than ten minutes.
So, I leave on Wednesday night comfortable that my bike was dis-assembled by someone, while not an Israeli tank mechanic, is far less likely to mess up than I.
Because of how busy I've been at work I have barely been able to think about the ride. Boxing the bike brings home that I am leaving in 3 days.
It's pretty pathetic that I don't box it myself (it really isn't that difficult) but the following story illustrates why I spend a few bucks and have someone else do it.
When I arrived at the Alyn Hospital staging ground for my last ride, in 2008, there was another American rider trying to assemble two bikes, his and his wife's. Since there were 5 Israeli mechanics whose sole job it was that day to assemble bikes, I thought that was quite strange. Keep in mind that these guys all served in the Israeli army and chances are they were tank mechanics who learned to fix on the fly the most sophisticated tanks in the world. Who would I rather have assemble my bike? Them or me, a little guy from New York with a law school degree who is proud of that fact that he can actually change a flat tire? Exactly.
In any event, this guy was shvitzing for a half hour and wasn't close to finishing even one of the bikes while the mechanic assembled mine in less than ten minutes.
So, I leave on Wednesday night comfortable that my bike was dis-assembled by someone, while not an Israeli tank mechanic, is far less likely to mess up than I.
Because of how busy I've been at work I have barely been able to think about the ride. Boxing the bike brings home that I am leaving in 3 days.
Monday, October 11, 2010
10-10-10
A cool fact:
Our daughter Meira was born on 05-05-05. Yesterday, she was 5 years, 5 months and 5 days old.
I clearly have too much time on my hands.
Our daughter Meira was born on 05-05-05. Yesterday, she was 5 years, 5 months and 5 days old.
I clearly have too much time on my hands.
Hot and Cold
I started my ride yesterday at 8 am. It was cold. I put on my Gore Tex jacket, leggings and full-finger gloves. My first descent, coming five minutes after I started, was 1 mile long, completely in the shade. My face almost froze.
By 9, however, it was getting warm. And I was doing a lot of climbing. By ten, I looked dopey because almost everyone else on the road was in a normal kit.
Not much you can do about that.
It was a relatively short ride, a bit more than 30 miles, but i did a lot of climbing, including short hills with gradients of 18 and 14 percent. In all, about 2600 feet and 1800 calories.
I have one or two more outside rides before the Alyn ride and I will be focusing almost exclusively on nasty climbing.
At this point, you are either ready or you're not.
By 9, however, it was getting warm. And I was doing a lot of climbing. By ten, I looked dopey because almost everyone else on the road was in a normal kit.
Not much you can do about that.
It was a relatively short ride, a bit more than 30 miles, but i did a lot of climbing, including short hills with gradients of 18 and 14 percent. In all, about 2600 feet and 1800 calories.
I have one or two more outside rides before the Alyn ride and I will be focusing almost exclusively on nasty climbing.
At this point, you are either ready or you're not.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Two Weeks To Go
I will be flying out to Israel in two weeks from tonight.
I have been fighting a cold for over a week and have hardly been on my bike in the past two.
Nevertheless, I've been doing some spinning and I'm still in decent shape. I'm pretty excited, to tell the truth.
I continue to be hopeful about my ability to stick with the back of the pack but very apprehensive about climbing Maale Akrabim (the Scorpion's Ascent).
The great news is that my son Zev will be joining me for the last two days of the ride. I use the term "joining me" loosely since the only part of him I am likely to see on the road is his back. He is a monster and will be riding with some of the more serious riders. But it will still be a lot of fun having him there.
With work as busy as it is, I'm sure these two weeks will fly by.
I have been fighting a cold for over a week and have hardly been on my bike in the past two.
Nevertheless, I've been doing some spinning and I'm still in decent shape. I'm pretty excited, to tell the truth.
I continue to be hopeful about my ability to stick with the back of the pack but very apprehensive about climbing Maale Akrabim (the Scorpion's Ascent).
The great news is that my son Zev will be joining me for the last two days of the ride. I use the term "joining me" loosely since the only part of him I am likely to see on the road is his back. He is a monster and will be riding with some of the more serious riders. But it will still be a lot of fun having him there.
With work as busy as it is, I'm sure these two weeks will fly by.
Friday, September 3, 2010
No News Is Good News
I haven't posted in a while because, frankly, there isn't much to post about. I've been riding a fair amount outside (I took Tuesday and Wednesday off this week and rode on the North Shore both days) and have done a fair amount of spining. The only real change is that I'm really hammering the spin bike now. I don't take classes anymore because, where I live, they are all "housewife" classes and I'm much better off pounding the pedals on my own. (When I take classes, all I do is annoy the instructor (and probably some of the other riders) because I do my own thing and don't follow along with the class).
With about 7 weeks to go, I'm in fairly good shape and should be able to handle the Challenge Ride. I keep hoping that a few more plump riders join so that I have a better chance of not being the slowest rider in the group. Interestingly, for the first time in my years on Alyn, there are also four women in the Challenge group (there were a few women last year but I didn't ride). Not that that helps, since I've been passed on the road by countless women over the years. And, judging by their profiles (personal trainer, coach, etc.), I have a feeling they are going to be formidable riders.
On Sunday, I will be doing my last formal ride of the season, the always fun (and well-run) Golden Apple ride organzied by the Westchester Bike Club. I am planning to do 75 miles and then another 45 or so on Monday, on my own.
Then, with the Jewish holidays coming, and the lighter summer work schedule coming to an end, it will be more difficult for me to get on the bike and I will begin to rely more on spinning.
My biggest concern continues to be my weight which has fallen again to a new low, this time 118. I will start trying nutrition supplements like Ensure to see if I can get a few pounds on before the ride.
With about 7 weeks to go, I'm in fairly good shape and should be able to handle the Challenge Ride. I keep hoping that a few more plump riders join so that I have a better chance of not being the slowest rider in the group. Interestingly, for the first time in my years on Alyn, there are also four women in the Challenge group (there were a few women last year but I didn't ride). Not that that helps, since I've been passed on the road by countless women over the years. And, judging by their profiles (personal trainer, coach, etc.), I have a feeling they are going to be formidable riders.
On Sunday, I will be doing my last formal ride of the season, the always fun (and well-run) Golden Apple ride organzied by the Westchester Bike Club. I am planning to do 75 miles and then another 45 or so on Monday, on my own.
Then, with the Jewish holidays coming, and the lighter summer work schedule coming to an end, it will be more difficult for me to get on the bike and I will begin to rely more on spinning.
My biggest concern continues to be my weight which has fallen again to a new low, this time 118. I will start trying nutrition supplements like Ensure to see if I can get a few pounds on before the ride.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Maale Akrabim Question
I am having a very hard time following the Alyn Ride website (www.alynride.org). In general, it's very user unfriendly and difficult to navigate but, in one particular area, I'm totally lost.
The Tuesday route has an option that looks like it adds about 20+ kilometers to the day but I am at a loss to understand what the option is. Is it going down and up Maale Akrabim? The elevation chart does not include the extra miles and the aggregate elevation numbers seem low for a day in which we climb out of the Machtesh Gadol (The Big Crater) and climb Maale Akrabim. I suspect that the elevation chart does not include the descent down, or climb up, Maale Akrabim (leading me to believe that that is the option).
Anyone have a clue what the cumulative accent is for Maale Akrabim and whether it is reflected on the chart?
The Tuesday route has an option that looks like it adds about 20+ kilometers to the day but I am at a loss to understand what the option is. Is it going down and up Maale Akrabim? The elevation chart does not include the extra miles and the aggregate elevation numbers seem low for a day in which we climb out of the Machtesh Gadol (The Big Crater) and climb Maale Akrabim. I suspect that the elevation chart does not include the descent down, or climb up, Maale Akrabim (leading me to believe that that is the option).
Anyone have a clue what the cumulative accent is for Maale Akrabim and whether it is reflected on the chart?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Neck Pain
I rode out to Point Lookout again on Friday morning, once again driven by time constraints to hammer the entire ride. And, so I did. Friday was one of those relatively rare mornings when I had the tailwind on my way back from Point Lookout (going east to west). So, after pushing all the way out, I flew home, in excess of 21 mph most of the way.
Unfortunately, my neck started to tighten up over the weekend. This has never happened to me before and I can't really explain why it suddenly happened. Thankfully, one of my iron-handed friends kneaded out the knots with a quick and painful massage.
On Sunday I did 45 more miles on the North Shore, concentrating on climbing as much as I could. I did one and a half repetitions of Feeks Lane, one and a half reps of Duck Pond Lane and two climbs up Mill Hill Road, a short but intense climb whose top gradient is about 15%.
Of course, my neck started to kill again and I did some Advil to relieve the pain. I think I need to take the bike for a fitting; this shouldn't be happening.
On the weight front, after stuffing myself with Oreos, Milanos, peanut butter and jelly bagels and all sorts of other goodies (as well as the more wholesome fare served by my better half), I managed to gain the princely sum of one pound. So I am now slightly more than 120. It's a start but I don't know how I am going to keep this eating pace up.
Unfortunately, my neck started to tighten up over the weekend. This has never happened to me before and I can't really explain why it suddenly happened. Thankfully, one of my iron-handed friends kneaded out the knots with a quick and painful massage.
On Sunday I did 45 more miles on the North Shore, concentrating on climbing as much as I could. I did one and a half repetitions of Feeks Lane, one and a half reps of Duck Pond Lane and two climbs up Mill Hill Road, a short but intense climb whose top gradient is about 15%.
Of course, my neck started to kill again and I did some Advil to relieve the pain. I think I need to take the bike for a fitting; this shouldn't be happening.
On the weight front, after stuffing myself with Oreos, Milanos, peanut butter and jelly bagels and all sorts of other goodies (as well as the more wholesome fare served by my better half), I managed to gain the princely sum of one pound. So I am now slightly more than 120. It's a start but I don't know how I am going to keep this eating pace up.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
A High Class Problem
As I've been describing, my weight has gone steadily down since April, when I started training hard. Even then, it was significantly down from my norm of about 132, which I maintained for at least ten years until I had surgery last year.
Prior to April, I seemed to stabilize at 125. At the doctor's office on Tuesday, it was 119.
My doctor, alarmed, examined me and asked me a bunch of questions. He took a bunch of blood and I will get the results tomorrow. It could be a hyper-active thyroid but my doctor doesn't think it's anything. He just thinks I'm not eating enough relative to the number of calories I'm burning.
He instructed me, in no uncertain terms, to gain weight. He said I would never be able to complete the Alyn Ride at my current weight (and I totally agree). He told me to eat a pint of ice cream every day. Have a couple of scoops of peanut butter. You get the picture.
Ever since, I have been eating or snacking virtually all day. The first thing I did was buy a box of Oreos. Then I had a hamburger and fries for lunch and ate both sides of the bun. Bag of potato chips for afternoon snack. Can of Coke.
It isn't easy but I'm just following doctor's orders.
Prior to April, I seemed to stabilize at 125. At the doctor's office on Tuesday, it was 119.
My doctor, alarmed, examined me and asked me a bunch of questions. He took a bunch of blood and I will get the results tomorrow. It could be a hyper-active thyroid but my doctor doesn't think it's anything. He just thinks I'm not eating enough relative to the number of calories I'm burning.
He instructed me, in no uncertain terms, to gain weight. He said I would never be able to complete the Alyn Ride at my current weight (and I totally agree). He told me to eat a pint of ice cream every day. Have a couple of scoops of peanut butter. You get the picture.
Ever since, I have been eating or snacking virtually all day. The first thing I did was buy a box of Oreos. Then I had a hamburger and fries for lunch and ate both sides of the bun. Bag of potato chips for afternoon snack. Can of Coke.
It isn't easy but I'm just following doctor's orders.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
On Being Small
I always tell my kids, when they complain about being diminutive, that, at certain times, like when they fly overseas in coach, they will realize how fortunate they are. Plenty of leg room for them.
Every once in a while, I also take advantage of being small, even when it comes to securing biking stuff.
I wear bib shorts when I ride. For many reasons, I find them much more comfortable than regular shorts. I prefer to purchase very good shorts but don't really feel like spending a fortune (I am intrigued by what Assos shorts must feel like but am not about to plunk down $330 for one pair of shorts).
Luckily, over the past several years, I've been able to pick up De Marchi shorts, which can retail between $179 and $225 per pair, for a small fraction of that cost. (Hat tip to Psycle Steve who first turned me on to them).
The only reason I've been able to do that is because I can fit into the smallest size which is usually the only size they put on sale.
And, just in time, when my old shorts are starting to frey, Nashbar put them on sale today for 72% off their regular retail price. Instead of paying $179, I only paid $50 per pair.
So, next time someone calls me "Tiny", I will ask them how much they had to pay for decent bib shorts!
Every once in a while, I also take advantage of being small, even when it comes to securing biking stuff.
I wear bib shorts when I ride. For many reasons, I find them much more comfortable than regular shorts. I prefer to purchase very good shorts but don't really feel like spending a fortune (I am intrigued by what Assos shorts must feel like but am not about to plunk down $330 for one pair of shorts).
Luckily, over the past several years, I've been able to pick up De Marchi shorts, which can retail between $179 and $225 per pair, for a small fraction of that cost. (Hat tip to Psycle Steve who first turned me on to them).
The only reason I've been able to do that is because I can fit into the smallest size which is usually the only size they put on sale.
And, just in time, when my old shorts are starting to frey, Nashbar put them on sale today for 72% off their regular retail price. Instead of paying $179, I only paid $50 per pair.
So, next time someone calls me "Tiny", I will ask them how much they had to pay for decent bib shorts!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Pounding Away
I have been putting some decent miles in lately and doing as much climbing as possible (within my current constraints). I also had a chance to ride with my son Zev who was in from Israel for a couple of weeks (though saying I rode "with" him is a bit of a stretch).
Nothing is really new. I am riding hills reasonably well and coping with the winds as well as I ever have. I have managed a couple of rides out to Point Lookout at very encouraging average speeds, even when faced with nasty winds on the way back. Yesterday I did 48 miles including 2700 feet of climbing in a bit over 3 hours.
The only quasi-significant event is that I replaced my chain and cassette last week since both were shot. I stayed with the Dura Ace but moved to an 11-28 rather than 12-27. This will give me a slightly easier gear when I get to Maale Akrabim and other nasty hills and a little bit more leverage on the flats. As my mom would say, "It couldn't hurt".
I have also focused my spinning sessions on very hard interval training, alternating between two and a half to five minutes of near threshhold level riding with 2 minute rest periods.
The weight is still an issue. I'm at about 118. Tomorrow I'm seeing my doctor and will ask about it.
With two and a half months until the ride, I'm feeling good about my ability to hang on.
Nothing is really new. I am riding hills reasonably well and coping with the winds as well as I ever have. I have managed a couple of rides out to Point Lookout at very encouraging average speeds, even when faced with nasty winds on the way back. Yesterday I did 48 miles including 2700 feet of climbing in a bit over 3 hours.
The only quasi-significant event is that I replaced my chain and cassette last week since both were shot. I stayed with the Dura Ace but moved to an 11-28 rather than 12-27. This will give me a slightly easier gear when I get to Maale Akrabim and other nasty hills and a little bit more leverage on the flats. As my mom would say, "It couldn't hurt".
I have also focused my spinning sessions on very hard interval training, alternating between two and a half to five minutes of near threshhold level riding with 2 minute rest periods.
The weight is still an issue. I'm at about 118. Tomorrow I'm seeing my doctor and will ask about it.
With two and a half months until the ride, I'm feeling good about my ability to hang on.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Heat Wave
Today is the first nice day in weeks. It's been a brutal summer and my riding over the past few weeks has, consequently, been done in intense heat and humidity. Yesterday's ride was a perfect example.
It was probably already in the mid 80's with very high humidity when I started my ride at 6:45. (I did 55 miles and 2600 feet at a pace of 16.5 mph. I burned about 2700 calories.). It must have hit the mid 90's by the time I was done. nevertheless, I had a pretty strong and comfortable ride.
Anticipating the heat, on Saturday night, I poured a bottle of powerade into an ice cube mold and froze two bottles of water. Before my ride, I poured the ice cubes into my Camelbak, mixed my Hammer Nutrition powder into one of the bottles of water (which had thawed a bit), and caged the other bottle of ice water. The Powerade stayed reasonably cold for 26 miles where I refiled at a Hess Express with new, cold Gatorade. I used the other bottle of water to spill over my head from time to time just to cool down a bit. I also refreshed my water at the Hess station.
With about six miles to go I had run out of water in my spare bottle (but had plenty of Powerade left to drink). In Brookville, I saw a powerful lawn sprinkler whose sprinkler heads came all the way out to the street. I stopped, refilled my bottle with the sprinkler water, poured it over my head, and refilled again. In less than a minute, I was on my way again, refreshed.
You have to do what you have to do to keep cool. The challenge in the Negev will be that there will be no iced Powerade and, much more seriously, virtually no shade. With all the heat and humidity this summer, most of my rides are done in shady areas so the sun is not beating down on me.
On my way home (in my car), I stopped at a Seven Eleven for the Breakfast of Champions...a Coke Slurpee and a Drake's Devil Dog. It doesn't get any better.
It was probably already in the mid 80's with very high humidity when I started my ride at 6:45. (I did 55 miles and 2600 feet at a pace of 16.5 mph. I burned about 2700 calories.). It must have hit the mid 90's by the time I was done. nevertheless, I had a pretty strong and comfortable ride.
Anticipating the heat, on Saturday night, I poured a bottle of powerade into an ice cube mold and froze two bottles of water. Before my ride, I poured the ice cubes into my Camelbak, mixed my Hammer Nutrition powder into one of the bottles of water (which had thawed a bit), and caged the other bottle of ice water. The Powerade stayed reasonably cold for 26 miles where I refiled at a Hess Express with new, cold Gatorade. I used the other bottle of water to spill over my head from time to time just to cool down a bit. I also refreshed my water at the Hess station.
With about six miles to go I had run out of water in my spare bottle (but had plenty of Powerade left to drink). In Brookville, I saw a powerful lawn sprinkler whose sprinkler heads came all the way out to the street. I stopped, refilled my bottle with the sprinkler water, poured it over my head, and refilled again. In less than a minute, I was on my way again, refreshed.
You have to do what you have to do to keep cool. The challenge in the Negev will be that there will be no iced Powerade and, much more seriously, virtually no shade. With all the heat and humidity this summer, most of my rides are done in shady areas so the sun is not beating down on me.
On my way home (in my car), I stopped at a Seven Eleven for the Breakfast of Champions...a Coke Slurpee and a Drake's Devil Dog. It doesn't get any better.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Three Months to Go
The ride starts three months from tomorrow. So where do I stand?
I've put in over 1,100 miles on my bike since April (including what I did in Israel in June which, technically, wasn't on my bike). I've also done a bunch of spinning, mostly on my own. (Since the spin classes available in my 'hood are generally "suburbs classes", even when I do go to spin classes, I often do my own thing which, no doubt, drives the instructors crazy. But, sorry, I'm just not into 4-count "jumps" or spending half the class in a standing run).
I've been riding fairly strongly and feel pretty good about my climbing. I'm not worried about my endurance; I can ride forever, even in the heat. I'm not worried about any of the climbs in the south except Maale Akrabim. I'm just not sure that with my current gearing (50-34; 12-27) I can mash my way through the incredibly steep initial section of the 32 switchback climb (but I don't really want to go to the expense of changing my gearing just to deal with a mile or so of climbing). I'm worried about driving through the wind on my own should I get dropped by the other Challenge riders (and, with it, the humiliation of possibly being picked up by the SAG van).
One other thing that worries me is my weight. I am down to about 119 pounds, a level I last saw in tenth grade. While it's true that I'm burning a lot of calories, I'm also eating pretty well but haven't been able to even sustain my weight. At this rate I will be over 12 pounds lighter than my weight at the start of any of my previous Alyn Rides. In theory, this is good for climbing; I'm just worried about losing a lot of weight on the ride and not having the strength to make it through the five days. I'm really at a loss as to what to do.
So, my plan is to continue doing long Sunday rides and start doing more hard spinning (in lieu of more-or-less useless rides out to Point Lookout). And eating. As much as I can.
I've put in over 1,100 miles on my bike since April (including what I did in Israel in June which, technically, wasn't on my bike). I've also done a bunch of spinning, mostly on my own. (Since the spin classes available in my 'hood are generally "suburbs classes", even when I do go to spin classes, I often do my own thing which, no doubt, drives the instructors crazy. But, sorry, I'm just not into 4-count "jumps" or spending half the class in a standing run).
I've been riding fairly strongly and feel pretty good about my climbing. I'm not worried about my endurance; I can ride forever, even in the heat. I'm not worried about any of the climbs in the south except Maale Akrabim. I'm just not sure that with my current gearing (50-34; 12-27) I can mash my way through the incredibly steep initial section of the 32 switchback climb (but I don't really want to go to the expense of changing my gearing just to deal with a mile or so of climbing). I'm worried about driving through the wind on my own should I get dropped by the other Challenge riders (and, with it, the humiliation of possibly being picked up by the SAG van).
One other thing that worries me is my weight. I am down to about 119 pounds, a level I last saw in tenth grade. While it's true that I'm burning a lot of calories, I'm also eating pretty well but haven't been able to even sustain my weight. At this rate I will be over 12 pounds lighter than my weight at the start of any of my previous Alyn Rides. In theory, this is good for climbing; I'm just worried about losing a lot of weight on the ride and not having the strength to make it through the five days. I'm really at a loss as to what to do.
So, my plan is to continue doing long Sunday rides and start doing more hard spinning (in lieu of more-or-less useless rides out to Point Lookout). And eating. As much as I can.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wind and Rain
It was exteremley humid this morning as I headed out for a quick ride to Point Lookout. The wind was weird. Going out to the Atlantic Beach Bridge was challenging as I faced a pretty stiff wind that seemed to be headed eastward.
Strangely, when I crossed the bridge and headed east to Point Lookout, I did not feel a strong tailwind (at least not the kind that takes you over 20 mph without much effort). But, when I turned back around at the tip of Point Lookout, there was the headwind again, very strong.
And then came the rain. Just as I hit Long Beach, the sky opened up and soaked me. It only lasted a few minutes but it was enough to get me wet from head to toe (especially toe). I got home as fast as I could (but did, of course, stop off at Toddys for a muffin), peeled off my wet kit, and took a nice hot shower.
Strangely, when I crossed the bridge and headed east to Point Lookout, I did not feel a strong tailwind (at least not the kind that takes you over 20 mph without much effort). But, when I turned back around at the tip of Point Lookout, there was the headwind again, very strong.
And then came the rain. Just as I hit Long Beach, the sky opened up and soaked me. It only lasted a few minutes but it was enough to get me wet from head to toe (especially toe). I got home as fast as I could (but did, of course, stop off at Toddys for a muffin), peeled off my wet kit, and took a nice hot shower.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Gold Coast
Every once in a while, a plan works out well. Today was such a day.
The Gold Coast Ride, which I've done a few times, starts in Huntington. But it has always passed right through Syosset, where I usually begin my Sunday rides. Last week, I noticed that the fresh marking for the Gold Coast once again came right through Syosset. I checked last year's ride and noted that Berry Hill Road was at mile 63 of the ride and that there were approximately ten miles from there until the end of the ride back in Huntington.
Since I am always looking for ways to save time, I decided to start my ride from the LIRR station in Syosset, do the first ten miles on my own, register at Huntington, and end the ride back in Syosset. This way, I was able to start my ride at 6:30 rather than 7.
The day was warm even at 6:30, but I knocked out the first 10.5 miles pretty quickly. I was able to register, make a quick pit stop and get back on my bike in about ten minutes. I hammered the first part of the ride, riding with a group for a while and following a couple for most of the way until the first rest stop, at mile 20 (30 for me). In trying to keep up with the couple, I probably pushed a bit hard since my heart rate pushed 180 a few times.
I spent just a few minutes at the rest stop, loaded up with some nasty water (from a hose), and went on my way. I rode most of this section on my own and kept a steady pace. I climbed the short but steep (12 percent grade) hill up to Sea Cliff and then motored back down the other way.
Then. I had an inspiration. By my calculations, the next rest stop was about three miles away (at mile 48 (58 for me). Rather than go there (and wait on line for a port-o-san and hose water), I decided to stop instead at a beach parking lot at the bottom of the hill that had it's own bathroom. After a quick pit stop, I poured some water over my head, and replaced my horrible hose water with ice cold bottled water that I got from a vending machine.
I bypassed the next rest stop and finished the last 20 miles without event. The cold water couldn't have hurt because I felt very strong despite the modest but steady climbing that took up much of the last section. I was glad I did the first ten miles at 6:30, because doing them at high noon would certainly have been more difficult. I love it when a plan comes together.
I finished the 74.68 miles in 4:52 (4:38 moving time) for an average speed of 15.3/16.1. I climbed 4038 feet. My average heart rate was 156 and my high was 181. I burned 3676 calories.
All in all, not a bad day. I will not be invited to join a professional team any time soon, but not bad for a 55 year old piker.
The Gold Coast Ride, which I've done a few times, starts in Huntington. But it has always passed right through Syosset, where I usually begin my Sunday rides. Last week, I noticed that the fresh marking for the Gold Coast once again came right through Syosset. I checked last year's ride and noted that Berry Hill Road was at mile 63 of the ride and that there were approximately ten miles from there until the end of the ride back in Huntington.
Since I am always looking for ways to save time, I decided to start my ride from the LIRR station in Syosset, do the first ten miles on my own, register at Huntington, and end the ride back in Syosset. This way, I was able to start my ride at 6:30 rather than 7.
The day was warm even at 6:30, but I knocked out the first 10.5 miles pretty quickly. I was able to register, make a quick pit stop and get back on my bike in about ten minutes. I hammered the first part of the ride, riding with a group for a while and following a couple for most of the way until the first rest stop, at mile 20 (30 for me). In trying to keep up with the couple, I probably pushed a bit hard since my heart rate pushed 180 a few times.
I spent just a few minutes at the rest stop, loaded up with some nasty water (from a hose), and went on my way. I rode most of this section on my own and kept a steady pace. I climbed the short but steep (12 percent grade) hill up to Sea Cliff and then motored back down the other way.
Then. I had an inspiration. By my calculations, the next rest stop was about three miles away (at mile 48 (58 for me). Rather than go there (and wait on line for a port-o-san and hose water), I decided to stop instead at a beach parking lot at the bottom of the hill that had it's own bathroom. After a quick pit stop, I poured some water over my head, and replaced my horrible hose water with ice cold bottled water that I got from a vending machine.
I bypassed the next rest stop and finished the last 20 miles without event. The cold water couldn't have hurt because I felt very strong despite the modest but steady climbing that took up much of the last section. I was glad I did the first ten miles at 6:30, because doing them at high noon would certainly have been more difficult. I love it when a plan comes together.
I finished the 74.68 miles in 4:52 (4:38 moving time) for an average speed of 15.3/16.1. I climbed 4038 feet. My average heart rate was 156 and my high was 181. I burned 3676 calories.
All in all, not a bad day. I will not be invited to join a professional team any time soon, but not bad for a 55 year old piker.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 4th Weekend of Riding
From Friday to this morning, I put in about 140 miles.
I did Point Lookout Friday and this morning (55 total), 33 on Sunday and 52 on Monday.
I would have done more on Sunday but was taking one of my old foster kids to the Yankee game (more on that later). Knowing that I could only ride for a couple of hours, I hammered the ride and never stopped.
(I then spent 5 hours in the 95 degree sun at Yankee Stadium. I spent about $40 on water and lemonade and kept pouring ice down my back and water over my head. Mathew had a good time but remind me never to agree to take him to a day game in July or August).
On Monday, I did a modified version of the Mansion Ride. I climbed about 2600 feet over 52 miles and only stopped once for a few minutes after the descent from the hill at Sea Cliff. Despite the high temperatures, I didn't feel hot during the ride (I was finished by 10:10) but was incredibly overheated for the next few hours despite a cold shower and taking in ridiculous amounts of fluids. I didn't feel normal until around 6 p.m.
This morning, starting at 5:55, I bombed the flat Point Lookout ride. I happened to run into a couple of my friends along the way and they rode with me for a while. Today was one of those rare days where there was virtually no wind either way and I was lucky with most of the traffic lights so I was able to round trip in 1:35, probably a record for me. Average HR was 154 so I was pounding it pretty hard.
Again, I didn't sweat much or feel particularly hot during the ride but was very uncomfortable during my 15 minute walk from Penn Station to work. I have a fan blowing on me as I write.
All in all, a pretty productive and fun weekend of riding.
Scary thought: The temperature could be like this (and was in 2004) during the Alyn Ride, even though it's in late October. Yikes.
I did Point Lookout Friday and this morning (55 total), 33 on Sunday and 52 on Monday.
I would have done more on Sunday but was taking one of my old foster kids to the Yankee game (more on that later). Knowing that I could only ride for a couple of hours, I hammered the ride and never stopped.
(I then spent 5 hours in the 95 degree sun at Yankee Stadium. I spent about $40 on water and lemonade and kept pouring ice down my back and water over my head. Mathew had a good time but remind me never to agree to take him to a day game in July or August).
On Monday, I did a modified version of the Mansion Ride. I climbed about 2600 feet over 52 miles and only stopped once for a few minutes after the descent from the hill at Sea Cliff. Despite the high temperatures, I didn't feel hot during the ride (I was finished by 10:10) but was incredibly overheated for the next few hours despite a cold shower and taking in ridiculous amounts of fluids. I didn't feel normal until around 6 p.m.
This morning, starting at 5:55, I bombed the flat Point Lookout ride. I happened to run into a couple of my friends along the way and they rode with me for a while. Today was one of those rare days where there was virtually no wind either way and I was lucky with most of the traffic lights so I was able to round trip in 1:35, probably a record for me. Average HR was 154 so I was pounding it pretty hard.
Again, I didn't sweat much or feel particularly hot during the ride but was very uncomfortable during my 15 minute walk from Penn Station to work. I have a fan blowing on me as I write.
All in all, a pretty productive and fun weekend of riding.
Scary thought: The temperature could be like this (and was in 2004) during the Alyn Ride, even though it's in late October. Yikes.
Sunday Morning at Dunkin' Donuts
I try to daven (pray) in a minyan every morning.
And, for many reasons, I also like to ride my bike very early.
Luckily, a local synagogue has what's known as a Vasikin Minyan. In the summer, that Minyan begins at right around 5 am allowing me to achieve both of the above-noted goals.
This Sunday, I got up an extra 15 minutes early in order to have time to go to Dunkin' Donuts and get a big iced coffee and a egg and cheese croissant (for after my ride).
I got to the store at 4:46 a.m. assuming that I'd have plenty of time to get to the minyan which started, that day, at 5:04. Not an unreasonable assumption.
Wrong!
The store was full of people who, evidently, were on their way home from their Saturday night revelry. The only types of people who were not in full supply were Dunkin' Donuts employees.
Directly in front of me were three not-small woman (in the horizontal sense of the word) dressed in their very revealing finest. While they were certainly revealing much more than I personally wished to see, I digress. After they finally ordered their sweetened (not-with-Splenda) tea, donuts and bagels with cream cheese, I found myself running late. I did not even have time to order the sandwich, instead opting for a donut.
At least I got my iced coffee.
Memo to self: When it comes to Dunkin' Donuts on Sunday mornings, remember that one man's ceiling is another man's floor.
And, for many reasons, I also like to ride my bike very early.
Luckily, a local synagogue has what's known as a Vasikin Minyan. In the summer, that Minyan begins at right around 5 am allowing me to achieve both of the above-noted goals.
This Sunday, I got up an extra 15 minutes early in order to have time to go to Dunkin' Donuts and get a big iced coffee and a egg and cheese croissant (for after my ride).
I got to the store at 4:46 a.m. assuming that I'd have plenty of time to get to the minyan which started, that day, at 5:04. Not an unreasonable assumption.
Wrong!
The store was full of people who, evidently, were on their way home from their Saturday night revelry. The only types of people who were not in full supply were Dunkin' Donuts employees.
Directly in front of me were three not-small woman (in the horizontal sense of the word) dressed in their very revealing finest. While they were certainly revealing much more than I personally wished to see, I digress. After they finally ordered their sweetened (not-with-Splenda) tea, donuts and bagels with cream cheese, I found myself running late. I did not even have time to order the sandwich, instead opting for a donut.
At least I got my iced coffee.
Memo to self: When it comes to Dunkin' Donuts on Sunday mornings, remember that one man's ceiling is another man's floor.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
On Getting Hit By A Car
As the post below demonstrates, if you ride enough, it is likely to happen one day, That is, getting hit by a car. You try to minimize the chances as much as possible but, sadly, it is not entirely in your hands.
So, I ride with a rear flasher always, wear bright colors and reflector strips on my ankle, try to start my rides VERY early in the morning, and stay away, as much as possible, from dangerous roads.
Nevertheless.
My day came almost exactly five years ago, on July 29, 2005. And it was entirely my fault.
The driver, shaking, pulled over and came to see if I was ok. It didn't look like I had so much as a scratch! (It turned out that I, indeed, had a nasty welt on my side). I assured him that I was fine. I asked him if HE was ok and he said, yes, just very worried. I told him it was my fault and apologized for riding carelessly.
He picked up the mirror, hopped in the car, and drove off.
I then assessed the situation, My bike was a little mangled but much less than I would have thought. The handlebars were way out of allignment but I was able to fix them with a quick adjustment. Amazingly, the bike was usable.
Rather than go home like a normal person, I decided to finish my ride.
POSTSCRIPT.
The next day, I ran into an acquaintance who was driving on Rockaway Turnpike and saw the entire thing. He told me that he saw the car swerve to the left at the last second, and saw me get hit by the mirror, bounce off the car and land upright. He said it was the darndest thing he ever saw (and that I should be VERY grateful to G-d).
That episode had a profound effect in many ways, including, especially, how I ride. I can't believe how careless I was and how lucky I was to survive. I try never to forget that incident.
So, I ride with a rear flasher always, wear bright colors and reflector strips on my ankle, try to start my rides VERY early in the morning, and stay away, as much as possible, from dangerous roads.
Nevertheless.
My day came almost exactly five years ago, on July 29, 2005. And it was entirely my fault.
I was riding out to Point Lookout, about a 28 mile round trip from my house. I rode down Central Avenue rather than 878 to (ironically) avoid traffic. I was going around 20 mph when I approached the traffic light at Central and Rockaway Turnpike. The light was red so I slowed down, looked both ways, and continued riding, still against the light.
Except the road wasn't clear. I don't know how I missed it but I did. At the last second I saw it. A white car, about to hit me. He slammed on his brakes and swerved to his left. I slammed on mine and instinctively veered to the right. I braced for the impact.
Boom!
His passenger-side mirror rammed into my handle bars and were sheared right of his car. Remarkably, I didn't even fall. I was literally in the same upright position I would have been in had I simply stopped for the light (albeit facing north rather than west).The driver, shaking, pulled over and came to see if I was ok. It didn't look like I had so much as a scratch! (It turned out that I, indeed, had a nasty welt on my side). I assured him that I was fine. I asked him if HE was ok and he said, yes, just very worried. I told him it was my fault and apologized for riding carelessly.
He picked up the mirror, hopped in the car, and drove off.
I then assessed the situation, My bike was a little mangled but much less than I would have thought. The handlebars were way out of allignment but I was able to fix them with a quick adjustment. Amazingly, the bike was usable.
Rather than go home like a normal person, I decided to finish my ride.
POSTSCRIPT.
The next day, I ran into an acquaintance who was driving on Rockaway Turnpike and saw the entire thing. He told me that he saw the car swerve to the left at the last second, and saw me get hit by the mirror, bounce off the car and land upright. He said it was the darndest thing he ever saw (and that I should be VERY grateful to G-d).
That episode had a profound effect in many ways, including, especially, how I ride. I can't believe how careless I was and how lucky I was to survive. I try never to forget that incident.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Back to Basics
Now that the Americans were beaten in the World Cup, can we all stop pretending we care about soccer and go back to stuff that's far less boring?
Harbor Ride
Bike New York started running a Long Island Ride three or four years ago. I did the first one with Zev (where he bonked after about 70 miles. That was a long time ago; he now rides a couple of times a week in the hottest, hilliest place imaginable. Bonking is no longer an option).
Registration opened at 7 and I was actually the first one on line. However, they refused to give out cue sheets until 7:20 and only the 100 mile ride. Realizing that even my considerable charm was not going to persuade the volunteer to change her mind, I left on my own at 7:10 sans cue sheet. (The ride started a block off Exit 53 of the Long Island Expressway. With my GPS, I figured that, worse comes to worse and I get lost, even I can find my way back).
The withholding of the cue sheets was stupid. It was brutally hot and people wanted to get on the road as early as possible. Also, like me, other people like to get their rides over so they can do things like chase a 5 year old around the block on her new bike).
The ride was generally fine, mostly rolling hills with the highest gradient I remember seeing at 12% (I haven't downloaded the data yet so I'm not sure). I did the 52 miler and added 9 miles of my own. In total I burned about 3,000 calories and climbed about 2700 feet.
I had planned to do the 78 miler but it was just too hot and I knew that the extra 18 miles in the soup would have wrecked the rest of my day. I had to take care of Meira for a while, take my mom out for a bit and do a few other things.
Impressions: The street marking were inadequate. You could go for miles without seeing a sign. As well, you could pass two or even three intersections (including large ones) without seeing an arrow. Also, the rest stops (I only stopped once but heard from others that they were more or less the same), were very poor. Very little real food (almost nothing at the end). Thank goodness for Hammer Nutrition products, without which I would not have made it.
All-in-all, I think I would have had as much fun, and as good a workout, if I had just done my usual Sunday morning ride (plus I would have been on the road by 6:45, avoiding the heat that much more).
Registration opened at 7 and I was actually the first one on line. However, they refused to give out cue sheets until 7:20 and only the 100 mile ride. Realizing that even my considerable charm was not going to persuade the volunteer to change her mind, I left on my own at 7:10 sans cue sheet. (The ride started a block off Exit 53 of the Long Island Expressway. With my GPS, I figured that, worse comes to worse and I get lost, even I can find my way back).
The withholding of the cue sheets was stupid. It was brutally hot and people wanted to get on the road as early as possible. Also, like me, other people like to get their rides over so they can do things like chase a 5 year old around the block on her new bike).
The ride was generally fine, mostly rolling hills with the highest gradient I remember seeing at 12% (I haven't downloaded the data yet so I'm not sure). I did the 52 miler and added 9 miles of my own. In total I burned about 3,000 calories and climbed about 2700 feet.
I had planned to do the 78 miler but it was just too hot and I knew that the extra 18 miles in the soup would have wrecked the rest of my day. I had to take care of Meira for a while, take my mom out for a bit and do a few other things.
Impressions: The street marking were inadequate. You could go for miles without seeing a sign. As well, you could pass two or even three intersections (including large ones) without seeing an arrow. Also, the rest stops (I only stopped once but heard from others that they were more or less the same), were very poor. Very little real food (almost nothing at the end). Thank goodness for Hammer Nutrition products, without which I would not have made it.
All-in-all, I think I would have had as much fun, and as good a workout, if I had just done my usual Sunday morning ride (plus I would have been on the road by 6:45, avoiding the heat that much more).
Sunday, June 20, 2010
The Ramat Raziel Circuit
This morning Zev and I left at 6:45 up Route 38 to Ramat Raziel, one of the hardest climbs in the country. I've done it numerous times, including once on my second Alyn Ride and most recently in January. It doesn't get easier.
Since I had all the time in the world today, I decided to do a complete circuit. After climbing the 8 kilometers to the top of Ramat Raziel, I was rewarded with a fabulous, miles-long descent into the Jerusalm Forest valley where I reached some very high speeds but never felt uncomfortable. I reached Haddasah Hospital and then began a long, steady climb up to the top of Nes Harim (from the other side).
I got to Bar B'Har after two hours and eleven minutes of riding. I felt very strong and not too hot. Starting early has its advantages, especially on Ramat Raziel where we rode almost entirely in the shade. After a Coke and a short break, I completed my ride down the Nes Harim hill again and back down to Ramat Beit Shemesh. On the way out of Bar B'Har, I took some video on my iPod Nano. As soon as I figure out how to do so, I will post it here. It's pretty cool.
I was finished in 2:55, burning 1500 calories and hitting an average heart beat of 156. (I did 1100 on Friday with a similar average heart beat (but hitting a max of 179 as opposed to 174 today)
It's been a great two days of riding. I'm feeling pretty good about my prospects of keeping on the back of the Challenge Riders four months from now on the Alyn Ride.
Since I had all the time in the world today, I decided to do a complete circuit. After climbing the 8 kilometers to the top of Ramat Raziel, I was rewarded with a fabulous, miles-long descent into the Jerusalm Forest valley where I reached some very high speeds but never felt uncomfortable. I reached Haddasah Hospital and then began a long, steady climb up to the top of Nes Harim (from the other side).
I got to Bar B'Har after two hours and eleven minutes of riding. I felt very strong and not too hot. Starting early has its advantages, especially on Ramat Raziel where we rode almost entirely in the shade. After a Coke and a short break, I completed my ride down the Nes Harim hill again and back down to Ramat Beit Shemesh. On the way out of Bar B'Har, I took some video on my iPod Nano. As soon as I figure out how to do so, I will post it here. It's pretty cool.
I was finished in 2:55, burning 1500 calories and hitting an average heart beat of 156. (I did 1100 on Friday with a similar average heart beat (but hitting a max of 179 as opposed to 174 today)
It's been a great two days of riding. I'm feeling pretty good about my prospects of keeping on the back of the Challenge Riders four months from now on the Alyn Ride.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Boy, It's Hot Out Here
This morning I landed in Israel after a 4 1/2 hour flight from London. I slept fitfully most of the way. My trip did not start off particularly well. I lost my Blackberry at the airport. I'm hoping it will turn up at the lost and found when I return to New York on Sunday night but I'm not particularly hopeful.
But, I digress.
After dropping off my bags, Zev and I started out for Nes Harim at 8 a.m. He graciously let me use his new carbon fiber Giant while he rode his old (and my old) aluminum Trek 1500. Not that it mattered. He still makes me look like I'm going in slow motion.
This was the first ride since last summer that I've done in the heat. And it WAS hot. (They don't call it Beit Shemesh (House of the Sun) for nothing.
I made it up to Bar B'Har (The Bar on the Mountain) in pretty decent shape. Zev's bike is not only lighter than my Lightspeed, it also has a triple crank so I could put the bike in some pretty low gears. The heat was brutal and there is absolutely no shade.
At Bar B'Har I ran into Saul Singer, who is a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, co-author of the bestseller "Start Up Nation" and, more importantly, a veteran of four Alyn Challenge Rides. He, like I, missed last year's ride but will be doing this year's ride. I had a Coke, got back on the bike and started back for home.
Feeling strong, I decided to go down and up the road to the Stalactite Caves. It is not as long nor as steep as the climb up Nes Harim but it isn't Feeks Lane either. (I recall it being at least a mile and a half but I could be wrong. I will look it up later).
I then flew down the Nes Harim climb, always a hair-raising event. The ride back to Ramat Shiloh was uneventful but I was completely cooked by the time I got back. Now, 5 hours later, my face is still burning.
A small reminder of what five days in the Negev are like.
But, I digress.
After dropping off my bags, Zev and I started out for Nes Harim at 8 a.m. He graciously let me use his new carbon fiber Giant while he rode his old (and my old) aluminum Trek 1500. Not that it mattered. He still makes me look like I'm going in slow motion.
This was the first ride since last summer that I've done in the heat. And it WAS hot. (They don't call it Beit Shemesh (House of the Sun) for nothing.
I made it up to Bar B'Har (The Bar on the Mountain) in pretty decent shape. Zev's bike is not only lighter than my Lightspeed, it also has a triple crank so I could put the bike in some pretty low gears. The heat was brutal and there is absolutely no shade.
At Bar B'Har I ran into Saul Singer, who is a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, co-author of the bestseller "Start Up Nation" and, more importantly, a veteran of four Alyn Challenge Rides. He, like I, missed last year's ride but will be doing this year's ride. I had a Coke, got back on the bike and started back for home.
Feeling strong, I decided to go down and up the road to the Stalactite Caves. It is not as long nor as steep as the climb up Nes Harim but it isn't Feeks Lane either. (I recall it being at least a mile and a half but I could be wrong. I will look it up later).
I then flew down the Nes Harim climb, always a hair-raising event. The ride back to Ramat Shiloh was uneventful but I was completely cooked by the time I got back. Now, 5 hours later, my face is still burning.
A small reminder of what five days in the Negev are like.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Honking on the Atlantic Beach Bridge
On some weekday mornings, I get up early and ride out to Lido Beach or Point Lookout. While the ride is almost perfectly flat (my Garmin measured the cumulative ascent at about 75 feet round trip), you are almost certain to run into a stiff wind one direction or the other.
The ride also requires crossing the Atlantic Beach Bridge (ABB). And herein lies the rub.
One side of the ABB has a running/walking path. Bike riding is not permitted on that path; instead one is supposed to dismount and walk his or her bike across the bridge. Failure so to do can result in a fine of 250 smackers, U.S.
Many people misinterpret the sign that forbids riding across the path. The sign DOES NOT PROHIBIT BIKE RIDING ACROSS THE BRIDGE ON THE ROAD PROPER!! Like on every other street or road (other than highways), bike riding is permitted so long as you follow the rules of the road.
Unfortunately, many's the time that I find myself riding over the ABB back into the Five Towns when drivers give me dirty looks, or worse, loudly honk their horns from behind, not because I'm in their way (there are three lanes and at 7 a.m. there is never much traffic), but because they think I'm violating the law and have appointed themselves auxiliary policemen. This is very stupid because honking like that can startle a rider which can really be dangerous, particularly when the rider is riding across the steel grating of a draw bridge. on two very thin wheels.
This happened to me again this morning. A woman both honked at me and gave me a dirty look. And then, at the toll booths below, she honked me again because I was going straight (as was my right) from the right toll booth, when she wanted to veer into the turn-off which was located on my right. I gave her the clentched-fist-high-in-the-air treatment.
-Such are the trials and tribulations of a bike rider who just wants to be left alone.
The ride also requires crossing the Atlantic Beach Bridge (ABB). And herein lies the rub.
One side of the ABB has a running/walking path. Bike riding is not permitted on that path; instead one is supposed to dismount and walk his or her bike across the bridge. Failure so to do can result in a fine of 250 smackers, U.S.
Many people misinterpret the sign that forbids riding across the path. The sign DOES NOT PROHIBIT BIKE RIDING ACROSS THE BRIDGE ON THE ROAD PROPER!! Like on every other street or road (other than highways), bike riding is permitted so long as you follow the rules of the road.
Unfortunately, many's the time that I find myself riding over the ABB back into the Five Towns when drivers give me dirty looks, or worse, loudly honk their horns from behind, not because I'm in their way (there are three lanes and at 7 a.m. there is never much traffic), but because they think I'm violating the law and have appointed themselves auxiliary policemen. This is very stupid because honking like that can startle a rider which can really be dangerous, particularly when the rider is riding across the steel grating of a draw bridge. on two very thin wheels.
This happened to me again this morning. A woman both honked at me and gave me a dirty look. And then, at the toll booths below, she honked me again because I was going straight (as was my right) from the right toll booth, when she wanted to veer into the turn-off which was located on my right. I gave her the clentched-fist-high-in-the-air treatment.
-Such are the trials and tribulations of a bike rider who just wants to be left alone.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Wind
I set my alarm for 4:50 a.m. on Sunday. I knew it would be cold and windy but I still wanted to ride. After morning services I was in my car by 6:15 and on my bike at 7:05.
The cold doesn't bother me because I have the right clothes. But the wind! That's another story. They seemed to becoming out of the southeast and were gusting to as much as 40 mph. I felt as though I was riding with a flat for much of the ride and was out of my seat much more than usual. Boy, was I slow. (Except for the occasional flat where I had the wind at my back; it felt like I had a motor for those few stretches).
At the 1:50 mark, I decided that I had had enough fun for the day and decided to cut my ride short. Rather than going on my normal route, I took a shortcut back. I ended up doing only 34 miles rather than the 38 I had planned. Unfortunately, because of the wind, it took me just about the same amount of time.
One good thing about a ride like that. The hot shower that follows really hits the spot.
The cold doesn't bother me because I have the right clothes. But the wind! That's another story. They seemed to becoming out of the southeast and were gusting to as much as 40 mph. I felt as though I was riding with a flat for much of the ride and was out of my seat much more than usual. Boy, was I slow. (Except for the occasional flat where I had the wind at my back; it felt like I had a motor for those few stretches).
At the 1:50 mark, I decided that I had had enough fun for the day and decided to cut my ride short. Rather than going on my normal route, I took a shortcut back. I ended up doing only 34 miles rather than the 38 I had planned. Unfortunately, because of the wind, it took me just about the same amount of time.
One good thing about a ride like that. The hot shower that follows really hits the spot.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Weather Permitting
I am getting increasingly frustrated with the weatherman.
Sunday is the only day of the week I get to do long rides. Two weeks ago I was scheduled to do a metric century on the North Shore of Long Island and ditched because it was pouring. Last Sunday, I did get in a 40 mile ride (that's all I had time for) but the weather was very weird. When I started it was drizzling, then it was pretty cool, then humid, then sunny. By the time I was done I was completely soaked through my jacket (which I put on at the last minute because of the rain).
The forecast for this Sunday, after a week of spectacular weather, is for a high in the low 60s (which means it will be 45 when I get on my bike at 6:45 a.m.)
The older I get, the less tolerant I am of cold weather. August can come soon enough.
Sunday is the only day of the week I get to do long rides. Two weeks ago I was scheduled to do a metric century on the North Shore of Long Island and ditched because it was pouring. Last Sunday, I did get in a 40 mile ride (that's all I had time for) but the weather was very weird. When I started it was drizzling, then it was pretty cool, then humid, then sunny. By the time I was done I was completely soaked through my jacket (which I put on at the last minute because of the rain).
The forecast for this Sunday, after a week of spectacular weather, is for a high in the low 60s (which means it will be 45 when I get on my bike at 6:45 a.m.)
The older I get, the less tolerant I am of cold weather. August can come soon enough.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Going For Six
After one year off, I have been given permission by my boss (no, not him) to do the Alyn Charity Ride again. The dates are October 24th through the 28th. I already have my plane tickets. Especially cool is the fact that our older son (henceforth, OOS), who lives in Israel (less than 10k from some of the best climbing in the country) and is a beast on a bike will be joining me for the final 2 days of the five day ride. Also nice is that our middle daughter (OMD) will be studying in seminary next year so I will have a chance to see her.
The route has not yet been finalized but once again I will be signing up for the insane Challenge Ride.
I will use this blog to chart my training progress and summarize the ride itself. Less than seven months to go. I'm pumped
The route has not yet been finalized but once again I will be signing up for the insane Challenge Ride.
I will use this blog to chart my training progress and summarize the ride itself. Less than seven months to go. I'm pumped
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