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Friday, December 28, 2012

2012: Wrapping It Up and Planning 2013

2012 has been the first year I was able to maintain some consistency in my cycling training.

Some 2012 data:
  • about 7,300 miles cycled;
  • about 565,000 feet of climbing;
  • net loss of 30 lbs weight (-40 lbs fat; +10 lbs of muscle);
  • substantial improvement of stamina, endurance and power when climbing (beat my previous best by 32 minutes [2:49:00] on local race of 54 miles, 4,800 ft of climbing).
Many important things learned along the way this year: (Note: I typically learn these things the `hard' way.  That is, pain, money, blood and chaos.)

A. Mountainous and remote terrain requires smart and detailed attention to the following:
  1. what clothing gear to carry (in the Fall and Winter one can experience 3 different seasonal climates due to the changes in altitude when riding);
  2. careful assessment of the difficulty of certain training routes;
  3. what equipment is essential;
  4. what equipment works best;
  5. water, water, water;
  6. high energy food / nutrition;
  7. cellphone coverage is 95% non-existent;
  8. how to protect against damage to skin from sun / solar radiation;
  9. effects of heat and cold, i.e., temperatures on summer days can range 40 degrees from the top of the mountain to the depth of a canyon;
  10. how to deal with black ice in the mountains;
  11. being careful to note that while you're screaming down that 8% descent at 45+ mph there may be deer, coyote, javelina, snakes, etc in your way;
  12. being careful to note that while you're screaming down that 8% descent at 45+ mph there may be a sharp and unexpected turn in the road;
  13. solo riding (i.e., when my training rides are longer (time and distance) and hillier (thousands of feet of climbing and descending) than others want to do, have the time to do;
  14. I still think it is more dangerous to ride in Chicago than it is to ride in the most desolate and threatening local terrain.
B. It is critical to plan for and expect emergencies:
  1. lighting for night riding if I encounter time delays;
  2. protection in the event of predatory wildlife;
  3. making sure that other's know my route and expected time of return;
  4. double and triple equipment backup (tubes, tires, air, cables, master chain links, first-aid, etc.);
  5. weather emergencies (sudden cold, lightning);
  6. waving at, being seen by, being courteous to, and establishing and maintaining good will with drivers and local folks (being literally the only recumbent cyclist in the area means that I will be remembered);
  7. don't lay or sit down on flat ground unless I want scorpions, ants or snakes as company;
  8. sources of water (remote hiking trailheads, driving the course and placing bottles of water at strategic points along the way);
  9. complete absence of sources of food (stores, gas stations) for tens of miles along the route;
  10. recognition that I might have to stop at any remote ranch or house along the way to ask for help.
C. Different cycling events require different training activities:
  1. short, hilly races (strategy, intensity managementy, weight issues (body, bike, nutrition, water), gearing;
  2. long, flat brevets or races (lots of indoor training at continuous, non-stop effort v. short, hard efforts interspersed with often long [15+ minutes] of steep or steady descents where the heart rate drops to the 60's;
  3. Self-support v. full or partial support (crew/vehicle) for mechanicals, food and water;
D. Keeping a log of hours in the saddle as well as miles covered and feet of climbing.  Ascending typically takes twice as long as descending. 

E. Be vigilant in the consumption of food and water on rides of 3+ hours.  I've always had a problem remembering to eat and drink until it is literally too late and my performance has suffered.

F. Realistic planning of the cycling events for the upcoming year.  Allows for specific training, recovery and an important balance (family, social, etc) in my life.

G. Economic assessment as to whether it is worth it to, e.g., drive 6 hours to do a 60 mile group ride (NOT!).

H. Emotional preparedness to experience ridicule and discounting by DF bike riders for riding a recumbent bike.  (There is a baseless assumption that equally fit recumbent cyclists can't climb that I love to disprove).

I. A welcoming appreciation by the general public and other cyclists for riding a recumbent bike.

J. Pain and suffering should not be the `goal' of ultracycling.  Rather, the ability to learn from experience so that adversity can be managed with emotional resilience, good training and better preparation.

 

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