The Joy of Living in a "Bowl" Part I - Wind Resistance

Fond du Lac, WI is essentially in a bowl. One of the most low lying spots in the state. There are many disadvantages to living in an area such as this ( ie flooding ). I, however, have discovered a number of advantages to "basin living", especially in regards to biking.

The first of these is wind resistance. I've noticed that the wind seems to be stronger in the bowl than in the outlying hill country or even in the marshlands to the west. Having rode into this wind excessively over the last year, I believe it has given me an advantage in "head wind training". I firmly believe that a stiff head wind can be just as formidable an opponent as a steep hill. The difference being the wind is more sustained. I think this helps to build up your endurance. I'm not saying it's like training at altitude, or it can replace hill climbs, but I truly think it's helped my endurance.

When I think back two years, I could barely ride 5 miles and I was damn near 50 lbs heavier. I look forward to riding into the wind. Even when I turn a corner and the wind is so strong that it feels like Rick Flair just gave me a knife edge chop across the chest (Whooooooo!). Bring it on! My legs burn, my arms and back get sore, my face is red with wind burn (in colder temps), but who cares? Again I say, Bring it on! Can I hear a witness?

Kippis,

Craigers

Cedar Lake Ramble '09 Wrap up

Now that was fun! Thanks BC for letting me tag along. 39.1 miles on some of the better hills the Northern Kettles had to offer. Finnished it in 3 hrs 25 min with an average speed of 11.14 mph. Here's some pics from the ride.

Groove Family Cyclo Ride Scheduled for August 23rd

FINALY! After months of trying to get something together, the Big Cat and I have finaly scheduled a ride for this coming Sunday, August 23rd. I told him I needed to get something in that was #1: more than 25 miles, and #2: Had some hills to it so I could get my legs to a point where they wouldn't explode in the middle of Earth Ride. I think he delivered with a planned route from his house to damn near Kiel and back. He says it takes about 3 hours 15 minutes, but for my flabby arse we could be looking at a little longer (I think we're looking at about 50 miles).


If anyone's in the area and wants to tag along (this means you Jonny K), let me know. I'll post again after the ride... if I make it.

Kippis,

Craigers

Wow, I'm really fast!

NOT

But this is a funny story. As I was finishing up a 15 miler yesterday morning, I was coming to an intersection and I noticed a car goin through it rather slowly. Being as the traffic lights were still blinking due to the early hour, I didn't think mych of it.

As I turned the corner, and followed the same route as the slow car just went, I was surprised to see said "slow car". Not only did I still see it, I WAS GAINING ON IT! I was clipping along at a blistering 12-13 MPH, and I was gaining on this car. As I got closer, I actually had to slow down so I would get pinched between "slow car" and the parked cars on the street. I looked to see if I could get a read on what the driver was going to do next, as I didn't want to get clipped, and saw a very lovely, dear old lady driving this vehicle.

I literally had to slow down to 5-6 MPH to stay behind her. Now I know we'll all be there someday, but really, driving 5 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. Please, leave the car in the garage.

Kippis,

Craigers

Keep Fighting!

Those of you that read this silly little blog regularly know that last spring, I did the 100 miles of nowhere ride to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This ride was put together by Elden "Fat Cyclist" Nelson. Elden's wife Susan, has been battling cancer.

Last night, Susan passed away. Please keep Elden, the kids, and the rest of the Nelson family in your thoughts and prayers.

In moments like these, we are reminded how short and frail life can be. Take some time today and tell your loved ones how you feel about them. Take some time today and have a positive effect on the life of someone you don't even know.

We may have lost one more soldier in this battle, but the rest of us need to keep fighting! Win Susan!

Peace,

Craigers

What happened to July?

Like the Big Cat said, "I won't apologize" for not posting in almost a month. We've had pretty good weather here in Wisconsin, so it was more advantageous for me to enjoy the out of doors and continue training for Earth Ride '09. Hope fully in the next month there will be more opportunities for me to post some rides other than solo training.

Tried to get together with BC and circle tour Big Green Lake, but that fell short thanks to me and my crappy summer work schedule. What was I thinking gettign into aan industry that is busiest when the weather is nicest? I wasn't is the answer.

Got my Aerotech Designs bib shorts yesterday. Look like a good product. Check 'em out http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/

I have nothing to report for the book club this month. #1: I haven't had much time to read with all the outdoor activities I've been doing. #2: The stuff I have been reading hasn't been all that great anyway, but I always have to finish what I start (check my shelfari page if you really want to know what I've been reading).

Tunes from the Trail - August '09

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Dream Theater

This two disc release from 2002 is sitting right atop my all time greatest list (at least for right now). Disc one is comprised of one of Dream Theater's best songs "The Glass Prison", which consists of riffs and grooves that just makes yo uwant to "crank it up", to one of the most heart wrenching pieces of music I've ever heard, "Disappear", a song about someone letting go of their significant other to a terminal illness. If the words don't touch you, than you may not have a heart.

Disc two is one song, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, a complete work in classical style with modern music. Begining with part I, Overature, all the way to part VIII, Grand Finale.



Till next time - Kippis,

Craigers

P.S. If any of you are on facebook, look me up - Craig M. Seider