La flama fortuna
La terra murmure
Un coro
Serenata
Cantara mysterie
Dono dono dono gracia
Dono dono adore
Dono dono infinatia
Dono dono adore
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The Immediate - Serenata Immortale
Fermilab aka Sufferfest
I haven't road in a pack in such a long time. To be in the presence of truly elite athletes was quite a bit of excitement and a good bit of fear. Keeping up was my main concern. It was a long haul ride of at least 5 hours which in honestly is probably the longest of the year for me.
To ride at one of America's great institutions of science felt like a huge undertaking. Fields of grass and tight dense groups of trees, unfamiliar terrian, monolithic and iconic buildings, were all part of my view. Well, those things and the Sheila's back wheel. (for as long as I could hold it)
Drafting was big. I had crappy loaner aerobars but that wasn't my biggest problem. Strength and endurance were my main issues. Several of my muscles in my legs were not up to par. Particularly the Sartorius muscle where the muscle meets the knee. The very end of that muscle was radiating pain every time I climbed a small hill or road faster.
My plan of hanging back and catching up at the stop signs proved to be disastrous in the end. I seriously wasn't in the peak shape I needed to be to catch up. There are two underlying issues here. Riding alone without drafting is difficult. You face the challenges of wind on your own. While in an long course race drafting isn't allowed its still somewhat beneficial. Especially beneficial when everyone you are riding with are beasts.
The most memorable time I could remember from this adventure was on the last segment, Sheila, Mark, and Dan were at the top of the hill leading to the main Fermi Lab building all stopped waiting for me. I was about to reach them and I started to unclip but Mark says "NEWBIE YOU DON'T GET TO STOP!" So I clipped back in and road up the hill.
Drafting was big. I had crappy loaner aerobars but that wasn't my biggest problem. Strength and endurance were my main issues. Several of my muscles in my legs were not up to par. Particularly the Sartorius muscle where the muscle meets the knee. The very end of that muscle was radiating pain every time I climbed a small hill or road faster.
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Wikipedia & http://www.profile-design.com
(respectively)
The most memorable time I could remember from this adventure was on the last segment, Sheila, Mark, and Dan were at the top of the hill leading to the main Fermi Lab building all stopped waiting for me. I was about to reach them and I started to unclip but Mark says "NEWBIE YOU DON'T GET TO STOP!" So I clipped back in and road up the hill.
July 4th Metric Century
This ride was much better. I'd say a complete 180 from the previous ride. I got new aerobars and I made it a point to stay on Sheila's wheel. I was averaging per segment 20-22mph. It was a good day. I have the sunburn to prove it!
Nutrition and hydration is the key to success!!!! I had 3 bottles worth of electrolyte infused drink, 6 cookies, 2 small dixie cups of trail mix, a slice watermelon. I knew if I wanted to keep up with these I needed to churn calories. This may have been my issue on my last ride as well. Even though I did have calories they were not enough to satisfy my muscles. It's important to note you shouldn't have solid food during a long course tri or similar race. However this was just a ride.
Thanks to Sheila for inviting me out. It was a far better ride than riding the I&M Canal Trail like I was planning. I&M is a very nice scenic route but not good for training.
Just a note just because you are newbie doesn't give you an excuse to not lead the pack. Everyone has to pull lead duty every once and a while. I plan on doing it more on future rides.
Just a note just because you are newbie doesn't give you an excuse to not lead the pack. Everyone has to pull lead duty every once and a while. I plan on doing it more on future rides.
By the way, aerobars on a road bike is just plain weird. This is how it feels.
Independence's Name Day
"Today marks the first anniversary of my bicycle's name day. Now most of you will find this utterly ridiculous. Oh that guy loves his bike so much he named it. If I cared what you'd think, I would have lost all that weight years ago.
The reason why this day is very significant both being our national holiday and my bicycle's name day is very similar. Today marks the day that our country in one voice stood up to tyranny and oppression.
Last year, I named my bicycle Independence. I too fought tyranny and oppression but not from some foreign legion or external force but from my own inner self. I declared that I would hold myself accountable.
I'm always there for all my friends. It's hard to be accountable for that if I didn't have a reasonable chance at living. I declared i'd never return to that old me.
It's because of all of you cheering me on and helping me, some guiding me. That I have a better outlook on life. None of this would be possible if it weren't for you all.
I wouldn't be here if we didn't have a free country. Freedom means making choices. I implore you all to choose wisely when it comes to your health. Ultimately the decision is up to you. Thank you to all our soldiers for paying the ultimate price for our freedom.
Happy Forth of July. Happy Birthday United States of America."
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Excerpt from my facebook page.
As Always Thanks For Reading,
Tiger
Team PAWS Kitty City
I raised $1,500 thanks to you guys. So as promised I will do 2 shifts in kitty city. Ugh cats.
Yes I do realize my theme is The TIGER Rebuilt. If you mention it you better get out right meow. Oh no its happening.
References
As Always Thanks For Reading,
Tiger
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