Kenny Lucas
Anyone who has competed in sports, played an instrument, gave a presentation, or most other acts of concentration have felt what the phrase "being in rhythm" means. It's when the subconscious drives the outcome and the conscious takes a back seat. In biking, for me that means forgetting your cadence and speed, forgetting how far I need to go, forgetting about the bike and imagining you are flying through the woods, and being eerily aware of everything around you.
I reached this state during the second lap of my ride this evening.around Accotink. I was aware of the deer, the trail bends, the leaves falling, and the rider coming at me from around a tight turn. Unfortunately, he wasn't in the same state ... BONK! OOOF! Fortunately, the BONK was his bike hitting...
Monday, October 25, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Blue Ridge Mountain Road - Sept 7, 2010
On Saturday I set off with a work buddy to tackle the Blue Ridge Mountain Road out near Middleburg. I rode this ride ~17 years ago and loved it. However, back then I did strain a knee tendon that put me off biking for almost 1 year. Needless to say, I've been tentative about tackling this ride again.
Conquering my fears, but not my anxieties I set off again Saturday. I didn't sleep well the night before knowing this challenge was ahead. I picked up my buddy around 9:30am and off to Middleburg we went.
The ride hasn't changed much from what I can tell. I came close to following the same roads as last time. Winding, hilly country roads with very little traffic. It's beautiful scenery if you aren't struggling too much to...
CAAD10 Maiden Voyage - Oct 4, 2010
The maiden voyage of the 2011 Cannondale CAAD10 resulted in the easiest 52 miles that I have ever traveled. Dan Wolfe and I set out on the W&OD trail Saturday morning and rode from Gallows Road out to Leesburg and back. I simply couldn't believe how effortless the ride was. Less than 2 1/2 hours duration with a few short stops.
I feel very confident of making the Seagull Century which is this coming Saturday. Weather is predicted to be 71 degrees, sunny, with winds from the NE at 8mph.
On a sad note, I listed my 1996 Cannondale m700 on Craigslist. That bike has taken me thousands of miles, but now I suspect it will get little travel as all my path riding will be on the Cannondale Super V-500.
Many miles ahead,K-La...
Seagull Century October 2010
Dan Wolfe and I set out Friday after another slow day at work for Salisbury MD. Traffic was horrible but we started getting excited seeing bikes on other cars starting around the Bay Bridge. In fact, I told Dan to stop next to one guy in the stop/go traffic and ask if he was going to Seagull. He was, and then he asked us if we had $2.50 for the toll. He had no cash. Being fellow bike riders, we coughed up the $2.50 and told him we would be looking for him during the ride. Note: We are still out our $2.50.
We stayed at the Salvation Army. Dan slept in his van (why? ask him.) and I stayed inside the gymnasium. It was comfortable, but as usual there were 2 guys having a wood sawing competition. For all you snorers out there, stay the hell out of public sleeping arrangements. We...
"I got Winded" 10/21/2010
In preparation for the C&O canal ride, I set off for another regular loop around Accotink and Wakefield Park last night. Perhaps the overly aggressive approach towards this ride stemmed from my lovely day at the office. Last night I felt pretty good mentally when done, but physically I was kinda hurting.
The ride was 17.55 miles in 1hr 6mins and was pretty much a complete sprint. These things always seem like a good idea at the time, with penalties coming later. Fortunately nothing hurt, but dang I was tired and winded. It was a chore to put a beat down on Michelle at the ping pong table last night after the ride.
I hope everyone is training for the ride. Maybe a longer ride this weekend is in order???
Many miles ahead,K-La...
