Sigma Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) - Thumbs up!

I have a basic Sigma brand heart rate monitor. I have used it off and on for a couple of years with good overall results. I went to use it the other day and I was unable to synchronize the chest unit with the HRM. I installed fresh batteries and after countless attempts to kick-start it I gave up and emailed Sigma Sport for their advise. After several prompt emails I was given a RA (return authorization) and sent it off to the company. In less than a week later I received a new replacement. Awesome service! Great job Sigma Sport!

Bikes are cool.

We all know the story about Lance Armstrong and his journey to beat the odds. The book he wrote is truly amazing. Seriously. It's not about the bike: my journey back to life By Lance Armstrong, Sally Jenkins Regardless of the title of the book I still dig bikes. For me it all about the bike. All kinds of bikes. In all shapes and sizes. If I could , I would surround myself with every possible model out there. Since this cannot be done I must settle for a few types that satisfy this incessant urge. And since I'm broke, I have to settle on things a tad down the middle of the road. No expensive-ass carbon fiber shizzle going on here. Here's a short video with my 2-wheeled friends.

Yesterday's ride...

I've realized that I have backed off the MTB racing this season. This wasn't planned but I needed to try some new things. The races are great for maintaining race level fitness but I've been doiing these races for years and wanted to try some new things. I have also been spending more time with the family on weekends. I train every day during the week before work scattered with a few road races and crits on weekends. It's been great. I train on the cyclocross bike on the rolling dirt roads outside of Ypsilant-Ann Arbor, MI. Although the knobby tires are slower they offer more versatility to explore. I see some cool things along the way and it keeps me off hazardous paved roads and certain death. Yesterday's ride took me to Dexter, MI along the Huron River. Training rides are cool.

Leadville 100: Results, Route Maps & Results | Cyclingnews.com

Armstrong wins 2009 Leadville 100.
Leadville 100: Results, Route Maps & Results | Cyclingnews.com

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Milford Criterium - August 22, 2009

Next up is the Milford Criterium taking place in the quaint village of Milford, Michigan. This will be my second attempt at the discipline of criterium racing. This time I plan to ride with the CAT 4 group and hopefully, I can actually be part of the race for a few laps. More to follow...

UPDATE:
Great event. Although I finished dead last in my group I am still very happy to have showed up and gave it a try. I blew up by lap 6, both legs were cramping bad and I rode alone for most of the race. Note to self, a better warm up would have been helpful. I suck at criteriums.

RESULTS:



Event Website:
Event Flyer:
Registration:

2009 Meijer Grand Cycling Classic -race report

I didn't think this race was going to happen today. I awoke to the sound of rain and proceeded to drive through a blinding downpour on the trip North to Grand Rapids. As if on queue, the clouds parted upon my arrival to the staging area and my nervous apprehension continued. I was about to take part in my first Criterium race. The event I chose to attempt this was the Meijer Grand Cycling Classic held in downtown Grand Rapids. I had just upgraded my USAC Cycling licence and registered in the Masters 45+ class. I soon discovered this class can contain racers from CAT 1-4. In other words, these dudes are freaky fast. Next time I'll stick with CAT 4. As I was warming up I witnessed several crashes during some of the prior heats which only added to my nervousness. I was advised to exercise caution over slick man-hole covers and any painted surfaces. The older brick road sections were greasy, especially in the turns.


The start was fast and I struggled to hang on to the pack during the first few laps. The intensity had me in difficulty immediately. On the backside of the course I lost contact with the group and spent the next half hour riding laps solo. During that time I was lapped twice by the field. For a brief period I wanted to drop out but hung on to finish 17th out of 19.

Overall it was a great race experience. It can only help me to become a better rider to do more of these type of events. I hung out to watch the Pro race and enjoyed every moment watching this spectacle with my teammates. Criterium racing is a spectator friendly event. Great time!

RESULTS

Ypsilanti to Dexter, MI ride...

Yesterday's training ride took me along the Huron river to the quaint hamlet of Dexter, Michigan. It was a combination of dirt roads and pavement which suits the cross bike well. The mileage can vary from 40-50 miles depending on the route. The Huron River road is quiet while they have it closed for road repairs. Good ride.

ROUTE MAP

Video is kinda fun...

I recently realized I have never really utilized the video feature on my digital camera. While riding today I thought I would give it a try. This is my first try. It should get better as I start to get used to the process of shooting video. I hope.

Meijer Grand Cycling Classic - August 8, 2009

Next up is the Meijer Grand Cycling Classic taking place on the cobbles of Grand Rapids, MI. This will be my first foray into the realm of criterium racing. I can honestly say that my strength is not in the areas of sprints and time trials. I tend to prefer longer, endurance events where I can advance through other's failures. I'm nervous considering the speeds that rival the Ben-Hur chariot race.
Should be a gas!

Mileage update July 31, 2009

July is over. I had a good month of riding and had some good experiences.