LIVESTRONG: Cycling Group

by salski61 on Jul 7, 2011 at 5:15 am

I was wondering what you were going to ride over there!  Great news for you.  I was watching yesterday and saw JB Jr. go down.  So sad to see because he is such a great guy.  The twerp went down twice too and poor Boonen looked like he was going to drop from the pain.  Glad to see that he made the cut and can start today if he is up for it.  A real warrior.  As far as Cav goes, yeah, he is a whiner but I was impressed with the win yesterday.  He lost his train and still had enough to get the win.  Talent certainly doesn't equal class so shut up and ride.  Enjoy the ride today brother.

by salski61 on Jul 8, 2011 at 11:27 am

Did you get that new EM all wet?  Please tell me that you have a camera with you...  I would love to see some of the scenery from a riders perspective.

Edited by salski61, on July 08th, 2011 at 11:38 am.

by dgaskill on Jul 8, 2011 at 2:42 pm

Alan.... YOU GOT A NEW MERKX??????   OMG!!!!!  SO JEALOUS.

by bikeninja on Jul 8, 2011 at 2:44 pm

no dennis.i was able to ride one of the quick step team bikes.but..when i was in belguim a few weeks ago i ordered one.i love my life.....happy happy joy joy

by spade2you on Jul 9, 2011 at 6:22 am

Even worse day yesterday.  Radio Shack is having a bad start, as are several other teams. 

by bikeninja on Jul 9, 2011 at 4:29 pm

ya, you are so rite.it has been crazy.been chatting with some of my old teammates,and we think these guys are just to enexperianct to be in the tour.no way i first year pro should be ridding the tour.maybe 2 or 3 grand tours before you ride the tour...there is so much more going on.most dont realize the tour of italy is a harder race...but the tour has more eyes on it.tons more press etc...there is to much at stake.look at bradley winnins,and for me chris horner.we were all just crushed.but the tour goes on,as those guys whould have it!!!

by dgaskill on Jul 6, 2011 at 2:46 pm

Holy Crap Sal..... are you and the bike okay?

by bikeninja on Jul 6, 2011 at 4:09 pm

i second that that coment...but a big SHIT!!! to it.this is one of my pet peeves about riding in america.people just dont have a clue about cyclists.to buisy texting,talking on phones...a simple salution to it all.(other then cattle prods and tazers)when you are sitting in the drivers seat,the phone doesnt work.unless you are stoped.to salve seat belt issues.cant take your car out of park unless seat belt is clicked in.its a no brainer.people are just so more aware of cyclist on this side of the pont...dont get me wrong there are accidents here also.but they seem to be for differant reasons.americans are just to distracted.FOCUS PEOPLE!!!! vini vidi vici livestrong

by NickDigi on Jul 6, 2011 at 6:37 pm

Sal Glad you were not hurt. I agree with alan you see way too many people on cell phones and not paying attention. I have two red strobe lights on the back of the bike I figure they will help to get someones attention. The worse are the dump trucks there are a lot of quarrys around my area and i swear they try to get as close to you as they can. I do try to ride 3 ft from the road side to force drivers to slow down.
I was hit once as a teenager Making a left at a light and the guy next to me also made a left and clipped my bike. Then he got out and gave me .
Be safe out there.

by salski61 on Jul 7, 2011 at 5:10 am

Thanks for the concern guys.  Being a hood ornament wasn't on my list of things to do but fortunately, no harm done to man or bike.  Glad that the ride is so light because it came right up with my right leg which probably saved the frame.  We really need to have our heads on a swivel out there.  Nick - agree with you on the rear strobe.  I have a FireFly on the back which certainly has helped with visibility from behind.  Unfortunatley, we can't control the drivers out there so its up to us to be hypervigilant.  At least the guy had the courtesy to check to see if I was OK before he took a look at his car LOL.  He was pretty shaken too so hopefully he'll be more alert going forward.

by dgaskill on Jul 5, 2011 at 7:35 am

 Way to go Sal on putting in more miles at this point, than last year.  If you're planning 3 consecutive long rides, my advice would be to make the 3rd ride an easy recovery pace short ride. (1hr or less)
Then look to up the intensity on the club rides :)
Can't wait to hear how you did.

by salski61 on Jul 5, 2011 at 1:41 pm

Thanks Dennis, I eased in with a 50 mile ride today.  Good pace but not really pushing too hard.  Finished with a 17.8 average and just under 1900 ft. of climbing.  Tomorrow I'll add another twenty and then take your advice on the third day.  Club rides this weekend are a pair of metrics, both over rolling terrain.  Saturday I ride to the start which will add another 20 round trip so I should have a pretty good idea on where my stamina level is going to be.  Hopefully I'll be able to crack 2K by the end of the week.  Thanks for the advice.

by bikeninja on Jul 5, 2011 at 2:52 pm

rock and role my friend.

by NickDigi on Jul 5, 2011 at 3:10 pm

Is everyone here Retired? haha how did you get 2,000 miles so far this year.
thats like 47 miles per day average. I am luck to get 70-100 miles per week.
What am I doning wrong.?

by dgaskill on Jul 5, 2011 at 3:31 pm

Nick I only wish I was retired...LOL
I've put in 1900 so far this year, and I've put in lots of trainer miles through the winter.

by bikeninja on Jul 6, 2011 at 4:15 am

dont sweat it nick.its not quantity it quality.

by salski61 on Jul 6, 2011 at 5:01 am

Alan's right Nick.  Quality is what counts.  I shoot for a 10 mile per day average (total, not in the saddle) and finally hit it this year.  As long as it isn't raining, snowing or in the single digits, I'm out there.  It also helps that I get to work from home a few days a week.  Those days I either spend my lunch hour on the bike or go out early before the day starts.  Very fortunate to have that opportunity and it also allows me to spend the evenings with my family.  A few years ago, I was consumed with the numbers and was sacrificing quality of life to get there so its good to have a balance now.  Good luck with your training and don't sweat the numbers.

by salski61 on Jul 5, 2011 at 7:01 am

Just make sure that you get a big enough villa for all of us!  Glad to hear that you're enjoying your time there and keep the updates coming.  Smile and wave for the cameras so all of us regular viewers at home get to see how much fun you're having.

by salski61 on Jul 5, 2011 at 1:43 pm

Must have made your day seeing Evans edge out the twerp at the line.  I imagine that you and the other texan have smiles on your face right  now.

by bikeninja on Jul 4, 2011 at 1:36 pm

i love it!!!!do they understand what you are doing?americans arnt that brite when it comes to bike racing.

by bikeninja on Jul 1, 2011 at 5:19 am

YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is so awsome my friend.this shows what the 3Ds(dedication,determination and desire)can do.was thinking about youall day.i bet cindy had tears of joy streeming down her face.you can bet the super tri guy will keeping you in sight.great job dennis.vini vidi vic just livin strong

by salski61 on Jul 1, 2011 at 6:03 am

Great job Dennis.  You should be very proud of your accomplishments.  Keep up the great work.

by NickDigi on Jul 1, 2011 at 1:45 pm

Dennis you did good, we are all real proud of you! Nice

by salski61 on Jun 30, 2011 at 5:10 am

Welcome to our little corner of the world.  If you're looking for some good advise, you're in the right place.  There are plenty of contributors here with tons of knowledge that will be able to get you going.  My suggestion would be to start by taking a look at the training plans provided on the My LIVESTRONG page (http://my.livestrong.org) under the Team LIVESTRONG 2011 section.  The 25 mile route offers a few moderate hills so you want to be sure that you include a few of those in your preparation.  The main thing to remember is that this isn't a race.  You should ride at a pace that is comfortable and take the time you need at the rest stop to recharge.  The less stress and pressure that you put on yourself, the more you will enjoy the day.  I hope that this helps and please let us know when the inevitable questions pop up.  Good luck!

by bikeninja on Jun 30, 2011 at 5:59 am

sal has made great points.most of all to enjy the ride,and its not a race.the philly route is my favorite challenge site (will be back there next year)how are you set on a bike?with your preperation take baby steps.dont put a lot of pressure on yourself as sal says.the 25 mile route is very doable and enjoyable.dont be afraid to do more miles then the livestrong training plan says.we put that together as a guide line more then anything.good luck..we are here to help you anyway we can.vini vidi vici livestrong

by spade2you on Jul 1, 2011 at 7:19 am

If you can ride 13 miles, you can ride 25.  Going from 25 to 50 or 50 to 100 will take more time and focus. 
 
I'm a racer, so don't take my comments as too harsh, but why is 13 miles taking over an hour?  Are you on a fitted road bike with clipless pedals and using good cadence? 

by couttsvt on Jul 2, 2011 at 8:03 pm

Thanks so much to everyone for the advice! I actually surprised myself and made it to 25 today, way ahead of "schedule". I finished my 11-mile river trail and found myself disappointed that it was over and with energy to spare, so I just kept going ... and going ... until I'd done the whole thing twice. It's pretty flat so I'll need to work on those hills pretty soon (thanks, Sal).   
 
Ninja, thanks for reminding me to take baby steps. I'm trying to focus on just having fun and not biting off more than I can chew. I'm lucky enough that just a mile from my house I have a beautiful 130-mile paved biking trail along a river, with lots of other bikers, runners, rowers and people just enjoying summer. When I slim down to a weight I'm more comfortable with, I'll focus more on strict training, rather than enjoyable cardio.   
 
Spade, I took a closer look at my speed sensor today and my 11-mile trail takes me about 50-55 minutes, plus a mile to and from through traffic. I have a Raleigh Circa 1.0 that's been adjusted to my frame, but no clipless pedals. Just the regular ones that came with the bike and sneakers. Thanks for the tip about cadence. Like the newbie I am, I thought a higher gear meant better exercise. I read up on it and apparently I'm wrong. I went down to 6 and 5 today and sped up a little, but still not much past 14/hr. I did hit 20 a few times but I was definitely maxed out. A short answer to your question might be that I simply haven't been trying to go any faster. I've just been taking my time biking along my beautiful river trail. I might be a bit faster without the wind coming off the water and jogger traffic, but I don't think it would make a huge difference. I figure the speeding up will come naturally, with time and weight loss. I'm not quite ready to think like a racer, but hopefully I will be soon! 
 
Thanks again for the support, everybody! I don't know if I'd have gone for the full 25 today without it.   

Edited by couttsvt, on July 02nd, 2011 at 8:05 pm.

by salski61 on Jul 6, 2011 at 5:07 am

Glad to hear that you hit the mark, I knew that you could do it.  Miles can be more of a mental block than physical at times.  Keep up the good work and let us know how you're progressing.

by salski61 on Jun 29, 2011 at 10:19 am

Have a safe trip Alan.  Glad to hear that you have this opportunity (and yes, quite jealous).  Make the most of it and lets us know what is going on.  We'll be watching for you on the tube.

by NickDigi on Jun 29, 2011 at 5:36 pm

: ) Have fun Wish I was going

by dgaskill on Jun 29, 2011 at 6:24 pm

Oh so jealous of you Alan... :O
I'm teaching a Spin Class this Saturday morning, and will be paying honor to the start of the Tour de' France by doing a 2 hour class to mimic the first stage :)

by bikeninja on Jun 30, 2011 at 4:11 pm

great idea dennis.keep it up for the whole tour.

by NickDigi on Jun 26, 2011 at 3:22 pm

nice job spade!
 

by salski61 on Jun 26, 2011 at 6:16 pm

Great effort Spade.  We all live and learn how to tweak our rides.  Sounds like you have a great feel for where your effort needs to be on the course.  Congrats on the personal best!

by bikeninja on Jun 27, 2011 at 6:33 am

 
fantabulas!!!! very proud of you as we all are.

by dgaskill on Jun 27, 2011 at 8:59 am

 Brother you killed out there on course.....WAY TO GO!!!!!!
Dang I could use your TT coaching abilites...hahahaha.
My last scheduled TT is this Thursday Night, and it's looking like a TTT? Although I'm only about 8 seconds off from taking the indivual "Most Improved Rider" title.  So not sure which one I will go with yet?

by spade2you on Jul 1, 2011 at 7:22 am

Thanks guys.  I was happy to finally be on the right side of the top 10, especially after such a demoralizing year.  I'm not exactly sure when and where things went wrong, but I'll be paying better attention to my winter training seasons.  Work cut into my racing a bit, so I'll be hoping to yield better results and with more races next season. 
 
Without a doubt, I owe a lot to time trialing with a power meter.  Not cheap, but perhaps the most improvement I've gotten out of a single piece of gear.  It cost about as much as my disc wheel, but gave me about 1.5mph improvement over last season's best. 

by bikeninja on Jun 24, 2011 at 6:06 am

the wind will only make you stronger and smarter...not worth questioning race officials.it can realy put a black mark by your name.you have got my vote for "most improved rider"keep working hard!!!!! vini vidi vici.livestrong

by salski61 on Jun 21, 2011 at 8:53 am

Happy Brithday brother.  Only 49 more?  My money is on you gettting past that one too.  Enjoy your day.

by dgaskill on Jun 21, 2011 at 11:38 am

51 and better than ever Alan..... way to go my friend.

by CioccCicli on Jun 21, 2011 at 5:58 pm

Happy Birthday!

by bikeninja on Jun 22, 2011 at 5:57 am

thank you very much everyone,as you know i am very proud of being 51.to some its ....but to me its a great celabration.i am have a great life with a great wife,,,wonderful kids(3 and 4 legged) and great freindswhat more could i want.thanks again for all your well wishes.you guys rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! vini vidi vici just livin strong

by NickDigi on Jun 23, 2011 at 6:50 pm

Happy B"Day alan, your catching up to me (in age) I could never catch you on the bike. I hope you enjoyed your day. LiveSTRONG

by salski61 on Jun 20, 2011 at 4:30 am

Bravo Dennis.  Sounds like you're getting stronger as each week passes.  Keep up the good work.  BTW, just wondering what happened to Cyndi after you dropped her!  Hope your little incident works itself out.

by dgaskill on Jun 20, 2011 at 7:03 am

Sal....... she caught up to us after the sprint was over and I was gasping for air and my life. (LOL)  She held 21mph on her own to close the gap, and then we pulled over to refill some water bottles.
That "incident" I mentioned happened at mile 30. We were on our way back with 10 more miles to go, and we had another set of railroad tracks to cross. Must of been over these tracks 20 different times, and yet...... this time Cyndi's front wheel somehow caught just right and down she went.... HARD.  She was very shaken.....a few bleeding cuts and a little road rash, along with a few small dents in her helmet. So I called a friend to SAG her home.
She's very sore this morning and the bike apprears to be just fine.... thank you God, cause I sure wouldn't want my Wife or her  Madone Project-One cracked up.

by bikeninja on Jun 20, 2011 at 9:42 am

very nice...not the part of cindys crash...i bet she learned a lesson there..dont let her have to much down time..she will heal better if she gets back on the bike to keep thing movin.dont know if i want to ride with you...i dont think i could keep upkeep workin it my freind.vini vidi vici livinstrong

by dgaskill on Jun 20, 2011 at 2:01 pm

 Thanks Alan.... and I think it's funny you saying you don't you could keep up with me???? PLEASE.....LOLOLOL...... You'd kill me with all those high mileage rides :)
 

by dgaskill on Jun 19, 2011 at 6:23 pm

 Well done my friend.

by salski61 on Jun 20, 2011 at 4:17 am

Way to go brother.  1725 here after Sunday's 50.  Hope that you get a break in the weather soon.

by dgaskill on Jun 17, 2011 at 2:54 pm

WOW brother..... and you ride in that crazy heat?
 

by bikeninja on Jun 17, 2011 at 7:37 pm

ya i have to say i do.you only realy feal it when you stop...i dont do much of that,only to fill water bottles.which i do a good amount.i use sunscreen and light colored clothing.but i keep reminding myself tht its better then 10 below zero!!!would rather be hot then cold.anyday!!!vini vidi vic.livestrong

by CioccCicli on Jun 18, 2011 at 9:59 am

Sounds like as much fun as southeastern Louisiana, except we have the humidity.  Are you training for Hotter'n Hell 100 or do you just enjoy the heat? 

by bikeninja on Jun 18, 2011 at 2:00 pm

like the heat.we normaly have the humidity,but with the lack of rain....very little humidity.things are dangerously dry.some stupid idiot is gona flick a cancer stick out the window and burn the whole state up.hope to got some rain next week

by bikeninja on Jun 16, 2011 at 9:00 pm

dennis this such good news..to me anyways.to set a goal,then hit it is fantastic..i can just see the look on those guys faces...who the is this guy!!!!they may be seconds  but they are giant steps..rock on my friend.vini vidi vici.livestrong

by spade2you on Jun 20, 2011 at 3:14 pm

Wind and hills are where the time gaps will come from.  It time trials were all tailwind and/or down hill, we'd all have to push extremely hard to get a few seconds on any rival.  Throw in hills and wind and those seconds become minutes between strong and weak riders.  The key is to put your efforts into the wind and climbs.  Hopefully there are sections where you get rest, but you don't always get that. My ideal course is where there are nice hilly or windy sections with a little break between hard sections. 

by salski61 on Jun 15, 2011 at 8:00 am

Welcome home my friend.  Glad that you're back safe, sound and with your love.  I'm sure that she appreciates having you home.  Germany in August, right?

by bikeninja on Jun 16, 2011 at 8:58 pm

belguim first then germany.gona be a good one.

by bikeninja on Jun 13, 2011 at 6:45 am

hip,hip horray!!!!!!!!!!!!!! jolly rockin good my freind.next time go back down the same hill and ride up with the straglers.alla me!! good for the legs.hard work does pay off.vini vidi vici

by dgaskill on Jun 13, 2011 at 8:12 am

Oh Yeah.... Sal you are gonna have one of the best LSC Rides ever. By the sounds of it, your legs are at there peak right now.... so just look to maintain this level and be fully rested when the Philly comes. 

by salski61 on Jun 15, 2011 at 3:18 am

Thanks guys - Still a lot of work to do so no gloating.  This is about half of the LSC (both distance and climbing) but at least I have an idea of where I'm at.  I'm sure that there will be days between now and August when I'm sucking wind, wondering what I need to do.

by salski61 on Jun 10, 2011 at 4:19 am

Great job Dennis!  Very impressive riding and great determination.  Find that focus again next week and I'm sure you'll shave off even more time.

by bikeninja on Jun 10, 2011 at 7:06 am

very well done big D.showing some patiance at the end was a sign of wisdom.and it payed off.very proud of you.vini vidi vici.livestrong

by dgaskill on Jun 10, 2011 at 8:48 am

I don't know guys????  This is my first TT series ever, so I'm competiting in my normal riding gear with the addition of Aero-Bars on my Madone. I've managed to drop 4 lbs in the last 30 days, and last night.... I was pegged at Threshold almost the entire time.
Suggestions from any of my riding / racing buddies here are welcomed.

by bikeninja on Jun 10, 2011 at 1:20 pm

dennis you are doing fantasic.look how far you have come in the last 2 years.you have to ask yourself the whys and the whos.why are you doing this and who are you doing it for.in 2 TT you have shown improvement.you cant ask for more then that..well you could but thats getting greedy and unrealistic.there is no prize money.no one to beat but yourself(thats what the TTs are all about)just enjoy it!!!when i retiered from racing it took me a long time to be able to just go ride my bike.to get out of that training mode.then i would feal guilty(i still some times do)for not riding..i dont owe anything to anybody but me! and i like it that way.i busted my for over 20 years.now its me time!!!it may sound selfish but if i am not happy no one around me will be happy...just ask my wifeyou are doing great...i would love to have you on my team anyday,anywere,anytime.

by spade2you on Jun 12, 2011 at 2:24 pm

If you feel the need to sprint at the end of a TT, you underpaced yourself. 

by dgaskill on Jun 13, 2011 at 8:14 am

 Spade:  The only reason I wanted to Sprint out the last 100+ yrds was because I didn't want to finish behind the new guy :)

by spade2you on Jun 13, 2011 at 11:01 am

That's all fine and dandy, although it really doesn't matter who crosses the line first in an ITT.  If you pass your minute man and he sprints by you at the fiish, he's more than likely only gained back a second or two.  Same goes if you try to outsprint the guy who started behind you. 
 
When you're doing an ITT the way you should be, you shouldn't be able to sprint.  When you meter your efforts throughout the course you'll save minutes where a sprint will only save seconds. 

by dgaskill on Jun 13, 2011 at 7:17 pm

 OOOHHHHH.......gotcha Spade Thx..  So if I'm pushing myself along at thresold, should I then either go bigger gearing (which is harder to hold pace) or push more into the red?
My next TT is this Thursday nght.

by spade2you on Jun 13, 2011 at 7:45 pm

I'd say push just a little more into the red.  Pacing yourself in an ITT is a lot like Blackjack.  The higher the better, but you don't want to cross that point where you blow up. 
 
Part of the game is knowing the course, conditions, and yourself.  When you get a little more advanced, you can start treating courses more like an interval where you put a little more effort into climbs, crosswinds, or headwinds, and dial it back a bit when you have the opportunity to rest before the next slower section.  Putting more effort into the slower areas will basically save you time based on the same overall effort, but this takes experience and planning. 

by bikeninja on Jun 9, 2011 at 1:54 pm

in my humble opinionnothing tops compagnolo!!!!!! never has and never will be.thats just me.its all i have ever used and allways will.my mnt.bike is the only bike that has shitmano.....but it will be switched over to sram this winter.plus you are italian..no brainer there piasan!!!

by salski61 on Jun 10, 2011 at 8:10 am

Ha!  Now we get down to the nitty-gritty... Centaur or Veloce?  I need a 10s, probably an 11-25 (thing Ullrich, not Armstrong).  I'll have to order it and have the LBS istall it since there are no Campagnolo dealers in the area.  And yes, I am picking your brain...

Edited by salski61, on June 10th, 2011 at 8:10 am.

by salski61 on Jun 6, 2011 at 5:33 am

No Critérium du Dauphiné?  Enjoy my friend.

by bikeninja on Jun 6, 2011 at 8:28 am

we will catch a stage or 2 if we can.excited to spend my 51st birthday (june 21st) in belguim with people i havnt seen in a while...long while! wendsday we are going the eddy merckx factory in miese just outside if brussles.hay maybe he will give me a new bike for my birthdayya rite!!!! keep up the good job all.vini vidi vici.livestrong

by bikeninja on Jun 5, 2011 at 2:08 pm

super fantastic nick.couldnt be prouder!!!!!hills show the true guts and grit ina ridder.ya its not so hard to fly on the flats.but to climb 17 to 20plus %ers thats the hard stuff.when we decidied to do philly for the livestrong challenges some thought we were nuts because it was so difacult(its the livestrong challenge route....by far)lance told the naa sayers.its called a challenge for a reason.that saying shut up legs is one of my favorite.jens voit is known for saying that.one of the best riders out there.i am planning to do the philly livestrong challenge next year.i love it..my favorite by far.love them hills.

by salski61 on Jun 6, 2011 at 4:13 am

Way to go Nick!  Sounds like all your hard work really paid off.  It had to be very gratifying to be cranking up the wall hearing the clicking as others gave up.  Not to take anything away from the other riders since I know what a test that wall can be.  Some are built for speed on the flats and some are climbers.  I'll take the hills any day.  Its also great to hear that your son was there to support you.  It must make you very proud.  Keep riding like this and we'll all be watching you ride off in Philly (with the exception of Alan who I remember riding up, down and back up the hills at the Challenge a few years ago ).

by dgaskill on Jun 6, 2011 at 8:20 am

Whoa..... thats a serious ride Nick.  Way to go!!!!

by NickDigi on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:55 pm

Sal there is no way I could match alan now that you mention it I did see him going back down the hill and remember saying who is this guy. Believe me Philly is no picnic especially after going 60 miles and then hitting the hardest climb up to Landis Store. Manayunk is hard but you only have to do it once in 14 miles. Philly is a much harder day and after 4 years and two cracks at the 100 mile I still havnt made it all the way. Two years ago I ran out of time with 20 miles to go after doing all the hard parts. and last year they diverted the field because of Lightning and heavy rain at the 70/100 mile turn off. 2011is the year come rain or shine or time limits I am going for it. I don;t care if they stop me and want my bib number!

by salski61 on Jun 7, 2011 at 4:02 am

2011 will be your year Nick.  This is my 6th go around and each year gets a little less difficult (note I didn't say easier ).  I did the 70 mile route the first two years, 100 the next two.  Last year they closed the 100 mile just as I was coming up to the turn.  I begged and pleaded with them to let me go out with the riders I could still see about 100 feet up the road but it was a no-go.  Not too happy for the next few miles but when I heard the stories from the 100 mile riders that did make the cut, I was glad that LS put my health and welfare ahead of my ego.  Landis hill is definitely a challenge but I always had more trouble with the hill on Woodside / Sally Ann Furnace around mile 40 after the cutoff for the 70 mile course.  It probably has to do more with psyche than reality.  Or maybe its the number of riders that clip out on the way up that first set of hills that throws me off.  Either way, thats where I focus more than any other spot on the course.  Keep training the way you are now and hitting that 100 mile will be no problem.  I know we'll see you coming across the line with a big smile in a few weeks.

by bikeninja on Jun 7, 2011 at 3:54 pm

it would be fantabulas to ride with you guys.we would support eachother,no drop.we stick together.it would be an honor and a plesure.i think at our age(i do believe we are all at the same age..give or take a year or so)its all about the ride.i have no need for speed anymore...16 to 20 mph is good enough.nothing to proove to anyone.like my wife says "better to be a has been then a never will be"she is one of my biggest fans.as of now lets plan for it.2012 in philly...be there!!!!

by salski61 on Jun 8, 2011 at 3:25 am

Behind every great man,,,
You know that you always have an open invitation to come ride here.  Just say the word.  I would love the opportunity to ride with all of you guys.  Count me in!

by NickDigi on Jun 8, 2011 at 3:03 pm

What an Awesome time that will be August 2012!
 

by bikeninja on Jun 9, 2011 at 1:56 pm

i am in!!!

by dgaskill on Jun 4, 2011 at 11:43 am

 Awesome job Sal......, you're gonna do great at the Philly.

by bikeninja on Jun 5, 2011 at 2:09 pm

rock on sal.i plan to do philly next year.

by salski61 on Jun 6, 2011 at 4:15 am

Looking forward to having you back in Philly.  I better get serious now so that I can keep up.

by salski61 on Jun 3, 2011 at 4:17 am

Great job Dennis.  Impressive ride.  Sounds like you're really hitting your stride now.  Keep up the great work.

by bikeninja on Jun 3, 2011 at 6:42 am

magnifico!!! very well done.great fealing passing the guy in front of you,and then the one infront of him.you demoralized a few.i love it!!! thats your reward for all the hard work you do.chapo.vini vidi vici.came,saw,concored.

by dgaskill on Jun 3, 2011 at 12:38 pm

Thanks guys..... I do need to mention that I too was passed by some of the stronger riders who started after me as well.  But I didn't care :)
I have 4 of these this month (every thursday night), and my next goal will be to shave 1 min off time.

by NickDigi on Jun 3, 2011 at 5:30 pm

Dennis you rock! I wish I had more time to ride. Great Job.
 

by salski61 on May 28, 2011 at 6:21 pm

Way to go Nick.  When do you plan on riding the wall?  I rode it back in '06 and look forward to another crack at it.  Good luck!

by NickDigi on May 29, 2011 at 6:30 pm

June 6th right before the Pro race, you have to get up early Starts at 7:15 am.
I did iit last year it is an awesome hill.
There is one similar to it near Washington Crossing in PA. Eagle Road, it is about 1/2 mole long but parts are up to 20% grade.
Are you going this Year?
 

by dgaskill on May 30, 2011 at 4:48 pm

 Sweet riding Nick

by salski61 on May 28, 2011 at 6:16 pm

The Alan Fleming European Tour rolls on!  I'm really glad to hear that you're having such a good time.  Save us all a place next time around.  Do you ever plan on coming back?

by bikeninja on May 29, 2011 at 6:21 am

end of june!not looking forward to it at all!!!!

by NickDigi on May 29, 2011 at 6:31 pm

Nice to be retired at 50!

by salski61 on May 24, 2011 at 5:57 pm

Way to go Alan.  Glad to hear that you are getting to ride the whole country.  So diverse from top to bottom.  Stop by Castelvetrano and say hi to la famiglia Buongiorno.  Grandpa came over in '21.  91 years old and still going strong.  Praying for those sici genes.  Enjoy the rest of the trip!

by bikeninja on May 25, 2011 at 2:35 pm

thanks sal.you are so rite.italy is a wonderful country.from top to bottom.i cant wait till my wife retires so we get here fulltime.come on my love!!! will be hangin with the giro untill it ends.its been good so far except for that a-hole craponthedoor.(kinda sounds like contador)still love hangin with the tifosi.vini vidi vici

by dgaskill on May 26, 2011 at 2:48 pm

 What a trip you are having Alan......very nice my friend.

by bikeninja on May 24, 2011 at 8:13 am

it is very sad.i remember hearing about the drug ring thing.that takes guts good for him.his memory will livestrong in those who loved him.livestrong

by spade2you on May 24, 2011 at 12:27 pm

Tondo had a very promising future and did well last year on Cervelo, with Movistar being his first UCI team.  Very tragic loss since he was well known for riding clean as well as being a really nice guy. 

by dgaskill on May 26, 2011 at 2:46 pm

Nice job getting back in the saddle, I hope it all went well with the 100? 

by salski61 on May 28, 2011 at 6:11 pm

Hey Dennis, Wound up only doing 75. The Jersey Shore is packed!  Legs felt great and I was able to climb like a champ today.  Not quite ready for the LIVESTRONG Challenge but getting there.  I plan on laying down a few more miles over the next 2 days.  How about you?  Any big plans for the holiday weekend?

by bikeninja on May 20, 2011 at 10:49 pm

good job bigD.keep working hard my freind.

by salski61 on May 21, 2011 at 11:52 am

Nice work Dennis.  Sounds like one heck of a ride.

by dgaskill on May 20, 2011 at 3:32 pm

Hang in there Spade, I tried my hand at my first race 4 weeks ago and got my butt handed to me.
So I know what I need to work on for next year, because that's when I want to try a full season of road racing.

by NickDigi on May 19, 2011 at 2:45 pm

Alan Enjoy man I wish I was in the mother land with you.

by salski61 on May 20, 2011 at 1:11 am

Glad to hear that you're being well cared for.  Chillin at the airport in Paris on the way back to the states.  Wish I was a few hundred mile southeast about now.  Live it and love it my friend.

by dgaskill on May 20, 2011 at 3:39 pm

I am so Jealous........ you've got to stop this teasing :)  LOL

by bikeninja on May 20, 2011 at 10:52 pm

it was totaly awsome at colnago.seeing eresto again after a few years,he still looks great.we got to ride one of the prototypes.ooohhhh yyyaaaa baby!!!! even got to ride a bike mosser rode.now that was a thrill.still on a buz!! the good kind.lovin life.vini vidi vici.

by salski61 on May 21, 2011 at 11:54 am

You're killing me!  I haven't gotten over the jet lag yet and you have me wanting to jump back on a plane.

by salski61 on May 17, 2011 at 12:09 pm

Congrats generalisimo.  I handed 60 wristbands to my India team today which generated a lot of excitement.  Have you made the trip to Italy?  Keep us posted on you're adventure.

by bikeninja on May 17, 2011 at 3:01 pm

chillaxin in cortona now.its on the tuscany,umbrio border near lake tresamino.beyound awsome.my little utopia.dont want to go back to the states.....ever!!!! giro de italia rocks.

by salski61 on May 18, 2011 at 8:29 am

Glad to hear that you made the trip safely.  Can't blame you for not wanting to come back.  I have one more day in India and then off to Paris for a few hours then back stateside.  Keep us updated on your adventure so that we can live vicariously through you.

by bikeninja on May 16, 2011 at 6:47 am

ahhh i love paris..isnt something..they say the french hate lance but yet you see livestrong everywere.....dont believe everything you read.myself i love the french!!!!!! enjoy the trip..vini vidi vici,livestrong

by dgaskill on May 13, 2011 at 1:34 pm

Wow Alan...... you'll be in Portland Oregon :)  Very NIce, to bad that's a 3 hr drive from the coast where we live.
Hope you enjoy our state while you are here.

by salski61 on May 13, 2011 at 1:47 pm

Enjoy your trip amico.  I can't wait to get there in October.  I took my last ride for a while earlier today.  I'm hosting a walk to benefit LIVESTRONG tomorrow and then off to India on Sunday.  Looks like we'll be logging a few miles between us.  Buon viaggio and keep us updated.

by bikeninja on May 14, 2011 at 3:03 pm

big D,been here many times...love this place candy store for all athaletes.anything you can think of is here.for any sport.being fitted for team clothing.oakley is here also.i am going CRAZY guys!!!!we get to pick out any pair of sunglasses and a watch.i have more oakley sunglasses then most people have underwear(not kiding!)this will make 40.as for the watch..beyond awsome.getting the minute machine.all kinds of goodies.we leave for italy monday mornin.sooooo happy.will post again later.keep riding.good luck sal!!!!

by bikeninja on May 10, 2011 at 8:57 am

i hear ya.it sucks to hear of one of us loosing there life on a bike.but for what its worth he did die doing something he truly loved.i remember when fabio caserteli died at the tour de france.we were all just blown away.first time for most of us to loose a freind like that.his mom said in a strang kind of way she way happy he died on his bike....something that ment the world to him.there memorys will livestrong in those who loved them.to all our fallen brothers!!

by dgaskill on May 6, 2011 at 10:28 am

 You're a Bike Stud Alan......LOL
My saddle is the Bontrager Inform RL, it fits well and still allows for a light race feeling.

by bikeninja on May 6, 2011 at 1:39 pm

i have that one on my madone.it is a nice saddle.

by salski61 on May 6, 2011 at 1:58 pm

I tried a bunch of saddles and settled on the Specialized Avatar Comp.  Enough padding for my sit bones and comfortable on a long ride.  Gave up a few ounces for comfort.

by bikeninja on May 7, 2011 at 7:57 am

i am not into saving a gram here or there.comfort in paramount.have been trying sit more upsite on the saddle(i am usualy on the drops with my head down)it has changed how i sit on my saddle.been having some butt issues.plus i want to get off leather saddles.i am vegan and a dont like useing anything that comes from an animal.its hard to find non leather saddles.gona try one tomarrow.keep you fingers crossed.

by NickDigi on May 12, 2011 at 5:39 pm

Rolls San Marco, Leather and broken in nicely

by salski61 on May 6, 2011 at 2:03 pm

It would be nice to see uno dei nostri amici win.  I'll be happy with anyone other than the self-centered spaniard.