A longer trip to Florida?

I was just reading this article on speed skating in the NY Times. In many ways, the sport of speed skating sounds reminiscent of aspiring pro cyclists, except that there doesn't seem to be a professional team structure to aspire to in the world of skating. So while many cyclists struggle to get by, or rely on their parents for support, or spend their savings, or spend a minuscule stipend to train full time, at least cyclists who can reasonably dream of becoming pros have something higher to aspire to.

Of course, the rest of us are left squeezing in training between work, eating, sleeping, and hopefully a little recreating.

That's what I'll be doing tomorrow. Because I have my weekly Blue Sky Bicycle shift inconveniently parked from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and because I have a meeting at the paper at 2 p.m., there won't be time for a ride tomorrow. I'm hoping to get to the Y instead, but that hour-long window is sure going to be tight -- and certainly won't leave time for a shower. That will have to come later in the afternoon.

Speaking of things that are tight, I'm headed to Florida this weekend for my grandmother's 90th birthday celebration. The plan was/is to travel Saturday to Sunday, which had the dual benefit of pissing off my brother (for leaving him alone with Mom and Dad) and getting me back for work on Sunday. However, I realized today that my return flight is booked for March 14, rather than Feb. 14, so hopefully I can get that changed. Otherwise, this might be a much longer trip than originally anticipated.

Publication of my latest Embrocation essay, as referenced yesterday, has been delayed a day. If you've got a problem with that, you can take it up with Publisher James Morrison, who is currently sleeping on my futon.

I'd take the matter up with him myself, but I've got a few thousand dollars of bike parts on order with him and I don't want to rock the boat.

Watch out, training on track

I hardly ever talk about numbers here on the blog. Forgive me this trespass, I promise there are only a few.

Lactic threshold intervals are on agenda for tomorrow. The last time I did these, in September, I was so burnt out that I could barely elevate my heart rate to zone 3. That was a clear indication that my long 2009 campaign was at an end. Scott says these are going to hurt, and I'm sure that he's right -- but in a kind of perverse way, I'm looking forward to it, because I'm becoming re-invigorated with the memory of how cool it is to go fast on a bike.

Besides, things are different now from what they were last fall. I haven't raced in more than four months (aside from 'cross, which really shouldn't count), and rather than feeling like I'm pedaling around with cement blocks on my feet, I can feel my body adjusting to the increasing workload, and eager for more. Last Thursday, while doing big-gear drills in the living room, I hit the fastest heart rate I have ever attained, 197 beat per minute. While that's not Tour-caliber, it's a pretty high, and I got there without seeing red and collapsing over the handlebar. Then, on Friday and Sunday I tackled some bigger hills with relative (for February) ease, wishing there was something bigger that I could go scamper up.

Here's another number: 18 hours. That was my total for last week, the most time I've spent riding in a single week yet this year, and really, a figure pretty close to what I've set as the upper limit to the amount of time that I can dedicate to this sport -- especially when you throw in the two hours I spent at the YMCA lifting weights. Unfortunately, Scott thinks I can find 20 hours for next week, but promises there won't be many such weeks. I guess we'll see about that.

Regardless, and to set numbers aside, I think things are going to go well for me once racing starts in a little less than a month (can you believe it?) Stay tuned for further, numbers-free updates in the coming weeks.

Also, watch for my latest Embrocation essay, to be published Tuesday!

Saints win the Super Bowl, Bernstein types through heavy eyelids

You know that scene in Zoolander where Derek is about to ruin his chances with Matilda before he realizes he wants a chance with Matilda by mocking her for her frigid sex life, but then Hansel saves the day by offering up some magical tea that he just brought back from a trip to the Himalayas?

I feel like I'm living that scene right now, except that I'm not talking to anyone about anything, let alone sex lives (frigid or otherwise), and instead of getting crazy high and partying all night, my tea is going to put me to sleep in about five minutes.

But, the important thing is: give into the power of the tea...

Queue the bed time montage: tooth brushing, underwear removal, shirt removal, contact lens removal, bed making, bed entry, reading, lights out. Not necessarily in that order. Note to anyone directing a biopic of my life: I imagine Dar Williams' "Mercy of the Fallen" playing over this montage.

Before my mind becomes hopelessly clouded by my Lipton's and visions of bedtime, I wanted to reflect on a few things. First of all, I had a great ride up to Sacandaga (for the second time in three days, after visiting Friday) with Mike, Aleks, Scott, and Jamie (making his big comeback!) this afternoon. It was cold, but not unbearably so. The icing on the cake was showing Mike a thing or two on the way up West Mountain. He may have been riding a 'cross bike, but I'm still claiming the KOM points. I didn't make it down to ride with the Albany crew this weekend, as requested by Sr. Ruiz, as the thought of getting up early enough to make the trip was not appealing -- especially when I knew Mike needed someone to pace him up the climb.

After the ride, it was off to work, where watching the Super Bowl transitioned for me from an excuse to hang out with friends and drink beers on a work-night to a matter of professional interest. I didn't really have a horse in this particular race, but I did think the Saints had a much better story, and I've always been a sucker for the underdog, so I am psyched to see them win, and that they made the second half pretty exciting wasn't a bad thing either.

Yes, I did just write a paragraph about football. I bet you never thought you'd see this day. Unfortunately, the Super Bowl was, for me, accompanied by tacos, wings, pizza and soda (no beer this year, I was at work, after all), all of which has left me feeling -- to barrow another reference from the canon of Zoolander -- "Are you not aware that I get farty and bloated with a foamy latte?"

In news that you're more accustomed to seeing me write about, it seems that Team Sky took a big win right out of the box, toasting Garmin at the Tour of Qatar stage 1 TTT. I haven't made up my mind about Sky -- a first-year team that I kind of see as interlopers -- but if they keep up that kind of riding, it'll be hard deny their worthiness.

I think Velo News buried the lead a little bit in their story about the TTT, as it seems that Cervelo set what would have been a second-best time, besting Garmin, Saxo Bank and the rest of the field, but was relegated because one of their riders pushed another. Since when is that illegal anyway? Although Cervelo has got great credentials for the classics, I've thought it was a little outgunned for TTTs and stage races, so I was surprised to see them put in such a solid ride today. To bad the refs weren't into the pushing.

Well, now the tea is making my lids really heavy, so cue Dar Williams and stick a fork in me; I'm done.

The Thursday post returns!

When I turned up for the Blue Sky Bicycles spin class at around 5:45 this evening, one of the first thing out of co-worker Kyle's mouth was "when are you going to have a Friday post?"

So, ask and thou shalt receive. It's not for nothing, this post comes at a great personal expense -- I was at work more-or-less continuously from 9:30 this morning until 10:30 this evening (notwithstanding a break for the aforementioned spin class, but who's counting). Following the epic work day, I had the real pleasure of hearing Sirsy playing to a nearly-empty (save for Ed, myself, and a few other Thursday night bar flies) at Gaffney's. Without the musical interlude, I think I would be asleep right now, so thank the band for this post.

Yes, I feel bad for the band for having to pay to an empty room, but it was certainly an intimate venue, and certainly fun tunes! Next time, I can only hope I'll have someone more attractive to dance with than Ed.

Anyhow, Kyle, a middle school teacher in the Queensbury district, says I've been making him envious with my mid-week, outside, multi-hour rides. All I can say to that is this: "Sorry Kyle, but I expect to head out for a four+ hour ride first thing in the morning. Perhaps you'd like to call in sick and join me?"

I have a feeling that isn't going to happen, but at least I've offered.

Enough babbling, here's what you came for:

Tops from the week:
1) Becker Road with Aleks.
2) The ToB training DVD. Incidentally, I've recently received some new, exciting ToB news, but it's going to wait for a more opportune moment.
3) Work has begun on the Saratoga Crit. We've got our work cut out for us, but I think 2010 is going to top 2009. Mark your calendar for May 8.
4) Marissa cleaned the kitchen, and it looks great! Thanks roomie!
5) Cool Runnings. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

Bottoms from the week:
1) As much fun as Becker Road was, I'm so over this lame winter.
2) Friends who ask you repeatedly to do stuff at night, knowing full-well what your work schedule is. I'm looking at you, Scott.
3) Changes to the living situation? Why can't things just stay as they are?
4) Just like everything else, I seem to have worn out the bearings on my rollers. I would say that was the last thing I needed to wear out, mid-winter.
5) Busy week, and it looks like one more on tap.

Selling a bike, bikes in the woods

In case anyone was wondering, I am still working at Blue Sky Bicycles. Lately, my only shift has been Wednesday mornings, when I'm pretty much all by myself for a few hours, until Scott arrives to take over. Then I leave for the day and go to my other job.

Typically, and obviously, this is a pretty slow time of year in the bike shop world. Not too many people are riding, and fewer still people are thinking about riding. Things will pick up later in the month, but for now, it's all pretty slow.

Which made today somewhat remarkable, in that we sold a bike. Granted, it was sold to a man who was looking for a deal on last year's model, but that was a very satisfied customer. Besides which, he bought a trainer so that he can start riding -- such as it -- immediately. And selling a bike is way more fun than not selling a bike.

Good times all around. In other news, the future of some public land is going to be up for discussion next week. Saratoga Mountain Bike Association President Steve Godlewski is circulating this letter to his membership, perhaps you will be moved to take action too:


Advocacy Alert! - Planning Underway for New Saratoga Sand Plains Wildlife Management Area

Dear SMBA Member - We hope this message finds you staying warm and dreaming of warmer days riding the Stables. As you dream of the warmer days that 2010 still has in store, there is something you can do -- right now -- to help promote mountain biking in the Saratoga area.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is starting to develop a plan for managing the 570-acre Saratoga Sand Plains Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in the Towns of Wilton and Northumberland. Much of this area is currently off limits to bikes but is open to most other forms of recreation. Portions of it already have trails which many of you enjoy for snowshoeing, cross country skiing or hiking.

Here's where you the mountain biker come in - there will be a public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Wilton Town Court. If you are available please consider attending this meeting and making it known that off road cycling should be included in the future of this important natural resource.

A few talking points to consider:

• Be Positive! It sounds basic but avoid negative comments.
  
• Stress that trail use should be inclusive, not exclusive. Mountain bicycling, hiking and trail running are very similar sports and there are many scientific studies that show the impacts to be the same. Therefore, any regulations should treat all trail users equally.
  
• "I am an avid lover of outdoor sports (pick a few hike, bird watcher, runner) and a mountain bicyclist."
• Talk about "shared trails," not Multi-use Trails.
• Talk about how we are all there because we enjoy the nature experience. Shared trails will unite all users to work together to help preserve the natural resources within the preserve.
• Cyclists give back to their local trail systems by volunteering on public land, protecting the environment and preserving open space.
• Off-road cycling is a great form of exercise and helps combat the societal trend toward obesity.
• It is a healthful activity with low impact and high benefit.
• Wildlife habitat enhancement is important but encouraging more people to use the trails will create a larger volunteer base to draw upon when work projects or fundraising is needed.
• "I would love to volunteer to help maintain trails that are available for mountain bicycling. Our club currently maintains trails within the general area."
• Mountain bicycling, hiking and trail running are very similar sports and there are many scientific studies that show the impacts to be the same. Therefore, any regulations should treat all trail users equally. (show link to studies from IMBA)
  

The official press release including directions to the Wilton Town Court is located here - http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/61631.html

Can't make the meeting? Email your comments to: r5info@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Please help promote off road riding in our area and participate in this important process!

Consider this: The world is run by people who show up.

Becker Road is good to go

First of all, Eryn forwarded me this from the Times today. I didn't really have much of a relationship with Tom, but I certainly remember him as a part of that block, around the corner from my parent's house, for my whole life. So, I walked by this guy, or saw him at the deli, thousands of times, give or take.

News of his death feels a little like similar news that I get periodically from my Mom of another store closing, or other, similar stuff. It's a little sad, but no great personal tragedy. However, I always kept my distance from Tom. So, my condolences to those who knew him better, to who his death is a real tragedy.

Second of all, after watching an endless video of the Tour of the Battenkill course, I popped over to Washington County today with Aleks to check out a few of the roads for real. Actually, we only rode one road from the race itself, Becker Road -- and a short stretch of Burton Road -- but I am pleased to report that all the dirt roads we saw were dry and clear, if anyone is looking to get out on some dirt this weekend.

Working later in the day has been a real adjustment for me, but I will say that going for a four-hour ride in the middle of the week, and still making it in to work more-or-less when I wanted to get there, is pretty nice. That the temperatures today were in the mid-20s was nice too. It could have been a little warmer, but I'm finally figuring out to properly dress myself for the cold -- jeez, it only took six winters.

Of course, Aleks trying to cajole me into joining her for a trip to the coast of Spain to train for two weeks didn't make me feel too good about riding around in the cold, but we can't all be full-time cyclists like she is! For now, I guess I'll just have to be grateful that I have at least one friend who's willing and able to ride with me in the middle of the day during the week.

In other news, this afternoon Dieter and I met with some members of the ad-hoc Marshall & Sterling Saratoga Criterium committee, to being our work for planning that race. The event, by the way, is on May 8. There will be lots more details to come, but for now, keep in mind that our goal is to double participation from last year -- so mark your calendar!

Film review: Battenkill training DVD

Screen shot of the ToB training DVD
Your training partner is Bill Pjontek
It's not a bad way to learn the course

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'd been given a copy of the Tour of the Battenkill training DVD. Well, after two sessions spread out over two weeks I've finally watched the entire 3+ hour video.

Here's a video clip from the DVD.
Imagine spinning to this for 3 hours and you get the idea
I'd call this a must for anyone serious about winning the ToB

Now, you should not take my lackadaisical viewing schedule as any kind of a judgement of the video. The truth of the matter is that I became obsessed with NBC comedy 30 Rock at about the same time I was given the DVD, so it was difficult to squeeze both the DVD and episodes of 30 Rock into my trainer time. Clearly, Tina Fey won.

However, on Sunday, I watched the last episode of 30 Rock available on Net Flix, so I was able to resume watching the ToB training video during this afternoon's spin.

The video was produced in cooperation with the race itself, and Brand Eck Productions -- a company run by Ballston Spa cyclist, occasional Bernstein carpool mate, and all-around stand-up guy Tim Eck. The idea behind the video is to show people coming to the race from outside the area what the course looks like. Sure, you can study profiles, and you can think about what it will mean to race over 15 miles of dirt roads, but until you see it you don't really know.

To illustrate the course, Tim dispatched Battenkill-United rider Bill Pjontek to ride the course as Tim filmed him from a car. You, the viewer, watches Bill from behind as he climbs, descends, corners, and skitters in dirt. On screen you can see a running clock, as well as Bill's position on a map of the course. Dirt sections and other significant obstacles are noted with additional text on the screen. One caveat: the first feed zone appears not to be marked, and the second is mis-located by a couple hundred meters. Not a big deal, but something to be aware of.

The soundtrack is full of stock music, which turned me off at first, but, truthfully, it keeps the energy high.

The bottom line is this: I've ridden the ToB course (both new and old) more times than I care to admit. So, I know what it looks like. I can close my eyes and envision every inch in my head. So, I don't need the DVD, and so I have to admit, that it was a little monotonous at times. BUT, the ToB is a race where knowing the course counts for a lot -- a whole lot -- so, if I lived out of the area, or wasn't inclined to ride the course, this DVD would be a good way to gain a basic understanding of the race's rhythm, and to get a look at what the roads look like.

It's not as good as riding the real thing, but it helps.

Besides that, if you spend a lot of time riding your trainer, as I do, it certainly does make the time go by.

Order here.

*Although I did receive a free "press" copy of the DVD, I have not been, and will not be, compensated in any way for this post.