PyZahl.net

Back on two wheels

2012-02-18T18:44:00.001-05:00

A week of some best ever snow boarding following with a week of a ugly cold a first test ride and commute on Friday. Now back on track on two wheels -- still a little a suffering the after math, but feeling OK -- starting right away over with his RP2IPBP-JP ride on one more great day on LI.

A group of 8 formed finally... after some rider realized he's not ready again. But this team worked out perfect for today's 61 mile ride -- great job gentlemen!

Last run on the board for this trip

2012-02-10T10:01:00.000-05:00

Friday. Some what sick, but had to return the Snowboard. So opting for the 14:40 bus in the early afternoon -- feeling so-la-la with medications.... Could not resist to do one more run at the local resort Gruesch-Danusa. Cold, foggy.... It's been a while he was up there. Afternoon ticket. Freaking cold gondola. Asking a local piste guard like looking guy if this was the right trail... a run to the middle station, gondola back up and heading for a coffee and warmup. Deciding to call it a day and taking to run down to the village. Returning the snowboard.

Stats so far for "Snowboard" 5 days and a quicky..., 18 hours moving, 300km (incl. uphill on lift/gondola, but excluding all the S-turns downhill as the GPS straitens it out), 35.6km of descending. Just a comparison: the total decent is about 4x all the way down to sea level from Mt. Everest.

Beyond Snowboarding

2012-02-08T09:59:00.000-05:00

Wednesday Py went together with his friend and host -- his friends Bday -- to Scuol-Tarasp and from the top there to the 3km sledding run of Prui-Ftan. Having some alternative fun on a steerable sled as here on right. A couple runs... lunch, a few more. Visit of the Ftan and finding some of the famous Nut-cake. Missing the train planned to take home by a minute...

Two days Arosa

2012-02-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

Monday, decision made, heading to Arosa. Arosa lies 1800 metres above sea level, which guarantees snow, in a stunning location at the end of the valley. A lovely RhB train ride very conveniently is taking you and your gear to this area. A winter wonder land this year! A few lay overs before taking the Arosa train from Chur. Time for a 2nd Cappuccino.

Landquart station, getting the 1-Franken train&ski special, entering the train to Chur before taking to Arosa train winding it's about 1 hour passage up to Arosa via several tunnels and bridges.

In Arosa ready to board the gondola as he got a charged up key card with the train special -- time saver for sure at busy times -- not so busy this time. A great Arosa day...

Day 3 -- Pretty much all of Arosa

Lunch at Alp Carmenna.

Day 4 -- mostly the upper faster runs -- speeding up.

Klosters/Davos: Deep freeze, sun and powder par excellence

2012-02-05T19:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, ready for the 1st day on the slopes -- it's a while since his last time on a snowboard. Taking the bus from Seewies Dorf to the RhB train station Grüsch to continue to Klosters Platz.

Klosters/Davos ski area, easy mountain access via the Gotschnagrat Bahn with direct layover from Klosters train station! Easy little late start for day 1 and expecting the coldest day up here ever for Py with -25C (-13F) air temperature and a good wind on top of this. Well prepared for the conditions: More layers than usual, but he was perfectly fine with his snowboard pants plus full set of long base layers (odlo pants + body), plus cozy insulation long sleeved top, fleece jacket and a totally wind proof soft shell ski jacket with powder skirt. Best idea ever that I took my Assos Robo cap to put underneath my ski helmet to keep the ears protected! This outfit proofed to be perfect for all my days on the slopes these cold days, occasional he took off the fleece jacket in Arosa later, "the warmer days".

After this convenient short train ride to Klosters and up to the Gotschnagrat he did a few warmup runs on this nice #45b trail and the Schwarzseealp chair up again -- not missing a few great off piste powder runs between 45a/b. This should have become his favorite start of every day up here on top of Klosters/Davos where he went a total of three days as tracked in detail below. (picture with -13C was on Thursday, at Gotschnagrat).

After having played enough here he usually took the pretty nice traverse all the long way over to Schifer. Then depending on moods and time of time taking the Schiferbahn+Gipfelbahn all the way up to Weissfluhjoch and then his most favorite long run #1,17,21,22 "Kreuzweg" back to Schifer what is a 7km (strait line) run from 2870m to 1500m. Lunch always at his most favorite place Berghaus Schifer. Ordering "Schifer Roesti"... Following a few more "#1..." runs and a final "Talabfahrt #21" directly back into train station Klosters -- 14km from top, 2870m down to 1100m. Once in a while adding a few alternative moderate runs and modifications, many options...

But awesome conditions and nearly empty -- never seen it so empty with that great conditions!! Seeing one guy with a Motorcycle helmet... "need to improvise". Tearing eyes under glasses and goggles with that wind -- instant freezing of any condensations... -- little odd to get used to, but bearable. And always good to know, it's always short lasting and highly depends on speed what can be adjusted!

Satuday -- Day 1

Sunday -- Day 2

pretty much the same, but adding a few more runs.

Last day on the big slopes Klosters/Davos -- Day 5
Finishing up easy, returning early. Not feeling as great, taking it easy, having a great lunch....

Trevors -- up to speed

2012-01-29T22:14:00.003-05:00

Sunday... Trevors. Good and fast again. Again a great day, little more chill and a bit of this wind. But with a good strong group in front -- fun fast full speed ahead. Great job by Ryan!

Amazing -- just amazing this January

2012-01-28T21:27:00.003-05:00

This winter so far is the warmest ever seen by Py out here on LI. This minor little snow last weekend was just a hint that we are having January, but it's all gone and today near 10C, blue sky, no wind, sunny.

What can you ask more for if you love riding your bike? And it looks one more day alike to come!

So on schedule the full version of RP2IPBP-JP.

6 riders, great ride as usual, good job everyone. And good to see you all staying on route with me :-) No one go behind or dropped, at least not for long. Thanks for joining me today, hope you all liked the route!

Just amazing this weather so far.

Some alternative activity -- Nordic Ski

2012-01-22T12:59:00.003-05:00

Now as we got the 1st snow here on LI -- finally it has arrived also here all the messy stuff turning roads into a salty ugly material's nightmare -- why not go for the escape into the woods with some Nordic XC ski gear -- even better workout laying first tracks for big part. And not doing funky skidding around MTB as some buddies did, take the right gear -- it's even cheap compared to a good bike!

It was just enough snow cover not to touch ground, only a few sticks here and there. It's not going any fast either, but was fun alternative easy workout for an good hour twenty or such with Jerry and Tony :-) Fun out and back.

Also the new new Nordic XC suit from MtBorah combined with a base layer worked great.

Snowy MTB RP hills and Sound View

2012-01-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

Just a little fresh air... sure better than trainer after the first little snow storm of 2012! Fun bike handling skills testing, essential smooth round pedaling not to skid on climbs :-) -- almost got lost once -- looks so different!! -- And hahaha, car stuck already at some climb. Plus quick shopping in town: 1 bunch of bananas, 1/2 gallon milk and 1/2 gallon Orange juice -- no need to clean up this damn car!! Then little snowy back roads hill repeats.... good to have a little extra traction?!?!?

More Dirty Disco commutes

2012-01-20T21:53:00.002-05:00

Friday, the 1st dusting of snow on LI -- that's why Py is writing about it at all -- usually no blogging on commutes, etc.. So the first snow and with this the first load of salty junk on the roads. But Py's Dirty Disco CX machine is now well equipped for this misery -- 700x30C Michelin Jet and installed fenders to keep Dirt Disco a little cleaner and feet dry! Works! This machine is running smooth and like on rails :-) A notch slower, a notch more work and some extra fun and options to got on dirt roads or cut over this grassy field here and there -- hey not to bad at all!

A nice view of the frozen lake Panamoka

and here on "Gull Dip" at still undeveloped area, unpaved and nice clean and dusting of snow.

Monday Off Ride

2012-01-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

A last minute decision -- early Monday morning was supposed even colder that Sunday morning -- but at first no to very little wind and it was supposed to steeply quickly warm up towards noon. So a 9:30am start for a 2 1/2 hours or 45miler seam very reasonable. Let's go!

Meeting Lenny and Robin at Tildas. No cars needed for this one -- well well, keep this up very good -- as every one rode to the start! Rolling off. A crisp cold wind from moving fast on North Country into his face -- the little climb and slow down felt good :-) Getting comfortable after this "warmup"... rolling on.

the Too Deep Freeze day

2012-01-15T20:44:00.000-05:00

Not going to Trevors at -10C and 20+mph wind -- thanks, no need to instant frozen water and freezing feet&fingers. A good recovery day. Let's watch the local birds from home :-)

RP2IPBP

2012-01-14T14:29:00.005-05:00

Today -2 .. 0C with 18..20mph wind. Py was curious who may show up, a little hoping for more company due to the deep freeze to be expected for Sunday. But just JL and Py. Put on the cozy snowboard helmet and Fugu jack, winter shoes + covers and while rolling out decided to stop by home again to grab the ski gloves as this felt necessary. Then pretty much all good to go.

Doing the regular old RP2IPBP route.

Bagel Ride -- Let's do this.

2012-01-08T18:19:00.000-05:00

Sunday, back to Trevors the bagel ride. Timing this tight today -- 8:30am ride start -- 35mins ride to start -- leaving 7:53 -- leaving just a moment extra time to find a >bathroom< shortly before meeting the group at the "Bagels & A Hole Lot More" parking area. Just a tiny little morning chill in the air -- still amazing for January 8th. Py feeling a bit the little specialized work on reforming his power profile of the past days:

* We night MTB ride -- pushing this old heavy monster bike around the woods with a few good pushs...
* Thu RRL ride with an attempt of intervalls -- hurting a bit from the night before...
* Fri commute on new Dirty Disco with super heavy sticky knobby tires -- limiting to a good base ride...
* Sat -- RP2IPBP-JP with a few sets of go full speed ahead on hills -- rejoin -- keep pulling the group most of the time...
* Sun -- now let's go on:

Interestingly again only a few East End "A" riders and a majority of GABs. Times are changing, riders are coming and going -- just a little core group. 8:30 -- leaving with a group of T-G-O-C-K-C-P. Feeling comfortable now and starting carefully to figure out what is "left" in the tank. Interestingly he needed even more warm up time or recovery to spin/flush out last days damage a bit and finally towards boy scouts "dip" he got moving OK. Weird, fine. Group reassembly, rolling ahead, grabbing and opening a cliff bar to get a bite on the fly. Little fun flying South on Osborne. Quick snack stop on request after crossing 25 at the green light. Later just hitting this one climb up to the tracks towards the end of his pull with a little extra power -- obviously upsetting a few riders -- sorry..... hey, I did not dropped any one nor intended -- even told a rider before about the intentions --, so what? -- game on! Moving on and putting in one more good move shortly after passing the LIE bridge. And a few more including the little bumpy hilly road E. Bartelett and later back North.

Power Zones

Critical Power: 273

Zone	Description	Low	High	Time
Z1	Active Recovery	0	150	58:55
Z2	Endurance	150	204	1:04:13
Z3	Tempo	204	245	36:21
Z4	Threshold	245	286	22:45
Z5	VO2Max	286	327	10:29
Z6	Anaerobic	327	409	07:16
Z7	Neuromuscular	409	MAX	05:06

Here is a map with 30sec average power color coded track:

Z1 cyan, Z2 blue, Z3 purple,

Z4 green, Z5 yellow-green,

Z6 yellow, Z7 red.

Section of this ride (to start, ride, return, cool down):

Interval Name	Duration	Distance (km)	Work (kJ)	Average Power (watts)	xPower (watts)	Max Power (watts)	Average Heart Rate (bpm)	95% Heartrate (bpm)	Average Cadence (rpm)	Average Speed (kph)
1	39:40	16.1	362	162	171	625	138	153	91	26.0
2	2:24:46	82.3	1757	206	222	855	152	168	106	34.7
3	13:34	7.2	146	179	189	745	146	156	108	32.0
4	12:07	4.8	117	161	170	767	140	151	94	23.6

Training plans -- training plans specialized for what? Py is thinking lately a lot about this and collecting all kind of "theories" from old fashioned to more modern training attempts even debating to work with a coach. Looking at the data collected from last season if training and racing and applying a little math and comparing numbers with the "statistical average" racer of all levels this gives a good picture and shows capabilities of all typical power duration ranges as pointed out by a team mate. Simplified there is a drop in power/weigh ratio for sub minute duration to work on -- while doing excellent for 5min and also fine for longer.

Now training in general is as simple as this: "do what you need to do better" -- but also do not neglect what you need to keep doing OK!

Let's leave all this books and plans aside for now and look at it within the context of what Py intends to achieve on long term as he likes those best -- good performance on longer multi day races. Composition: Mixed ITT/RoadRaces -- long with good climbing at it's best.

Needs: Excellent fatigue resistance on all time scales -- within a race on short term to withstand and may be even put on stress at a race with repeated strong climbs at it's extreme. On long term -- best and fasted possible recovery in between consecutive race days.

Let's do this. See above. And sure -- recovery days are to be put in between series high stress loads.

Epilog to this:

Like it or not it is all up to you and only you! Py is a scientist and as physicist he got tough to figure it out and understand from very scratch, not to follow any recipes, plans blindly. But also to dig, dig deep and collect all possible information and previous findings and theories -- for sure not neglecting -- but rethinking and reevaluating it all on his very own and adding "weights" to it all his and to adapt or even reinvent to solve the problem there is to tackle.

1st RP2IPBP-JP of 2012 -- what a day, spring, summer or what?

2012-01-07T15:37:00.000-05:00

1st Saturday 2012. Looking like a one more nice day. The usual team of five showed up today. Good ride, full 61 mi loop. Magnificent weather, dry, sunny and warm -- 18C at time of return!

Good ride, gentlemen :-) Ready for a Catskills 115 mile loop with a few good climbs -- ala Rapha Gentlemen ride? If the weather holds up... we can do it now!

1st Trevors 2012

2012-01-01T13:48:00.003-05:00

Starting over into 2012 on Sunday January 1st 2012 with a great near complete GAB team ride together with Trevor, Gerald and a guest rider "Torelli" -- Py is not sure if he saw him before, just run into him while riding down the road near the RP fire house at RP Landing/Hallock this morning taking advantage of the fact that the ride almost passes by his house. Figured out quickly he was about to hook up with the ride as well and we kept going at a nice warm-up pace towards Wading River where Py about expected the group to catch up -- what exactly was to happen. From then one a excellent smooth pace, he took a few good pulls in front -- what a nice and sunny day :-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR every one again!

RP2IPBP -- last ride of 2011 -- quiet+wet+warm-short

2011-12-31T15:37:00.003-05:00

End of 2011, last ride of 2011.

Just one showing for Py's ride. And also just for a few miles. Not to bad at all, sun almost was looking a bit, fairly warm -- well, really warm for December 31st! Just a little wet road surface -- what's the deal -- little less pressure in the tires and all set. Also pretty clean today. Nice ride. Cutting off a bit as he only had one spare tube on board and no phone at all. But all went fine, even a few interesting views!

Well, the only rider showing had fix a tire before we started...

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 EVERY ONE!

Ride On.

Kevin's HHH ride

2011-12-26T23:44:00.003-05:00

One more holiday!! Still no snow on LI, great weather and way too warm for the season -- Py takes it.
Nothing in particular special beyond the nice "warm" day -- no ice, no snow, no frost, just a little wind, almost clear sky -- 7° C at time of return:

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T23:17:00.000-05:00

A quiet day home, no ride.

Setting up my bird feeders and watching them and my squirrel "Smarty" relentless attempting to get there. Skyping with mom&dad. Cooking. And some 2012 GAB kit design...

Random 2011-12-25 photos:

Duck for dinner today!

Santa's arrival -- the long awaited package made it in time -- a new machine:

Some hacking and still learning Blender -- fun project:

Blender session...

RP2IPBP-JP -- Heiligabend Ride

2011-12-24T15:07:00.000-05:00

December 24th, Heiligabend. Where did this year 2011 went?, almost done. So far we've been very lucky on Long Island this December with pretty much great weather, just a very few wet mid week days, a few crisp and cold weekends -- but always clear sky, dry and sunny -- even a good number of very mild days for the season -- no snow yet at all.

Today was a good day for one more of Py's Saturday rides. Glad to see Dan happy on his new PX -- enjoy!

Riders today: Dan - Dan - Doug - Tom - Jenn - John - Py

Thanks for coming this little special day, good riding Gentlemen and -women!

Sorry you could not follow my post ride offer, you missed some mom made Christ-Stollen (now I need to eat it all myself??????)... and any style authentic Italian of coffee of your choice.

MERRY CHRISTMAS my friends!

Trevors -- a nice cold & sunny day

2011-12-18T23:20:00.003-05:00

Back to Trevors -- done with all the CX fun. A frosty morning and with windchill in the teens... Getting by 8:15 to the start -- only the B group was there, so Py hooked up with them -- better be sure not to ride alone today. That was the right decision... On the way out all sudden his 705 flew off the bike -- uoops!?!? Picking it up and finding the mount snapped. Well, it worked also in his pocked -- just no display. Good ride. Later just two riders of the A group hooked up as they cut off to meet us... good Py went with the others.

Good miles for a cold day.

Kings Park »Psychic« CX №3

2011-12-11T19:10:00.001-05:00

It's Sunday again and time for KPCX №3 -- the last of the Kreb Cycle Kings Park CX series!

Sunday morning, plenty of time for the race start at 10:30am. At 8am still frosty cold, but dry and clear blue sky -- nice. Loading up, driving out there, checking out the course. Very nice, a few more added technical sections, not so many grassy sections -- but one either way slow labyrinth like slow down before the finish stretch. Like. Again RFID timing, and only frame number -- also like a lot -- no ### pinning :-)
The race went off, Py some where second to third row in the start pack. Little sorting out positions passing a few, then sitting some place in no riders land at lap 2&3, eventually doing a little to little... usual "slow down" at lap 2&3, some where GAB Chris had some minor mechanical issue and was catching up again, sitting in for a lap and made up a few spots again -- nice done Chris. Not exactly sure why that slow down is. However. Then waking up and picking up a few spots. Last lap getting a little on fire again... Saw Brian (race leader) approaching from behind where the course folded back at the down hill onto the pavement. Not yet lapped... Py made it ahead of him through the "labyrinth" but letting him pass at the turn out of it as he got behind Py. About 40 minutes (race "cut off") time while passing the two trees to the finish sprint section, Brian just a few bike length ahead -- well, could have made it look like sprinting for "false" 2nd. Alright, game over now. 16th on preliminary results list.

And big thanks and many Kudos to Carol&Paul for the great post race Holiday celebration with soem Hot Chocolate, Coffee and superb cake :-)

So now Py is just getting a little adjusted for this fun and this is the last CX in LI for the season??? Can we have more?

RP2IPBP - short

2011-12-10T22:05:00.001-05:00

Just a "quicky" today, only 2 riders and Py. Moist morning, creepy cold feeling air, part wet roads. Need to wash bike.

Kings Park »Psychic« CX №2

2011-12-04T20:30:00.001-05:00

It's Sunday again and time for KPCX №2!Not much to say. Got there early, put up some tape, got ready to race. Had some fun, did some good work, or better to say pretty much max effort and playing around changing positions ±2 after settling around some position in a fun group -- finished with a lap down on the CAT2s... what is OK and got "1st" within that minor battling group -- pure fun day :-)

Here are some great photo's assembled in a fast sequence movie -- taken by Sarah with my camera -- thanks again for shooting, well done! Enjoy.

Finish run for me from here:

RP2IPBP-JP -- five gentlemen ride

2011-12-03T20:18:00.000-05:00

Five riders 61 miles. A slight chill in the late morning air around 9am, the sun feeling good. From Tildas a group of five left a minute or so past 9am. Warm-up until reaching Wildwood, then a good efficient team work again. Great job again, gentlemen! Nice warming break at the Beach in the sun hiding from the wind before heading for James Port and the return. Curious if we still have the Battenkill road feature -- unfortunately -- not any more:

Steady return easing up a little and helping one new rider to survive it all the way back -- good job everyone on this also! You did just fine -- come along a few more times and you are all set.

Nice day!

KPCX №1 + CX MTB bike ride to North Port ↷ Turkey Takeoff

2011-11-27T17:58:00.001-05:00

KPCX №1. Last day of the Rapha Turkey Takeoff. Py sigend up for the Kreb Cycle Kings Park "Psychic" CX series which started this Sunday, held at Nissequogue River Park, NY. Not that he did not know that riding nearly 250 miles in 3 days and attempting to race CX on day 4 is pretty much incompatible, but did it either way -- well, kind off. Warming up, already suffering a bit, but after three laps the legs felt a bit better and flushed clear, warm now. 10 minutes to take off. A mixed field raced out of a grassy wide open run way like area. Some what in a reasonable matching position. Just out of the grass one rider managed to run into the tape on the right edge of some shoulder/curb and tumbled over his bike -- not sure why -- hope he is alright. Next up to the 1st barrier, a few slick areas and turns to watch out for as he scouted out at warm up. No problem so far. Moving on good, passing a few riders on the fast back stretch -- that's where Py's MTB-CX Cobalt excels -- need to be fast. Some back and forth on the energy absorbing grass... Flying on the short road part and them at the U-turn a GAB/team mate rider down, not looking alright. Race got stopped. Ambulance....

Later the just started race was started again for a little shortened time or about one lap less. Py decided not tot start racing again today -- period.

So that's why you got now some photos of the "2nd" race:

Now this race finished without further complications -- good. Congratulations to our two strongest riders Bob and Brian of the days in a major break away!

Some small talk after the race, helping rolling up a section of tape. BTW, I loved seeing the dedication the one young rider put into very neatly rolling up some tape, not many would do so ;-) Having a banana... and heading out for a post "race" ride to complete this Rapha Turkey Takeoff thing as the few CX laps did not really did the trick. A pretty much quite and enjoyable ride on his MTB-CX bike out to North Port and a little sight seeing of some places he had never been so far -- just following his "nose" and a few simple instructions by Mark.... Biggest motivation of the day to find a good Cappuccino and some snack at this Coffee Shop in North Port.

No race, but a few more good miles and climbs for Karl -- he pointed this whole thing out to me, feel better soon! -- and hey, finished the 9,000 kcal Turkey Takeoff about here -- the return was bonus.

Rapha Thanksgiving Challenge Results

RP2IPBP-JP recovery spin

2011-11-26T15:04:00.001-05:00

61 miles for recovery today. This amazing long weekend is getting even nicer day by day. Back to Py's RP2IPBP ride in a little new modified version ramped to 61miles. Already 12°C at 8:45am and expecting near 20°C towards noon! At the Tildas back lot a few riders already preparing as Py rolled in one new face in Leopard Trek outfit - Ryan. The pan was to manage a high efficient spin and team ride. Rolling out, gentle warmup on NC, easy spin on the hills. Little reminding the group to work together -- from then one great smooth work. JL been late catching up on the fly cutting of and meet us right on time as we merged onto Sound Ave -- team of 7 riders now. Even managed a tight group all the way down and up on Boy-Scout Hill -- very good boys! With little cross/tail wind flying out to the Iron Pear Beach Park.

Moving on. Cutting over via James Port to Early Birds North Route. Very smooth work again and moving along good and easy. Little work on a few wind exposed sections. And little back North back on Middle Rd for the usual return. Minor issue of one riders loose cleat -- fixed and move on. Just curios if we would still have "Batten Kill Road".... as we got around the "Swan" pond. Well, we do. A mess of small holes in town, then pretty smooth to ride. Proceeding our ride on the nice smooth rolling part of Mill Rd. Again good work and do not over do -- save it. For the return to Wading River a little scenic variation around Lake Panamoka and finishing the ride as usual on North Country.

Well done -- excellent team work today, gentleman! Like to see this soon again.

Wicked ride

2011-11-25T17:41:00.001-05:00

Post Turkey Day Ride. Nothing better to do than to ride early out to Kreb Cycle for the Friday Kreb ride. A little chilly at 7:30 with 4..5C but the sun was already feeling great. A shorty of ride. Basically a figure 8 ride, big group, partially fast with a lot of stopping. Short fun. Back at Kreb's a visit of the shop and a little snack -- Pancakes :-)

Then making up a little extra loop for the return with John. What a nice day -- warmed up to 18C!

85 miles [[(9000-5964)cal / 36 (cal/mi)]] to go.

Rapha Thanksgiving Challenge Results

2 Ron's Wild Turkey Hill Ride

2011-11-24T18:28:00.001-05:00

Turkey day ride!!

Last minute redeciding to join Ron's Wild Turkey Ride and cancel his own ride -- good plan. Adding extra miles riding to the start. Good. Picture perfect day! Also Good. A good group, decent pace, little pushing on the climbs with Mark, Doug and others -- fun -- and reassembly on top. Just a great day and ride :-) Turkey KUDOs to all!

Happy Thanksgiving my friends!

WLSCC Sat+Sun

2011-11-20T18:36:00.001-05:00

Day 1+2 of Withmore Super Cyclocross Cup in Eisenhaur Park. Py again raced both days, little tiered from some long hours working, just made it Saturday morning. Finishing both races Sat+Sun and not get'n lapped and no issues -- so far so good, good training, fun days. Looks like a real CX bike would be really good for better handling of that kind of course. East Ender racers doing pretty good!

Enjoy assorted photos...

Saturday

Sunday

few random photos of the womens and masters races:

Trevors #2? - no, no Trevor. Bagel ride? - no, no bagel :-( GAB ride? 7/8!

2011-11-13T20:38:00.001-05:00

Trevor ride on Sunday. Getting up, getting ready, getting there. The early B group just came up the road as Py rolled into town to the start. Meting more or less only his team mates, Ryan and two RPC guys. Starting on time. Working good on NC... C had some issue with a loose screw on his cleats and we all stopped. RPC guys went ahead... Ryan came up the road on Boyscouts hill passed by.... We meet him later at this light. Cut off 1/2 of "LI Battenkill Road" and pulled back home -- virtually a GAB ride only -- seven out of eight -- good showing. One more stop for Chris to work on his cleat -- fix that up right at home -- use a torque wrench and forget about trouble a like for ever!

Stats:

SICX 4.0

2011-11-12T19:00:00.000-05:00

NYC's only CycloCross event SICX -- happened just this Saturday -- the 4th event so far like this at Wolfe's Pond Park on Staten Island. The first CX of 2011 for Py to kick off the CX season. Signed in at the Masters race starting 8:45am he had to get up a little early to get there in time but easy driving that time. Stopping at some random Dunk'in Donats on Staten Island to grab a coffee and find a convenient bathroom before the race.

Arriving at the race, signing in and getting this special edition classic hat :-) Talking to Paul&Carol and a few others. Getting ready and checking out this years race layout. Same great features, seamed they needed to re-routed a bit and added a few turns in the woods -- mostly because of massive recent storm damages and fallen big trees. Also a gigantic pile of wood on one of the parking lots.

Staging. Some where at the end due to lack of CX points... and off they go around the first turns and over the barriers heading to the beach section running fast and passing art least one. Exiting and passing more riders already moving up one by one just at the start. Must have taken a turn from pavement onto dirt little too hot with possibly some sand in the threads plus not the newest tire either. His bike just slid away under him turning starting still on pavement sliding/skidding part sideways onto the dirt. Getting up -- finding this damn chain jammed at the bottom braked having a little hard time to get it free and back on. Back on, now chasing back on again hard giving all at the technical dirt section... and picking up riders again, alright -- let the fun begin again. Lap 2. Lap 3... about 1/2 way or little more -- at 25 minutes into the 40min race his front tire went flat. With no spares -- DNF. Little disappointed leaving the race putting the bike away. Well, it's a great day out here and he planned to stay all day either way to watch and few of his team mates were expected for the later races. Cleaning up himself -- collected a little dust at the spill. Taking the camera out. But hey, two East Enders placed well in the masters -- congratulations! See here for photos by Anthony S. of the Masters race!

East End Women at the Women's race -- congratulations to Tori for taking 2nd!

More fun, kids race...

Single speed, tandem race with some acrobatic finish celebration, Pro races, etc...

Later on the CAT4 race... a huge bunch of 100 racers -- generating a massive "traffic jam" at the first run over the barriers:

Congratulations to GAB Karl for his great job passing up to 4th place from far behind!

ACTION GO... enjoy:

Great event again! Thanks to all for making it happen again! Free waffles next time?????

PS: HR Movie http://pyzahl.blogspot.com/2011/11/sicx-40.html

Trevors No. 1 -- "Battenkill road"

2011-11-06T19:53:00.001-05:00

First Sunday of November -- also time change back to "normal" giving an extra hours, gonna be a long day -- Trevors Ride takes over. A slight chill in the morning air and some frosty spots on the way to the start. But it is warming up fast and while waiting at the start for everyone to roll in and get ready it even felt hot in the sun already -- nice! The "B" group left 8:17 and a growing good group waited until almost 8:35 for the last one to get on his bike. A new main road, a huge new curb and still road work on the minor roads leading out.

Nice pace moving out good work on this one climb and moving on, effortless flying South. Few debates to go around or go for the little CX one of the roads recently was turning into dirt. Just get yourself a little room ahead of the group for maneuvering and finding the best line. However, same clues by Jeff, Karl and two more riders going a little ahead. Looking back at the end of the dirt section no one was in sight, big gap -- weird, and the four others a few bike length ahead -- great, Py loves getting in between into no riders land... "Battenkill road" split up on Trevors #1 -- group ride was over from then on and the work began... chasing Jeff and a three more (he knew this would be pointless unless they ease up a little), he got closer but game over soon, the chase got totally screwed by traffic making a turn impossible for at least 15 sec.... tried now, but lost sight of them, kept rolling but no group behind either, just one rider, Owen came up after a while and we finished the whole ride together -- doing a lot of work and major pulls into the wind with a little occasional recovery behind Owen. Thinking for a few seconds at the turn on North Country about riding all the way back to the bagel place -- but way to tired and decided to roll home.

What happened behind, mechanical, flat???

Citing:

Mark yeah, I got a flat on the rough stuff and then ran out of gas.

A few nice late fall views on the last miles:

RP2IPBP - enhanced

2011-11-05T18:46:00.000-05:00

Today Py went for his Saturday ride again and now with a little variation and added on loop for the return from IPBP for a total of 60 miles. A brisk clear little breezy morning. At the start known riders not seen for a while showed up again. Good group, good riding today. And still the little special dirt road -- wondering how long the feature stays... Back home adding a lap around the block, no WP yet, but almost -- any one up for the winter pokal game?

Late Sunday ride with a touch of Battenkill feel

2011-10-30T19:53:00.000-05:00

The day after a crazy late October snow storm over NY -- NOAA was predicting 4 inches of snow over night, but as it looked on the East End of Long Island may just got near slushy wet and only wet and left a few big puddles behind -- thanks to the surrounding water. After a long night and some work into the "morning" near 2am Py let the last Early Birds go and waited for the sun to warm up air a bit more from near freezing and the wind dry off roads. Crisp clear sky and a strong breeze. Getting ready for a 60 mile solo ride and have in mind a little photo excursion to take advantage of the situation.

Flying out east, just a few cross or head wind sections and awesome moving South, passing the Buffalo farm and one more checking out his new route proceeding further from IPBP.

Checking out a few water views today -- always passing just by without any attention. Heading further into the wind -- little double trouble with that camera pack catching extra wind.

And a little Battenkill feel on a hopefully temporary dirt road.

PS: Do not get fooled by the "slow" average -- it's only because I stopped quite some times or just rolled around with the camera to find some spot to shoot from.... the took off again. "Camera Intervals".

Late Sunday Loop

2011-10-23T18:53:00.000-05:00

Py's inner voice some how made him to ignore the alarm at 5:30am -- still dark and kind of chilly even inside, just turning on the heat a little and crawling back under the blanked. The bike was all set to get out by 6:30am with lights... but it got late and he just enjoyed a little later breakfast. Still kind of dull and overcast and creepy moist chill in the air outside.

Via FB it happened G. was up for a later ride at noon, sounds good -- game on. Even the sun came out a little half way into the ride -- truly worse the delayed ride today!

RP2IPBP with new return loop via Jamesport

2011-10-22T13:41:00.001-05:00

A nice crisp and clear morning with a little chill in the air. Trying out the new Team vest. Just a very few riders showed up this nice day -- looks like every one opts for shorter faster less work and sitting in at this big shop ride crowd -- so what, Py's ride will stay and is well established by now for the little hilly and long haul. Now adding even a few more miles featuring a modified return. Just Dan, little Gorge (only for the way out) and Ben were part of the "RP2IPBP" team today.

Here the ride with the new return:

TOSREC 2011 adventure

2011-10-19T23:30:00.000-05:00

This year it was the 6th annual Tour Of Scenic Rural Eastern Connecticut. Starting with the first ferry from Orient Point left at 7:30. Py left his house on the bike in the dark with lights to meet and car pooled with T. to Orient Point. Shortly after arrival also GAB George showed up. Johnney the TOSREC inventor and a few more.

Departing from the boat Alex must have joined as Py noticed later -- a nice group of 8 riders now! Nice moving group, that's gonna be a good ride :-)

Climbing up 49 (Pendleton Hill Rd) George setting a good pace, Py taking over for more climbing... almost up some delays behind, Alex some how came of the shoulder, chain off -- OK all seamed fine after putting it back on -- but some how she got off the bike again. Py was up this little slope already again... back -- it turned out her left Look pedal snapped in parts -- weird. Some debating... and finally back tracking down hill and proceeding into the town of Pawcatuck to find a bike shop "Brumble".

After about 25 miles extra they got back on route and got to the now well deserved coffee/snack stop in Canterbury. From here the most scenic and nicest back roads would start. Py could not let happen to skip those completely -- so a compromise was to cut off about 2/3 of the upper loop and return on Windham Road.

Here on the back roads -- North Society Rd.:

And returning on a slightly modified and distance wise optimized route -- actually pretty nice roads with exception of one or two construction miles on rough "grinded away" pavement.
Later just one very brief water stop. Then Dan some how managed to get wrong way and we did not found him and spend almost 20 minutes to find him, but did not... Later after missing the 5pm ferry by a very few minutes we ventured to Captains Pizza in New London and it happened Dan made it's way back there as well -- he took a wrong turn. Now plenty of time next ferry was not 6pm but 7pm.

Right: On the (bike) path up to the bridge.

About 120 miles total for Py with the short leg from home to the main road -- + 2x a good mile in the dark.

Early Birds North

2011-10-16T20:26:00.000-05:00

Sunday -- return to the EBs ride and starting from home regardless the darkness at 6:30am -- full lights setup.

A well sized group and good number of GABs again at the start. Nice fast move East, a pretty good NW wind and some work with and into it. Big pull home by Py today... Coffee with team mates at the Starbucks in Manorville before riding back home once again into the wind. Good 80 miles today :-)

Very special Team Ride with George Hincapie

2011-10-15T18:20:00.000-05:00

On a special day of one of the Green Arm Bandits Cycling Team members the complete team and a former team member Chris G. and few close friend riders got invited to the "Schwenk Tank" the night before and we all had a unforgettable time, small talk and dinner together including George -- a very nice easy and open minded person. The next morning we meet all again to ride with big George.

Read more about it all on our team page soon.

Getting ready to ride, but first a few group photos had to be shot for sure!

And then just a 1/4 mile out of the lot a chance for a little "GAB" with big George as out George happened to flat right away -- this is going well...

Little later some sharp object/road debris nearly destroyed Py's rear tire but luckily a few layers of duct tape patched the side wall cut and quickly we were finally moving again at a nice pace, very well team work of every one -- George just fitted himself in very well.

On our way from South to North merging onto the EB's North route heading to the "Tanks", via the usual quick pit stop and proceeding along the beautiful vineyards along side Oregon Rd, then cutting a South via Cutchogue -- no stop at the Deli for Coffee this time?!?! -- and returning in the South side of the North Fork next to the Great Peconic Bay via Riverhead, fighting some head wind towards 51.. every likes to hide including George... taking the little incline on 51 and looping around to return via this nice road across Hampton Hills.

Here the ride in a few snap shots and snap from the video Py took -- little extra work for the Camera rider Py ;-)

Note: Be sure to check back HERE soon for a little video of the ride to catch on the motion!!!

The Ride in Numbers and Coordinates:

Early Birds South -- back to speed and play as usual

2011-10-09T13:34:00.008-05:00

Sunday, going to the Birds once again. Too early to ride there as it still was pitch dark at 6:30am. Taking the car, what was convenient as he had some new team gear (big smile) to take home plus a little shopping to get done right away after the ride. 7:30 at Manorville, the sun just getting above the trees... a slight chill in the air but it's warming up fast. Moving out at moderate pace then picking it up as the RP dudes triggered the move... Py took the chance to stretch out the legs a bit and jumped up as well, a little too much with a power surge up to 940Watts flying by and settling down to fit in and take a few good pulls. Fun group, good GAB showing, also with Craig again. Only downside hitting a hole -- on Dune Road at good speed -- blew his rear tire, but this was a quick fix with new a tube -- later home he found the tire lost some structure and had two bumps at the side wall. Too bad, it was almost new :-(

RP2IPBP -- back to flat lands routine

2011-10-09T13:27:00.002-05:00

Py returned to LI riding routine... One more of those getting old loops. Good ride, good moving, nothing really special -- but a nice day to enjoy.

"Tour du Mont Blanc" -- Review

2011-09-21T22:21:00.006-05:00

A review together with finally the edited video of the descent from the Col du Petite-Saint-Bernard into Bourg Saint Maurice at the end of the first day.

Here is a overview of the full loop:

Click for bigger map.

Taninges to Martigny -- Stage 3 of "Tour du Mont Blanc"

2011-09-20T00:16:00.008-05:00

100 km and little under 2000 m elevation to close the loop we had to go -- but first a good French breakfast with a really good fresh Croissant! From the heavy rain and thunder of the last night it still was all wet in the morning but no rain at the time we started out. Just around the block of the hotel climbing up again (Col des Gets) to Les Gets (1.5) followed by an intermediate pretty strait and fast down hill into Montriond.

After a short flat ride we started climbing Col du Corbier (2).

A pretty nice and twisty downhill on wet roads, taking it with extra care... into Bonnevaux. Then following the road towards Morgins -- taking a 2nd breakfast and coffee little before Chatel in La Chapelle. A few drops of rain and dark clouds were moving into the valley, looking scary. Py put on his arm warmers, just right! Then finishing with one more good climb up and back to the Swiss border on top of Pass de Morgins (4). Just reaching the top rain started getting heavy. Putting on the GAB jacket -- the pack gaining some room! A about 30km long and soaking wet downhill all the way down from 1369 to little less than 400m into Monthey down in the valley. Good it was just getting warmer with less altitude. Still mostly going fast than cars... splashing water all over. One drowned Garmin 800. Then a flat 25km ride to the finish in Martigny.

** corrected elevation profile -- water blocking the pressure sensor until I blew it out (Edge 705, no issues beyond this. The 800 of my friend got more seriously wet and the USB interface denied working... IPX7 rated ???may be prolonged water spay at high speeds no good???) **

Save and wet return to Martigny, no real mechanical issues over the last 400km, just a great ride!

Great loop, Ben!!

Bourg Saint Maurice to Taninges -- Stage 2 of "Tour du Mont Blanc"

2011-09-16T23:34:00.002-05:00

Next day, the sun is going up and it looks like one more perfect day to ride! Even with the elevation of about 800m the temperature was just fine at 8am. We started climbing out of the box.... to Cormet de Roselend (2). A very pictures valley and beautiful small road winding up it's way. Only a little touristic traffic occasional disturbing the silence and eventual tweets of birds. Definitively the most scenic ascent of the three days! Plus having Mont Blanc in sight again a few times :-)

Getting to the top of climb No. 1 for day 2. Eating one of two bananas he took all the way, checking out some food -- but mostly only very tempting looking sausages... not now.

A great and also scenic downhill passing along Lac Roseland and all the way down into Beaufort. From there a short "flat" road took us to the next climb No. 2 to Col Saisies (3-5). One more pretty good climb! Time for lunch.

And down hill fun again into Flumet (6).

Notice the over sized bike here (Flumet) -- we went under this overpass and started climbing right away again Col de Aravis (7) -- you can hardly miss the bike enthusiasm of this region! Every one was very nice and signs even say to give full 1.5m (5ft!!) room to cyclists -- how is that?

Descending into La Clusaz. And heading up again on a kind of hidden back road to Col de la Colombriere (8). One more coffee and snack before descending again.

From here down into Le Reposoir and up on a minor hidden totally traffic free road D119 (Romme) to find an exiting and twisty, steep and incredible long and fast descent into Cluses.

That was fun! Great finding, Beni!

We had initial intention to stay here over night, but were undecided about where to go in this small busy town and as we have been good in time decided to finish up the day with one more little pass over to the next town Taniges. Finishing again with over 4000m elevation gain and 6 climbs.

Martigny to Bourg Saint Maurice -- Stage 1 of "Tour du Mont Blanc"

2011-09-15T23:32:00.017-05:00

Now the fairly long in advance set tight time frame of exactly three days available for this tour has come and after a long time Py meet once in a while his old friend Ben back in Bern to go out and ride "big". He came shortly up with this 2 1/2 day ride plan joining a few great passes he knew already and putting in a few new good looking climbs and descents. We did not had any constrains, just started out in the morning with an approximate destination/distance to go in mind to find a good looking hotel on the spot. Taking the absolute minimum of gear to change for dinner plus the essentials if weather turns bad. Py ended up with a total pay load of 3.5kg at max -- just varying with the amount of snacks stuffed in. Thursday morning driving to the start in Martigny.

Thursday, 9:40, Martigny -- rolling out of the parking lot up the road to the Gran San Bernardo pass. A gentle to moderate incline of 2..4% right away as warmup for about 20 minutes before the grade went up and never below 6% averaging around 7..8%, big road, decent but narrow shoulder some heavy truck traffic on this major North-South connection. But not to bad at all. Few tunnels and galleries, nice scenery and picture perfect weather, ideal temperature. Just climbing away the 1st section up to about 1800 meters until we finally left the main road and traffic cutting of the mountain top via a tunnel and we kept climbing and now much more enjoying a virtually traffic free final ascent to the top of the Gran San Bernard.

Little snack just after entering the top part of the pass. From here a few more switchbacks to the top (2), the road is steepening up a little to 10..12% for the last 500 meters of climbing.

Glad this first long 2000m elevation gain climb went all fine and felt good having it out of the way! Py's new record for the longest road bike climb.

On top we were passing the Kloster famous for the Bernadiner dog and had a great view.

From here a initially nice and long downhill finishing up on bigger roads into Aosta (3), Italy. Brief stop for some bike re-adjustments as the saddle came a bit loose, little snack and a coffee.

Topping off water and heading on to the next climb up to Colle San Carlo (4). This was going to be a tough one -- 1500m climbing, but on a pretty decent grade of 10..14% and at a few times steepening up to 20% -- not to mention that we just climbed 2000m up to Grand San Bernardo... -- this made the "Devils Kitchen" in the Cats looking and feeling like a joke -- at least all over and with the current gearing o-] (sorry to say that) But after some good time of cranking it up, standing quite a bit the top came in to sight. One more down.

Nice short descent into La Thuile (5), lunch.

Then the last climb of the day up to Col du Petite-Saint-Bernard (6) a little more moderate and very welcome climb at the end of the day.

... and a great descent into Bourg Saint Maurice.

**(video to be edited)**

Counting in 4'180 m elevation gain on 165 km in only 3 climbs.

Moving into out first night stay hotel, little shopping, dinner and good night.

Solo Late Bird Start -- Py, his Power Meter and the Wind -- then fun ride with Cadre

2011-09-11T15:36:00.002-05:00

Late start. Solo into the wind heading East towards -- planned going to Cutchogue or even further and looking for a fast return with the wind. Little lonely moving towards the Tanks -- as a group of riders came up opposite direction... Py was not as far out as he planned for, but figured it will be more fun to join them as they planned to cut over more south to 51/111... Ended up in a fun group ride and stop for a Cappuccino at the Manorville Starbucks before returning on his "RP2IPBP" route -- this part is missing in belows plot, no clue why as the bike computer correctly shows it all -- 105km total :-)

Kev's HHH ride -- big GAB showing

2011-09-05T12:51:00.002-05:00

Py was a little concerned about riding today, little tiered feel from yesterday's decent work hauling this big heavy duty humvie amphib full suspension old and little worn out..... bike around the RP trail two times.

But he could not skip this ride starting virtually in front of his house plus a big appearance of GABs was expected as well. So he went out suffering a bit up this steep road up over the lil hill out of his house meeting a well sized group at Tildas. Plan was to sit in nicely.... Easy going, good. After a few first climbs he some what felt better -- seams the last day's damage was flushed out ;-) and he got a little away moving on. Craig out new "cycling dad" showed up, good to see!

Then hitting some of Py's favorite roads he is visiting far too less... he pulled off a few long all the way pulls and finally approaching home he really got awake and just kept moving on.

Good ride, glad the weather is (still) holding off the rain to come. Humid but that's OK moving fast. Only GAB missing today: Gorge -- working hard organizing the fix of the remaining broken power lines on LI he assumes. They saw a couple of these LIPA power repair trucks out there today!

Two lap RP/RCA trail ride

2011-09-04T11:43:00.002-05:00

It is a while since Py was on the trail last time -- must have been one of the We night winter rides with lights where he tested his knee, figuring it was not yet ready that time...

But this issue is history now even no Doc figured it out, Py has his own diagnosis :-)

Now ideas came together and on short notice it happened a bunch of 7, later 8 on the trail, riders gathered at the main lot of the RP/RCA trail at 7:45am. Py took his old heavy duty Hummvie bike -- just a quick check the evening before. Starting out early around 6:45 riding 1/2 of the lap/trail from 25A to the main lot. Meeting L&D first, then 4 more arrived.

Good pace out of the lot :-) Waitup on top at the bench... cruise on and next waitup on top of Campsite. Good moving around and back. The sandboxes really were what the name indicated today... else the trail was in great condition!

Back at the parking. And returning on the trail again -- just cutting of the West side. Good ride!

RP2IPBP -- post Irene road inspection ride

2011-09-03T17:33:00.003-05:00

Small group ride RP2IPBP -- just two and me. Relaxed ride day :-) Not even a picture -- hmm. And I must have led a good number of those already -- ran out of pre filled/printed SignIn Sheets!!! Checking the roads after the storm -- nothing worth while mentioning, still all there.

D2R2 2011 -- pre Irene -- Randonnée

2011-08-27T23:28:00.014-05:00

Py's 2011 Deerfield Dirt-Road Randonnée report -- 180k epic ride with 4000 m or 12'000 ft elevation gain on dirt:

Friday evening: Little ride and bike check/adjustments to D2R2 sign-in and ride package pickup.

And after that a great dinner in Shellbourne Falls, Blue Rock with D.

Saturday morning 4:30am wake up call. Filling up bottles and getting to the start. Looking like a great morning, sun just about to rise on a partly overcast day. Perfect temperature, little humid feel. At the start sign-in tables a few known faces of previous years -- nice, good to see you guys! Also Isaac was there with a brand new looking cross bike and they all learned the lesson -- plenty of gearing.

Py signed in at GPS time [6:06am, 0'] and took off with this group at good pace. Moving around figuring out who is there, looking for Todd -- any one seen our last years "leader", I must have missed him. The group was going at a perfect steady pace but was surging up hills, flying down hill but every one took precautions on those at times tricky descents. No issues, great! Py used his route experience for extra fun and free way to go -- moving up before descents to have a free passage to go -- in particular as he had his MTB/Cross "Stonie-Cross" advantage with suspension fork and disc breaks for good control on rough terrain. Fun.

1st refill at mile 20.7 [7:40am, 91' - 94']: Water station at Steady Lane Farm,

quite refill, eating banana #1, storing #2 in jersey pocket left of camel back pack. Py opted again to take his pack wit h2 tubes, extra food, 3rd FULL heavy bottle, pump, CO2, tools, cameras and more gear (too much as always...) to haul around -- needed nothing of it.

Moving on -- the group is reassembling on next few miles, great going again. Py is feeling good and time and miles are just flying by -- only this pack seamed to be overloaded and is a bit hurting on his back in particular with a few spots of this road rash below -- and they are approaching the

2nd refill at mile 36.60 [8:49am, 161' - 166']: CHECKPOINT Heath.

More bananas and a PB&J sandwich :-)

From here they are hitting this short fun and more trail like rooty and at parts muddy road... followed by more series of climbs and epic downhills. Right after the Archambo Rd -- a 27% wall of dirt... following a good long climb on Hillman Rd the strong guys in the lead group tear it off and the group separated. Py got a little behind. Alright, many good excuses: Still suffering from last Sunday's crash causing light but wicked cramps and different unusual location only in his left upper leg, together with some just annoying light itches of road rash and so on... Also he could not sleep as well as he is used (and liked) to last nights... plus he figured later his saddle was a notch too low. But not only this, facing the fact that those riders were a mix of Professionals !!! and CAT1s and a like -- he thinks he has not to feel bad about getting dropped at 80+km and about 3 hours into the ride on this climb. From now on paying a bit the tolls of previous efforts and easing up just notch hooking with other riders facing the same.

At mile 52.6 [237'] on top of the major climb a quick water top off at road side -- unmanned deposited bottles. Really wondering if he should dump his water in the back pack bottle... but did not. Moving on. Mostly solo following his GPS 2010 track. Nice ride on Deer Park and Green River Rd and good to know the

3rd refill at mile 64.25 [11:00am, 293' - 315']: CHECKPOINT Green River Covered Bridge

is approaching soon. Here finding most or even all?? of the riders he was together with at the lead group. According to Isaac they must have gotten there about good 10 minutes ahead of Py. Not too bad! However, Py took his time here for a little recharge and to enjoy a good turkey sandwich! He let the other group take off and did not hurried or bothered at all to hang on this time. Taking it a bit easy still dealing with a minor but wicked cramp as he rode in. Filling up bottles again and sitting down on a bench with River view :-) Thinking of mounting the helmet cam to get a little footage of the 2nd still uncovered part of the ride. Diggin in his (too) full pack and not finding the helmet mount -- hmm, was 100% sure to have packed it -- then not.

Back on the bike 11:24am after a 23min break, proceeding in small gears to hope this cramps stays away. He had plenty of fluids all the time. But still it came back and went away also -- weird. Suffering a little and feeling every itch of this darn nearly a week old road rash. Also thinking about raising his saddle a few mm. Just hooked with a little groups... hmm. But he decided to stop again and adjust [mile 74, 357' - 361'] -- may be this would help also the cramping. Felt a little better after doing so. Good. He kept feeling better and moving on well again. Catching up with a few random riders. And soon reaching

mile 80 [12:41pm, 392' - 402']: Green River Rd (optional water station and bathroom!!! -- very good :-)

Proceeding now along side this nice Green River Rd until reaching the switchback right turn and uphill again! Making good progress, hooking up with a few riders. Some stopped at the optional Colrain Gas station, but Py and one more rider proceeded -- still plenty (too much weight!!!) of water on board. However, on previous rides and hot weather conditions that would have been just enough. Taking the nice back roads via one more covered bridge, eating a banana #n (not counted those any more) in preparation for the Patten Hill climb coming up soon. Right away down shifting and spinning it up -- felt good, no big dealt at all at his current pace. The rider he was with jumped ahead, only to get caught 1/2 way up walking and cramping... amazed easy going now after previous suffering to

mile 97.1 Patten Hill Summit [2:22pm, 491' - 503']: CHECKPOINT Little Big House Gallery.

Again no hurry here, taking a few snap shots and having a few good refreshments before starting the "home run".

knowing the route and the few climbs still to come it felt quite easy and he managed to get going a really fast road ride to the finish even dropping riders on Road bikes! Already having this nice river for a cool down and dust clean up before dinner in mind :-)

mile 110.5 [3:25, 556'] finish Greenfield

Finish sign in. Not a record breaking time all over, but good moving time of little over 8 hours -- more resting today. Taking the always different dirt road conditions into account -- hard packed moist and great traction -- but rough, washboard at times and quite a bit of loose rocky gravel on top, this was a pretty good time for Py.

Bike stow away. Walking over to the river for a cool down and dirt wash off for a clean dinner... very nice :-) Great food for dinner and beer! What a day once again -- Py's D2R2 #6 completed.

... and just perfect timing with Irene, driving back to the hotel the rain set it.

The D2R2 2011 in numbers:

Here is Py's 2011 180k GPS track -- at all you Garmin fans, feel free to take my route for next year as a precision guide -- just click it and then on Garmin Connect select "Send to device" and you are all set!

One more epic D2R2 2011 -- BIG THUMBS UP to all of the organizers and volunteers again!

Thank you.

-- Help to fix Irene flooding related road damages --

Green River Village Restoration Fund:

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?EventID=14255

Early Birds North -- little (too) crazy birds today

2011-08-21T17:31:00.006-05:00

Heading out early again, sun pretty low again this morning.

Rolling out North. Putting down a good pace and holding on to it -- averaging 40.4km/h for the first hour. Good move over the tanks, OK staying in front for good time. Just hot feeling with high humidity and little wind. The font pack slowed a bit sitting in at 27..28mph on Oregon and taking a few snaps that occasion...

Then Py was moving up and got things rolling again...

Deli stop and coffee in Cutchogue.

Rolling out some what spread out, some must have been still busy back there longer that thought. Moving on slowly and then as no one showed up after a good while behind moving on with a few riders. Finally they caught back on. In Riverhead a little traffic related split up, going with a small group in front -- good. Thing seamed a bit sketchy back there. Great move up and work on 51 with one RP Cycle rider! We should have kept that going a bit longer.... but the pack behind seamed to kill it and they got back up, proceeding with the rotation until little later after lining up on right and moving up all sudden (not sure what exactly happened, but does not matter -- some wicked moves of fatigue and attempt to drop back on right?!?!?! -- bad/uncontrolled/inexperienced move for sure -- please stay all the way back on first hand if not able to work all the way up) two riders up R. went down and ended up in the bushes -- and then a too sudden slow down of the wheel on front of Py got him caught on this wheel on the right in between riders on left and right -- no where to "escape" -- holding on as long as possible counter steering and killing speed from some 30+mph a bit before hitting the pavement -- ending up with a good bruise/Road Rash on the hip and some more scratches :-(

But able to ride back to the parking lot -- thanks for the immediate help with a bag of ice!! and the ride home. And big kudos to the super durable lizard skin like Assos pants -- possibly saved a little extra skin and they barely got a scratch on them while my team jersey & gloves got trashed.

Hope to recover for the D2 R2 -- guess that get's me a little extra Adrenalin.

Note: all comments and assumptions are the plain humble opinion of Py as he did not saw the whole thing. Feel free to comment... also I really do not care nor want to know who or what screwed it up -- just please learn a lesson to ride more save even >X< possibly not got hurt.

PS: Different other matter: Go here and help Jenn reaching a goal!

Just one more RP2IPBP

2011-08-20T16:23:00.003-05:00

A warm day again, noticeable darker in the morning already indicating summer is getting along. A only three of the "current usual's" today. Steady good pace and work, big time pulls by Py.... Phil showing up on the return route to join us. Little ease up at the end, but adding the WRDK again. No data, as Py used his Shamal wheels, power wheel is still on TT set up. But felt like at least a X power of 215 if not 220 Watts.... 6 days to D2 R2.

RP2IPBP+WRDK

2011-08-13T15:46:00.004-05:00

One more of Py's rides before the (in)famouse D2 R2 is coming up in 13 days. Just a small group today, good work every one.

Friday Night Kreb Cycle 5 lap ITT

2011-08-12T22:53:00.006-05:00

Just in time after starting to evacuate a new instrument for the first time at the Laboratory.... Py made it to this years Kreb Cycle Friday Night Race Series 5 lap ITT what was on schedule. Perfect timing as also his Timemachine was still all set up ready to fly.

Few warm up laps -- two nearly full speed laps -- two more to relax before the start. Py was 9th to go at 2 minutes between riders. Taking off all nearly full speed peaking up to 800 Watts to get to speed and maintaining all over average of 270 Watts or 41km/h for 5 laps -- fly by at several riders...

Py's official 5 lap time: 20:14 -- 20:12 per GPS with auto lap trigger -- close enough.

Here are a few selected photos, click to go to my gallery with many more taken after my race.

Stats:

The Tour of the Catskills -- Stage Race

2011-08-08T23:06:00.011-05:00

Three days of premier racing in the great Catskill Mountains, NY are now history for 2011 and so Py's first time experience for this one. Time to wrap it up.

AMERICA'S LARGEST PRO/AM STAGE RACE:

-- work in progress -- gear thoughts -- preparations --

As Py's blog readers know, he happened to be riding and training a full week in the Adirondacks including a pre ride of the Catskills stage 1 with a friend. The timing was pure lucky as this previous summer vacation week of cycling in the Dacks was planned way before he even though about doing this race -- it just happened to be as perfect as it was. He had the great chance to ride with his friends, pull them along, go hard on climbs or pull long in a TT like effort. Thanks to all of them!

As usual, new races and such big ones never leave you or Py thoughtless before what to do best. Tuning and selecting equipment, gearing, finding the ideal aero and weight balance. In particular the TT time would count in big for the GC. Getting the most out of his Planet X time machine would be a key:

Also for the road machine, weight minimizing, EC90SLs, including his older lighter helmet. But also including thoughts about feedzone support and necessary water/food supplies, breakfast and lunch/dinner for the stay went around in his minds. Nutrition and recovery.

Friday -- first race day -- Stage 1:

Loading the gear. Travel to Hunter, NY. Funny, just a few miles before the Catskill exit meeting Paul and Carol on the road. Signing in on the way at Hunter Mountain for the TT and checking in at the Fairlawn Inn -- just a block from the TT start, great!

He took also his cooler along (fits right into this open spot in this picture) with food supplies like orange juice, milk, yogurt, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, muesli, tomatoes, his bread (sure!!), cheese and a little left over turkey. Lunch now. Checking out the TT start and taking a few snap shots.

Back at the Inn attempting to pin or saw on the numbers on this super stretchy TT skin suit while NOT wearing it -- kind of an failure -- super. Time is running short to the womens or Carols TT start -- jumping into this suit with one ugly attached number and hurrying to the start -- just missed her to take the picture. Sorry about that Carol. Hanging out there and finding some gracious help by a random person to put his numbers one. Big thanks!!

Putting back this big camera and finally getting ready for his ride of the truth. He felt in good and strong condition, even not having done much TTing at all this season. But put a little extra thoughts into optimizing the bike setup and taking full advantage of his latest toy, a power tap.

Having collected enough data from intense training rides and races he had a pretty good idea of what power he should be able to sustain -- but you never know the exact race day's performance until the day of truth comes. In numbers he had a to day best baseline of 260 Watts @ full 30min -- measured, not extrapolated or such. Per "theory" he should be able to put in a good 280 Watts.

Rolling up to the start tent waiting to be called to line up -- riders go every 30 seconds. Exact on time, 3-2-1-go!

Flat to slightly downhill the way out with a minor incline before the turn around point. He accelerated smoothly and ramped up to speeds just little beyond 47km/h and stabilized his 30 second average power readings around 260 Watts. While staying focused and in a good aerodynamic tuck head forward his pray in sight.... Keeping an eye fixed on this number, not let go below 250 Watt at any time in particular on the down hills, big gears and go. Passing a random non TT rider, avoiding any bad spots, hugging this white line from right until the turn around point came into sight -- pretty much perfect timing and smooth turn around plus fly out again, a sip of water and back up to full speed ahead on this minor incline, felt the need to ramp this up with extra power -- readings going up to 380 Watts, felt alright -- passing one, then one more rider kind of stalling up hill... and smoothly settling back to 250..260 Watts maintaining a good pace. Hunter village should come into sight soon again -- counting down km -- little under 10km one way! The coarse will zig zag into town with an short uphill finish at the mountain base. Little traffic encounter at the right turn, but working out OK. Would have been great to have these minor two town roads closed down in some way. Pushing it up with all left to the finish line. Done. Hanging out for the results.

In numbers 258 Watts average. 1:15 down on the best time in my field Cat 4B, place 15.

With this strong showing he was really happy and looking forward to two more great days of racing!

Returning to the Inn, shower, quick recovery snack bananas, strawberries, milk... and taking out the camera for a little coverage of the Pro1/2 race at the start tent:

Saturday -- Stage 2:

The Devil awaits... this stage was pretty much strait forward and "easy". The field stayed together all the way and was easy going -- possibly afraid of what there was to come at mile 55! At Feedzone 2 Py received two bottles of water from Paul (THANKS Paul!!) in a simple plastic shopping bag due to the lack of finding a proper musette bag last minute -- so he had to struggle a few moments hands free organizing bottles, stowing one still tangled up in this bag in a rear jersey pocket for now. Yikes, a gap as the field moved on, but no big deal catching up after a few turns -- good -- one more rider took the chance to tailgate Py back on -- obvious similar troubles. While moving easy on this big road Rte 32 Py took one more chance to untangle this bottle and plastic bag and put it into the bottle holder properly. Just all set up in time for the devil ;-) Py moved a bit up to the front part of the pack while approaching the Devils Kitchen and switched into climbing mode and gears -- C11 Compact + 12-27 did just fine. On the way up he kept passing riders. Some even walking... Towards the KOM a huge gap behind Py and just a hand full of riders ahead in sight. Py spotted a escape group of 3 riders and a few stragglers of other fields, tried to catch up, but on his own this did not worked out. A little drizzle started and turned into steady rain on the last 5 miles -- actually feeling pretty good. Three or four riders came up on him and they pushed to the finish, two got dropped off again.

Py finishing 12th on stage 2, GC 16.

Pre race scenes...

Pro1/2 and other finishes:

Congratulations to this outstanding young rider Nick in the CAT4B group taking the best climbers jersey!

Sunday -- Stage 3: "brutal, hot, mechanicals+flat, but finished"

Back home. That drive back was annoying and stressful, worse than racing -- traffic jam on 87, moved over to the Taconic via 84, moving OK but all the way but congested crowds.... and terrible weather on Western LI, ugly but not wet out here -- Py got sweaty unloading all the stuff...

Ah well, there was also a race stage 3 today, almost forgot.... was kind of brutal, two major climbs with countless steeps and rollers in between -- this totally broke the race up, even longer story to be written. Hang on.

Starting out neutral, fine. From mile 3 Py was some where mid/front half of the field as a small break took off, it took him some time to get out and in front of the pack w/o crossing the yellow line plus bad rough road there.... Py tried, got about 1/2 way up to the break as an incline started and he felt not comfortable that early to waist such energy and dropped back into the field. That was pretty much wise as the break fall apart and he thinks except one rider all got back rolled in. A long fast downhill on big road 23....

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104834039

then nice rolling roads but many steeps and kickers leading to the major big climb -- a good one. On the way up there a few steeps splintered the field quite a bit up into pieces and he be leaves he managed to get back into the 2nd or 3rd small chase group -- may be 10..20 riders up ahead, not exactly sure that time. If you can not look up all the time and around turns and over rollers Py loosed quickly a precise judgement about his position.

At mile 30: Feedzone!! Py got his bottle from Paul, all set. Moving nicely in a good small group with about 1 minute down on a small break away. Big thanks to Paul for the water support + info about the gap -- 1 minute down!! Shortly after that stowing away that bottle he dropped/jammed his chain on the next incline and needed to get off the bike to fix it. OK, not a so big deal... chasing back on -- almost there -- ping ping ping, what's that?!??! then Pffffffff -- jikes. A broken spoke (snapped in parts almost in the middle -- Sapim issue?? he heard some rumors.) on the rear wheel plus he thinks a related flat. However, the wheel car was right there and that swap worked pro like, they got his wheel ready as he just had his dead one off --- big thumbs up!!! However, his great break group was gone. He tried hard to chase... but to far away, did not worked out. But a few riders of the next small bunch got to Py. Great. They, mostly Py... kept chasing together with one rider from Danbury Audi and stayed together until the finish, they dropped all the others attempting to tag on ;-) With about 15 miles to go a road looking so familiar came up on them -- Airport Road. You know it, good. No? It's just one more feature to get some riders off there bike for no obvious reason -- but the grade... Py new it and he knew he cleared it a year ago with that gearing he unfortunately had now on with his spare -- 11-25. And so he did this time again. Then just keep it moving, a endless set of rollers and a set of great downhills -- pushing it to the finish together with Lorenzo from Team Danbury-Audi.

Hard, hot, but great race -- a real race -- no kiddin around circles.

Or simply put: survival and minimizing time loss today.

Coming in still on 21st position, keeping GC 16.

Felt really good been done with it all....

However -- a really exceptional race ''a the real deal race" and great long race weekend. Also big big thanks to all the great organization, support and volunteer people -- just every one and thing was outstanding!

----------

Py's plain race report and photo links here: http://greenarmbandits.com/node/679

Early Birds flying South

2011-07-31T15:40:00.003-05:00

Sunday -- back to the normal routine. Leaving by 6:35 towards Manorville, easy pace. Quite a well sized group gathered for the ride -- Py figured South it will be -- nice.

GAP Mike, but no one else today. Few strong riders, few of the new road dudes from RP cycles. T had to catch up with the bathroom late... so we waited while a sub group already rolled out -- they would be our prey to catch o-] They got about good full 5 minutes head start... Just as Py took a good move in front the early starters came into sight on South Country Rd -- he kept moving but his pass by and sit in of some riders caused a little disruption of the flight... and reorganization took a moment. As usual a fast pace on Dune Road and over the bridge. A short lasting reassembly and rolling again just little bit easier until hitting Newton Road and the chase of a single rider not waiting for a few behind stuck in traffic was on again. This whole lap (#5 on my garmin data) including the slower start averaged at 42.2km/h or 252 Watts XPower ending with quite a full speed ahead at the famous (?!?!? some claim it it one of the most busiest ?!?!?) Seven-Eleven out here. No so bad Sunday morning.

Only at these hot days Py need to get in, but today he opted for a coffee and a big bottle of cold water. Thx Mike!

Here is a plot of the work Py has done today -- the black line -- sitting just there near critical power in the 250 Watts range for about one full hour -- readings of sustained 350 Watts 30 sec avg for quite often -- even on 5th wheel....

x

... and finally rolling back not much slower. Great ride. Easy home, but yes, not skipping the little hills on North Country and even adding the WRDK -- you still not figured it (see ** below)?

Fast finish just on 2nd wheel to parking.

** [WRDK := Wading River Devils Kitchen]

RP2IPBP+WRDK -- take a guess what this is

2011-07-30T12:56:00.002-05:00

Back to the old local route -- 5 days to the ToC. Just a few riders at the start. Felt like it's going to be a fairly warm day with a little wind, pretty nice. En route four more riders joined after the warm up hills... Good cruising out East with a bit of an tail wind support. A little temporary disorder in the "small" field, well -- all what really helps is to ramp up speed and they all line up ;-) Iron Pear Beach park snack and bathroom stop -- they are now finally open :-) Top off water... and return.

Good job by James at the end climbing the baby Devil at the WR Pond and following my wheel all the way back ;-) Good ride every one!

You got it -- what is "+WRDK"?

Adirondacks Day 7 - Saturday - Prospect Mtn/Lake George/Hudson River

2011-07-23T20:55:00.000-05:00

Last day start near Lake George -- one more climb and some nice back roads -- need more of those!!!

Adirondacks Day 6 - Friday - Brant Lake Loop

2011-07-22T20:49:00.003-05:00

Recreational ride to and around Brant Lake.

2nd breakfast at....

and up hill return to the house starting about here after crossing the Hudson river.

Adirondacks Day 5 - Thursday - Lake Placid IRM/ITT Loop

2011-07-21T20:35:00.003-05:00

Lake Placid Ironman Loop. Remote ride start in Lake Placid, mixing into several TT riders pre riding the TT lap of the Lake Placid Ironman happening this following Sunday. A quite hot day, a strong wind, a great start into the loop with tail winds and down hill flying at speeds up to 50mph leaving some TT riders behind..... fun. Easy 40k in under an hour this way even on a regular Road Bike! But wait -- the loop is not yet finished. Heading to the out and back part and pulling the group back up at good speed, then climbing up some hill and finally hitting a bad bad bad a** hot gusty head wind on rolling terrain.

busy busy and a lot of expositions already on display

Pizza dinner.

On the return exploring some of the so inviting looking lakes -- a great swim and refreshing fun, but far from cold, just perfect!

Adirondacks Day 4 - Wednesday - Lake George

2011-07-20T20:27:00.002-05:00

Heading to Lake George.

Fast roll off and down the hill from the house, nice rolling roads one little longer climb until we got this view above. Proceeding near the lake on a pretty good rolling road featuring some good climbs as well! Here at one water stop - a little over priced location... before taking a break and enjoying the scenery at a much nicer spot at the lake before hitting one more great climb...

Adirondacks Day 3 - Tuesday - Adriondacks Park Loop "Ididaride"

2011-07-19T20:21:00.000-05:00

Ididaride -- what's this? Just a ride, some good miles and gentle up and downs around the Adirondacks Park.

Adirondacks Day 2 - Monday - Little post rain North Creek Loop

2011-07-18T20:13:00.001-05:00

Thunder and heavy rain at night and one more storm in the morning delayed the first AD ride. Finally heading out for a short exploration ride to North Creek.

Tour of the Catskills Stage 2 Pre Ride -- The Devil awaits

2011-07-17T19:45:00.001-05:00

Devils Kitchen. Sounds scary? To be figured out.

Sunday morning -- start of one more Summer vacation or 7 days of riding and climbing the Adirondacks. But before getting all the way up state a stop at the Catskills park to pre ride the ToC stage 2 featuring the (in) famous devils kitchen. A pretty nice ride on mostly remote roads. A decent warm up climb, fun down hills and pretty rolling terrain a long flat until at mile 56 a gentle climb initiated the final climb to the KOM on top of Devils Kitchen. A real beast -- total climb about 500m in 6km, but wait -- 400m of that are covered in just 2.5km steepening up to 25% briefly with short "recovery" repeats of 12% recovery and 20..25% steeps. No need to say any more -- hurts.

The story in thumbnails -- intermediate stop to ride the ToC S2, together with Dan following my wheel.

.... Water or any stores en route seam rare -- finally located a Campground store for a really needed water refill break before approaching the Devil ....

Here a few photos taken later:

Arriving at the Adirondacks house and dinner:

Early Birds North -- lost battle with my wheel or rim

2011-07-10T18:35:00.004-05:00

Trouble, just a trouble some ride with no return on two wheels. Starting out as usual, well, almost -- not the usual bike but the commuter bike... opted for the regular road bike and not the TT bike for the "bigger" group ride today. About half way to the start rolling over some bumpy road and shortly after a suspicious hissing and seconds after rolling already on the rim. OK, enough time to fix that -- conveniently he had his real pump on this bike a spare tube and even a box of patches -- this should usually do it.

Taking the tire of on one side and replacing the tube he wondered already a bit why the side wall was so sticky on the rim but did not checked further -- just made sure the tire is clean of debris and the tube well tucked in. This went fairly quick, may be not a "Moviestar" wheel change but OK.

Getting to Manorville in good time. Fine. A nice group showed up, looked like a decent mix but nothing crazy today coming up. Nice riding... until his read end got all sudden flat again on Reeves Av. Weird, nothing really happened. Run out of tubes, so he was happy to get on from a buddy... fixed again. Getting worried about it. And yes, some thing is wrong, badly wrong. Few miles later on Sound again, short hiss and flat, stuck. Sure, this time the field keeps going -- OK with that -- and big thanks to a few friend staying and trying to help out. Now he had to have a look at the whole thing, the tube got massive cuts on the "inside" to the rim.

A closer look -- photo later:

On this rims he used a self adhesive rim tape -- this obviously should be centered over the spoke holes, but it moved and the sharp edges of a total of 5 holes!!! got exposed to the tube -- no good. At the 3rd fat stop as he realized the trouble he put the few sticky patches he had over the holes -- no patch left but all holes covered and a new tube again -- this hold up for a mere few more miles and also those were cut -- yikes.

Attempts to put an old tube below kind of failed, nothing else useful at hand, a roll of duct tape would have done the trick, but he did not had this in his pockets.

Giving up and waiting for John L. who thankfully offered to come back and give him a ride home.

What way to spend such a nice day.... but better a mechanical issue than any crash -- right?

Py is sorry for the inconveniences and very thankful for the help by Rick, Dan, Kev and John L. in particular!!

Py is just wondering if this was plain random to happen today with this wheel/rim or if eventually the "unusual" stress for the wheel of the last Friday Night Race and going always in circles (Py hates going in circles either way, still, yes!!) is to blame?? However, this kind of tape is not going to be use any time again.

RP2IPBP -- with Planet X TT

2011-07-09T17:07:00.004-05:00

Saturday Morning 8am again gathering for one more RP2IPBP ride, let's see who is coming today. Few new faces and guest riders. Py taking the TT bike due to the still pending repairs/return of the Pino shifter. The TT bike did great as Py was pulling most of the rider either way. Good group and fun ride again.

Kreb Cycle Friday Night Series Race -- no data

2011-07-08T22:05:00.003-05:00

Friday evening Py was prepared to race and got his old Tarmac and gear but also his Camera some what thinking of just taking pictures of the race -- his Pino still out of order with send in for warranty repair 11-speed shifter.

A few Pre race scenes:

... until GAB Karl arrived and Py decided he can not let Karl race alone ... and last minute signed up and got ready to roll. There was a some rain moving in from West, but just a few drops so far. Not much time left to warm up, just one lap around to the start and off they went. Py not yet any where near warmed up and energy conversion fired up to full efficiency -- a little playing in front. It was only a small A field of some 12..13 riders, so not place to hide for the lazy guys. Great. Early some where at lap 2..3 a break consisting of the few CAT2/3 guys took off -- Myles (Kissena), Karl (GAB) and Robert (Toga?). A little gap and a little broken up field behind not working right -- Py made a big move to at least get back on to the front of the chase group -- working hard, but not getting them. A TTT like chase group of initially 5 riders, then 4, three and finally just Paul and Py left with 4 laps to go out of 18. Slowly Py got awake and moving -- after a little suffering in between while getting to speed. Finishing the last laps with strong long fast pulls, brief rotations with Paul, killing it all the way to the end with a tight sprint Paul just getting a few inches coming around. Good workout -- would have been interesting to get power numbers tonight -- but no data recording attached to this bike.

And how great, Karl won! Great job.

Dougs Hill Ride -- 4th of July

2011-07-04T13:27:00.002-05:00

4th of July -- the usual HHH ride got a bit modified and led by Doug from Smithtown.

Fun roller coaster ride with a little issue coming up with Py's shifter shortly into the ride. It started working kind of imprecise yesterday already and Py figured some thing must cause little extra friction in the cable under the tape -- may be needs to be replaced. But was not expecting the shift lever to virtually freeze in a gear -- the 17 tooth sprocket or 5th down from 25-11. No up, no down (locked) and the lever dangling loose on his fingers?!?! What actually was most annoying. Left with the option of small and big ring -- turned out to work still quite well. Fun ride, with many regrouping stops.

Early Birds South in 2h14 - tempo - nice SW breeze

2011-07-03T11:32:00.003-05:00

Early Birds South this Sunday. Leaving again 6:30 riding towards Manorville as usual. Catching up on 2 random riders on 25A, Mike driving past by.... early at the start. The forecast called for a chance of rain starting from 10am -- but the radar looked like it will pass by or at least hold off little longer.

A good sized group of 25..30 riders showed up -- nice!

A steady good tempo developed and was kept up, this time Dune Rd was fast fun including the bridge with this slight South West tail wind today.

Taking a few snap shots at 30+mph....

Little close encounter for a few riders with a Porsche on Dune Rd as both went close to the yellow line, a puddle for the Porsche and bad road for the riders on right...

Waiting for every one -- the usual reassembly after the bridge. And proceeding, flying around the Southport area taking a few good fun pulls out there. And fast move to the Seven-Eleven stop. Heading back. Fast "field sprint" to the finish, moving up to the front in two big moves and all the way to the parking.

EBs S in 2h14 -- what is an average of 37.2km/h or 23.1 mph.

RP2IPBP - lets do it again

2011-07-02T12:37:00.003-05:00

8am start at Tildas, two new faces to the ride. Good ride, tried to keep it together as much as possible, tried to get some order and rotation going once in a while... little more focus, but working alright more to the end of that exercise. Mostly steady longer pulls by Py on the return. Little faster on Mill the bumpy part... meeting Jeff briefly on Mill the 2nd part, waiting up for group to complete at end of Mill.... ride back home. Nice day. Good ride. Just 202W X-Power (what is exponential decay model or physiologically adapted averaged power) and 1024 kJ work.

Friday Night Kreb Cycle Race -- all or nothing

2011-07-01T22:20:00.003-05:00

6:25pm again Firday evening A race -- interesting group, at least two CAT 2 racers Jeff&Jeff in the field. Just three GABs. Pretty early a 1st break took off, Karl made it in there. The field kept moving fast and actually got them back but not even a lap later a 2nd final break went again Karl got into it again, nice. Py was working little too much but felt good staying in the top few riders more up front all the time. Still moving pretty good. Approaching the end of the climb towards the last bell lap out of 23 laps Py tried to break away from the field two riders Paul and one more caught up to him at the fast back stretch of the loop but they were not able or committing to work even there was a decent gap -- Py thinks this could have worked out, well, he just was sick of falling back to the field and put in what was left holding a gap just until 1/2 way up towards the turn to the finish line as the flied sprint passed by. Well -- all or nothing.

Was a pretty fast circling of the school:

Did Py even mentionednd -- going fast in circles is boring and tedious. But a good workout.

Early Birds North - nice day, good ride, big group

2011-06-26T11:41:00.003-05:00

Py did the Early Birds ride today -- a nice day after all that rain, just still little high humidity in the air. Getting up and out early, leaving 6:30am -- some fog is moving in and up and away shortly later.

No wind at all, moving at good pace, arriving early in Manorville -- a few riders were already there unloading bikes... The usual's, few new faces, Nick took a long drive out East to join us -- good seeing you!, the RP-cycle guys, 3 GABs Mike, Chris -- good to see you on the bike again! -- and Py and many more riders-- counted nearly 40 riders!

Rolling out at steady good pace -- easy sitting some where in the field, soon moving more up to a good spot to have more control to things. Nothing happening, just cruising along at some 40km/h.... Let's see how it develops at the tanks. Turning into Penny's -- little slow down by high traffic volume on Sound.

RP riders ahead for a while... Brian, Mike one more (??) and Py picking it up on the lil hill, Py up 1st at the tanks top then flying over the rollers and some speed and crancing it back up to Sound Ave. Thing developed in a small front group on Sound and the pace hit some 50km/h average until the parking lot reassembly -- great move. Then cruising out more East along side the wineries and flying South and around to Cutchogue Deli for Coffee :-)

Steady return and good work on 51 driving the pace in a quick fly around rotation...

Here is the ride:

RP2IPBP - back to the old with new powers and riders

2011-06-25T13:24:00.004-05:00

Skipped a couple of those rides in favor of racing. Not today, Py posted it beginning of the week and obviously a few riders figured it out and a few new faces as well, including a guest rider from Bethel Cycle. Interesting new mix -- going to be fun? It was a very humid and foggy morning with still partially wet roads and as usual a lot of sand washed all over...

11 Riders started today!

Moving out east with the usual warm up rollers -- good pace and looked like it worked out pretty good. Gregg and one other rider took a few shorts... to hook up at IPBP again -- good deal!

Returning from the beach stop...

Seamed on Mill a 2nd group formed just little behind today -- but all worked out just fine.

Quote of the day -- some one (who was it?) to Sahra "close the gap" as Tim went a little up ahead on this last roller on Mill -- S: "this is not a race...???". [Note: both are Triathletes]

-*- at least not USAC sanctioned -- may be a like? ...little race like training 4 sure at times. -*-

Ride average w/o parking lot rolling around was 21.4mph. Good job everyone today!

Fri Night race alternative: Prison Loop -- canceled race

2011-06-24T22:49:00.001-05:00

Getting to the Friday Night race, chatting with a few other early arrived riders, Rob, Myles, Sarah and few more.... -- some thing is not quite right -- 5:30 passed and no officials and no so many riders -- weird. Well, Myles found out the race got canceled for today due to weather. Hmm -- was not epecting this and not checking either, weather was not really bad at all. However -- once there and in this kit with the bike -- let's ride. Myles got the idea to ride the "historic" Prison Loop used for races (TT and RR at the games back in the years Py was not even riding or racing nor on LI). Sarah also joined and the tree took of for a ride on this loop. 1st out of the school and down the hill on 51, turn around and up all the way again, then keeping left all the time on 111, Halse Manor, Mill, 94, 51. Up the hill the 2nd time. Going for one more repeat of the hill. Thinking about a 4th time, but heading back as all sudden some thick fog moved in. Good ride race alternative:

Housatonic Hills Road Race -- HHRR 2011 CAT4-40+

2011-06-19T21:03:00.009-05:00

4am Sunday morning Py's little old world radio receiver turned on by the pre programmed timer. This seams to be situation normal if you have to travel to a race in a few hours driving distance. It could have been pretty easy one hour drive if only there would be a ferry to CT leaving early, but this is not going on Sundays. Only option the long way around -- however, Py hooked up with Paul and Carol again to car pool and thus he only had a 45min drive himself and 2 more hours going with Paul. Not too bad -- big thanks to Paul for driving! Leaving Rocky Point at about 4:55 getting to Paul by 5:45, moving the bike and gear over and off they went to Southbury, CT -- getting there in good time by about 7:45.

The Housatonic Hills Road Race by Bethel Cycle is a very nice hilly loop of about 22 miles, two laps for all but CAT5.

Registration/Sign-in started at 7:30, picking up there numbers, Py got "723". Big like: self adhesive sticky numbers -- no pins needed -- and yes, it worked and hold on even up to 55mph!!

A brief race report for the CAT4-40+:

Start 9:30am. GABs Owen, Mike, Py and former GAB Rob were part of the CAT4-40+ -- a field of about 120 riders!

Neutral 1st mile up Constitution Hill. Fast descending rolling ride to the next 10..12% grade for a slow down, followed by a short flat or little incline with slight increasing slope. Fast descent again on little bigger road. Proceeding towards the 3rd major and longest climb. So far -- not much happened from Py's point of view moving around in the top 20..40 riders, he was sitting in nicely as planned. GAB Mike and formed GAB Rob were around, behind or near Py as much as he can tell. All went fine and also proceeding via a fast descent to the last climb with the KOH he managed to stay in the group just fine. Even it was hard to say if eventually a small group or a solo rider managed to get a break going. Did not looked like yet. From the KOM it is a easy fast ride to the start and beginning of lap two. Climbing Constitution hill the 2nd time a little gap must have opened as Py did not realized in the strung out field climbing, but it was a quick chase back on -- good. Mike, Py, Rob were still around and tried to stay together. Little later with the 2nd climb a gap opened again and a few other racers, Mike and Py were chasing hard, but it turned out there were not doing hard enough and Py took off with full speed to catch up -- success, just merging back into the field before this gentle fast down hill left turn. Excellent and plenty of time to recover before the upcoming long climb -- the field picked up a decent speed on the approach of this hill -- already climbing some 5..8% -- he was reading some 300..350Watts for some time powering up. Managed to hold on and all the way over just fine, even working his way more up to the front -- happy with that. The 2nd time approaching the KOH - stringing out the field quite a bit again, few bunches of racers were ahead and to be caught -- he put in all he had on the chase and managed to bridge up, with just little help of a few other racers who mostly were just taking advantage of that. But what can you do if they do not do enough? It seamed the front field was kind of glued together with some 20 riders from now on with a big gap to the rest of the field. Py could not be sure if at all or how many riders may have escaped. On the final run he did part of the job pushing the pace with about two (?? sorry) riders. They were only slowed by marshals at a crash scene just shortly before the school but proceeded -- this unfortunately may have allowed more riders to hook up. Py was at 2nd position and unfortunately (not well planned move) on the right next to the curb while approaching the final 90 deg right turn into the school from the main road -- this with other riders to his left forced him on a very small turning radius and to kill almost all of his momentum -- letting most of the bunch behind him fly by to the final 200 meters sprint. To bad -- Py thinks he could have done a good number of placed better with these few seconds he lost and lost double while need to reaccelerate up hill...

Looking up the results -- he got in on Position 20 with a total time of 2:28:56 -- Place 3 was obviously the 1st of the group he was in with 2:28:43 -- Two riders seamed to have escaped and came in shortly before: Place 1 was 2:27.58 and Place 2 with 2:28:06. Pretty happy with his result either way. Never stop learning lessons!

Here is the Link to the official results.

http://www.fastalracing.com/HousatonicHillsResults11.pdf

Official Photo:

http://www.bicyclingimages.com/HousatonicHillsRoadRace

Sorry, no race photos by Py -- just this -- hoping for the official photographers to get some decent shots up soon!

Little Ride to Cedar Beach and little beyond

2011-06-18T15:57:00.004-05:00

Just to get a bit moving -- easy pre race day ride. Thick warm early morning fog, waiting up a while until the sun got strong and moved it out of the way. A little spin -- nice and warm, just a bit on the humid side, still wet patches on minor the roads and lot of this sand as usual -- beach every where.

Easy day, house clean ups, a mini ride...

... and later some good cooking.

Houstonic Hills RR pre ride and training day

2011-06-12T20:15:00.006-05:00

Sunday morning Py drove to Massapequa to car pool with Paul, Carol and Tori to Southbury Training School or the Housatonic Hills Road Race Course Start.

Here the 4 East End Riders ready to leave the parking area. From here about 3 miles to the official start where it begins right away with a serious climb. From then fast rolling winding roads -- very nice. Soon hitting the second 10..12% grade followed by a set of fast flying down hills, passing a little town or may be two before the grade picks up gently again and the slight keep right merging into a smaller road takes us to one of the key climbs -- it gradually picks up the grade, has a fake seaming end with a 90 deg turn and a few meters more climbing before reaching the summit with a great view -- last picture below. One more flying downhill ending at a T making a sharp left and beginning the final short climb at about 10% to the KOM / QOM. Py dislikes that, toooo short -- favors the big guys :-(

After lap one done they took a brief stop for a snack and proceeded for one more lap. Tori was lucky (or unlucky) to break a spoke nipple with one mile to go to the car -- but could roll back OK with a little wobble. After stowing everything away and getting out of the bike outfit they took some time for a deserved sandwich picnic. A great day and in particular the weather turned out to be ideal, not hot at all in the mid 60ties, overcast, no rain and dry roads -- as there was a quite some rain in the area at night and some chances of rain left according to the forecast.

Map&Data

Friday Night Race #1

2011-06-10T23:30:00.001-05:00

The Kreb Cycle Friday Night Race Series just started this Friday with a pretty good participation of racers.

Here a few riders at sign in. GABs Mike, Karl, Owen, Chris and Py started in the A field.

The race stared actually 6:30pm for 20 laps. The composition of the field with a good number of riders from several teams including Kissena, Setanta, CRCA, Axis, Wonder Wheels, Carl Hart, East End Womens, EECT, a few others and unassigned riders and us from EECT/Green Arm bandits represented tonight. The 1st lap was some slow go game... but from then the break away and chase and catch cat and mouse game started. A fairly early break developed around lap 2..3 and a few more riders managed to bridge up. GAB Chris also tried to take a chance to bridge up and about managed to hook up as a mechanical failure in the drive train took him down in a not so good crash and got away with a good dose of road rash... -- feel better Chris! The chase was a bit moderated by "us" having a rider up in front. However, still averaging mostly over 40km/h. Some where with 7..6 laps to go Jeff seamed to get bored with us and took of at with warp drive.... to catch up and I think finally win the game.

Bike to BBB and Bike Back

2011-06-05T18:16:00.005-05:00

bBBBbb today.

"b": A slight morning chill in the clear crisp morning air promising a magnificent day -- 5:55 start at Rocky Point, checking a Tildas for any takers -- none. Taking off on 25A the fast way out east. Quiet and low traffic that time -- wish it would be always a like :-)

6:10 hooking up with Johnny in Wading River on the fly and good on time keeping easy 18..20mph out East.

6:38 approaching Pennys and catching up the Indian Island Park group easing up the pace a little...

... seconds later Py managed 1st time ever to drop his camera at some near 20mph while fiddling with it -- must have been the a little limited fine motoric of his fingers due to the chilly air taking the chill w/o arm warmers at barely 13C :-(

However, it only suffered a flying out battery what got a scratch and a dent in one corner of the stainless steel body o-[ Still works just normal so far :-)

BBB Sign in.

Hooking up with more at the 2nd parking -- this is going to be a fun group again :-)

Moving out right on time, nice field of riders -- some 20+!

Boat #1

Fun ride over Shelter Island.

Boat #2:

Stop out most South-East, great ride on the so nice and less used roads far out on the South Fork and moving out of the last water stop:

All over -- including the [slow!!] boats sections...

Navigated most the route via 2009 BBB GPS track [except a few minor changes] -- my invisible radar and way in advance turn prediction at high speeds -- but the road marking was alright as well ;-)

Great day, great ride good support and road marking this year :-)

Big thanks to all the SBRA >BBB crew< members running all the support and water/food stops. Well done!

TTT on Floyd Bennett Field

2011-06-04T19:43:00.008-05:00

TTT on Floyd Bennett Field this Saturday. About just for a fun and Team Time Trial training 4 GABs sigend up for the "Bear Mountain Spring Classics TTT" -- actually run on FBF this year due to road constructions at Bear.

This is how it looks like with a team of four riders... nice job of this womens team!

However, only three (the minimum number needed to finish) of the GAB A team started as one was late..... and did the ITT later.

FBF Panoramic view (click!):

And some Data....

Kevins Holiday Harbor Hills Ride

2011-05-30T23:35:00.005-05:00

It is Memorial Day and time for Kevins annual HHH ride. Starting at Tildas this year! How convenient :-) It was a humid warm morning. And some heavy loaded clouds were rollign in from West...

As about already expected, we got a little soaked...

Returning home a little dirty... time to clean everything up and dry.

Tour of Somervile Series -- Bound Brook Criterium -- GAB Karl wins!

2011-05-29T22:07:00.014-05:00

Somerville Series, Sunday: The three Green Arm Bandits Karl, George and Py traveled to Bound Brook, NJ on Sunday morning. Py picked up Karl fairly early to have plenty of time and make sure to beat traffic issues crossing over to New Jersey via Staten Island, Verrazano Bridge. Making it to NJ with almost empty tank looking for gas and having a good find at some little place -- almost 60 cents less than in NY!!! It got pretty warm with high humidity. A pretty easy and nice drive, just little over 2 hours. Karl already had some ideas for the race and in particular what Py should do -- "Get in front right off the gun and drive the pace a hard as you can for the 1st few laps." Py was skeptical if he could manage that, however -- the key would be to line up in 1st row and fly off.
Arriving in Bound Brook around 11am, little shopping and having a Danish + Cappuccino in Manville. All set, returning to Bound Brook and finding a good parking lot with shade from big trees right on the coarse -- nice.

Signing in for the race, checking out the coarse getting ready and warming up on the trainer under these trees. Not that Py was not warm already... but a little moving and warming up his knee was for sure a good thing -- it was hot, really a need to move fast to get cooling.

As time went by, a few bananas and snack bars got eaten, plenty of water consumed including it's great cooling use on top of the head.... Also George arrived soon. To our little surprise Carol and Paul showed up and did a little support -- thanks for that!! -- they were already done with an ITT earlier in the day near by. Time to line up.

Here the three GABs on the right front of the pack at the start line (The 3rd is a little hiding in this picture, Py all the way to the right (left in the picture)).

[Photos by CyclingCaptured.]

Py took off at the start and lined up within about the 1st 5 riders towards the next 2 turns as he moved up and little to his own surprise stayed there for about 2 1/2 more laps -- no one attacked until this time as he moved to the back of the field to recover. That part worked out OK.

Now just let Py cite George for the following race report:

"It has been a few weeks since I have been able to do an edition of TWIG notes. I am glad to say it will be on a high note. Over the past few weeks the GABs have been racing and training around the NY metro area. With solid performances at the Bear Mt Road Race by Karl, 6th CAT 3, and Mike Innuza who has been strengthening into his normal self. George hit the WS United Roubaix series at Floyd Bennett Field in the 123 race last Thursday. Finishing this weekend with the Tour of Somerville. Last Memorial Day Karl traveled to Somerville to take part in one of the longest running races in the country: http://www.tourofsomerville.org/news.html . He traveled alone and found some success in placing 3rd. Upon his return everyone congratulated him. I remember him showing a bit of frustration, "If I only had a teammate, maybe...." he said. With this in mind we set out to support him as best we could this year. The GAB's were represented by Karl, George, & Percy. The pre race plan was to have Percy go from the gun, trying to cause an early break. George was to cover any mid race moves, and escort Karl through the last lap, leading him out for the sprint. Karl's job was to win. During pre-race discussions we believed there would be a field sprint, and after all was said and done, we needed to be up front on the back stretch on the last lap, top 5 into the 2nd to last turn. It was a large field of 80 or so riders. We lined up up front, and set off. Percy did his job well, amping up the tempo on the first laps. Nothing developed, and Percy suffering from his hard effort slid back. The mid race saw a few breaks drift off the front for a while, George had to cover one or two strong surges, nothing stuck. The pace was high enough, for most of the race, to discourage opportunists. With 2 to go we were in position top 20 or so. As we approached the finish there were attacks. Well they turned out to be sprints to the bell. Some overanxious riders miscounted. As the race passed through the S turn, the familiar sound of broken bikes became evident somewhere in the back of the field. Karl was tucked safely on George's wheel. With a flick of the hand to signal Karl, George ushered him to the front of the field. Sitting nicely, third and fourth wheel, into the 2nd to last turn. Coming out of the final turn Karl opened up his sprint, easily passing the remaining 2 riders for the win, George held on for 5th. Congrats to Karl for a job well done!!!" -- Green Arm Bandits Cycling Team.

The story is not yet complete as you may wonder where or when Py came in and how he eventually managed to take these pictures above of Karl. It's simple like this: Py was doing just fine hanging on for the coming laps, but had not really much left struggling a bit at times, but felt like he could just about do it. However, a pretty harsh sounding pop of a spoke snapping off the nipple shortly before the 2nd but last turn of lap 8 all sudden ended his race -- he was not hitting anything in particular, just some normal bumps you find every where and he went over and over all the time... put a good wobble into his rear wheel and he rolled off the coarse. This now ended his race as he did not put a space wheel set into the pit.

Slowly rolling back to his car and stowing the bike away. So what, he did his part of the game and did not expected any placing for himself either way. Getting out the camera, still a little nervous using some wrong settings for the first few shots. But it all should turn out just perfect as you already read above. Including his chance to take these finish shots himself!

That all done the GABs and friends were watching the next few races, Masters and Pro.

Ride with Paul/C -- just picking roads

2011-05-28T11:45:00.004-05:00

Bellport 10am -- meeting Paul and Carol for a ride some where. As it was such a nice day and 10am late enough to take an esay spin South from Rocky Point -- not yet knowing what and where it will go -- what so ever, anything would work, flexible enough, no car to get back to, all options open :-) Py loves that! So he left home a few minutes to 9am to have plenty of time -- about 16 miles on the most direct way taking this newly paved "Rocky Point" road he was eyeballing to take for a spin already since a while. Little South wind, tucking a bit down and cruising at some steady easy recovery level of 160 Watts average. Getting to Bellport at about 9:45.

To his surprise he found Paul&Carol taking out there TT bikes -- hey, if he would have known that... he just swapped the power wheel back on the road bike from his TT rig this morning! So what, the red bike is so much more comfortable and fun either way.

Saying hello to Gregg&Chris at Krebs... while P&C got ready to roll.

Heading East some where... -- no plan, beyond let's go for an hour east or so before returning. Fine. Suggesting a few back roads like Beaver Dam in Brookhaven, before hitting County 21. Merging on Trevors route backwards for a while... and followed that as this was our best plan that moment. At the end of the 1st section of Mill Rd we decided to take Edwards to 25 going West as return. Py kept going more North on 25A while Paul&Carol proceeded on 25 possible to the Floyd and heading for a more strait return.

Py could not resist to get off the main roads (25A) in Wading River to return as usual.

Ended up with a nice 50 mile loop: