Mount Pilot in January

I declared training season open this weekend.  I was going to start with a ride to Sauratown Mountain, and got some takers.  But after we met we decided Pilot, although harder and farther was a safer ride, so we made the 60 mile trek this weekend.  Jimmy V, Lance Jr. and me, the Beermeister, went 60 miles on a relatively warm day for January.  Its a long bike ride without the difficult climb at the halfway point, but here is proof that at least 2 of completed the climb.  Jim was the only sane one who opted out.  It nearly killed me, but I plan on doing this as much as possible over the next 4 months in preparation for Blood, Sweat & Gears. I hope the group will continue to join me!  As usual, Lance Jr. made it look easy - well I shouldn't say that, because I never saw him - he left me in the dust.  But I was surprised that the climb didn't feel too difficult.  The 60 miles was tough though, but although I was slow, I was pleased with being able to complete the climb and feel OK at the top.

The Bionic Knee, Lance and some fat slob trying to keep up

It's been 6 months since a post on the site.  Time to start the chatter.  I rode one time before Christmas and probably once before Thanksgiving.  Otherwise, I have not been on the bike.  I can list about 37 other excuses as to why I got blown away today, but they wouldn't be true.   I got back to back rides in this weekend with some of the WRFB group.  I joined Carl, Fred and Jim Vaughn on a group ride Sunday.  We covered roughly 30 miles in a big group.  It took me 15 miles to warm up.  I couldn't believe how hard I struggled at first.  I did manage to feel better by the end, though.  Then Monday (it's a Holiday) we rode another 30 some miles, but this time just Carl, Fred and me.  I figured it was early in the season, so I could handle a slow winter ride.  Besides, Fred had knee surgery 2 months ago and Carl is an old man - I can keep up with these guys.  Well, what I didn't know was that Freds' surgery made him the 6 million dollar man.  I don't know what the doctor did to that knee, but I want one of those things.  Yes, he has a bionic knee.  Coming down the stretch one time on the flat I looked down and realized we are moving along at 23 miles per hour and I can barely hang on in the back.  The old guy, Lance Karpinski, alternated the lead position with the bionic knee except for the slow 3 miles that I pulled.  We may knock the beach ride out in one day if we let these guys continue their pace.  Great job guys.  It was 31 degreees when we left, but it warmed up a bit and at that pace I worked up a lot of heat.  So yes, you guessed it, I was the fat slob trying to keep up with Lance Karpinski and Fred the bionic knee.