Darren's Adventures

2012 Tour Down Under Highlights

2012-01-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Too bad they don't show international cycling on US television:( Here are the highlights of the Tour Down Under thanks to YouTube.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4
YOUTUBE

Stage 5

Stage 6

The freezing ride from Vallejo to Winters

2012-01-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

I woke up this morning needing some time on the bike after yesterday's quick trip to Carmel for my Nana's birthday. I had a lot of home cooking and packed on more calories before this ride. I checked the weather updates and was weary of riding to Winters since it said 42ºF. I knew it would warm up sometime during the afternoon. One thing I like about winter riding is that I have to ride during the day so that means I get to sleep in a bit before the ride. If I go out to early, I would just freeze.

So I suited up and did 10 minutes on the trainer prior to setting out. I changed my usual route to Hunter Hill by taking Redwood all the way up to Columbus. I think it is just better because I get another hill in my ride. Hunter Hill always kicks my butt and I my goal this year is to gain a 10mph+ average up the hill. As I came up on over the hill, I felt the breeze and it was CHILLY! I went out with my cycling shorts with leg tights and Under Armor under the jersey. I really wish I brought my jacket... but no turning back!

It was nice and sunny throughout the ride but the wind chill numbed my toes and fingers. I did not stop at the Safeway in Fairfield this time. I just kept on going with no stops to Winters. Throughout the ride, I was really contemplating on heading to Davis after Winters. I just wanted to ride more and add more base miles. I completely changed my mind once I got off Pleasant Valley Road and onto Putah Creek. The wind became colder and I could just feel my sweat on my back give me the chills. It was not very fun to have cold headwind anyway. I ended my ride at Steady Eddys with a good cup of coffee. I seriously need foot covers for the winter rides.

I finished the ride in 2 hours and 19 minutes: my second best.

Overall mileage

Vallejo-Benicia-Martinez-Crockett HILLS

2012-01-13T14:41:00.000-08:00

I just need to do more climbing this year. Most of my past rides are mostly flat land with less than 1,000 feet of climbing. I mapped out this route the night before to make sure I climb more than 2,000 feet. Before the ride, I warmed up my legs on the trainer for 10 minutes. It was an easy spin and I kept my heart rate under 125bpm. I think this surely helps when you know you have some hills at the beginning of the ride.

Riding through Vallejo is always a challenge. You really have to watch out for cars when they are about to make a turn from the street ahead of you. Usually I catch people not looking my direction so I have to slow down until they see me. On top of that, drivers around here are not bike friendly and most do not give you space when they pass you. Seriously, I do not want to get hit by your side rear view mirror.

Conditions were pretty nice. I can't complain of the nice sun and temperature we have. It was a bit windy at the peaks. It was my first ride up Rose Dr. with my Garmin so I can actually see my stats. I rode Rose Dr. before with my Trek and I had to stop once or twice to catch my breath. This time I just plowed through with no stopping. The wind really got to me at the top but I finished within the top 10 on Strava.

The ride through Benicia to Martinez and off to Crockett was good. When you pass through the shade, it felt really cold but when you get back into the sunshine, you could feel the heat on the skin. Passing through the Vallejo waterfront, you could tell that the construction of roads and the parking garage near the ferry is near completion. I am happy that they put an nice wide bike lane in that area.

I really liked the challenge of the ride. I felt that once I did that big Rose Dr. hill, I could blast up any other hill in my path. I think I would do this ride once, maybe twice a month. I need to beat my time up Rose Dr!!

My recovery food. Muscle Milk Whey Protein, Cytocarb, Amino Energy, and 2 hard boiled eggs. That's just over 500 calories.

Vallejo to Napa and up Soda Canyon

2012-01-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

It was very nice, sunny Wednesday morning in Vallejo. I better take advantage of all this sunshine we are getting in the area. I did not want a long or too short ride so I decided to take a trek to Napa. Initially I was just going to ride to Yountville, but I got sidetracked.

Going to Napa was pretty nice. Hwy 29 from American Canyon to Napa is tricky. You could just go all the way through 29 but there is a lot of traffic and trucks whizzing by you at 60+ mph. So I took the frontage road through the flea market area. It seems hwy 29 is never cleaned or maintained because there is a lot of glass and rough patches throughout the ride. I felt good cruising at 20+ mph. I think my average from Vallejo to Napa was 20 mph.

As I rode through Silverado trail, I saw the sign for Soda Canyon. I've always wanted to see what was up there since I heard about it from another friend and the Napa River Velo suggested it as a good climb. So I diverted my route up Soda Canyon.

Initially the ride was fine. It was good climbing and medium range hills. I think it got steep after the narrow bridge. It became wicked steep... I guess I am not used to climbing because I had to take breaks every 5 minutes or so to catch my breath. I didn't realize til after the ride when I checked my Garmin that it was 15%+ grade. It made me wish I had a triple on my bike but my 34/27 gear made it possible.

I kept going all the way to the end to the winery entrance. It felt good to finally ride up that way. I think I will try to come this way more often and try to beat my time. The ride back to Vallejo was fine with moderate traffic going through American Canyon.

When I finally got home, I had low pressure in my rear tire. I guess there was a slow leak. I suspect glass... I hope Caltrans could clear the side of the road once in a while:)

Goin on up... I pass the volunteer fire station.

Getting steep!!

The view!

This was the steep part.

Getting higher

Finally made it to the...

The entrance to the Antica winery

New spoke, new cassette ride before sundown

2012-01-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

I put on a couple things on my bike today. I got $1 spokes from the local bike shop, Authorized, to fix Fuzion F1s I broke the other day. So I slapped that on and did a little minor truing of the front and rear wheel. I recently won a 12-17 cassette on eBay so I decided to put that on also. So I went off for a short ride before sundown... I hate how sundown is at 5PM.

I had to get used to the gearing since I was missing that 18t cog. I think that was my sweet spot cog. So either you have to get little bogged down on a 17t or spin on a 19t. Other than that, I am happy to have one more gear when I climb hills.

Thats another thing....I need to start climbing more. Maybe Hunter hill repeats in the future or just keep riding Mt. Diablo.

Laguna Seca Twilight Ride Schedule 2012

2012-01-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

We have another great year of twilight cycling at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA. I am always psyched about going to this event a couple times a year since I am always down there.

From the Laguna Seca site...

What cyclist wouldn’t enjoy the thrill of a challenging 300-foot climb followed by an awe-inspiring descent? How about the fact that they can do this on a world-renowned race track?

Monthly twilight rides allow cyclists to experience the excitement of pedaling Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, an 11-turn, 2.238-mile course. The ride is highlighted by the legendary Corkscrew turn that drops an equivalent of 5 1/2 stories. Rides run from 5:30–7:30 p.m., and are open to all levels of cyclists. Helmets are required and the cost is $10 per rider.

Each month is hosted by a different local bicycle club, organization or business, some holding competitions such as time trials or criterium races and many with off-track activities such as barbecue dinners, costume contests and giveaways.

2012 Twilight Rides

The Twilight Cycling calendar is set. Be sure to pencil in the following dates (subject to change) to enjoy the magic of riding this historic facility.

January 18
February 15
March 14
April 17
May 9
June 13
July 25
August 8
September 6
October 10
November 14
December 12

Possible Century rides 2012

2012-01-09T00:30:00.000-08:00

I am planning to do some of my own centuries... I have to start planning some.

Vallejo-Fairfield-Winters-Davis-Downtown Sac-Winters

Vallejo-Napa-Calistoga-Pope Valley-Winters

Vallejo-Benicia-Fairfield-Winters-Napa-Vallejo

Broken spoke on the Fuzion F1

2012-01-08T23:50:00.000-08:00

I was on my quick hour ride to Benicia when I suddenly heard a ping and my rear wheel came out of true. I looked down my rear wheel and I see...

Boo freakin' hoo....

I slowly biked back home and hopped on my other bike. It was almost sundown and I just wanted to go on my usual route.

One crazy thing happened on Broadway... and it pissed me off. Going 19mph on the side of Broadway, a truck pops out of nowhere past the white line he is supposed to stop behind and I brake and skid to stop avoid hitting the side of the truck. This guy seriously had half the truck over the white line. I swooped around the front yelling at him...what a d*****.

Notes from Energy to Burn by Julie Upton

2012-01-07T20:46:00.000-08:00

Energy to Burn by Julie Upton

* Suggested body fat for
- Tennis players - 11%
- Road cyclists - 11%

* Resting Metabolic Rate
RMR = 88.36+(4.8 x height in cm)+(13.4 x weight in kg)-(4.33 x age)

Example:
67inches to cm=170.18
180lbs to kg = 81.65
age = 24

RMR = 88.36+(4.8 x 170.18)+(13.4 x 81.68) - (4.33 x 24) = 1895.42

RMR x 1.5 = Weight maintenance for light exercises
RMR x 1.8 = Moderately active people
RMR x 2.0 = Exercise over an hour a day
RMR x 2.4 = Weight maintenance for endurance athletes
-subtract 500 calories to lose 1lb per week
-subtract 1000 calories to lose 2lb per week

Example:
RMR x 2.0
18.95.42 x 2.0 = 3790.84
- 1000 to lose 2 lbs per week
=2790.84 calorie intake

* Tips at losing weight - by top athletes
- No Fad diets
- Find motivators
- Preseason to lose weight - zap calories
- Organize kitchen so healthy meals are visible
- Diet at night - Sleep through the hunger rather than being awake
- Keep food log
- Limit liquid calories
- Get on scale - weekly

* CARBS
- Simple Carbs
Monosaccharides Disaccharides
Glucose + Glucose = Maltose
Glucose + Fructose = Sucrose
Glucose + Galactose = Lactose

- Feed the brain - go grain
-Eat veggies - 2.5 cups per day

-Energize for exercise - CARBS
For training days - 2.3-3.2g per body weight(in lbs)

Example:
180 x 2.3 = 414g
180 x 3.2 = 576g
414g-576g of carbs for training days

For Endurance Athletes - 3.2 - 4.5 per body weight(in lbs)

Example:
180 x 3.2 = 576g
180 x 4.5 = 810g
576g-810g of carbs for endurance days

- Carbs during exercise
for over an hour - 30-60g every hour
2-3 hours - 45-90g every hour

-Recovery
within 30 minutes of finishing exercise - .5g of carbs per body weight(in lbs)
180 x .5 = 90g

* Protein
- How much do you need?
- Recreational exerciser = .36-.45g per lb
- Serious resistance = .68-.77 per lb
- Serious resistance athlete in training = .45-.55g per lb
- Serious Endurance athlete = .55-.73g per lb
- Female Athletes = 15% lower than above

69 Miles - Vallejo to Winters then Winters to Davis and back

2012-01-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

This was the my first big ride of 2012. I have been having problems with quad injuries in 2011 and decided I should look over my bike fit. I went over some articles online and began revising my fit. Most of it was playing around with the fore/aft movement of the seat and raising the seatpost. After a couple rides on the trainer, I found a good fit. This was my first ride out.

When I was riding to Winters, I just felt good with my legs spinning. There was less pressure on the quads and more power generated by my hamstrings and gluts. By far, this was my fastest long ride I have ever done. There was no wind to help me but I feel a good bike fit really works. I just felt good spinning and keeping a 90-95 cadence. By the time I got to Winters, I just wanted to keep going.

I headed on to Davis and started to run out of snacks. By the time I got back to Winters, I had no more gel packs and fluids and felt the bonk coming. But I made it back before the exhaustion kicked in.

Vallejo to Winters in record time - 2:12. Previous record - 2:22

Made it back to Winters before sundown.

Overall mileage

Way to break in my new brakes.

Finish the ride with some CHOCOLATE MILK!!

Northern California Echelon Gran Fondo Events - Napa and Palo Alto

2012-01-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

Echelon Gran Fondo is a series of European-style mass participation cycling rides (Cyclosportif rides) held on epic courses in destination locations. Echelon fondos are not races but we try to offer the fanfare and frivolity you might see at a European cycling tour including food, wine, and entertainment.

Echelon Challenges are fun charity circuit rides held on the same day and in the same location as our gran fondos. They are casual, fun, family, community-oriented and safe. Emphasis is on charity.

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 18, 2012

Napa, CA - May 12 , 2012

The May 12 Sonoma/Napa Gran Fondo has an exciting new start this year in downtown Sonoma and will feature one of America’s favorite pro teams to ride alongside of you. It will be a great weekend to be in northern California with the start of the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Rosa the following day.

75 Mile Route:

Palo Alto, CA - September 16, 2012

95 Mile Route:

REGISTER

Crippled ride from Vallejo to Steady Eddy's

2011-12-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

I had the strangest ride today. It all started the night before. I wanted to do an epic ride from Vallejo through Fairfield to Winters, then Winters to Sac then back to Winters. I ate good and got good nights rest. So this morning I felt good waking up, but once I stood up I felt a slight twinge in my right upper thigh. I didn't think anything of it because some mornings that happens. So I suited up, packed up snacks, and rode off...

Getting out of Vallejo is pretty much hilly going up Redwood and then up Hunter Hill. You pretty much don't get a good 15 minute spin warmup because of all the hills. In my mind, I just want to jet up the hill and get it over with. So I was feeling good until I got to the end of McGary Road. I felt that twinge come back. I contemplated going back home but I just wanted to go through with my ride.

I made it to Safeway in North Fairfield for my basic water -up and snack. After Safeway, you have to jet up Hillborn road. When I got to the top and flew down the hill, I really felt some slight pain/cramp in my right quad. I just had to spin it through and rest before I got to Lyon Road. I took a 20 minute break to stretch it out. After I felt ok and just told myself I just have to take it easy and get through to Winters.

On my way Winters on Pleasant Valley Rd, I get a big pinch in my right leg above my knee. The pain just went from my thigh to and into my knee. It felt like the ligament/tendon that attaches to my muscle to my knee was really stressed. I rested up and at some point, just did left single leg spin workout.

But I finally made it to Winters. I had the courage to keep going north a bit to get more miles in, but the pain kept coming back. I came right back to rest the bum right leg.

Cool day in Winters

The famous bathroom at the park. Where all cyclists stop to take a leak.

Time to get some FOOOD!!

Enjoy my BBQ Chicken Panini at Steady Eddy's in Winters.

Christmas Day ride in Monterey Peninsula

2011-12-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

I had to get a little ride out before we opened presents! I rode out of Carmel and into Pebble Beach through the South gate. There was a lot of people running but not that many people on the bike.

I made it up the hill to the Spyglass golf course.

This is where all the scuba divers take off.

Portola Plaza

I am in the Christmas spirit with my red and green jersey.

Overall mileage

Winters - Davis- Sac Causeway ride

2011-12-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

I believe it was around 35 degrees this morning in Winters when I started. I put on my Nike tights under my bib and my long sleeve jersey with a thin windbreaker jacket. It was just cold going to Davis. I couldn't feel my toes or fingers. Now I know why people do have foot covers over their cycling shoes.

Started off at the Bridge in Winters.

Made it to the Causeway. Theres no lake yet! Still waiting for the big winter storm to bring in the water.

Gotta head back to Davis...

The overall mileage.

Obtained the Keo Classic pedals

2011-12-19T21:20:00.000-08:00

I picked a set of the Keo Classic pedals. They are used but still in great shape.

Each pedal is 137g.

Both weigh in at 274g.

Unboxing the Exustar PR100P Keo type pedals

2011-12-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

I am finally making the switch to Keo style pedals. This is the first set of pedals I received from my online bike shopping spree. These Exustar PR100P pedals came nicely in a black box.

EPS-R = Exustar Pedaling System

Open them up and this is what you find.

One pedal is 127g.

Both pedals - 254g.

I have yet to install them on one of my bikes. I am pretty excited to start using Keo type pedals. All the other roadies look at me funny when they see small SPD clip ins on my bike. I am guessing the only difference is that I will be able to clip in and out faster. I look forward to that with all the stop and go at stop lights around town.

Time for a new chainring

2011-12-15T21:12:00.000-08:00

I have been searching for a new FSA 50t chainring for a while now. The only place where I think I could get it cheap was eBay. So one day while I was browsing, I found a new chainring for sale for $30. I hurried and jumped on the deal. Less than a week later, it came. The install was easy. I even got to find the creaking noise on my BB. My BB was just not on tight.

Old and new chainring:

There were 2 chipped teeth on my original one.

New look:

The new FSA chainring had the Cannondale logo on it. I think I will just rub that off later. The only difference was weight. The new chainring was 125g as compared to the original 98g. I picked up an extra 20g+. O well, I just really need to lose more weight:)

Out to Benicia!

2011-12-13T14:49:00.001-08:00

I can't believe the weather is holding up in December. It was very calm with 0mph winds:) It was a typical ride through Vallejo. Nobody ever likes to give you extra room when you are riding on the side of the road...grrr!!

View from the west parking lot at Benicia State Park.

But...but...we love Benicia State Park!!

Winters-Davis-Sac and back

2011-12-12T23:56:00.001-08:00

51 Miles in 2:52

I came with my girlfriend to work in Winters in the morning. I slept in the car for a little bit because it was too cold to ride at 8AM. I finally started my ride around 10AM. There were a some cyclists riding towards Winters while I was riding to Davis. Putah Creek Road is such a isolate road. I think it is one of my least favorite road to ride by yourself with no music.

I just like how bike friendly it is in this area. Theres always bike paths and a lot of space on the side of the road.

Just got to Sac!

Overall mileage!

Sea Otter Classic Gran Fondo - April 21, 2012

2011-12-12T22:35:00.000-08:00

Sea Otter Classic Gran Fondo
April 21, 2012

The 2012 Sea Otter Classic will offer three Gran Fondo routes—two road route options and one mountain bike route:
Carmel Valley Route - 96 miles
Coastal Route - 49.3 miles
Mountain Bike Route - 20.2 miles

WEBSITE AND REGISTRATION

Diablo Century - April 15, 2012

2011-12-12T22:32:00.000-08:00

Diablo Century
April 15, 2012

Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Diablo Century. Join 750 cycling friends for an unforgettable century! The Diablo Century offers beautiful scenery and a memorable, healthy day for everyone! Choose from our Century, Metric, and 25-mile routes.

Route Description
Century (100-Mile) Route
Our Century route follows the Metric route (see below for description) but finishes with a jaunt to Castro Valley, followed by a climb up Redwood Road to Moraga and then back to the JCC. The elevation gain is 6,550 feet.

Metric (100-K) Route (62 miles)
The Metric route takes you out to the spectacular backside of Mt. Diablo via Clayton and the Morgan Territory, gaining over 3,000 feet as you ride. Spectacular views await you as you climb to one of the peaks of the hills of the Tri-Valley. Descend into Livermore and return via Danville and scenic Blackhawk.

25-Mile Route
The 25-mile route takes you through the scenic hills of Danville and Alamo to the foot of Mt. Diablo and back. The elevation gain is 499 feet. This is the perfect ride for the casual recreational cyclist.

WEBSITE AND REGISTRATION

New ride... the orange Galaxy

2011-12-12T00:17:00.000-08:00

Finally got to ride the converted steel bike. New wheelset, 40/15 gearing, and new chain. Now I need some bar tape. Tennis grip will do for now...

Just got to American Canyon to check out the ride. The Garmin is perfect for this bike. I know my cadence is around 90rpm when I am going 18mph.

I got home fast...brakes broke:( For a good 2 miles, I was riding brakeless...on a single speed. scary!

Vallejo-AmCan-Crockett climbing

2011-12-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

Decided to get some climbing in to wake up the legs. I did my usual warm up to America Canyon and through Vallejo Waterfront. It was such a nice day. It was glad I didn't wear leggings. Sometimes it sunny but the air is very cold. I went on over the Al Zampa Bridge and up on San Pablo Rd.

The view of the Al Zampa Bridge from the Crockett lookout. It is just north of the Dead Fish Restaurant.

The view of Vallejo...a wonderful day in December!

Vallejo-Benicia on the TCR

2011-12-06T16:10:00.000-08:00

I have to take out my TCR to show it some love once in a while. I know my rides are always good when I go to Benicia.

Break time!

Vallejo-Benicia-Fairfield Mall

2011-12-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

Time for some Christmas shopping. I met my girlfriend at the mall after this grueling ride! This was seriously a windy ride. It was all headwind going from Benicia to Fairfield. My legs were just shot after the ride.