Life shrinks or expands in
proportion to one’s courage.
Anais Nin
Life shrinks or expands in
But keep the map handy.
To accomplish great things,
we must dream as well as act.
Anatole France
The beautiful weather and cool temperature made for a wonderful start to the 2008 Rocket Run: The Fastest 10K in Tennessee. In its first year as a 10K, The Rocket Run enjoyed a lot of smiling faces and the encouragement of many, many volunteers from Appalachian Bear Rescue of Townsend, Tennessee.
Jeff Day set the course record with a 32:43 and Allison Maurer was the overall women’s winner with a 43:16. All racers were timed by Total Race Solutions.
As Secretary for the Board of Directors, I enjoyed the process of assembling and helping organize the 10K event. Thanks to all those folks that contributed - both those on the Board and those who are “Black Bear-minded.”
Appalachian Bear Rescue is highly appreciative of everyone’s help.
The photo gallery herein recaps the fun at our event.
For 2009, it’ll be even faster.
Rock on.
The summer internship created a big buzz this year. Why? Because Maggie, Carrie, Chris Ann, Madhuri and Amanda made a HUGE difference with many clients within our agency. Their collective spirit, energy and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated and certainly not to be forgotten. You encouraged me (!) ladies. Rock on.
Sometimes you have to let go to see
if there was anything worth holding onto.
A person who aims at nothing is sure to hit it.
“Education is the best provision for old age.”
Aristotle
The most successful people are those
who are good at plan B.
I’m often asked the question (after a road race or a time trial), “did you win?”
My typical answer is “no, I accomplished my goal.” The response to such a question is not expected and it usually creates a whimsical look on the face of the person asking the question … and thus, more questions. Answering with merely a “no” opens a door which requires explanation or what I call justification. In general, people are interested in what you won, and not much else. Placing in the top 10 isn’t spectacular; placing mid-field is considered failure … never mind the journey itself!
No one who competes in any type of sporting activity is exempt from the pain of defeat. The acceptance of being defeated, while difficult to stomach at times, teaches us how to lose with grace. I’ve learned over time that taking success and failure lightly - without strongly identifying with either - allows me to maintain a delicate mental balance. After all, it’s about having fun not the win nor the loss. For me, focusing on winning hinders my performance. I’d rather focus on the journey of getting there, competing and readying again. This is very similar to the walk of life. We either enjoy the journey or we miss out on a lot of fun.
Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. I enjoy the feeling of placing in the top 10 or an outright 1st, but that’s not what drives my preparation and participation. I love competing and winning in my own way. For me, accomplishing my goals feel like a win.
Competing at something other than work is important because it builds character. The sense of fair play is strengthened, and the value of preparation is greatly appreciated. Competing helps build mental tenacity, will power, transparency, discipline and the ability to handle greater amounts of stress. These traits, over time, become habits and ultimately build character.
For the hoards of people who ask the “did you win” question I suggest that you get off the sofa, move your happy ass a little faster and compete in something. Feel the pain, test your mental fortitude, and when you don’t finish first - give up. After all, the folks who typically ask the “did you win” question are the same folks who feel like they have to compete for parking spaces or a lane in traffic somewhere.
Nuf said, I shall continue to Ride On.
The Aloha Spirit Law is an real law on the books in Hawai’i. It acknowledges that The Aloha Spirit is the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawai’i. Basically it reiterates that the people and citizens of Hawai’i are obligated by law to conduct themselves in accordance with this law while performing their duties and obligations to the public.
I’m not sure a “law” is needed to empower the people of Hawai’i to keep Hawai’i uniquely special. From firsthand experience I’ve witnessed the Aloha spirit. Culturally it’s a way of life. For the rest of America, more of that please.
Success has nothing to do with what you gain in
life or accomplish for yourself. Its what you do for others.
danny thomas
I’m inspired to do a lot every day. Mostly work - working out - helping my student interns - and a bunch of other stuff. Now that yesterday is over, what did you do that’s worth talking about? Good question. If it’s just work related - then you didn’t do enough. If it’s just about working out - then you were too selfish. Did you help someone? Specifically - did you help someone without regard to its impact on your wallet? Funny, that eliminates work colleagues and clients (or prospects). If you have children then you’re blessed — what a golden opportunity to contribute to “life.”
In my work world, I’m privileged to know a group of interns who need my help. Yet, it doesn’t put one dime in my pocket. In fact, it clearly detracts from growing the business I manage. Why do I help them? Because when my career changes from the “agency” business to something else, I want to look back and ‘know’ it was for a higher purpose.
Now that it’s all over, what did you really
do yesterday that’s worth mentioning?
Coleman Cox
Laughter is an instant vacation.
~Milton Berle
As soon as you trust yourself,
you will know how to live.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
You can learn to hang if you hang long enough.
For the State Road Race this year, organizers moved the race from Liepers Fork to a new location in Watertown, Tennessee. Although the road course was void of a significant climb, the 15 mile loop was full of rollers that when combined made for a difficult race.
The Masters 30/40+ group began 15 minutes late with a total of 39 riders. Little did we know the heat would reduce the field quicker than the attacks. Temps were moderate when we began and quickly soared near 90 and then to 94 within two hours of the start. The heat index was 104 – which reduced the ability to recover after hard efforts.
Lap one was marked with several attacks and counter-attacks. In fact, four riders were off the front within the first mile, but were reeled back in by mile 8. Coming through the feed zone as we completed lap one, I elected not to take a bottle. This was tactical mistake number one, and a serious one. In retrospect, I should have taken a bottle on every lap. The temperature was warm enough that a cold bottle of water would have lowered my core temp and allowed me to conserve some of my glycogen reserves. Live and learn.
As we cruised into lap 2, the attacks began again so I chimed in with my own and a group of 8 riders broke away from the pack. Within a mile the entire peloton was back together again; less another 7 riders. On the back section of the course, three rollers (back to back to back) were steep enough and close enough together that it was difficult to recover between them. This section allowed for a serious push by the strong men – and we dropped 3 more riders. Nearing the feed zone on lap 2, I moved over and snagged a bottle. “Whew – thank you cycling gods” was all I could offer. The bottle was a HUGE help. Most of it went down my jersey to cool my body and a few drops were my refreshment.
It’s not common to attack in a feed zone, but the leaders did just that – and we were pushing pretty hard before I could stuff the bottle into my jersey. The constant push from the front made it difficult to maintain contact with the leaders – and I truly believe it was more difficult because the heat was unbearable.
At one point I looked at my legs and arms and it seemed as if I had just stepped out of the shower. My sunglasses were stuffed in my helmet because the sweat kept pouring down my face. All I could think about was stopping the insanity by literally stopping. Yet, I kept moving.
By the time we hit those triple rollers, the lead group was down to 15 riders and we kept pushing. I maintained a mid-field position just to ensure I wasn’t yo-yoed at the tail end of the peloton. In the feed zone I attempted to snag a bottle but nothing was handed up. The leaders attacked again (just to make it interesting I’m sure) and I fell off the back. Thank goodness they sat up on the next downhill section to drink — that gave me enough time to rejoin them along with Dave Hickson.
At this point the peloton totaled 13 and none of the other riders were in sight. They had either dropped out of the race or were creeping along. Ahh, the triple rollers were coming again and I knew my expulsion off the back was forthcoming. I stayed intact on the first two, but the third roller came and I sat up. My body felt ‘cooked’ … I got chill bumps on my legs and arms (a first sign of heat exhaustion). I slowed and realized the last 9 miles would be soloville. Stars were moving in front of my eyes and I felt dizzy – my stomach cramped and I wanted to stop oh-so-bad. But somehow I kept rolling, keeping the air flowing over my skin. And too, I was concerned that anyone we had dropped might come up behind me and pass me. (Like that mattered at this point.)
Near the end of the race, I noticed a woman in the feed zone – and she was packing up her bags. I asked for a bottle and she said, “all I have is Gatorade and it’s sorta frozen.”
Had I not been in a race I would have stopped and hugged her. I said thanks and got moving again.
The icy drink felt so good tucked in my jersey – and I would have fought anyone for it at that point. Looking ahead I could see the finish line, so I zipped up my jersey and put my glasses back on. Passing over the finish line, a photographer pointed his camera my way and snapped a photo - I smiled big and showed him the “prize” I had been given. Frozen Gatorade. WooHoo!
When I stopped on the other side of the finish line, I opened the bottle again and within three gulps the bottle was almost empty. Stopping wasn’t such a good idea – so I kept moving. Heck, it was three miles back to car! I laughed out loud as I wondered why the hell I was riding around in Watertown, Tennessee in the middle of a HOT August day.
It remains a mystery.
After returning to the parking lot, I located a water hose nearby and stood under the cold water for about 15 minutes. Several other riders came over and did the same. We laughed at how “cold” the water felt — even though it wasn’t. The impromptu shower lowered my core temp and my heart rate too. What a day.
RACE SUMMARY: 5 miles of warm up (like we needed that). 60 miles of racing – average speed 22.9 – average heart rate 156 – over-maxed to 188 one time. Finished 13th overall and 3rd in Masters 45-49 – so I earned the Bronze medal. What I really earned was a 16oz cold Coke and another and another.
It’s hot out there. Ride with plenty of fluids.
He who is afraid of asking is ashamed of learning.
The diary, which was given to Anne Frank on her thirteenth birthday, chronicles her life from June 12, 1942 until August 1, 1944. It was published as The Diary of a Young Girl and eventually translated from its original Dutch into many languages and became one of the world’s most widely read books. There have also been several films, television, theatrical productions, and even an opera based on the diary. Described as the work of a mature and insightful mind, it provides an intimate examination of daily life under Nazi occupation and in hiding; through her writing, Frank has become one of the most renowned and discussed of Holocaust victims.
In my last vacation to Amsterdam, I visited the Anne Frank house. In my tour, a range of people (varied ethnic backgrounds, various ages) were present. Observation of faces and body language were as interesting as the “house” itself. The majority of younger people moved quickly about and chatted among themselves - many with smiles and an occasional giggle.
Older folks - those who appeared to be over 50 - had distinctly different dispositions. They were somber, quiet and reverent - and the energy felt spiritual. Many of us were overwhelmed with emotion.
I’ve given lots of thought to Anne Frank’s view of time, and her value of life itself. Her life, as evident in her diary, was lived second by second. It was vibrant, real and highly authentic. The undertone of her message: seconds do count - each one is a blessing.
As we crest the first of August, I’m mindful about the seconds. Each one counts.
Peace.
My day - Wednesday, July 30th - was full of “now.” Staying in the moment, living the moment - carefully listening to the clock ticking. Besides work - riding my bike - and working more, I hung out with some folks whom I enjoy to be around and I lived in the moment. All the while the clock was ticking.
As I waited for my friends around the town square in Dahlonega after dinner, a hearse passed and circled the square. Something of a farewell - at least that’s what the landmark sign touted as I read it (eerie). The hearse and the sign re-reminded me (as if I needed it) that every (!) second counts.
Nothing stops the clock. Nothing. It moves even when we’re not. Eventually we mentally move the clock forward - some of us fast-forwarding to moments we are not guaranteed to see or enjoy. Moments lived out in an imaginary world of fantasy. As I lived today I was more aware that all I have is now. This second. The next. Nothing more.
When reflecting upon that thought, it’s unsettling somehow. I suppose the acknowledgment feels as if I’m acquiescing to a doomed future. Shortened because I’m giving into the acceptance that life is short. Yet, life is oh so short. Blink and a month is gone. Blink again and a year passes. Blink one more time and we’ve moved through a decade.
The bigger question - “does time fly?” No, it moves second by second. Granted, it was created by man to capsulize movement of the sun and moon — and for a bunch of other reasons. What matters is simply this: what we have is now. To quote Lance Armstrong, “every second counts.” My own addition to the quote: Especially now.
Peace
Whew. What a day. I rode my bike for about 3 hours this morning and tried to expend as much energy as possible so I could relax and focus on the material for DIY-Research (my topic for the 2008 STS Marketing College).
With so many folks to address - and potentially so many questions - covering a lot of ground was probable but not likely. I erred on the side of “too much” - and we ran out of time. The energy felt good - and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the people - there were lots of smiling faces and oh so many good questions. I only wished that I had time to help them all …. but again, time ran out.
The other story of the day is that I found a bike on the road this morning while riding. A ROSS with semi-vertical dropouts and very little rust. The tires were missing as were the cables but the overall condition is suitable for a fixed gear bike. Coincidentally I needed a frame in order to build such a bike. Imagine the cycling universe laying such a ‘gift’ on my route today.
I’m blessed. I’m thankful. The here and now is just fine. “More of the same, please.”
Ride on.
Just a two-hour drive from Knoxville I arrived in Lebanon well before my start time. Imagine that – I arrived on time. Once I secured my race number, I drove out to the course and followed the road to the turn point. This would be prove to be most helpful – since I would have a better idea of what lay ahead in the race.
My warm-up went very well … but the heavy cloud cover kept the heat fixated near the ground. It felt ultra-hot.
Promptly at 10:43:30 I started. Once I left the start house, I slipped into pace and cranked the heart rate monitor near my red zone. The wind was blowing cross/head and it hampered my speed. Combined with numerous climbs (that came one after another), I felt sluggish on the way to the 20K mark.
I passed my one-minute man at the 10K mark and kept digging – then I passed my three-minute man at the 15K mark. After turning at 20K I felt the push of the wind at my back. I moved along at 30+ for a while – except for the climbs.
For a 5K segment I thought I might break one hour – particularly because I passed several people along the way. But, I was passed by the eventual winner in my group and the overall 40+ State Champ (Shawn Hurt).
I completed the 40K race in 1:01:53 and was second – which earned me the silver medal (for the second year in a row). A good outcome considering that I’m not a time trial specialist.
This year the race organizer set up a podium and had a photographer snapping shots of those men and women who placed in their respective group races. A photo will surely follow soon.
RACE SUMMARY: 40K race (24.8 miles), 1,400 feet of climbing, 1:01:53 total time. Average heart rate 157; maxed once. Average speed – just over 23.6 mph. Second place finish – silver medal.
The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work.
“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”
Tom Bodett
Thankfully I have the BGE to love - yeah. I’m a teacher and career-minded. I hope for something greater than East Tennessee. Much bigger. But this will remain home - - just need a second home at some point. Hope will be real - Aloha.
“Creating a new theory is not like destroying an old barn and erecting a skyscraper in its place. It is rather like climbing a mountain, gaining new and wider views, discovering unexpected connections between our starting points and its rich environment. But the point from which we started out still exists and can be seen, although it appears smaller and forms a tiny part of our broad view gained by the mastery of the obstacles on our adventurous way up.”
Albert Einstein
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
Kahlil Gibran
Giving to others is now, officially, linked to longer life. Researchers at the University of Michigan investigated whether providing social support was beneficial to the provider as well as the recipient. So, Stephanie Brown, PhD, of the university’s Institute for Social Research, and colleagues followed 423 older couples over a five-year period, as part of larger community-based project studying the changing lives of older couples.
They found that people who reported providing no instrumental or emotional support to others were more than twice as likely to die in the five years as people who helped spouses, friends, relatives and neighbors. Also, the researchers note, giving to a spouse and giving to friends and neighbors were both independently linked with a lower chance of dying.
Double giving does double your fun. It might extend your life. Give on.
Some pursue happiness - others create it.
If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.
Mario Andretti
Listening refers to the act of hearing attentively. You can learn a lot by just listening. Some say, “they make good music–you should give them a hearing.”
Sound is vibration, as perceived by the sense of hearing, which as a phenomenon is called listening. Listening defines the domain of language proficiency that encompasses how humans process, understand, interpret, and evaluate spoken language in a variety of situations.
Hence, listening is an activity which we perform so as to decide what would be our next course of action.
I suggest listening.
Use your health, even to the point of wearing it out. That is what it is for. Spend all you have before you die; do not outlive yourself.
Bernard Shaw
Some 240 miles from my spot on the globe sits Hartselle, Alabama.
Near Decatur, it was home of the 2008 Road Race Championship of Alabama … just at the base of a ‘sneaky’ little climb. Ok then. When I signed up for Masters 35+ I had no visions of staying with the lead pack. The ‘sneaky’ little climb, just one mile from the start of the race, seemed daunting. Naturally I assumed the strong men of the race would break it up right away.
Fortunately we tempo-paced the first pass, but we did drop four or five riders. It wasn’t that easy – but not too difficult either. The ‘sneaky’ climb was 2.3 miles in length. Just long enough to test your legs, and steep enough to feel it in your lungs. Within two miles of the ascent, you plummet over the edge. Literally FLYING down the other side. Whew. I was ULTRA thankful it wasn’t raining. I cannot imagine that descent in the rain.
On the backside of the course, after turning onto the next-to-last-leg (it was an 18 mile loop we rode three times) four guys on the front sat up (all at once – which is not good) and in doing so cut the on-the-road speed from 28mph to 17mph in an instant.
Four arms were not in place to guide those bikes. Those four riders were in front of me to my right. BLEH! Wheels touched and the man next to me went down … I NARROWLY missed his bike. The pack behind us wasn’t so lucky. Thirteen riders went down in a nasty crash (they were going 28mph). I looked back for an instant it looked “bad.” We went neutral to allow riders an opportunity to regain position. Then we rolled on.
As lap one wrapped up, I rode along full of trepidation. Approaching the climb (second time), the pace picked up and we tackled the first little kick in the road with tempo. And, it kept increasing. The lead group of riders strung out the peloton – and it grew smaller. Intermittently I wondered when I was going to get dropped … and the pace picked up again. But, I accelerated again, and stayed with the lead group. When we crossed the top I looked back and realized the remainder of the pack was not going to bridge the gap. Twelve of us got busy and started rotating. The remainder of lap two was without fanfare. We chased a lone rider (who eventually won), but it felt like a training ride as we rolled along at 28mph.
Approaching the climb the third time, the lead group of 12 broke up and was quickly cut to eight riders. Midway up the climb I was in third position, then three riders pushed hard and gapped us. Nearing the top of the climb I assumed we (the five of us just behind them) would bridge the gap. They were about 50 meters ahead of us … oh so close. Once they hit the descent, it was lights out.
The descent was scary fast. My bike accelerated as if it had a turbo hooked up. The descent is gradual at first — you’re traveling at 30mph — and then it just zips up to 50mph in an instant. The lead guys were going 53 or 54mph. (I realize that 50mph isn’t that fast – in a car. But is tear-smearing fast on a bike with just some flimsy Lycra pants separating precious skin from the tarmac.)
We were a group of 5 chasing 3 … and we never caught them. They eventually put a minute into us and we put over a minute into the pack behind us. I was so elated to be in a breakaway – surviving a hard climb (three times), that I mentally zoned out near the finish. Ergo, I didn’t remember the payout was for the first 7 riders! I finished 8th and clearly had energy reserves to beat two guys in front of me. Oh well, I laughed – and was thankful I had some things go ‘right’ for me: I stayed with the lead group on a serious climb even when my legs wanted to stop, I avoided a serious wreck, and I kept working with a small group even though it didn’t matter.
Recap: 55 miles, averaged 23.1 (on the flat portions we were over 25mph). Average heart rate 153; maxed at 179 once. Touched 50mph downhill. Placed 8th overall and finished 2nd in the 45+ — beating the State of Alabama 45+ Champ.
Ride on.
It’s relatively easy to climb (via bicycle) the roads in the Pyrenees or in the Alps. Riding up is relatively easy. The difficulty of climbing is exponentially elevated by the riders who push (and pull) hard on their pedals. Thus, pace is what makes climbing difficult. It’s the high, average mph - and certainly multiple accelerations along the way. Dare not think it’s easy. It just looks easy.
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.
~Babatunde Olatunji
If you have one eye on yesterday, and one eye on tomorrow, you’re going to be cockeyed today. ~Author Unknown
(click to enlarge)
There’s more meow in Hello Kitty when she’s permanently inked on your skin. Thus, the images of the day. It’s a nice break from the Tour de France routine. Which is Ok because it’s a rest day. Well, some are resting but few will actually rest. Most Tour riders will spend four or five hours riding today (an “off” day LOL). I wonder if any Tour riders have Hello Kitty tats?
Ponder that. Ride on. Enjoy.
It’s inspiring. Even with the issues over doping, the Tour is powerfully inspiring. You realize that the feat these men perform is completely beyond the grasp of ordinary mortals. It’s almost like studying theology. You need to attain the first degree of initiation to understand that you don’t understand anything.
The wittiest comments ever written about the Tour were by the young Roland Barthes, and it’s no accident that he developed a real theology of cycling. In his essay about the epic known as the Tour de France, there is a passage in which he describes Mont Ventoux as one would describe an evil deity, one that demands sacrifice. Barthes equates the heroes of cycling with Homer’s warriors in the Iliad. As far as he is concerned, the original duel, between Hector and Achilles, is repeated among the riders on the mountain. Anyone can fight on flat stretches, but those who remain capable of fighting a duel on the worst of mountains already deserves to be called Hector or Achilles.
Just keep an eye out for Didi. He’s part of the lore we call the Tour de France. Race on.
The efforts by climbers (or any rider for that matter) in the Tour goes mostly unnoticed. It’s difficult to detect the real effort going on when they climb steep Cols. The fact is, they do make it look effortless. But what’s going inside their minds and bodies is - well - beyond what I can comprehend.
Suffering includes climbing some of the highest paved roads in the Alps and Pyrenees and covering inhumane distances under the summer sun. Many will crash and push on despite being covered in road rash. At night, their leg muscles will be so tired that it will be painful to climb the stairs in their hotels. To suffer is the currency of racing. To a Tour rider it means willing to risk life over and over. These are just simple rules of the game.
Glory and pain - the synonymous symbols of the Tour de France.
One of the most frequently asked questions is how do the organizers determine the ratings for the climbs in the Tour de France.The Tour organizers use two criteria 1) the length and steepness of the climb and 2) the position of the climb in the stage. A third, and much lesser criteria, is the quality of the road surface.It is important to note several things before this discussion begins.First, the organizers of the Tour have been very erratic in their classifications of climbs. The north side of the Col de la Madeleine has flip-flopped between a 1st Category to an Hors Category climb,even though it seems to be in the same position of a stage every year.Secondly, rating inflation, so rampant in other sports has raised its ugly head here. Climbs that used to be a 2nd Category are now a1st Category, even though, like the Madeleine, they occupy the same position in a stage year after year.
Let’s talk about the ratings. I will give you my impressions on what I think the criteria are for rating the climbs based on having ridden over 100 of the rated climbs in the major European tours. Note that gradual climbs do not receive grades. It has been my observation that about a 3-4% grade is necessary for a climb to get rated. Also, a climb must gain at least 70m for it to be rated.
The organizers of the Tour de France also claim that the quality of the road surface can influence the rating of a climb. If the surface is very poor, like some of the more obscure climbs in the Pyrenees,then the rating may be bumped up.4th Category - the lowest category, climbs of 200-500 feet (70-150m). 3rd Category - climbs of 500-1600 feet (150-500m). 2nd Category - climbs of 1600-2700 ft. ( 500-800m) 1st Category - climbs of 2700-5000ft(800-1500m) Hors Category - the hardest, climbs of 5000ft+(1500m+)
Points awarded for the climbs ranges are as follows (from the 1990 race bible):4th Category: 3 places: 5, 3, 13rd Category: 5 places: 10, 7, 5, 3, 12nd Category: 10 places: 20, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 11st Category: 12 places: 30, 26, 22, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1Hors Category: 15 places: 40, 35, 30, 26, 22, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1
Steepness also plays a factor in the rating. Most of the big climbsin the Alps average 7-8% where the big climbs in the Pyrenees average8-9%.
Please remember that I am giving very, very rough guidelines and there are exceptions to every rule. For example, L’Alpe D’Huezclimbs 3700ft(1200m), but is an Hors Category climb. This is becauseit usually comes at the end of a very tough stage and the climb itselfis unusually steep(~9%) by Alpine standards.
More confusing is the Col de Borderes, a mere 1000ft (300m) climb outside of Arrens in the Pyrenees mountains. I have seen it rated anywhere from a 3rd Category to a 1st Category !!! This is most likely due again, to its placement on the stage. The 3rd Category rating came when it was near the beginning of a stage where its 1st Category rating came when it was near the end.
Flat or downhill sections can also affect a climb’s rating. Such sections offer a rest to the weary and can reduce the difficulty of the climb considerably. This may be one of the reasons that the aforementioned Col de la Madeleine, which has a 1 mile downhill/flat section at mid-height,flip-flops in its rating.
People often asked how climbs in the United States compare to those in Europe. Most of the US climbs are either steep enough by European standards(6-8% grade), but are short(5-10km) so they fall into the3rd Category or 2nd possibly; or the climbs gain enough altitude, but are too long(they average <5%) so again they would fail to break the 1st Category barrier and end up most likely a 2nd or 3rd Category.Fear not, there are exceptions. Most notable to Californians is the south side of Palomar Mountain which from Pauma Valley climbs4200′ in 11 miles, a potential 1st Category ascent, though it mayfall prey to downgrading because of the flat section at mile four.The east side of Towne Pass in Death Valley is definitely a 1stCategory climb!
A popular Northern California climb, Mount Hamilton, is similar toPalomar Mountain but, fails to be a 1st Category climb because of two offending downhill section on the ascent and an overall gradient of 5%.For Coloradoans, you can thank the ski industry for creating long,but relatively gradual climbs that rarely exceed 5% for any substantial length(5+ miles). I never had to use anything bigger than a 42×23on any climb in Colorado, regardless of altitude. Gear ratios of39×24 or 26 are commonplace in the Alps and Pyrenees and give a very telling indication as to the difficulty of European climbs.
One potential 1st Category climb for Coloradoans may be the 4000 ft.climb in about 15 miles from Ouray to the top of Red Mountain Pass.Also, it should be noted that there is not a single uniform rating scheme for all the races on the UCI calendar. What one race might call a 1stCategory climb, may be called a 2nd Category climb, even though the stages of the two races are almost identical.
One last note. I think it is inappropriate to compare the ascents of climbs by the European pros with the efforts of us mere mortals.I have said this time and time again and I will repeat it now. It is very, very hard for the average person to comprehend just how fast the pros climb the big passes. Pace makes all the difference. Riding a climb is very different than racing it.
The most difficult sporting event in the world produces some interesting numbers ….
(does this guy have a mirror??)
Isn’t that reason enough? If nuns are keeping fit - pedaling for St. Peter - then why not you? I know that applies to me. One might conclude riding a bike is prayerful in its own right. Umm? Maybe my 4.5 hours on Sunday were closer to a religious experience than I originally thought, and the induced meditation was full of enlightenment. Please continue riding onward with thoughtful prayers my friends.
The Tour was lively today. The news is aplenty … Google it. The advertising on Versus is really BAD. The Lance/Trek ads suck (what’s the big idea??). So do the Saab ads. Millions of viewers would rather enjoy some background music and random cycling shots instead of the same ads over and over again. NO we will NOT consider buying a Saab NOR a Trek.
I spent 4.5 hours riding up/down the Foothills Parkway today. What’s up with Florida drivers???? More close calls than I care to discuss, but three of four were Florida drivers. Other than crazy Floridians it was actually fun to climb, climb and climb some more. (Yesterday I was there for 3 hours doing lots of the same: climbing in big gears making my legs scream, my jersey feel as if I jumped in a swimming pool and my water bottle say, “dang, you refilling again!”)
Today’s image was taken atop the Parkway — an 8,776 pixel width shot, but 1,550 for your viewing pleasure. Click to enlarge.
Oh. Viva Le Tour (the Italian Viva, not the French variety).
Imagine starting the race with a real stage - with a jersey as the prize? Tour organizers have changed the game and I believe it also created a visible difference in the race itself - and in the teams who were gunning to capture the jersey (even if for a day). Shorter stages and no time bonuses make a huge difference in the mental outlook for every team. Sure a stage will