Rocket Ride

Since I've been starting to ride regularly again lately with intentions of getting fit for racing next year after what amounts to nearly a 1.5 year hiatus from race level efforts, I though it would be a good idea to mix in some intensity hop in the Rocket Ride that leaves at 9 am, a couple of minutes from the house every saturday. The ride is lead by Herriott Sports employees(www.herriottsportsperformance.com) Todd Herriott (former Colovita team member), David Richter (formerly of numerous U.S. pro teams), and David Fleischhauer (has raced in 'Cross world championships). Tom Peterson of the Garmin cycling team has been known to drop in as well. Other members include a mix of Cat 1 & 2 riders from the area. Today the ride was "rocketless" since TH and Ricter were in Tucson.

I'm rather out of shape and rather lard-ass-like as far as cycling goes, weighing in at 193 the other morning (WTF!!!); typically weigh 183 this time of year. Obviously have some work to do. Anyway, ride rolls out cassually down the Sammamish Trail and we hang a right up Norway Hill (http://www.bicycleclimbs.com/climbdetail.aspx?ClimbId=37). I hang on untill DF jumps gets out of the saddle and accellerates up the hill. I'm DROPPED. I know I'd get dropped, but thought I'd hang on for the first hill at least. Ooof. Heart rate is a steady 192. I chase over the top, down the hill, and finally latch on as we circle back to the trail. Told DF I was impressed w/ his climbing for a big guy (6'2, 194 lbs and lighting up the climbs). WOW!

We ride a firm, steady pace through the Alcohol District (Woodiville wineries) and to Hollywood Hill, a 10-minute climb (http://www.bicycleclimbs.com/climbdetail.aspx?ClimbId=46). Same story. DF attacks, I'm sh*t out the back and settle into my own pain cave and meet them at the top, I'm ok with that. The're all eating and take a piss. Some fun steady firm riding rolls us around though back roads to Woodinville-Duvall Rd. We opt for Old W-D rd, and there is a little 4% incline. I pop. If this is the Rocket Ride, I'm the Challenger Space Shuttle. They're off, to be seen next week. Knew this would happen, and figured I'd just ride my own pace home after that happened. So I did.

A few minutes later I noticed that I had about 1/2 bottle of H20 remaining. Not enough. Quick thinking and I thought I'd try calling Robert, who lives out there, and ask him to meet me at the intersection of his driveway and High Bridge road in 15 minutes with a bottle of H20. BOOYAH! He's home and delivering. We meet, I refill, and here comes the Grupetto rolling through (Ti Cycles team).

I thank Robert and tell him "There's a wheel to get me home!".

He askes "Do you know them?".

"No, but I will!!!" :)

I latch on and ride a comfy pace back to Woodinville, where I spot the Rocket Ride rolling through!!! I jump up to them and pull up with a big "WAAAAZZZUUUPPP!!!". Rolles with them for a few more miles before turning off and finishing the day with the gentle 3/4 mile, 10% Simonds Road. Home I am, demolished. Ride stats: 3 hrs, 51 miles, 2900 ft elevation gain, 55 minutes zone 4, 25 minutes zone 5. I got my intensity. Should be good for the system before a non-bike week in Idaho.

15 Weeks and Counting

Nearly 5 weeks since the last post. I guess that reflects on the amount of idle free time I haven't. Keep intending on writing something up about our week in the Puerto Vallerta, Mex area, but haven't. I haven't published a trip report from the Ptarmigan Traverse yet, and that was August.

This week was interesting at work, with buckets or rain causing the rivers to flood, but nothing major. Then plenty of interesting discussions about instream flow management at the Baker Project and fish screening at Electron.

Now for the important stuff:

Trina is 25 weeks along now (that's 15 fridays she points out) and regularly feels the baby doing calisthenics, flips, and judo kicks. It wasn't too long ago that she was wishing that she could just feel it kick. Now she notes when it is inactive. She's also started doing the standard pregnant pose of 'hand on belly' and lots of belly rubbing. She no longer can zip her jackets and took particular note of some pants that helped support her belly. :) We also had the 'big ultrasound' a couple of weeks ago; we did not find out the sex and the dvd that the nurse made came out empty. So I guess we'll have to wait until March to see any more. Potential names: Akbar and Aquinetta. Ha Ha.

Starting to prep for next year's racing season. During the week: strenth training in the gym twice, two runs, and perhaps a bike commute day. Weekends: two short rides (1.5 hours). All just to balance out the body and get the legs ready for regular training on the bike, come January.