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.