Monday, March 12, 2007

Hard Weekend

This past week (Monday through Friday) of rest was really nice with some hockey and easier riding thrown in. The rest was definitely needed after 2+ of my longest weeks of the year. By friday, I had only put in about 6-7 hours.

On Saturday we had plans to head up to my in-laws, but Jen let me sneak out in the morning for a ride. It was only about 2 hours, but 1 of the hours was as hard as I could go... 100% on the climbs and then what ever I could take on everything else. OUCH! I have never been and never will be very disciplined about doing intervals out on the road, so when I need intensity, I just go out alone and race myself....I usually win.


Sunday, Fisher, Sam and I headed out on a longer ride in HOPE of getting some more base miles in. I rode my mountain bike with slicks, so Fisher was on his road bike. I didn't check the forecast and that is probably a good thing because we were doing an out-and-back with the first 2+ hours into a 20mph headwind. With wind like that, keeping the HR and intensity low is almost impossible. Sam turned around after about 1 hour because he had to be somewhere....Chris and I pulled each other to Northfield where the flags were pointed up (you know when a flag is straight, it is windy, but when it points up, you are screwed). Needless to say, Fisher and I were cooked, and we cruised home at a more comfortable pace....in talking on the way home, I said, "Many I was going like 90% on every pull and 100% on the climbs." Chris said he felt the same...sweet??


In other news:
I parted ways with one of my mountain bikes (the fuel ex that I bought last fall), as I came to the realization that 5 mountain bikes and no road bikes just doesn't make sense.

Soooooo, I don't want to upset anyone, but I may be purchasing a road bike soon...that is right R-O-A-D. Since selling my road bike last year, I have missed having one. They are fun, fast, and mountain bikes on the road aren't all that comfortable for more than 3 hours.

Now should I get this?

Or this? (OK so it's a 'cross bike, but close enough)

6 comments:

Eric O. said...

Since when do you two go easy.Base miles are UNDER your threshold.I've heard of pros not going above 140 for their base miles.If you can't talk, your going too hard.I hear that from alot of people. Anyhew, get the cross bike.It would fit your style more.You could use it for oxbow or even do a cross race or two post season.If you have alot of dirt roads around it would be fun on those too.

Brendan said...

Awe come on, we go easy sometimes..like on the way back. I blame Chris..and the wind =)

I am really debating on the bikes still...no clear solution. I loved that fuel ex and will miss it, but there is only so much room in my basement!

MBCSugar said...

My suggestion would be the Madone, but you don't necessarily NEED the SSL (the SL would work just fine)... A 'cross bike is nice to have, but unless you really plan on "'crossin' it up", I would go Madone...

One Roadie to a MTB'er...
MC

Anonymous said...

get the road bike if your going to ride on the road. It will be lot more comfortable.

Charly Tri said...

You know how I roll. If you are going to only have one I say go cross bike. I did it the last 2 years and still managed to race it on the road without embarrassing myself (and you would love taking it out on the gravel rides). On that note, my new Madone kicks some serious ass.

Anonymous said...

get em both. You can't have too many bikes.