Training crisis averted

As I breezed along Old Apex Road just north of High House Road this morning, the zip ties on my cadence counter failed and the cadence counter dropped into the road. Within 10 seconds I was off my bike and moving back toward the flat, half-dollar sized device. I needed four cars to pass before I could retrieve it. Three cars went beside or over the counter. The fourth car, with me about 15 feet away, crunched it. Shades of the Garmin 301. I affectionately picked up the pieces, completed my ride and went immediately to Performance. Not only did they have a counter, it was on sale. Not having the counter would put a major crimp in my workouts, as I use it to determine speed and distance on the trainer. I also use it as a reminder for what gear I'm in on the road.

Business casual rehearsal

I still have a lot left to learn about aero bars. My brother in law — props to him — and I went out this route so I could try 10 miles with the aero bars and skin suit. I also pulled off the seat bag and the bottle cages. My legs aren't shaved because over the 10 miles at Lowe's Motor Speedway the hair amounts to 2.4 seconds. If I come in behind somebody by 10 seconds or fewer once I've been to Lowe's, I shave. Also I don't have a time-trial helmet yet.

Anyway, the bike is harder for me to handle with the aero bars. I also came out of the aeros when I was going up hill or had a car tailing and not passing. I slowed myself several times by not shifting into a higher gear before I went back into the aeros. My posture was pretty crappy (evidence forthcoming) and the wind was not favorable. Bottom line: 27:41.1. I wouldn't have been last with that time at Lowe's but I know I can go faster than that — without aerobars. At least two more rehearsals are planned before April 30 and I hope at least one of them can be dress. The most significant variable is the bars so I'm convincing myself that speed is just a matter of settling in and learning how to use them.

Gearing up

I picked up and installed aero bars, Profile Design Airstrykes, today. The installation was cool because I got to use my torque wrench and buy some hex drivers for it. I also tweaked my seat height and position. The good news so far is that my hands don't fall asleep the way they do when I'm in the drops for prolonged periods. Nevertheless, using the bars will take some getting used to. Based on my trainer ride, I'm going to be slower before I'm faster. I also really notice when I'm not keeping my knees aligned. I also have no idea about my posture. For all I know I still look like Quasimodo. Anyway, it's pretty official now: I've spent too much money preparing to time trial not to do so. If I get anything else, it'll be shoe covers and perhaps a spare razor to shave my legs. The goal is still to not finish last in my age group. We'll see what happens. The next event is April 30.

Something cool

The title of this post is the subject line of the e-mail that provided this video below to me. I agree and, since it's cycling related, you get to see it here. I should do my homework to learn how I can contribute to help more. When I learn that I'll post here. Of course if you already know please give cycledork a spin. Thanks to the friend who sent the e-mail.

Just try to find a gig bag

There was a time in my life when I considered buying an aluminum-bodied guitar but this one is beyond my scale, even in the upper register. Imagine the time and cost of replacing the strings. I assume the lack of commentary on this clip is because the BBC was left speechless, much as I am.

Your mouse click here

Few people are more suspicious, and more suspicious of internet chain letters, than I am. Thus it is with some sheepishness that I present this link. Essentially, it asks that readers add their names to a petition to Google to add a "Bike There" feature to Google Maps, similar to that application's "Drive There" and "Take Public Transit" features. A modest request given the company's resources and the features already available. Maybe I let my guard down too easily but I was signer No. 30210.

Clarification

Though I do not plan to commute for the foreseeable future, that does not mean I won't be riding. I plan to be on the trainer and on the road at practically every opportunity while I deal with the current hiccup. Despite the loss of the commuting miles, with the trainer time increasing, I expect my overall mileage to go up.

Streak over

In the one year, 10 months and 19 days of cycle commuting, I missed riding twice. In fact, the last time I missed was Tropical Storm Alberto, which came 31 days after after my commuting started. But I failed to ride today and I will not ride again for the foreseeable future. Both bicycle and cyclist are fine; details later.