Happy Elves on Dec. 8, 2009

David and Rune are too busy to post pictures attesting to their dedicated cycling activities. So I'm posting some for them, and hopefully, they'll elaborate later. For example, I haven't even seen the pictures of David, but I'll assume he was the one who snapped the pictures.

I was in the pool at the time, and though it sounds worse to be swimming rather than biking, I knew I was warmer than the guys on Page Mill. There was slush on the pool deck, but the pool was the same temp as always. When I saw the pictures later that day, I knew I was right about being warmer.

D-Patmore

I was going to post something about cycling, but decided this was better...thoughts?

Roadie vs. fixie

See the roadie vs. fixie video Cathy kindly shared.

Livestrong Challenge

The Charity Part

Participated in the 100 mile bike ride last weekend. Didn’t turn out so well, though :-)

The event required that you do some fund raising, something I’ve intentionally done very little of before. It turned out to be quite rewarding though. Got in touch with lots of new and old friends and learned interesting stories about almost everyone.

My fund raising total [http://sanjose09.livestrong.org/srfljf] of $3600 was good enough to win Linda and I a trip to the charity banquet held Saturday night before the race. In fact, 52 of us invited to the dinner were responsible for 20% of the $1.3m raised by the event. There were about 200 people there. The dinner was held at the Dolce-Hayes mansion. It’s slightly larger than our places.

During and before the dinner they showed us video about the fear and stigma associated with the disease around the world as a death curse. The emcee told us her story, and the main speaker was Carly Fiorina. The other couple at our table asked if we knew she would be speaking by the groans of our reaction at the first line of her introduction. We had both worked at HP when she became CEO (head cheerleader, head global promoter was probably a better title). She is currently battling breast cancer. She told us that she has no fear of anything, except those things that are “profound”, like death of a child, close friend or loved one. She very clearly told us that she’s running for the US senate and is not afraid of doing so. Note, that according to the merky [sic] news article about the event [http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12823079] she hasn’t announced this publicly. I hope that Barbara, Boxer[s] her butt in that race.

The most inspirational speaker was the guy who raised the most money, Alex Arato. He lost his father to cancer when his dad was 43. He’s 46 himself and raised over $37k. He pointed out that when his dad was suffering there weren’t groups like the LAF that helped people “survive” with it. This struck an emotional note with Linda, who felt the same way.

The Crash

OK, about the ride. It was a group start and you can guess who gave the ‘inspirational’ send off speech. I didn’t hear more than 2 words of it. I was nervous about being in a huge pack. The SJ police escorted the pack at 20 mph for the first 10 miles, a blessing and a curse. We got to thumb our noses at the traffic signals, blow raspberries at the drivers at the intersections and smile and wave thanks to the cops, but meant that the pack didn’t really thin until the escort was over.

I started too far back to really take advantage of a 20 mph pull, but was able to get warmed up and work nicely through the pack with an easy spin. 35 mph on Hwy 9 through Los Gatos. When things did thin, took turns pulling and being pulled by folks I found myself near. There were some rather easy hills with nice houses southwest of Los Gatos. The devil himself, or a guy in a costume, cheered, cajoled and gave us high fives when we reached the highest peak before Metcalf Rd. After 29 miles took my first rest. Average speed up to that point of 19 mph. 8 miles later on Uvas Rd, disaster would hit.

The weather was perfect and I felt like I was doing great. Was drafting behind two course marshals one second, the next I’m staring at my head tube and nothing’s connected to it. The course marshals are staring down at me, my shoulder hurts and I realized I’m not going any further. Had absolutely no sense of anything going wrong before waking up with these guys standing over me. Before I got loaded in the ambulance, the marshals said we were going about 24 mph and that I didn’t hit them or anything else as far as they knew. Three guys in a straight line.

First time ever in an ambulance. My head and neck feel fine, only my shoulder hurts but I’m a trauma patient, because of going unconscious, so I argue with the EMT about having to wear a neck brace and getting laid out on a trauma board. EMTs are arguing over which hospital to take me to, “the one farthest north, please”, eventually San Jose Regional, and now they are asking how to get to 101 and I tell them to cut across on Bailey. It takes a good 30 minutes to get there. CT scans/X-rays of everything above the waist. “Wait, I need to comb my hair”. Good thing I’m done with children. First time I’ve broken a bone that I haven’t ignored like a toe or finger. Total damage was right clavicle broken near the sternum, left thumb (may have already been broken, but more severely re-injured ), 10 stitches in ear, glue but no stitches to scar above right eye, road rash on the back, smile missing from my face.

Two days later, the orthopedic guy had no good news for me. Wants to put my thumb in a cast for 6 weeks [Are you *kidding* me?]. May need surgery on the clavicle, but he’s out-of-town and unreachable until Friday, and no message with the assistants, on the other hand didn’t tell them to schedule surgery either so that could be good news.

Bicycle Forensics

Ok, fork failure, blowout or something in the spokes? One of the owners of the Bicycle Outfitter is in the fork camp. He’s “95% sure” if it wasn’t for the broken spoke. The spoke has a large dent so took a big impact from something. The spoke is ripped out at the hub and nearly ripped out of the rim. His initial thought is that something broke the spoke but there are a number of things that prevent him from concluding the spoke caused it.

When you sit on the bike the fork is pushed forward. An impact mark inside the top tube may indicate that the fork exited forward rather than backward as would happen if you hit something that stops the rotation of the tire. If you hit something or get something stuck in your spoke then it usually shows up as wheel marks on the underside of the frame or there are impact marks on the back side of the forks, but neither exists. Forks and frame are clean. The fork sleeve is torn like a tin can, not sure how to explain that other than impact.

But impact where? Scrapes on the shifters, crank and rear tire indicate the bike went down on the left side probably with my hand still on the hood, which is how my thumb was re-injured. I probably landed on my helmet and right shoulder. Still these minor scrapes are not at all indicative of a major impact. The biggest point of impact seems to be on the spoke!

Blowout? You’d think I’d remember hearing something or would have felt something go wrong. There’s some indication of wear on the sides of the tires but it looks more like something sharp cut the sidewall. 3 guys in a line, you think they might have seen or remembered something about it, but the marshals told me my fork failed and said nothing about a blowout, so can only think they didn’t hear anything. Other than the spoke, there’s no visible damage to the rim, it didn’t slide on the pavement. Still it remains a possibility. May find out more when I take the tire off. More photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/srfljf/AnatomyOfACrash?feat=directlink

The Bike

Need to replace fork, wheel, tires. Possibly shifters, handlebars and seat post. Can’t tell if cranks need to be replaced until bike is put back together and they can be spun. Not going to do that immediately. The fork is the standard one that American Bicycle Group puts on Merlins. Going to send them pictures of the damage and see what they say. Not interested in pursuing a law suit, just want to see if they can lend any insight or make a better product. Not planning on buying a new bike at the moment. Not sure what I’d buy. The Bicycle Outfitter guy is going to loan me a bike and a trainer for the time being! I might have some time for a little spinning.

Ride safely out there.

Last Place at Time Trial

Rune and I did our first time trial. He borrowed some Zipp wheels, one of which blew out with a loud bang as he waited to sign up for the TT. It was flat again at the end of the TT. Not exactly a positive experience that makes you want to buy those wheels.

Rune said he was the fastest guy on a Parlee. I got last. Don't worry, I didn't wear the three sizes too small Cornichon jersey. I didn't embarrass you all. I think it's the first time I've gotten last place. I'm still alive. I can still smile. Rune said, "Like brother, like sister." (At the Donner Lake Triathlon 2007, the male 30-34 results shows 38 participants, but my brother got 39th place in the swim.)

Want to try the TT? Be prepared to be intimidated by equipment and aero garb (space helmet, boot covers, one piece suits, seat about 1.5 feet higher than the aero bars, solid wheel). Info below and the results from the last one.

Free Wednesday night time trial on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 6:30 pm put on by Front of the Pack. Course is 10.4 miles long. Start/finish will be on Canada Rd. and Palm Circle Dr.

Sign up on the day of the event starting at 6 pm with the first rider going off at 6:30. Registration closes when the first rider starts.

Interval between riders will be 1 minute.

Other details:

* Road is open but there will be someone flagging the turnaround near Highway 92.
* Event is a for fun event, not USA cycling sanctioned.
* Please ride to the sign up/start point to avoid lots of cars on the course.
* Riders will begin from a standing start.
* Teams of riders will be allowed.
* If you miss your start time you will be added at the end.
* Everyone must sign a waiver or they will not be allowed to participate.

Those interested in trying out a set of Zipp wheels for the TT can use them at no cost. We will have them at the start of the TT and we will hold your driver's license and a credit card while you are using them..

Dates:

* June 24
* July 8
* July 22
* August 12
* August 26
* September 9

What? Can't read that? Here, but it's not formatted ...

Place Name Actual time Helmet Bike Wheels Seat Angle

1 Paul Thomas 23:15:00 non-aero Kuota Kueen K Zipp 808f / Zipp 1080r steep

2 Justin Lucke 23:47:00 Rudy Project Syton Element 6 Hed 3f/Disc r steep

3 Kalen Gruber 24:56:00 non-aero Specialized Transition AC CR 420f / Zipp 404 r steep

4 * Anny Henry 25:46:00 Giro Advantage Tiemeyer Zipp 808f / Zipp disc rear steep

5 Twain Mein 26:35:00 Rudy Project Syton Scott Plasma Hed C2 set steep

6 Alex Hsing 26:38:00 Giro Advantage Cervelo P3C non-aero steep

7 John Villavicencio 26:41:00 non-aero Cannondale Slice non-aero steep

8 Chris Yu 26:45:00 non-aero Cervelo P3C non-aero steep

9 Ray Gildea 26:50:00 Louis Garneau aero Specialized Transition Hed 3f / Disc r steep

10 Rune Dahl 27:24:00 non-aero Parlee road Zipp 404f / Zipp 808 r slack

11 * Lisa Hern 27:26:00 Giro Advantage Cannondale Slice Hed 3 f/Disc rear steep

12 Craig Menden 28:07:00 Giro Advantage Cervelo P2C Zipp 808 set steep

13 Peter Delahunt 28:09:00 non-aero Felt road non-aero slack

14 Doug Madgic 28:26:00 non-aero Felt road Zipp 303f / Zipp 404r slack

15 Matt Masucci 28:29:00 non-aero Quintana Roo Hed Jet set steep

16 * Tana Jackson 29:06:00 non-aero Seven road non-aero slack

17 Stuart Johnson 29:06:00 non-aero Cervelo P2C non-aero steep

18 Phil Yurikonis 29:12:00 non-aero Trek road non-aero slack

19 Kevin Lee 29:52:00 non-aero Parlee road non-aero slack

20 Darby Brennan 30:09:00 non-aero Cervelo P3C non-aero steep

21 Brian Claes 30:39:00 non-aero Felt B2 Hed 3 set steep

22 Kwan Low 31:36:00 Rudy Project aero Hotta Spinergy RevX steep

23 * Sharlene Gee 31:50:00 non-aero Trek road non-aero slack

Going down Page Mill ...

... as experienced from a helmet-mounted camera. This is Rachel Goldeen riding her mountain bike (whose name is Pwwka) down P.M. on June 21.

I thought you might enjoy it since Cornichons seem to have quite a lot of history with Page Mill (deer, blowouts, etc.), and a few of you are no longer able to experience P.M. on a regular basis.

I suspect you'll be most interested in the beginning and end and not the entire video. (Imagine how much longer it'd be if it were the uphill ride, though.) In the beginning section, look for Rachel's shadow with the helmet attached. And towards the end, look for a passing cyclist passing and waving, and look at Rachel checking out the camera.

Watch the exciting video

2009 Giro di Peninsula...

I rode the Giro di Peninsula this year - minus David and the layer of wildfire smoke that was present over the Bay Area at last years' edition. Interesting ride...there seemed to be very few 100 milers. The route left from the San Mateo County Event Center (I departed around 6:20AM) and traveled up Edgewood Road to Canada Road and on to the first climb of the day: Kings Mountain Road. Not a bad climb, but the temperature was quite warm for early morning (close to 70°F). Upon reaching Skyline, the ride headed south to Hwy. 84 and on out to San Gregorio. I was passed by three riders (two guys, then one other a few minutes later) on Skyline and saw absolutely ZERO riders from Skylonda to San Gregorio. At San Gregorio there were 7-8 of us at the stop (BTW, the weather at the coast was spectacular).

Upon departing San Gregorio, I was caught by a 60 year-old guy named Steve (an engineer who rode out from Cupertino). I chased Steve to Tunitas Creek, where he slowed near the Bike Hut and asked if I'd like to chat/ride up Tunitas together - I agreed. Interestingly, Steve and I struck up a cordial conversation until he asked me my weight, then proceeded to calculate and inform me that I should weigh 154lbs. (two years ago when I did the Sierra Century and ran two 3:40 marathons in a span of 3 months...I weighed 181 lbs.) He continued to lecture me on being physically active and how he was in phenomenal shape at his age (no argument from me, but I wondered how often he annoyed fellow riders with his weight/age speech.)

At any rate, I slowly let up on my pedaling about 2/3 the way up Tunitas and told Steve he was my hero and he'd better go on without my fat ass holding him back (alright, I didn't mention the "fat ass" part, but something a bit kinder.) I do admit, I'm fatter than I need to be, but I have not weighed 154 lbs. since I graduated high school in 1983 at age 17 - a trim 155 lbs.

The ride continued back down Kings Mountain...going well, but really warming up, especially across Elena Road in Los Altos Hills (uggh, I was not enjoying the ride at all - now 90°F). After the rest stop in Los Altos, the ride rolled north on Foothill Expressway to Sand Hill/Portola Valley Road and stopped again at the fire station. For the first time in my riding "career", I momentarily contemplated ditching my helmet so that I could drench my head in cold water at will, but common sense directed me to place it firmly back on my head and ride on.

The last 25 miles were uneventful and not at all pleasant. It was hot, there were tons of shorter distance cyclists struggling along the route and lots of cars at the Woodside Road (I almost got hit by a car turning into a gas station) junction and a huge back-up at Hwy. 92 headed toward Half Moon Bay. I was glad to finish the ride in about 8 hours including rest stops. The food was ok...almost too hot to eat.

Possibly the finest moment of the day came when I sat down to have a bite to eat at the end of the ride and found myself listening to a horrible cover band with perhaps the worst female singer I have ever heard. Her unpleasant warbling quickly forced me back on my bike pedaling toward the parking lot in search of my car.

Levi Leipheimer's King Ridge Gran Fondo

I'm signed up. It should be a great ride. http://www.levisgranfondo.com/

Back in the Saddle

I've been cleared to ride for about 3 weeks now. I was nervous going in for the X-Ray, but it turns out that my bone healed up fine. The little twinges were just damaged tissue trying to find its way back together.

Even though the spinning class was useful -- I really think it made a difference in my riding -- I have not been back. Who wants to drive 30 minutes so they can ride a stationary bike? Then another 30 minutes to get home. I just can't get too excited about it.

So this Sunday, Steve, Patrick and I rode the Metric Century version of the Sequoia. Up Redwood Gulch/Hwy 9 to Skyline, over and down Alpine, San Gregorio, Tunitas, and back to the VA. It was fun, and a bit chilly.

Going up Tunitas, my shoulder hurt a bit, from putting lots of weight on it for a long time. Coming down King's, I found myself suffering from PTSD, ask I kept envisioning myself flying over the handlebars. _Hopefully_ I'll get over that -- it was not nice.

We finished the loop in about 5 hours ride-time, plus 1/2 hour dining time. Steve and Patrick were both a bit faster, and waited for me at the tops of things.

I leave you with this deep question: Why do they ALWAYS serve Lime Gatorade instead of Fruit Punch flavor?

Fall Pickle Festival!

Okay, so there's no fall pickle festival, but I've come across two rides I'd like to do in October (yeah, I know it's way too early to think about October).

October 3rd:

http://www.levisgranfondo.com/

Check out the GranFondo route - 105 miles.

October 4th:

http://www.savemountdiablo.org/Bike%20Challenge/MountDiabloChallengeHome.htm

The website has not been updated yet, but it is October 4, 2009. Not sure if I'd have the legs to do both, but might be worth a try?

Thoughts?

Report from the Diablo Century...

Fellow Pickles,

While David was busy trying to kill himself, I was riding the Diablo Century. It was fairly uneventful, so I'll try to be brief (or not). The route started at the Walnut Creek JCC (Jewish Community Center) through Clayton (small town on the northern flank of Mt. Diablo) out Morgan Territory Road (very nice remote climb through wooded forest) to Livermore. Lunch stop in Sunol, onward through the 580 corridor to Castro Valley (Yuck!) and back up into the East Bay Regional Park system. Finally through the towns of Moraga, Orinda, Lafayette and returning to the JCC. In all, about 6,000 feet of climbing (nothing too difficult) and mostly pleasant terrain (except for some fairly grim scenery in Castro Valley). The best part of the ride was discovering some really beautiful terrain that I did not know existed. The downside was definitely the horrendous selection of food - both during the ride and post ride. Lunch in Sunol consisted of sun-baked lunch meats and pretzels...gag! Upon my return to the JCC, they quickly and generously offered up the "post-ride BBQ" inside the cafeteria. To my dissapointment, it was some gross looking pre-packaged hamburger patties (no cheese - remember JCC? Jewish dietary laws, Kashrut (Kosher) prohibit the mixing of meat and dairy) and soggy veggie burgers. At least they had piles of salty potato chips - oh, how I love salty potato chips! The nice organizer lady at the door asked me how the ride went (it was version 1.0 of the Diablo Century) and I kindly commented that I enjoyed the ride and appreciated their efforts, but the food sucked. At least I had several baggies of Perpetuem to sustain me for the long ride. In closing, I officially dedicate my day of pedaling to our injured comrade and fellow Cornichon, David. Heal fast and get a new helmet - not baby blue! Patrick

White Tires Can Kill

So I've been wanting to upgrade to white Conti 4000 tires for a while, but they didn't make 'em. I've got white bar tape these days. When I had to get a new saddle, I looked longingly at the white racing saddles at PA Bikes, but if you have to ask how much...

Anyway, the day after I bought a black saddle, I went online and discovered that you now can get white Conti tires. Yay! Now I just need a set of white padded shorts -- you can visualize on your own time.

Put two of the three new tires on yesterday, as part of an overall bike wash. Very slick look. Here's how white tires look after they get their first 40 miles:

Anyhow, today Steve and I went round the West Alpine loop. 28 minutes up OLH, which is a minute better than last time. The new tires rock. Current theory? Heat reflecting from the tires provides extra lift off the pavement. Hard to justify this theory, due to the cold day, but perhaps the effect will be more noticable when it gets hotter. Strangely, going downhill, they are a little slower. Coming down 84 where I can get up to 40, I only hit 35.

Another discovery is that Hammer Gel Tropical Flavor with 25mg Caffiene is pretty damn good, and it'll get you up Alpine road like you have rockets strapped to your saddle. Highly recommended (relished?) by this pickle. Plus, its almost like being in Hawaii.

Coming down Page Mill, on Kirkman Hill, I had a surpise when the air explosively left my front tire, and I was smacked against the asphalt at 25 miles per hour. The penalty seems to be one scuffed front tire, one scuffed bike, and a achey cyclist sitting at home with an iced ass and shoulder. If the shoulder is still very sore tomorrow, then it's off for X-Rays. Zap!

Oh, and a smashed helmet. I guess if there's something that you can be glad to see smashed, its a helmet. The darned thing absorbed a lot of energy, and I can still count and recognize food. Pass me another hat -- I'm still hungry.

Here's hoping that the damage is superficial. TUC is in two weekends and I'm hoping this is not my year of great excuses for missing long rides.

Thanks to Steve for circling back to check my vital signs, and to Julia for picking me up and all that ice, too.

Dr. Pickle

ps. The Death Ride water bottle on Kirkman Hill is mine, if you see it.

UPDATE: A broken clavicle (something hard in the shoulder area) will keep me off my arm for about 4 weeks. Spinning class here I come!

He Who Stands Longest, Stands Best

Hmm, it's been a while since a posting, not due to lack of thoughts while cycling. Here's a specific recount, and maybe another entry is due with a general catch-up.

Last weekend was the Tierra Bella 2009. Steve Folkman, Rick, Rune and I were signed up for the 100 miler.

The Tierra Bella starts out of Gilroy, and goes all around the east and west sides of the valley down there. Avid readers will recall that Rune and I rode it two years ago in a rainstorm. This year, there's a new route, which substitues E. Dunne (to Henry Cow park) for Metcalf road, plus the route is clockwise, instead of counter-clockwise.

The weather was fantastic. There'd been a windstorm a few days before, but during the ride, there was but a gentle breeze, a cool morning, getting pretty warm (hot) by mid-day.

Due to a sad decline in his cat's health, Rick wasn't able to join us at all.

I arranged to pick up Steve and Rune early on the morning of the ride. While loading my bike, I noticed that the saddle was wobbly. I looked at it and decided that the metal rod had come loose from the rear on one side. It looked undesirable, but rideable.

Picked up S&R and we drove down to Gilroy. Took 101, which is apparently 5 minutes slower than 85 from Rune's house. No donuts or coffee.

We started out very smoothly. In fact, we set a very good early pace -- about 22mph, up and around Uvas resevoir and so on. It's fun, because at the beginning, everyone is checking each other out, and searching for just the right paceline to join.

At about 10 or 15 miles in, we stopped at a break area for a pee. I noticed that my saddle had gone from "wobbly" to "broken rail on one side." The rail had snapped at the attachment point to the seatpost. It all seemed to be holding together, so I figured I'd ride as far as I could.

On the next stretch, we were overtaken by a bigger, uber-peloton. We were all together, but spread out. I couldn't see much because of sweat on my eyeglasses. At the next break area, R&S stayed with the peloton, and I stopped, not able to see them or anything else.

Back on the road. shifting my butt a bit to favor the unbroken rail. Another 20 miles, across the valley to the East side. Rest area; back on the road...

Suddenly, a ping as the broken rail falls out of the saddle and goes away. Then the rear of the saddle drops down as the second rail breaks off.

Now, I'm riding along with the floppy padded seat hanging onto the post. Mostly standing up, with little sits now and again. Then ping! and the pad falls off with the other broken rail. I pick up the parts and head on.

It's pretty obvious that I'm not going to ride up E. Dunne at this point. I'm considering doing the other big hill climb, which is a loop around Gilroy Hot Springs. Skipping the hills, it's about 25 miles back to home base.

I could have called for SAG, but I felt that, since I'd started the ride knowing that I had a problem, it was my responsiblity to get back, as long as I was able to do so. In the end, I decided to skip any extra hill climbing, and followed the route back to Gavilan college.

Standing up wasn't too bad, but it got old after a while. I had to go about 25 miles, I think. It's kind of funny, because on Tuesday, riding with Rune up Page Mill, I found standing up much easier.

I ended up hanging around the college from 11 to about 3pm; it was an awesome day, and I had a nice nap, laying in the shade. Plenty of Lasagna and ice cream too. Rune showed up early, because he'd gotten bad directions from one of the support people, and ended up missing the Hot Springs loop.

Looking over the day, Rune remarked that Rick rode 0%, I rode 50%, he rode 75%, and only Steve got the whole 100% ride. Even though I missed out on some great riding, I had a great time, and plan to try again next year.

On Monday, I took the saddle in to PA Bikes. I bought a new Terry, similar to my old one, but with Ti (Titanium?) rails. My buddy Adam called Terry to see if they'd give me any warranty credit, but their best offer was to redo the tubes for $25. Since the seat was pretty worn anyway (I was getting ready to replace it), I decided to pass.

Next long ride? TUC!