Tour de Cure 2015: Ship to Shore, Long Beach CA April 26, 2015

Note: Picture links at bottom of post.

The alarm went off at 5:30AM as planned.   I didn’t get as much sleep as I had hoped because I was in San Diego for a one-day Microsoft Azure event the day before, but hey isn’t that what coffee is for?    I grabbed a cup of coffee and a bit of breakfast before loading up the bike and heading down to the Queen Mary.   Jen was scheduled to work one of the rest stops along the way and didn’t need to be there until 8:30.   Turns out it was a good thing she didn’t need to be there early…

As soon as I got there I realized something was wrong.   I hadn’t even unloaded my bike when I realized I forgot my cycling shoes!  I have only had them for a few weeks and I guess I’m not yet in the habit of grabbing them.    My ride wasn’t leaving until 8:30 and fortunately we live close to the Queen Mary so Jen was able to bring them to me there before going to her assigned spot.   For those who don’t know, cycling shoes ‘clip’ into specialized pedals so you can gain power by pulling as well as pushing the pedals.   To ride with sneakers would have nearly impossible because the top of these type of pedals are smooth – with nothing to grip they would slide right off.

Now that I was properly dressed I headed off to the staging area.    I found my teammates, signed in and got (another) cup of coffee as I waited for our launch.  Hiro and Jackie went on the 61 mile ride and launched at 7:45.    Erni (Hiro's wife) and Deb went on the 11 mile ride which left at the same time as the 33 mile ride Alex (our club leader) and I went on.  Sue was signed up for the 33 mile ride, not sure if she changed her mind and did the 11 mile instead.   She was worried about doing all the hills...

We launched about 8:40 and were in a loose pack as we traversed downtown Long Beach.   The previous weekend was the Long Beach Grand Prix and many of the barriers and grandstands were still in place.  Our cycling traffic was certainly moving slower today than the Indy Cars were moving last weekend. :)  About a mile into the ride we rode over their finish line and I exclaimed “Finish line – we’re done!” which got quite a few laughs from my fellow riders.

A short time later we turned west and were looking straight at the Gerald Desmond bridge.   If you’re reading this you probably know I have a fear of heights, and this was the part I was dreading – not only this bridge but the Vincent Thomas Bridge in the distance.  This one was a shorter span but had a higher angle while the latter is much longer but not as steep.     With friends next to me and Earth, Wind and Fire playing from my old HTC 8X cell phone I tacked the first bridge with no problem.   Well, OK it was difficult... but I was up for it.   We waited at the top for the rest of our riders, I snapped off a picture before we pressed on.    Near the bottom of the bridge one of the riders had crashed; I didn't see it but the back of his helmet was badly damaged yet he was sitting up as he was being attended to by volunteers.  I made sure my downhill descents were a bit slower after that.   That was the only issue I have heard about during the ride.

Two miles later came the Vincent Thomas Bridge which was much harder, but again we all made it to the top.   After we all took a few pictures we started down the backside of the bride heading for the rest stop at Ports O’ Call.

Well, not all of us… As soon as my foot pressed the right pedal I got a cramp in my calf.   The worst cramp I have ever had!

I have a high pain threshold; I broke my thumb playing hockey two months ago, and didn’t miss a shift (including the one where I actually broke the thumb) much less a game because of it, but this was nasty.  One of the other riders who may have had some medical training (I heard someone call him Doctor something or other) came over and gave me some tips as I stretched it, and I stayed behind about 5 more minutes before I resumed riding and it felt OK but not quite right.  A few minutes later I saw Alex on the side of the road with his bike upside down with a flat tire.   I stopped and stayed with him as he quickly repaired it.    Then we moved on, uneventfully, to the rest stop.


DECISION TIME:   Do I turn back?

This was where the 11 mile ride ended.   Those folks were having their bikes loaded into trucks and the riders took a harbor cruise back to Long Beach where they were to be reunited.   The rest of our teammates were nowhere to be found so we assumed they all went back (we never did catch up to Sue so we assumed she went back too).  Alex did a little maintenance on his bike while I refilled my Gatorade bottle and grabbed a banana and some strawberries.  

My calf was still tight, but not bad.   If I continued the ride there was no turning back, I’d miss the boat and would still have to ride all the way back to the Queen Mary.   I actually thought about turning back.  But then I thought of all the people who contributed to the cause on my behalf, and the 29 million Americans who have Diabetes.  As I took out my cell phone to text Jen that we had cleared the bridges I found a card I placed in my bag a few days earlier... one of my supporters left me a card of encouragement a few days earlier and I wanted to have it with me to keep me going.   How could I face her and my other supporters at work tomorrow and say, “Yeah, well, you know I got a cramp and it really hurt so I only completed 1/3 of my ride?”   I was still reading the card when Alex came up to me and said “Ready to go?”    Yes, I was.  :)

I had a running joke with Alex about the possibility of using his name in vain during the ride for convincing me to go this far.   It IS a joke (you knew that, right Alex?).   Originally he approached me about six months ago and asked if I would support him in the ride.   I told him I wasn't going to just support him – I was going to ride with him!    I knew the hard part of the ride wasn’t the bridges we just cleared, it was the hills in Palos Verdes.  I rode through part of PV last Saturday in a tour-sponsored training event, but what we rode then was the back-side of the route – which only the 100 and 61 mile riders rode.   The next 9 miles had us ascend 1840 feet according to my cyclometer.   This was even harder than dealing with my fear of heights going over the bridges!   I had been told that one spot in particular was especially tough, and that most riders end up walking their bikes up it.   It was about a 10% grade, and just when you thought you had completed it the road turned to the left and you saw that you were only half-way there.   Alex made it all the way, but I only made it about half way of each section.    If I hadn't done those darn bridges I might have made it!   I wasn’t alone, some riders walked the entire way.    Shortly afterwards we were on level ground and overlooking Long Beach - we could see the Queen Mary in the distance and it seemed so far away.    Then finally we started to reap the rewards of our hard work as most of the rest of the way to Rest Stop 2 was downhill.

And for the record: I never did anyone's name in vain during the entire ride. :)

More fruit, top-off the Gatorade bottle again, drink a little water...    Let me tell you, the ride coordinators really did a FANTASTIC job at the rest areas, they really took care of the riders!    The wind was starting to pick up but it was still nice and cool as we resumed.  Just 13 miles separated us from the finish line.   I was told later there was supposed to be one more rest area between where we where and the finish line, but they closed up early and I never knew where they were.

THE FINAL STRETCH: Downhill at its finest.

For the next 4 miles or so we were riding mostly downhill, but after the accident I saw earlier I was riding the brakes pretty hard and Alex got ahead of me.  He stopped a few times to let me catch up but eventually we were separated.   I didn’t mind, he is a much more accomplished rider and part of his reason for sacrificing part of his ride to ride with me; I was thankful that he stayed with me during the rough parts of the ride and was OK with him kicking it into gear during the final stretch.    We were on flat ground for several miles as we rode through the port again, and my legs were starting to recover and I was surprised to see that without even trying I was picking up speed again.   I was so in the zone that I didn't even notice my music had stopped playing!    There were a few tall overpasses to clear, but much easier than the two monster bridges we traversed before.  Soon we turned right and were headed into downtown Long Beach.   A couple quick turns later I was on a bike path and I was treated to the sight of the nearby Queen Mary!    One more overpass to climb, and like a rookie I started out way too fast and used more energy than I should have.   My thighs were burning as I neared the crest, but I was able to persevere and soon I was coasting down to the bottom.   About 500 yards later I was cheered on as I crossed the finish line.

The final stats: according to my cyclometer:
Distance: 33.3 miles in 2:52 (moving time)  for just over an 11mph pace
Including rest stops and repair time the time was 4:01 or just over 8mph

Overall I am happy with my performance.   I overcame my fear of heights, and given the amount of climbing we did I’m happy with the pace.   I really didn’t train on hills very much, which is something I will be working on more in preparation for next years’ ride.

And for next year, I have an idea on how to do better at fundraising.   Not ready to announce it yet but instead of just asking people to donate as I did this year, my plan is to provide them with something in return as well as my gratitude.   Stay tuned…

THANK YOU AGAIN TO ALL OF MY SUPPORTERS!  To those of you who supported me financially as well as in spirit - please know that I couldn’t have done this without you!!!   

Pictures

My buddy Alex and I before the ride
My friends and teammates Hiro and Erni before the ride
At the starting line
Looking back over the Vincent Thomas Bridge
Looking over Long Beach from atop the Gerald Desmond bridge
Overlooking Pacific Ocean in Palos Verdes

Jen and her team at mile 62 rest stop

Jen and I after the ride

Getting ready for the 'big ride'...

One week to go until the ‘big ride’, the Long Beach Tour de Cure to benefit the American Diabetes Association.    For more information about my participation please visit: http://main.diabetes.org/goto/lousyracuse

It felt strange to be getting ready for a ride on Saturday alone, my wife Jen has been riding on Saturdays with me but isn’t riding in this event.  She is still fairly new to cycling but catching on fast.   Next year we’ll find an event to ride together.

Instead of the usual Saturday right down to Seal Beach and beyond, two others riders from my Saturday ride and I went on a training ride on Saturday, starting in Torrance and winding through the streets of Palos Verdes.   Or should say ‘hills’ of Palos Verdes!   Our Saturday ride is mostly flat with a couple of inclines on the way to Warner/PCH, but this was different.  This ride is a monthly training ride on the streets where will be riding in the Tour.   VERY scenic, overlooking the ocean and passing by multi-million dollar houses.  Jackie and Hiro took off first on the longest ride, while I went out with the second group.   Although a bit more challenging our group did just over 22 miles.    It is always hard to judge how far to go out because when you get to the turn-around point you still have to get back, in retrospect I should have voted to go on a bit further but I took the side of caution as this was new terrain for me.
I didn’t realize that most of the way back was downhill.   I’m hoping that is the direction we go on Sunday, after climbing the bridges to get there the streets of Palos Verdes will be a bit tougher than they were on Saturday.    No matter, I plan to conquer them in either direction.  :)

Cycling with the Microsoft Band

Those who know me well know that I am big on Microsoft products, so it should come as no surprise that when the Band was released late last year I was one of the first ones to acquire one.   Being my first smart watch/fitness tracker I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it has been a good experience.  Although not being a runner it was more of a smartwatch to me, mostly allowing me to preview/read text messages and email.  Until last week that is, when Microsoft surprised me with a band update that included a cycling tracker!

I’ve been riding off and on for about 2 years, about 8 months ago I got serious about it when I joined a cycling club that rides on weekends.    I have a cyclometer that does a good job tracking time and distance, but I hadn’t sprung for the heart monitor.    How I have all three in once device on my wrist!

So how did it go?    A little rough at first…

As we were getting ready to depart I started the new Cycling app on the band.   It said “Start a new ride.  Press action button to begin and go.”    So I hit the button and saw the display say “Searching for GPS…”.   I figured it would find the GPS in a few seconds and all would be well, after all it said press the button and go…

That was my second mistake.    9 miles later during a break at the Seal Beach Pier I looked at the display expecting to see some cool telemetry data, instead I was shocked to see the message “Press action button and go.”   Huh????     I already did that!!

Attn Microsoft: you need to change those messages.     I take some blame for not testing it out first, but when it says “Press action button and go.” I should have to wait for something to happen before pressing the button a second time.  

Ok, nothing lost – I have the telemetry data on my Cateye Stealth 50 cyclometer.   Chalk it up to experience, and track the rest of the ride on the Band.   As we departed for our Warner Ave I hit the action button and saw a time that starting counting so I knew I was in business.   I could feel an occasional buzz on my wrist, and assumed it was mile markers.  I would have looked but I was a bit busy.  LOL    I left it running during our break at Warner, and again at the Coyote Crossing Bridge.  Then we got back to the shop... and the display was dark.   GRRR!

My first mistake was I didn’t have it fully charged.   I thought I had it at about 70% (I use it track my sleep as well so it wasn't fully charged), I should have but it on the charger before I left but it ran out before the ride finished.   I think the display was on while time during the first 9 miles, which likely drained the battery.

My review, part deux: Success

I don’t usually ride both Saturday and Sunday, but my wife gave me the Sunday off so I thought I’d try it again the next day.    This time I had a full charge and knew what to do, and it worked PERFECTLY!    I rode the same 26 mile route in 1:46 (my best recorded time), and the results were very close to what my GPS-based cyclometer said (about .1 mile difference, although with some of the ride being on trails and not roads I think that would be considered acceptable).    It was about 2 hours later that I thought to take note of the battery level, and it was still at 60%.

I had my cell phone (Lumia Icon) in the transit bag under my seat, I don’t know if it syncs periodically or not as I was a bit busy riding; I’ve been told the Band has very little on-board memory though.   The report from the phone was cool, showing where I rode faster and slower, what my speed and heartrate was at each split (mile).   Cool stuff!

All in all I’m quite pleased with the new addition to my Microsoft Band, although a few little UI changes would help the first-time cycling user.

The Microsoft Band has been available the last few days on the microsoftstore.com website, and there are rumors that it may be available at selected Best Buy locations.   It can sync with IOS and Android devices as well as Windows Phones.

I’ve been tempted to try wearing my Band while playing hockey to see how it does; I know that Windows blogger Paul Thurrott has worn his while playing basketball.    However I sweat a lot under those big leather gloves, and have taken more than a few slashes on my wrists over the years so I’m thinking that might not be a good idea.  :)

On a final note:  I have a BIG ride coming up next month, my first cycling event.   You can read all about it here: http://main.diabetes.org/goto/lousyracuse

 

 

 

It was so much fun, I did it again!

It was a bit chilly this morning.  Since I didn't go to any parties last night and therefore didn't have anything to recover from I was determined to get a ride in.   It was about 50 degrees when I left, determined to beat my time of last weeks' ride to Disneyland.   Thankfully I bought a long-sleeve cycling jacket on eBay this week, a perfect time to try it out. 

About 3 miles in I started to question my decision.  My fingers were freezing (memo to self, get closed-finger gloves), and my legs were already getting a little sore.    I started thinking that since I put in over 70 miles last week, and had a club ride in 2 days, AND a hockey game next Wednesday, ... that maybe I'd make Disneyland a stretch goal with the option to turn back at the bike shop (10 miles out).    My cyclometer had me pegged about 14MPH as I continued; last week I was doing 16+ on this stretch.

I was feeling pretty good as I passed the bike shop/LB Town Center mall and continued on.   Soon I found myself playing 'leapfrog' with a city bus: I would pass it when it stopped for passengers and it would pass me afterwards.  This went on for about 8 miles.  What did I say last week... it is the little things that keep you going?  I wonder if the driver found it as amusing as I did.  Sometimes I had to push a bit to catch up which helped my time, although I purposely had my cyclometer set to NOT show me elapsed time.

Disneyland was even more crowded than last week.  Not that I stayed long - just enough to take a couple of selfies, stretch the legs a bit, down a gel pack, and I was back on my way...

Somebody asked me about gel packs.   My friend Kia introduced me to them a few years ago, giving me a couple of packs called 'GU'.   I would take one before hockey games, didn't think they made a big difference.   Just about everyone in my bike club brings them, I tried ones from Clif and have been carrying them on every ride.  I usually take one at the half-way point of a ride, no matter how far it is, and I will never go on a ride without them!    (Another memo to self: put some in your hockey bag before your game next week.)

The ride back was uneventful.   Strangely I was going faster on the return trip after struggling a bit on the way out, rather than the other way around last week.  Maybe the wind was at my back?   I didn't check, as it wasn't as strong as last week.

I hit the fog about mile 33, it wasn't so much the legs getting tired as it was the overall feeling of fatigue.  Shortly after that I turned the corner and looked up at the 1.25 mile incline ahead... No matter what route I took I was going to have to so some uphill riding.   I downshifted the front crank which I rarely do - I wasn't looking to set any speed records I just wanted to get up the incline without stopping.   There were 2 signals along the way, as much as my legs wanted to stop both were green as I went through them a pedestrian-like pace of 9MPH.  Soon I was rewarded with a 25MPH trip down the other side where my legs got to rest.   From that point, other than a slight incline going over the 710 freeway, the rest of the ride was basically a smooth cool-down period.

In the end I went .15 miles further than the week before, and it took 7 minutes less to do it.

Not sure when I'll have the time to do this ride again, but it is cool to say I did it.  Twice. :)

My Christmas Day bike ride...

I had been thinking about doing this over the last 2 weeks.  I've been into cycling for a while, getting serious about it six-months or so ago when I joined a group that rides on Saturdays.  I had no other plans for the day; my wife and kids visiting our oldest daughter and her family in South Dakota, and with the holiday I figured traffic would be light.    So today I rode round-trip from my house to Disneyland.  

Sounds grandiose, but according to my cyclometer I completed 46.63 miles in 3:46.    I had never gone that far in one shot before, so I wasn't sure how fast to push and when to pull back.  Now that I've done it I have a better idea what to do next time.  I didn't push for speed, so I know I could do it faster if I wanted to.  Since it was on surface streets I did not bring any headphones or music, so I had a chance to make a few observations:

- I must have upset Mother Nature because I spent almost the entire trip riding into the wind.  Seriously, the wet-finger test confirmed it several times.   On the way back I was riding into it while crossing over the 710 (my last uphill stretch), and I could feel it moving to the north - and sure enough when I turned right I was going straight into it again.

- Cyclists can be some of the  most friendly folks you'll ever meet.  There isn't much time to talk when you are facing each other at 15+ mph, but you'll frequently get a word of greeting or encouragement as you pass by.   Didn't see a lot of them today, but there were a few.

- It was interesting to see who was open and who was closed on Christmas day.  Walmart was closed as were most other department and grocery stores, as well as most restaurants and fast-food places.  Starbucks was open of course, as was Denny's, Sizzler, Albertsons, Jack in the Box...   I wonder if Denny's even puts locks on their doors - they never close.

- The ice rink where I play hockey was closed.  Usually they have tournaments over the holidays, maybe the parents didn't want any games scheduled on Christmas.   Yet every soccer field I saw had players on it, several were clearly league games.   I guess soccer players are like golfers (who I also saw a lot of) they will seize any chance to play.

- Sometimes it is the little things that keep you going.   I was hitting a wall around the 30 mile mark and my legs were starting to feel it.   Suddenly I looked up and realized that things were looking familiar, knowing I was getting closer to home pushed me on for a bit.   Or seeing my favorite chain of Mexican food places and thinking I could go there after my ride.   Or Sizzler?   Can you tell I was getting hungry?   LOL

- I rode through Long Beach, Lakewood, Hawaiian Gardens, Buena Park, Anaheim, ... and it is sad to say that by far the worst drivers were in Long Beach.   I got cut off once and had a driver lay on the horn because I wasn't moving fast enough for him when crossing an on-ramp.  No other issues with the ride.

And my biggest observance of all: It is more fun to ride with a group than it is to ride alone.  

My Fuji road bike performed wonderfully.   I don't think I could have made the same trip on my mountain bike, but that is why I bought the road bike.  

Hopefully I'll have enough strength left for my regular club ride on Saturday!