Training Update #1

Training has gone well so far this year. I am down ten pounds from the first of the year. Early on, I concentrated on indoor cycling,  attending 43 spin classes totaling 45 hours, 41 minutes, averaging a heart rate of 134 beats per minute. I have been out on the road, nine times for 319 miles and averaging a speed of 14 mph and a heart rate of 139. All that time on a spin bike would add another 600 miles to my totals, if they ever put a rear wheel on one. You can check my training log for details.

So how am I doing? I am getting to class and out on the road as planned. I still would like to climb hills faster. I do carry a bigger load up those hills than those tiny racers in skin suits. There is a mile long hill on my regular ride in Occoquan Regional Park with close to 200 feet of elevation gain. Each time I ride that hill, my Garmin bike computer times my assent from the little creek near the boat ramp, up the hill to Route 123. My times are slow compared to others riding the same hill, but I am getting faster (current best of 6:21).  I know I never will be a bike racer, but I would like to post a time under six minutes someday. It might kill me trying.




A Set of New Wheels

DT Swiss RR 465 rims and Shimano Ultegra hubs

I picked up a set of new wheels for my trip today. I broke a couple spokes in the two years of riding my current bike and was looking for a wheel with more strength and durability than the original set. Generally the more spokes a wheel has, the more strength it has, with the riders weight distributed over more spokes. Sean from The Bike Lane recommended I get DT Swiss RR 465 rims and Shimano Ultegra hubs assembled by Handspun Bike Wheels. There was a short discussion with Peggy as to whether she pre-approved this purchase or not, but my Birthday is coming up soon.