FYI: Riding a fixed gear in the rain on rollers with alloy drums requires slightly more attention than riding on the road in dry weather... I'm just saying.
The rain broke long enough to allow the sun out to dry off the driveway, so with the Masidaughter distracted with a movie, I skipped off down the stairs in my cycling gear with my bike and rollers. About 15- 20 minutes later, the rain starts as a very slight drizzle. Since my legs actually felt great, I decided to press on in case the rain stopped. A few minutes further into the riding and the rain got harder and harder, making the aluminum drums a little slippery and giving my neighbors even more reason to call me a crackpot. One neighbor drove home and pulled in to her parking space while giving me the universal "what the hell is wrong with you" look. Directly across the street from my parking space is a small dentist's office. As I looked up past the dripping brim of my cycling cap, I could see what looked like the entire office staff staring out the window at "that crazy guy across the street on his bike in the rain!"
To add insult to injury, I ended up getting a flat rear tire- which is why I ultimately ended my ride after a little more than 30 minutes, because I had no intention of stopping. Apparently I didn't find all the shards of glass from the case of beer I dropped on the stairs last night as I was bringing in the groceries (I lost 4 brave soldiers in that episode). Riding a fixed gear, in the rain, on the rollers is bad enough... but adding a flat tire to the mix made giving up on the ride a little easier.
If the rain stops long enough later tonight, I'll try again. For now, I'll just settle for being the guy in the neighborhood who gets all the weird stares for being such a lunatic.
Tim
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9 comments:
couldnt you just set up in yr garage with the door open??
No garage or covered parking... and I live upstairs, so I can't ride inside without the neighbors downstairs fearing for the lives with all the noise coming through the ceiling. It's outside or no ride...
It's true. You' re crazy. Your neighbors are right.
Looks like the problem is related back to the beer.
I cut my beer consumption back dramatically since Christmas and I am down 20lbs to get into race shape again.
Something to consider. Although I do miss it. But I don't want to be the fat guy on the fast bike.
Totally agree- beer is a reward and not a constant now. Usually, I just have a glass of wine instead (good for the heart, you know).
I'm "off" the beer now. But I did eat too much whole wheat pasta with meat sauce tonight... ugh...
I think it is great to add a few elements of visceral experience to the relatively controlled, static environment that is stationary training. When you cannot be on the road, feeling the energy of motion and individuality, why not ride in the rain on rollers? As soon as it isn't 40 degrees in the morning, I'm totally riding outside on my deck, looking at my lake and thrashing myself, so that I can feel awesome and alive all day. Tim, I'm with you on the sneaking in an hour when you can. I don't get up at 5:20 in the morning to drink coffee and watch the news...
Forget the meds and do it just with diet.
Tim,
"Sorry to hear about the inclement weather."
Aboard my 'revised' MASI Alare, third overall, first in my 'dated' grouping among eighty-nine entrants.
Surmise my EFFICIENCY improvements actually produce results! :-)
Medical note - AARP suggests 'Red Rice Yeast' capsules as it noticeably lowers Cholesterol.
Doctors, Government and vendors hate the stuff. (Oriental)
A 'best ever' recent blood test impressed my Doctor.
Interesting as he recently attempted to supply a new 'pill for life' only to be turned down. Mind you, high Cholesterol level felled a family member in 2006.
Who do you think you are!? Dave Stohler?
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