TT biking club

“What kind of biking do you do and when do you start? Or are you hard core and bike year round?

This is my seventh year doing the Trek Across Maine and I usually start training around the first of April, snow or no snow. I log about 800-1,000 miles by the end of the trek. I ride a sweet Cannondale Silkpath 300 cross bike, which is too big for me, but I LOVE it. I have a mountain bike, but it only sees muddy back roads - no woods trails yet.

Some years I do a couple of shorter charity rides, and once I rode my bike to Canada on the Moosa Tour which was a blast!

Last year I completed my first century ride, which I hope to make an annual event.

So let's hear about your biking adventures and training tips and schedules!

(and if anybody's interested the Trek Across Maine has plenty of space available)”

“Dang! I thought that said TT bikini club.

Oh Well, I enjoy mountain biking. My bike was stolen it was about a $500 Raleigh Mountain Sport. Used it for years.

I'm going to replace it soon. Probably look for a good used one. I can refurbish if needed. Anyone want to part with one. Or have advice on brands these days?”

“I ride year round Mountain, Road, you name it I am game. Do many of the local club rides. STP, Chilly Hilly and such. I can give advice on which bike to buy but my opinion would be a little biased since I work for a bike company, Raleigh/Diamondback.”

“Andrei Kivilev R.I.P.”

“Bad deal about Kivilev. I wonder if he was wearing a helmet. My mtn bike is a Trek & my road bike is a Cannondale. Getting ready to go to Shreveport,LA to get fitted with slam aero bars by John Cobb's boys. My first ever road bike was a Raleigh jimjar then I rode a Bridgestone for years. Mainly ride local races & tours with 1 to 2 sprint triathlons a year. I did ride in the aptly named Hotter N Hell Hundred last year in Texas. 7000 - 8000 riders & a lot of carnage in the August weather.”

“My road bike is an old 10 speed Bianchi. Still an excellent bike.

My other bike is a Trek "comfort" hybrid I use for bike paths.”

“He was not wearing a helmet. I doubt it will be long before the UCI makes it mandatory though. Bridgestones rule. I ride a Merckx on the road and Diamondback on the Mt.”

“MTB all the way!”

“Specialized Stumpjumper here. Probably a 96 purchased new in 97. Has some kind of after-market Manitou shocks on it.

Haven't biked much last couple years. Would like to see that change this year. Prefer NICE double and single track to skeery singletrack!! I'm a wienie!! But I do love rolling along in the woods... out in nature.”

“Sweet. I thought about a Merckx & I may still get one. Or maybe a Pinarello. Or maybe a Colnago. So many good choices although due to my immense girth I'll probably get a titanium frame next time around. A buddy of mine is thinking about buying a Colnago Carbonissimo. Mucho dinero for something you have to pedal.
I used to ride without a helmet but never again.”

“I have a customized Raleigh competition MTB with Ritchly logic riser bars, WTB seat and clip pedals, and I took of the Manitou shocks and put on a fixed fork... now it's the ultimate sidewalk and path bike. Aluminum and XT components... Shwing!”

“I did an endo once and my helmet cracked in two places - darn lucky it wasn't my head...”

“Did someone say bicycle? I buy the parts and building my own bikes. I’m down to just two now. One for the road and one for the dirt. I mostly use Shimano components. Carbon fiber frame for the road and steel for the dirt. I used to ride year round, rain, snow or ice but no more. Traffic is ugly, I’m getting old and I stopped racing. I started running.

Those Eurowinnies don’t use helmets. It should be required in all races anywhere. Image is the only reason they don’t. But what can you expect from the French. I feel sorry for Kivilev’s loved ones, but he is stupid for not wearing a skip lid (I know he’s not French).”

“I only ride year round if we have a mild winter with no snow. If there's snow I ride my road bike on a trainer in the house. I used to ride outside in the snow, but I had a few falls and injuries so I don't want to take the chance on hitting ice patches. I mountain bike for 90% of my riding. I just find road riding boring compared to the dirt and I don't like traffic. I started mountain biking in 1989 with a Trek 950 which I use for bike touring now. I bought a Merlin in 1991 and built up a Slingshot a few years later. I still have all 3 bikes and switch off depending on what type of riding I'm doing. I have the Slingshot set up as a fireroad, and cross terrain bike, the Trek with racks for touring and the Merlin for hard off road riding. I used to race, but quit for a few different reasons. I can't wait until the snow melts so I can start riding outside.”

“Carbon Fiber... (drool)

I just got a Fluid Trainer... it's so much better than the Mag ones.”

“I just went with a fluid trainer also. So much easier to hear Phil now when spinning to Paris-Roubaix tapes. Go George. Wear your helmet.”

“I just got into biking last year when i got a new bike, it was a Trek 4300 not the greatest but decent and good enough for me, and from early april to late august i rode about 2200 miles, and about 150-200 of those being mountain biking, not bad IMO. I can't really mountain bike much cause there's no where good to around here but i go to island lake when i can. In additon my Asst. scout master gave me his old fuji absolute road bike that had been sitting in his garage for 11+ years (took two days just to get the dirt and grease off), but still a very good bike since i was tinkering with it and my friend says hes got some more parts he'll give me. As far as racing i've only been in one, at the Waterford HPV contest at the waterford race track, i stood out quite a bit amongst the homemade recumbents on my Trek but didn't do to bad.”

“I really want a Cyclo-cross bike... they are bad ass!”

“I have a Independent Fabrication Planet Cross. Best cycle cross bike every made. I would highly suggest anything that company makes.”

“Anyone go nightime mountain biking? It's really different from daytime riding and much cooler in the summer. Lot's of animals come out at night and you can see eyes glowing in the forest. I use lights on the handlebars and a helmet mounted light to see around corners.”

“The group I ride with has one big weekend get together where we all do some night riding. We also do a night ride/race on Halloween that is always a blast.”

“Let me add to that the Pumpkin Ride, Preston, Minnesota... on a Saturday near Halloween. Costumes almost mandatory, as are panniers and trailers for beer.

OK.... WHO GOT THE FIRST MOUNTAIN BIKE ON THIS BOARD?? Let me throw out my ex-hubby (well, OK, so he was thrown out... hehehe). He got a mountain bike in the early 80s, can't say what year. And I got one a year later. His was a Zebra (yeah, go find that company today!). Mine a Fuji Boulevard XC, which still sits in my garage. The ex got started with mt. biking when it was YOUNG... a way to stay and shape and practice bike handling skills for motocrossing.”

“Twigeater, that sounds great, I didn't know that you do that much biking. I do remember that comment about cracking the helmet it two places, though. I must have come in on the end of a biking conversation during the Maine hike in the fall. I have a hybrid Raleigh and have only done minimal riding recently. But all these TT'ers that bike a lot are inspiring. Think about all the multiple sports that TT'ers are into. You all are a very diverse and active bunch. Most of the people that I actually meet in the course of my day only work out at the gym, and ski in the winter.”

“The only thing I have more of than Backpacking gear is Cycling gear.....”

“I picked up my bike from the shop on Monday with plans for my first ride on Thursday night - NOT! :(

It's 25 degrees today and chil-leee, plus the snow and rain we got this weekend crudded up the roads again.

I'm ready to fly! maybe Sunday...
=D”

“I had mine out Saturday. Man it was great, first time this year. It was like 70 degrees, and the pathway at the river wasn't super crowded.”

“Gonna start the commute to and from work tomorrow. Not far but its still nice.”

“I am starting my on Monday. 20 miles each way. Can't wait.”

“I rode outside for the first time starting last week. It was so much better than riding my bike on rollers indoors. All winter on the rollers paid off though and I felt really strong on the bike for this time of the year. Now I can't wait for the new snow we just got to melt.”

“72 deg and very windy yesterday, but I put in 25 miles in the morning.. Felt GREAT!”

“I just got back from a 10 mile ride, it felt great to be on my bike again! It's 36 degrees out but not windy, so the ride wasn't cold, actually I was too warm. It's the dirt I eat that sucks because the bike lanes haven't been swept yet.
yuk, ptoey! =D”

“Good for you Twigeater....I'm jeolous(sp)....I wanna go too, but think it's just a bit to nippy for me just yet. Bet that dirt does taste yuky....I agree, I hate that when that happens. Sounds like you had a good ride though. Gearing up for a longer ride?”

“My first few rides are always about 10 miles - gets my butt used to the saddle gradually. There's nothing like going all out on the first ride, then hopping on the saddle for the second ride - ouch!

My training schedule goes like this: level rides where I add a few miles, then add hills, then add more miles until I have a 30-40 mile long "hill" ride, which is the most I have time for after work. I try to ride every other day, and get in a couple of 3 day weekends with a 30-50 mile rides. However I've been fine with nothing but 30 mile rides under my belt - it's the unknown that I try to prepare for, we've had some really hilly routes. I usually log 6-800 miles before the Trek.

It's a blast - we get spoiled rotten, all we gotta do is pedal! =D”

“I need to get my butt back on the saddle, too.”

“Bike Lanes? What are they? Ride the highways & try to survive here in AR. Anyone want to head to Texas in August? Hotter N Hell Hundred is a great ride. I think we are going back this year.”

“Well, what I call "bike lanes" are actually the 4-8 foot paved shoulder we're fortunate to have on some of the main roads. The big road up by my house was a death ride until we got federal money for a bridge in the next town and there were funds left over for paved shoulders for about 30 miles. Great for roller blading or just walking as well. Most of Maine we're in the road with the traffic. (can't speak for Skeetah's neck of the woods though)

That sounds like an fun ride, arky! However the last two years the temps have been 90 to over 100 each day of the Trek, and that's more than hot enough for me! Have fun!”

“Yeah, Twigeater, we're in just about the same situation down here as far as the roads go. There are some bike paths here and there and there's one going from our end of town to the other that's going to be completed soon, if it's not already. This path will eventually connect to the Inter-coastal(? not really sure if that's what it's called)bike path that goes down through Southern Maine.

I need, no want to get "back in the saddle again" too. I know what ya mean 'bout gettin your butt used to it too....bike butt is what I call it. The most I've ridden in a day was about 18 miles, I'd like to get there again too.”

“Is that the East Coast Greenway, Skeetah?”

“back in the saddle againannnnnn. I'm back, I'm back in the saddle againannnnnn.

well not just yet but I will be soon. soon as it gets just a touch warmer and daylight savings time comes round”

“Pete, rich, want to do a ride for charity? It's 150 miles in two days, flat terrain with views of Lake Erie.”

“Oh yeah, I got to use new gear the other day - new cleats and full finger gloves, wahoo! I have neoprene gloves on the way, but may not need 'em. Also picked up a chain cleaner, haven't tried that out yet.

Think I'm gonna get some crazy stickers or flowers and decorate my helmet, and a henna tatoo for the trek. =D”

“let me know the dates Buddha Bear. I'm always up for helping others. If it's not to early in the season and I can take the time off I certainly would consider it”

“Hey I am preparing for the TOSRV now, anyone elts been or going this year?”

“Yeah, Twig, that's the name of it...ECG. Couldn't remember the name of it. Pretty cool can't wait till it's finished.

Those full figinered gloves you've got, where'd you get 'em? I'm having a hard time finding some(to fit, mostly). Almost had some a few weeks ago, but they were kids and they looked it too, so decided I didn't want them.

What's a henna tatoo? Is it a real one? I've been kinda wanting to get a tatoo, my daughter thinks I'm too old to do it and hubby reminds me that its permanent.....hummmm

Anyway, still would like to do a trek, but getting sponsers....not too sure 'bout that. Any ideas, suggestions?”

“BTW....can't believe it looks like winter again....how we 'posed ta go bikin???”

“Check Nashbar or Performance for gloves.”

“I used to put my polypro glove liners under my regular bike golves, but that didn't help with the wind much, plus I felt it stretched the bike glove. I got my full finger gloves at my bike shop, but they were expensive ($37) and meant for protection, not warmth, but they do the trick. He only had medium and large, so I got medium, but coulda used small. The ones I have coming are neoprene and I got them at one of the sites arky listed - $20 including shipping.

A henna tatoo isn't permanent, it lasts about a week. I got one in Florida once and got lots of compliments when I got back - mostly from young male convenience store clerks, but what the heck. ;)

Yep, the yard's covered in snow again!”

“I got my neoprene gloves and they are size XL! What happened there?! I'll give 'em to my son, they look like warm driving gloves and I'm happy with the gloves I have anyway.
Skeetah, I saw some full finger gloves ($20 I think) at the LLB factory store on Monday - they looked little enuff for you. :)

I had a great ride last night, although at 13.55 miles, it was a little shorter than I wanted. I was hoping if I parked a little further up the road it'd be easier to get out in traffic, but it basically just knocked three miles off that route. I didn't want to pedal beyond the lake because there's railroad tracks and I'm still phobic - next ride. :)

I stopped at the lake and watched the ducks alternately swim in the water then walk across the ice, talking a mile a minute. On the way back I found a CD. I love to look at the sights while riding, and think about the rest of my routes and how nice it is to be out there. Pretty soon there'll be road kill everywhere, then the baby turtles will come out, and the Canadian Geese babies are so cute! It always amazes me that I see more critters - deer and even a moose once - on the main road than I do when I take the back roads. I think it's because there's more dogs on the back roads.

Which reminds me, there's a new dog on this route. His owners must have a death wish for him as he was not leashed and this is a very busy road. So of course he chased me, nipping at my feet. :(”

“You know what you can do for that dog? They make real nice baseball bats.

A dog like that is a real hazard. This is a true story: Down the road from me, this guy who lived in a house little bigger than a shed, had 2 dogs, always unleashed and chasing bikes and cars. One day the dog chased ambushed a car, and the startled driver turned away, to the left, right into an oncoming car. Four people hurt real bad. Strangley enough, the dogs dissappeared, after the fact.

In another incident, involving me, long before that accident happened, there was another dog that loved to chase cars. I wanted to make sure I never swerved away from the dog into oncoming traffic, so.... I practised swerving into the dog!! Seriously. I never tried to hit the dog or run him down (I'd feel awful if I ever did), but I developed the reflex of turning into the dog, just to avoid the same kind of accident. That dog had pretty fast reflexes too. Anyways, one day, the owners were out in the front yard when I did it. Their glare cut right through me. Were they ever mad at me. Funny thing though, since I was gunnin' for their dog, they figured they ought to keep him on a leash. He was never a danger to me or anyone else after that.”

“Thanks, Twig....I hope there still there this weekend. I'll go check em out. Sounds like you've got some good riding in. I still haven't got ou there yet...need some warmer gloves at least.

Still interested in doing a bike Trek, but not sure how to get sponsors. How do you get em? Well have safe riding anyway.”