Weather man says, "Good news - milder air and sunshine!

[BFSpin]

It's about darn time. Seriously.

I mean, I've ridden through the winter, with the exception of a few weeks in February when we had so much ice. But these past couple of weeks have just been no fun, riding in the wind after the tease of a few nice days weeks ago.

Oh happy day - good riding this weekend!

Beth

[lizardbiker]

It's about darn time. Seriously.

I mean, I've ridden through the winter, with the exception of a few weeks in February when we had so much ice. But these past couple of weeks have just been no fun, riding in the wind after the tease of a few nice days weeks ago.

Oh happy day - good riding this weekend!

Beth

YAY!!!!

I was worried that the first set of tires this season were going to be worn out on my rollers instead of on the road! I'm teaching a 90min challenge class Saturday morning (profile to match the Boston-Montreal-Boston brevet) but I'm riding to class, and taking a long detour on the way home from class. Then it looks like yard work for the rest of the day. Hopefully another good ride Sunday & Monday too!

I'm just hoping for decent weather for Thursday, as I'm taking a day vacation to ride my bike to Bedford PA to tour the Cannondale plant. It's a holy pilgrimage for Cannondale fanatics to make at least once in their life.

Happy riding everyone! :D

[BFSpin]

The weather guy was right, and it was a spectacular weekend for riding. What a bonus after way too many cold, windy rides this winter!

So what were your rides like these past few days?

Beth

[like2bike]

Hey Beth--so happy you had the chance to ride this past weekend.

And Lizard, yes, please tell us about the Cannondale plant tour and your ride to Bedford! I've been to Bedford--didn't know the Cannondale plant was there. Of course, that was years ago...not sure how long the plant has been there.

[Pink]

On Saturday, I had to teach then rush off to a Bat Mitzvah so no riding. But Sunday 7 of us headed out by 8 a.m. and logged 47 miles. Sunny, warm & no humidy!

[like2bike]

Oooh....sounds dreamy! Pink are the 2 gentlemen that had the accident a few months back, riding again? (Forgive me--I cannot recall their names--Dan was one of them?). I hope so.

[lizardbiker]

Hey Beth--so happy you had the chance to ride this past weekend.

And Lizard, yes, please tell us about the Cannondale plant tour and your ride to Bedford! I've been to Bedford--didn't know the Cannondale plant was there. Of course, that was years ago...not sure how long the plant has been there.
Plans are still on in spite of the predictions for rain. As long as it's not really sucky weather, I have to take CalII out for some foul weather training, so it's only fitting to take her on her first major ride in less then ideal weather. There will definitely be lots of pictures taken!! I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas getting ready for this ride!!!

[Pink]

Oooh....sounds dreamy! Pink are the 2 gentlemen that had the accident a few months back, riding again? (Forgive me--I cannot recall their names--Dan was one of them?). I hope so.

So kind of you to ask. Dan (good memory) is riding again without issue (he'll be at the WSSC). Ron isn't doing as well. He's sort of closed himself off and the last I heard, he was only back to work part time (lawyer).

[like2bike]

Oooh....sounds dreamy! Pink are the 2 gentlemen that had the accident a few months back, riding again? (Forgive me--I cannot recall their names--Dan was one of them?). I hope so.

So kind of you to ask. Dan (good memory) is riding again without issue (he'll be at the WSSC). Ron isn't doing as well. He's sort of closed himself off and the last I heard, he was only back to work part time (lawyer).

Good news on Dan-o! But I'm very sorry to hear about Ron not doing so well. :( Wishing him only the best and hoping that as time moves on, he heals (both inside and out).

[Pink]

Oooh....sounds dreamy! Pink are the 2 gentlemen that had the accident a few months back, riding again? (Forgive me--I cannot recall their names--Dan was one of them?). I hope so.

So kind of you to ask. Dan (good memory) is riding again without issue (he'll be at the WSSC). Ron isn't doing as well. He's sort of closed himself off and the last I heard, he was only back to work part time (lawyer).

Good news on Dan-o! But I'm very sorry to hear about Ron not doing so well. :( Wishing him only the best and hoping that as time moves on, he heals (both inside and out).

I'm sure Ron will eventually get there -- it just takes the time it takes. When he does, he'll be surprised at how many people (some totally unknown by him) were sending him good vibes. You're the best!

[lizardbiker]

Forecast is looking a little better for tomorrow :D
CalII is polished up with her racing wheels, the lights are mounted, food is packed, clothes laid out, camera packed, route double checked, carbo loaded, and now it's time for a good night sleep before we begin our pilgrimage to Bedford to tour the Cannondale plant and meet the people that created CalII. We can barely sleep we're so excited :D
G'nite all! Pictures to follow when we return.

[BFSpin]

Liz, I'll be watching the skies from here for you - hope the trip is great! looking forward to stories and photos . . .

Beth

[like2bike]

Rock and roll, Lizard--Go get 'em!

[lizardbiker]

I'm back! What a trip! Totally underestimated the climbs on route 30 between here & Bedford - guess that's why they made tunnels for the turnpike! Took a couple pics on the way to mark the journey. The new bike felt great the whole way, even up the killer climbs.
The tour was equally awesome - not allowed to take pictures inside the plant, but I have mental images to last a lifetime. All the frames!!! All the wheels!!! All the bikes in black, red, blue, lime green, orange, grey. Couldn't pull the welders or painters off the line to meet them but was able to paw all over all the fresh frames pre and post painting. Went through how they're made from beginning to end - even got an extra long tour that isn't normally done due to my fanatisism of riding all the way there - even bagged some great souvenoirs - Cannondale tee, ball cap, cycling cap, pen, bottle opener - had to shove them in my Camelback - even got rid of some of my food for the return trip to make it all fit. Also got a Cannondale water bottle, which helped me make the return trip without having to stop to refill.
The ride back started out with a brisker pace - I think the trip to Bedford was more uphill - have to check some elevations - I was on track to shave an hour off my time getting there until it started to pour, the winds kicked up and the temperature dropped big time. Cal II and I really tested things out yesterday from distance to climbs to dark to foul weather - we really bonded! Got home about 11pm last night and it took about 1/2hr and a hot shower before I could stop shaking from the cold.
Cal II and I are going to use this route as our new training route - and awesome double century with some great climbs. Can't wait to try it later in the season and see how my times improve. Mental note - more gradual ramping up of distances is preferred to jumping from 45 milers to 196 miles.
I'll post some pics when I get more time to download them. Time to get ready for work now!

[Pink]

I was thinking about you yesterday, wondering how it was going. Can't wait to see the pics. I'll have to pull out a road map since I've no idea where Bedford is. Near Penn State? So were you and Cal II the only ones on the tour?

[like2bike]

WOW what a story! One thing I can guarantee is that the shower you took was probably the best one of your life!

Nice going, man. Your next trip will be even better--gay-ron-teed!

Glad you have good memories to last you. I must say, however, I don't think I could hold my own riding next to you. Cripes brother!

[sandy]

196 miles! Holy crap I'm so lame :shock:

[BFSpin]

Liz, what a fantastic time you must have had! I'll look forward to the pics . . . how about next year you consider an organized Cannondale extravaganza - a Spring Fling C'dale overnighter to the factory! Bet the Hbg. bike club would give it a little support, too.

You get big bonus points for riding last night into the darkness . . . I went out for a quick training ride with the bike club, back before the rain. . . and it wasn't pleasant. Damp, cool, and kinda breezy. I was glad to get home, and I was able to hit a hot shower at 8:00 after just 27 miles!

Welcome back - glad you got your trip in.

Any chance you're coming to Hershey for the State Police metric tomorrow?

Beth

[lizardbiker]

Liz, what a fantastic time you must have had! I'll look forward to the pics . . . how about next year you consider an organized Cannondale extravaganza - a Spring Fling C'dale overnighter to the factory! Bet the Hbg. bike club would give it a little support, too.

You get big bonus points for riding last night into the darkness . . . I went out for a quick training ride with the bike club, back before the rain. . . and it wasn't pleasant. Damp, cool, and kinda breezy. I was glad to get home, and I was able to hit a hot shower at 8:00 after just 27 miles!

Welcome back - glad you got your trip in.

Any chance you're coming to Hershey for the State Police metric tomorrow?

Beth

I'm definitely keeping the route in my list of training rides to do - I'm planning at repeating it at least once more this season without the tour. That would cut 1 1/2 hours from the journey and cut the extra weight of the camera and souvenoirs.

I would be doing the State Police metric, but I'm participating in an indoor cycle-a-thon for breast cancer awareness at the gym this morning. I'm sure there will be representatives from my LBS team there in full color - World Cup Ski & Cycle. Look for their custom Cannondale CAAD9 frames on the ride.

I'm working on getting the pics on my website, but Comcast doesn't have the most user friendly editing program. I'll put a link to the page as soon as I have it all figured out.

Have a great ride Beth - looks like the weather may even cooperate for you :D

[lizardbiker]

Ok - get a rough draft on my site with the pictures.

http://home.comcast.net/~lizardbiker/Cannondale_Tour.html

Gotta get ready for the cycle-a-thon now. Have a great day all!

[Pink]

Oh fun pics!

[sandy]

That's awesome! I might ride 197miles to see Lance!

[Pink]

That's awesome! I might ride 197miles to see Lance!

I might *think* about it. But I'd like to be able to walk once I got to him.

[like2bike]

Liz great pics--holy crap what a profile! Thanks for posting this stuff--it's been fun following along and the photos & maps help to solidify it in my mind.

[cfoam4me]

Thanks for sharing Lizard-great pictures!

[lizardbiker]

Spent about an hour or so this afternoon cleaning Cal II back up after our wet finish, then found that the 1000k brevet registration is finally on-line, so I signed up for it. Looks like an awesome loop, coming within about 25 miles of my house. 620 miles, 48,816 ft of climbs. If that doesn't prepare me for the Quadzilla and the ADK540 for RAAM qualification, I don't know what else to do. here's a link to the route, if anyone is interested. Only open to 10 riders, so if anyone else would like to join in, I'd recommend signing up right away!

http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA1000K_A_Map.pdf

Hopefully we'll have some great weather to keep the saddle time up during the next few weeks!

BTW - Beth, how was the State Police metric century yesterday?

[BFSpin]

The day started out foggy with a chance of showers, but we got lucky. It was breezy, cool, and damp - but I didn't mind. It just felt so great to be out there.

I rode with 2 pals, both of whom I've ridden long rides with in the past. We have a good rhythm together, and all went well on our first loop of 37 miles. I found a few new heroes on that ride - the State Troopers on their motorcycles who swooped in on their massive motorcycles and stopped traffic so we could cross a busy 4-lane. Gotta admit - they took my breath away a little, all knight-in-shining-armor-like.

The first 5 miles or so of the 2nd loop were a grumpy patch for me - we had stopped between loops, and even though the stop was just a few minutes, it was enough to get cold. I was chilled, and mentally cursing the rollers of the route. Things settled out, though. About 5-6 miles out, one of my pals cramped up and stopped for a bit - and he sent me off after our other guy. I was on my own, and kept him in my sights - or so I thought. Chasing him for the next couple of miles, I was feeling good. Then I realized I was chasing the wrong dude! Oops . . . guess our guy stopped at the rest stop, watching for me. Blew right by him, yes I did :P

So onward I went, enjoying my solo stretch. Which went on for the next 10 miles, and felt FABULOUS! Most of my winter riding has been done in groups; I didn't realize how much I've missed my solo rides. I had the road to myself, setting my own rhythm, challenging my own pace - I didn't even mind the wind. Perfect!

And then it was done. A total of 69 miles for the day, 16.2 average. A good day. You know that feeling of complete, happy exhaustion? Mmmmmmmmmmmm . . . . Not quite a pilgrimage of 190+ miles, but it capped off my week at a total of 195 miles for the week (+ 3 classes). A good week.

www.digiproofs.com is posting the images from the day. I found a few of the World Cup guys in the images (one of whom is Rabbit - I can't imagine you don't know Rabbit!). I'm image #'s 241/242, just in case anyone's curious.

Now I'm going to see if I can actually figure out how to post pics in here. . .

No, I didn't do the ride on THIS bike . . .
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s69/btfitz90/IMGP0064.jpg
Later,

Beth

[lizardbiker]

Sounds like it was an awesome ride Beth! You made great time, especially for the terrain in this area. I was indoor doing a cycle-a-thon for breast cancer that morning otherwise I would have probably been up there.

I tried to check out the pictures, but the site asks for a password. Is there a password to get to the pics? :?:

[like2bike]

Sounds like a great day for you Beth! I went out last Sunday as well--what a glorious day but the wind was a bit fierce. I don't mind the wind as long as it's warm--and it was.
16.2 average speed is awesome--nice job. You look good on the state police bike, might I add. But you better get a better helmet if you're going to one THAT thing! :wink:

[BFSpin]

Oops! The password for the ride photos at digiproofs.com is Police07.

It WAS a good day :)

Beth

[lizardbiker]

Oops! The password for the ride photos at digiproofs.com is Police07.

It WAS a good day :)

Beth

Looks like there was a pretty good turnout! Quite a few WC riders there with their Cannondale team frames - no good side shots though.

Nice bike, Beth - you need to start planning a pilgrimmage ride to Bedford too! :D

[Chattbiker]

Nice to see some of the familiar names from pedal-on (is that a bad word around here?) My saturday morning was BIG. It was the 20th annual 3 State 3 Mountain Challenge Century that starts in Chattanooga, TN. The weather man said 90% chance of thunder showers. When I awoke at 5:00 that morning it was pouring/flooding. If you ever get a chance, come do it. We had 2,500 cyclist from 32 states and 3 countries represented.

An awesome mass start to say the least. Although it wasn't a race I look forward to this "ride" all year. The first climb is Suck Creek Mountain. Suck Creek is about a 6 mile climb at a 6% grade. Pretty easy climb with a beautiful descent.

After riding through the Sequachi Valley for another 40 miles you drop over into North Alabama and climb Sand Mountain. Sand Mountain is a little shorter than Suck Creek but a little steeper with some nice switchbacks on canopy covered country roads.

After riding another 20 miles or so across the you drop down into Georgia and climb Burkalter Gap. It's the backside of Look-Out Mountain. THe same route the was a KOM during the Tour de Georgia. Burkalter Gap is 2.6 miles to the top with a modest 10% 2 miles the pointing upward for .6 miles at a grade of 17-19%. From there it's rolling on the ridge of Look-Out until you scream down back into Chattanooga for the finish.

One of the best supported rides you'll ever find. They had one entire lane blocked off the last 3 miles into the city with traffic cops at every light. We never had to stop for traffic throughout the ride. Awesome support!

How did I do? Well, I've felt better on my bike. I waited until 5 days before the ride to get sick. Upper Respitory stuff from my kids I guess. I just didn't feel great. With that said, I latched on to a pretty strong group for the first 60-70 miles. I didn't think they were going to ever stop. I convinced them to because I was totally out of food and water. I think it was a little late cause when we got back on (2 mins or so) I just didn't have it. I got spit out the back and it was me and the wind on top of Sand Montain until we hit Burkalter Gap. Right before the climb I linked back up with a couple guys I started with and we finished up together. 100 Miles, approx 7,000-9,000 feet of climbing. My time was 5hrs 26 mins. Overall, a great day in the saddle! If you ever get a chance, come! Check out chattbike.com

[Moonsavvy]

Welcome Chatt, sounds like you had fun!

[lizardbiker]

Just added your site in my favorites so I remember to look up the ride next year! Always looking for new rides to do! Thanks for the great ride report and the link!!

[megale3]

Dude I am soooo jealous! Did you get your bike signed by the designer , painter OWNER! did team Liqua Gas ask you to join the team? :P loved the pictures dude. How long was the tour where did you go what was the coolest thing? Give more
Meg

[lizardbiker]

Dude I am soooo jealous! Did you get your bike signed by the designer , painter OWNER! did team Liqua Gas ask you to join the team? :P loved the pictures dude. How long was the tour where did you go what was the coolest thing? Give more
Meg

It was a totally awesome tour, well worth the climbs and the subsequent hypothermia on the way home :D

The tour was a one on one personal tour that lasted about 1.5 hours. We started by the painting and decal area. Wasn't allowed to pull production workers off line for autographs, but was able to see the bikes coming fresh out of the paint booth. I was able to play with freshly made frames, not yet painted and marvel at the beautiful welds. Surrounded by shiny new Cannondale frames - even held a System 6 Liquigas frame freshly painted and decaled. I think my left sock weighs more than a System 6 frame!!! We walked the entire production line to see the bikes through all stages of assembly, including watching their automatic wheel lacer. That was cool! The only room that was completely off limits was the assembly room for the System 6 bike - rather than apply for patents that competitors can then read and find ways to get around them, Cannondale just keeps their trade secrets locked up - they last longer that way. At the end of the tour I was given a Six13 ball cap, a riding cap, a Cannondale tee shirt, Cannondale pen, bottle opener and water bottle. I dumped 1/2 of my food for the return trip to make room for all my Cannondale loot! I still get all giddy inside when I think back on the tour - something I want to do again. I'm definitely keeping the route for future training rides. Some real killer climbs!

Also found out how they named the Six13 - it's made of Carbon (atomic number 6) and aluminum (atomic number 13).

[megale3]

I may have to do that ride with you next time
:D M

[BFSpin]

I may have to do that ride with you next time
:D M

Mike, FINALLY a way to get you to PA!!

And I will be on that ride, too :mrgreen:

Beth

[megale3]

I may have to do that ride with you next time
:D M

Mike, FINALLY a way to get you to PA!!

And I will be on that ride, too :mrgreen:

Beth

Heck yah and we will gang up in your class for a pre ride- ride 8)

[lizardbiker]

I may have to do that ride with you next time
:D M

Mike, FINALLY a way to get you to PA!!

And I will be on that ride, too :mrgreen:

Beth

I tried to get him here earlier for a ride, even offered him Excalibur - my original Cannondale. I don't usually even let people touch her let alone ride her!

We could do the next pilgrimage from Beth's area - that would add a few more miles on it making it a true double century with some to spare! :D

[megale3]

that would be fantastic! I am in and my Six13 has a case that it can be comfy in on the flight there. HeyI feel honored to have almost be able to touch let alone ride the great Excaliber!
M

[lizardbiker]

that would be fantastic! I am in and my Six13 has a case that it can be comfy in on the flight there. HeyI feel honored to have almost be able to touch let alone ride the great Excaliber!
M

It would have almost choked me up to see Excalibur & Cal II doing a ride together! Like watching an old retired horse running through the field beside a young stallion, both just running as fast and free as can be. Or like watching your faithful old dog running around the yard playing with a new puppy like he was still a puppy. <<sniffle sniffle>> I need to go home and ride Excalibur to let her know I still love her. :cry:

(It's a Cannondale thing 8) )

[megale3]

that would be fantastic! I am in and my Six13 has a case that it can be comfy in on the flight there. HeyI feel honored to have almost be able to touch let alone ride the great Excaliber!
M

It would have almost choked me up to see Excalibur & Cal II doing a ride together! Like watching an old retired horse running through the field beside a young stallion, both just running as fast and free as can be. Or like watching your faithful old dog running around the yard playing with a new puppy like he was still a puppy. <<sniffle sniffle>> I need to go home and ride Excalibur to let her know I still love her. :cry:

(It's a Cannondale thing 8) )

And give the poor girl a tune up would you geeezzzzzzz

[BFSpin]

I may have to do that ride with you next time
:D M

Mike, FINALLY a way to get you to PA!!

And I will be on that ride, too :mrgreen:

Beth

I tried to get him here earlier for a ride, even offered him Excalibur - my original Cannondale. I don't usually even let people touch her let alone ride her!

We could do the next pilgrimage from Beth's area - that would add a few more miles on it making it a true double century with some to spare! :D

So when can we go, huh? When?!?! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Beth

[lizardbiker]

that would be fantastic! I am in and my Six13 has a case that it can be comfy in on the flight there. HeyI feel honored to have almost be able to touch let alone ride the great Excaliber!
M

It would have almost choked me up to see Excalibur & Cal II doing a ride together! Like watching an old retired horse running through the field beside a young stallion, both just running as fast and free as can be. Or like watching your faithful old dog running around the yard playing with a new puppy like he was still a puppy. <<sniffle sniffle>> I need to go home and ride Excalibur to let her know I still love her. :cry:

(It's a Cannondale thing 8) )

And give the poor girl a tune up would you geeezzzzzzz

Gave her a complete tear down and rebuild with shiny new gears fore and aft, new cables & brakes just before finding out I was getting Cal II, so she's like a brand new bike just waiting to be ridden again.

[megale3]

Nice! I would love to give her a go I will bring a Saddle and clips if she does not mind.
M