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Odds ‘n Ends

11.07.2010 by Ray Niekamp // 5 Comments

Re-energized

Not me -- but the right idea.

After a week off the bike because of the derailleur situation, I went out for a 26-mile ride Saturday morning.  I wondered if the time off would make it harder for me to climb hills and maintain a strong pace.  I needn’t have worried.  My hill climbing was stronger.  Higher speeds came easier.  The week-long layoff did me good.

That got me wondering — what’s the point of diminishing returns?  How much time does it take before being off the bike translates into a noticeable loss of power and endurance?

Riding without a cell phone

I was making preparations to leave on my Saturday morning ride, but I couldn’t find my cell phone.  It wasn’t anywhere in the house that I could see.  It wasn’t left in the car.  Then I remembered.  At work Friday, I plugged it into a charger.  I must have left Friday afternoon and forgotten to take it with me.

Saturday was the first day in forever that I had ridden without a cell phone.  Funny how important those things have become.  Always, in the back of my mind, I was thinking: “What if I crash?  What if I need help for some reason?”  It was an extra careful ride.

Sunday, I rode with my wife, who had her own phone with her.  But when she finished, I decided to head back out for another 12 miles or so.  It was a little easier for me this time, and I wasn’t constantly thinking about the missing phone.  But you can bet I’ll make sure it’s with me when I leave work from now on.

Funny — it wasn’t that many years ago that we rode anywhere without them.

Christmas wishes

While riding with my wife this morning, she said, “For Christmas, I’d like a pair of those biking capris.”

“Huh?”

“You know, the bike tights that stop just below the knee.”

“Oh, those are called knickers.”

“Yeah — I want some.”

“I thought you wanted new cycling shoes?”

“Oh yeah — I want those too.”

Looks like it’ll be a cycling Christmas around our house.

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Categories // Odds 'n ends Tags // cell phone, clothing, training

Comments

  1. RamonH says

    November 7, 2010 at 5:45 pm

    My wife has become a big fan of Pearl Izumi “thermal” gear. She even said, “You are buying me the thermal jacket . I can wear it at work when it gets cold …” Talk about wearing your cycling gear as your regular clothes 😀

    Reply
  2. Al says

    November 7, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    I’d say you hit the sweet spot at one week off. In my experience, after that you lose form. Up to a week, the time off makes your legs that much more fresh.

    Think of relief pitchers in baseball. Fresh or rusty?

    Reply
  3. Tim says

    November 8, 2010 at 7:26 am

    I’ve had the same experience. I usually have great rides after 5 to 7 days off the bike.

    Used to ride without a cell phone all the time (they weren’t invented yet). Did ok back then. Now it’s “OMG, I forgot my cell!”

    Bike stuff for Christmas!!!!!

    Reply
  4. bikepartsexpress says

    November 9, 2010 at 8:41 am

    I have been riding bikes and training for close to 15 years. I have noticed that 2 days after a really hard training session is when I feel strongest. My coach says that it is not the actual hard training that makes you stronger; it is the recovery period where you actually gain power as muscle is being rebuilt to handle the next session. Proper recovery is essential. I like http://www.bikepartsexpress.com/C49_0017/EB5540.html I have found that after 3 days off the bike, I start to get less powerful. Then it takes me 1 day back on the bike to feel strong again.

    Reply
  5. pickspub says

    November 14, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    Spent 2 weekends in a row on the trainer because of bad weather doing considerably less hours. Then, I got a nice day and had a super ride. I think getting away for that short period helped boost my enthusiasm.

    P.S. I’m hoping for new shoes under the tree as well : )

    Reply

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