Leaf Peeper

What is now becoming a yearly event, this years Leaf Peeper was all it was billed as and then some. Last year Bruce and John came up with the idea to ride from Scottsville to Letchworth Park. This is the prettiest park around. A large canyon cut into the shale by the Genesse River over thousands of year. Great to ride through (which I've done a few times this year) and lots of hiking trails too. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East...I just call it Letchworth. Last year I saw Bruce's post on Bike Journal , so signed in. Besides I wanted to meet these two as I've followed their adventures for a couple of years on BJ ( if only I knew then what know now about these two clowns.......hehehe ). Having helped with the routing last year, I suggested a slightly different route this year that would include steadier climbing to Perry than last year, where all the climb was in the last 6 miles before the village. The plan was to meet in Scottsville and meander on from there. I went out a few days prior to the ride and marked the route which helped everyone stay on course.

Bruce rode in from his home near the art gallery in Rochester,and I rode in from LeRoy (It was still dark when I left the house). So we both had a nice warm up of 15 miles or so. John drove in from Spencerport and was raring to get some miles in. Bruce has been under the weather with some congestion issues for a week or so. He wasn't looking to chipper when we all hooked up. It is good to hook up with them for another ride. There usually isn't a lack of wit or zingers with this crew.

The first 12 miles were rather flat with a couple of small rises...a nice warm-up.... Well Bruce was struggling some and contemplating doing a 180. But he hung in there...(what a trooper) ..... Actually I got pretty scared when we were on Steward Rd and encountered a flock of buzzards. Normally they don't bother me cuz they are circling overhead. That's a good very sign when there circling overhead, usually it means that I'm moving faster than road kill. Well this time... with John struggling along, and Bruce wheezing and geezing, the buzzards (seeing very little movement and thinking we were carrion) were on the ground getting ready to ambush us. Fortunately I sped up just enough to show enough movement thereby spoiling their plans of a mighty feast.

We arrived in the thriving metropolis of Corbits Corners. There was once an old style bar/hotel, and a grain mill along the railroad . Now it's nothing more than stoplight at two main roads. This is where we met up with Shelly (Handyhanna...how did you get that moniker anyways?). Davis Trailer sales was kind enough to let her park there. This is also where we encountered our first hill of the day. A nice easy 3-5% at 2 1/4 miles long. Piece of cake .... right...! One thing I did enjoy was seeing how Shelly, John and Bruce's climbing abilities shook out as the ride unfolded. Overall the days climbs were not difficult, yet they did seem to be at the outer limits of my cohorts limits. Thier abilities ebbed and flowed all day. We then rode thought the hamlet of Linwood. We are now encounter my Red Route 1 area. This is were I ride most every day, where I do my endurance and candance intervals. There is a nice deceptive climb for the next two miles, accumulating up on a ridge overlooking the Village of Geneseo and Suny Geneseo college. On the calmest of day's there is a strong breeze out of the west at the top of this ridge where the road curves to the left. Monday was no exception. But travel 1/2 a mile down the road and the woods blocks the wind and we were back into calm winds again.

Down hill makes everyone smile. This is what the doctor ordered. We fly down Peoria Rd onto Old State Rd, and start heading south again on Simmons Rd, this will take us all the way to Perry. Simmons is a good, steady climb for the first 2 miles then it levels out some while still moving upwards for the next 6 miles.

Funny, the things you hear on a ride like this. Now Bike Journal is a place where you log you miles and also has a place to place comments about your rides. When you read some of these comments, it often makes me wonder if Lance Armstrong resides in each and every rider. Tales of great speed, and climbing abilities sure bring me a big chuckle mainly because the auther has neglected a few details...such as a tremndous tailwind, downhill grades, or the total distance covered is less than most time trial distances. Both John and Bruce are flatlanders ( a fancy way to spell Undulating), who normally take a 2-4 hour break in the middle of a 20 mile ride (they commute less than 10 miles each way to work). It really is comical watching them wear down as the miles and feet climbed added up Monday. Made me chuckle again thinking of all the posts they have written in BJ about thier previously riding escapades. Shelly on the other hand may not rack up the yearly mileage the other two have, yet she has a great endurance ability. I've witnessed her do 2 centuries and a metric in less than 30 days. Way to go girl!!!!! And you were worried!!! I'm a bit concerned that I may have ridden to much (over 300 miles) in the week leading upto this ride...but that turned out to be a non-factor........On the way up Simmons Road. I'm hearing all sorts of compliments about the route, how nice it is compared to last year, even tho they have tripled there climbing to this point mileage wise ....Yup ... great route!!!! .........How soon they forget and turn ugly on you.

Turning west we enter Perry, and that means one thing ....LUNCH.... After a hearty feast it is on to our destination... Letchworth Park. The best part about entering at Perry is the 3 mile downhill with -8 & -9 % grades. I get up in the high 40's mph down this one (I lost my downhill muscle this year, last year I hit 53 on the downhill). Keep in mind the whole ride we have been blessed with great weather, and the most spectacular array of colors one could ever imagine. This is fall at its best. I'll let you in an a little secret.....it gets even better. You can't believe how gorgeous the park looks.

One of the few breaks bicycles get is free admission to State Parks. As we fly past a long line of cars waiting to pay their 6 bucks, you can feel the leers and bad vibes coming from the drivers.
The Columbus day weekend is a huge craft show at the park. This is one reason why we enter at Perry. I suggest heading south to get over near the Big Bend, a great area for photos with the leaves being near Peak color, then for us to exit at Castile, that way we can enjoy the gorge (ous) views., Shelly asked me if that was before or after Wolf Creek. I tell her, I think it is after the Castile exit. We are well over 40 miles at this point, and one thing Letchworth is not... is FLAT... Short quick steep hills are abundant. Our first stop is St Helena's overlook, where a town was moved prior to the Mt. Morris dam being built. In 1972 hurricane something or other, came through this area. It rained hard for a few days and the dam did its job. Then on to Tea table for more photo's, followed by Wolf creek cascade.

Oooops .... I was mistaken about Wolf Creek. Guess I was thinking about coming in from Portageville. There is an ittsy bittsy, teensie weensie climb up to the Wolf Creek Overlook. I've done this 3 times already this year so it's tough, but not earth shattering....Unless, of course, your a flatlander, or a car badly in need of a tune up. One driver missed a shift and the way he was grinding the gears and almost stalling the car was comical. The average grade was near 9-12%. There was so much traffic on that skinny road, the drivers were afraid to pass us riders up this 1/2 mile hill. Did I mention that Mr.Garmin read 21% grade at one point. As the three arrive at Wolf Creek overlook, you could see where that hill really kicked thier butts. As each one reached the top, the looks and comments I recieved were something else.... I guess all the kudo's about a nice route just flew out the window ( or into the gorge)...See how quickly they turn!!!!

Leaving Letchworth is bittersweet. This is truely such a wonderful place to be on such a picture perfect day. But if I hope to be home before dark, then it is time. The climb out of Castile exit is far eaisier than from the Perry exit. We leave the village of Castile on a nice easy grade for 3 miles.Yet I can see where everyone is worn down at this point as we are well past the halfway point of the ride. Through out the ride I have circled back to ride alongside each rider as a way to motavate them along. It does help pick up their pace as they become involved in converstation rather than thier own personal cycling pain and stuggles. Out of Castile, one of the riders has fallen considerably off the pace so I circle back and attempt to pull them up to the top of the rise. village of Castile on a nice easy grade for 3 miles. In the typical fashion of this rider I get an earful afterwards about how poorly I pulled them back to the group, rather than this rider reflecting on thier own personal abilities , and lack of experiance in the draft. I guess it doesn't pay to be helpfull. But it is cureable with more seat time.

Now the fun begins.....downhill for the next 6 miles. What faboulios views of Genesseo and the Salt mines of in the distance. As I mentioned earlier , my downhill muscle has diminished but I still get into the low 40's on this stretch. From here on out it is flat ridding through the Genesse river valley back to Corbits corners. Shelly is overwhelmed to see her truck again, as sure sign that she has completed another grueling task. John and I hook back up with Bruce for the final 11 miles back to Scottsville. Both of them are pretty well spent for the day. Bruce haveing achieved his 2nd lifetime century, opts for a ride home with John. I continue on to LeRoy, arriving home after tthe sun has set with a little over 4000ft climb, for a total of 125 1/4 miles for the day. My first double metric.

I do enjoy distance riding. There is something about the freedom of movement, challenging your minnd and body to endure and overcome the obsticales in your path. A few of my goals being at least 3 week long supporrted rides in '09, more randonneuring ( the 200K is now in the books), unsuported multiday touring,and an Atlantic to the Pacific adventure before 2012. I still need to work on my climbing speed and overall ground speed. These two items are what I will address this winter on the trainer in the gym. I had great results from my efforts last winters sessions in the gym. So I'm excited by the anticipated results from the upcomming winters training sessions. As I get stronger as a rider, this is what propels me to work harder. As I have seen the fruits of my labors.

If I could paint

Everywhere you look is an explosion of the rainbow. Every color imaginable is bursting forth as we enter the bittersweet fall season.

A couple of weeks ago I went to Alfred-Almond for a neat ride that followed a ride route from Almond to Olean.This route was first ridden back in 1895. Can you imagine riding 100 miles on wagon(horse drawn) wheel ruts ridding a bike from that era? Those riders had to be tough as nails, not to mention great brewers of moonshine!!!!!. Moonshine you ask??? How else do you think they could have nursed their sore bodies after an adventure like that.

I saw Shelly (handyhanna) at the start line. We rode a little in the beginning. Then I rode up on Chip, who is leaning towards the dark side. Seems Chip is starting to ride recumbent. We rode together with his friend Donnie for the remainder of the ride.

The last 2 weeks have been a combination of local rides, trying to get some distance in. Last Sunday I did a loop to Darian Lake. I went to Letchworth yesterday marking the route for the upcoming Leaf Peepers ride so the navigationaly challenged know where to turn. This should be an interesting ride as both John and Bruce are going to ride this. Ussally we have a great time ribbing each other as all three of us are rather quick witted. Both Bruce and John ride urban areas exclusively, with very short distances as a norm on what is described as undulating terrain (undulating seems to be a fancy way to spell "flat"). My guess would be that they both are in training for this BIG mileage ride. This year I've changed the route to make the first 35 miles involve some climbing. Nothing to steep, mostly steady 3-6% grades that are up to 2 miles in length incorporating a few of my favorite routes. Then its mostly FLAT riding back to the start. Ridding flat never gives you a chance to recover.

The next few days are going to be gorgeous weather ...so If off to spin my wheels

A brand new year

In this grand journey we call life, the satisfaction of adding on another year is still met with eager anticipation. The past couple of years Cheryl has tryed to find a new unriden destination is a way to accent the day. This year would be no different.

My trusty navagator guides me through a series of left and rights bearing west and south. As we travers through the bustling metroplie's of Cassadaga, Stockton, and my personal favorite...Ellory Center...(more on this cultural hot spot latter).

At last we arrive at our destination... Long Point Park ... on the shores of Chautauqua lake a little west of Bemus Point. This is a nice park with a large shoreline and public boat launch. We had the place to ourselves as we could count the other people there on one hand. Oh the joys of a Thursday, when the rest of the world is off at work. Chautauqua lake is shaped like a hour glass. After a hearty picnic lunch ...It is time to pedal !


We started near the pinch point of the hour glass. The first resort we encountered is Bemus Point, which has created a very nice, pretty shoreline area. Next on to the bustling of the BIG city of Jamestown. Like most small cities here in the northeast, Jamestown is showing signs of urban despair. Some way, some how these once thriving cities need too find a way to figure out how to lure back a manufacturing base.Without a strong manufacturing base creating jobs, they will continue to decline......That's a whole new thread for another day..... Chautauqua lake,as a whole has tried to base it's economy as a resort, tourist and second homes, such as Bemus Point and the other small hamlits along the it's shores.

Our tour continues along the southern shore heading west . The terrain is a series of long rollers that offers fabulous vista's of the lake. The winds are fairly strong today and a little chilly as they are out of the north west. Such are the joys of mid September rides. As we near Mayville, on our right is the prestigious Chautauqua Institute. Were the finest minds meet to solve the worlds issue's. Good Luck!!!! Climbing out of Mayville we are given one last majestic view of the lake.

Entering Long Point park at the end of our circumventing the lake, we have traversed 44 wonderful miles. Being the beginning of a new year I'm trying to ride my age (less than 3 digits). Well, Cheryl has already prepared an extra little loop for me to ride so I can achieve this goal.
What a day As I'm handed a map found on a local cycling clubs web site, and she so diligently points out the direction which I should ride...I'm off.... Now a couple of things someone forgot to mention to me were, 1) This local site is a cat 4-5 racing club that must be loaded with mountain goats , and 2) I'm now ride this route in reverse. But what do I know!!!! Lets get a few more miles in to surpass my age.

Rounding a bend in the road I'm thinking this is the same road we drove in on. I'm thinking... if I remember right there was as HUGE downhill........ wait...Hmmm .... if I'm now going in reverse , this is now a HUGE up hill. Yup, around the bend there it looms. It's a good thing I warmed up last Saturday at the Highlander. This sucker was longer than Millers hill, and steeper than County Rd 12. After 400 feet of climb in 2 miles of what felt like a going straight up a ladder, I reached the summit located in downtown Ellory Center. Yup ........ Church steeple and all. A few very strong rollers latter , I'm back at the park, enjoying a recovery drink, having exceeded my milage goals for the day.

Two hours latter we are joined by Robyn and Peter for dinner at Tully's in Batavia.

This truly is a fantastic birthday . ...

Lowlander Cycle Tour

What a day

Yesterday was a pretty good day in the saddle. There were a few SNUFU's along the way, but they couldn't stand in the way of all the accomplishments that were achieved. Having ridden this course the past 4 years, I'm familiar with the challenges that lie ahead.

Up at 4:30 am, out the door before 5:30am,the morning was starting out foggy, misty, and extremely humid. It is the humidity that wouldn't quit at all during the day. I arrived at Bristol Mnt in good time thanks to a post on Bike Journal from Breaker49K who pointed out some road construction on Rt 64. After picking up my numbers I ran into my first snufu. The front tire was very soft. Hmmmm, and wouldn't you know it I left my floor pump home . I use CO2 with the bike, so I borrowed a pump so not to waste a cartridge while still in the parking lot.

Now at last I'm ready to start the ride at 7:05. As I'm leaving the parking lot, BikerJohn is arriving. The first climb is about 4 1/2miles up the road. keep in mind that most of these climbs are not that long.... they are STEEP. A right turn onto County Rd 32 presents the first challenge. A 1 mile long climb that has an average grade that shoots up to 8% then plateau out at 10 - 12 % the rest of the way. It's the lowlanders way of saying .... Hello!!!! There was a lot of broken glass, not only along the edge, but also out in the road also in the middle of the hill. I spin up this pretty easy, feeling this will be a good ride. Don't get me wrong, the hill is still a hard climb. In years past I haven't been in this good of bike shape. I've really struggled up this hill poorly in the past, as well as struggling over the entire course. But so far things are dramatically different.

Cheshire is the first sag, I roll in grab some fruit, check the front tire, all is well. Normally when I ride distances, I don't stop except for nature calls. On most 50 - 70 mile rides I'll carry a sandwich, and what not to eat while pedaling. So these sags are nice, but I try not to spend more than 5 minutes at one so I don't stiffen up. I meet handyhanna (from Bikejournal) here for the first time today. Then off I go looking forward to a couple of nice rollers and Millers hill. Time for the second snafu, Rear tire starts hissing up the first roller on Duels Rd. I find a slit in tire casing, Repair that, and were off again. Millers hill is 1/10 mile short of 2 miles, It immediately kicks up to 9 % grade, has a false flat of 5% for a few hundred ft, then reverts back to between 9% about 12%. So far so good, I alternate between spinning and standing (dancing on the pedals) up Millers. The biggest decision is will I be standing or sitting when I pass the photographer? I chose to be dancing on the pedals.
At the summit I feel great, not tired, or wasted , as in previous years. Then on to Bristol Harbour for a sag, arguably one of the best views of Canandaigua Lake...if not the Fingerlakes.

From here its a couple of rollers, past the top of Bopple hill and then.......Hisssssss. Oh sh(oo)t. Rear tire again, different spot this time. Up and rolling again, I decide to stop at the return sag on County Rd 12, to use their pump and check the tires over again. I find another slit in the rear casing, so I break that down . This sag has the most gorgious view of the lake. Sitting up on the bluff, you can see across to Vine Valley, or down to the Hi Tor swamps. This morning there are huge fog banks of clouds rising up off the water. which has hidden the lake.

Moving right along, the next challenge is to the top of Gulick Rd. The highest point of the Lowlander. That's 9 miles up with an average grade of 5 to 8.5 %. There is a series of unending rollers which I decide to attack each of tops so I can gain great momentum to attack the next one. The top of each roller, of course, is higher than the previous one. So far this is working nicely. I still feel strong, and have plenty left in the tank. It may take have taken 40 minutes to climb the 9 miles up Gulick,but coming down was a scream...45 mph. After a brief stop in Honeoye,were I run into a fellow FANY rider, its on to Naples. He leaves before I do, and I chased him down after a few miles. We had a good chat on the way to the next sag. One of the joys of this ride is to look over your shoulder and see some of the most beautiful lakes around. Surrounded by the hills all left behind when the glaciers retreated. We ride past Hunt Hollow and start to climb again. This little hill seems to have more bite than meets the eye. After being lulled asleep with some relatively flat ridding the past 6 miles, the legs and mind aren't ready for this. Once again I meet up with handyhanna as she repeats her mantra
..."It's all about the grape pies..." A brief stop at the 50 mile sag and its all downhill to Naples.

Being at the half way point, having climbed over 3200 ft, I'm pleased with my performance up to now. I'm motoring up the hills, overtaking and passing many riders with ease. There are a few that are overtaking me, but this year I'm not the slow fat guy struggling to mash up the hills. I feel there is plenty of gas in the tank. What I'm not happy with, and cannot do anything about, is my overall time. I lost a good hour with the 3 flats. Oh well, it sucks but nothing I can do about it now.

After leaving Naples, the road is pretty flat again for the next 7 miles, and a slight tailwind to boot. As I approached the climb out of Middlesex, you can see the hill looming ahead as it curves to the left and disappears. For some strange reason, whenever a hill goes around a bend, it always seems to get steeper. This hill was no different. The next 2 miles are at 5 to 8% with a 10% kicker added in for good measure. I come up on a young lady who is struggling near the top , so I get her to repeat handyhanna's mantra..."I'm in it for the grape Pies...I'm in it for the grape pies... " It seems to work, as she picks up her pace . After a left turn there is this little 1/4 mile wall of 15%. Beyond that it is all down hill to Vine Valley.

Now there are two cruel jokes that the organizers of the Highlander provide for us. One is a sag point in Vine Valley. Hmmm, your wondering what is so bad about that? Well first off valley stands for a low spot, second they entice you with food (read cookies here) and beverage so you will stop. Third when you remount.......within 200 ft you get to start climbing at 7% to 9% for the next 2 miles. This was the first time my legs started to scream at me. It was only for the first minute or so, until the lactic acid flushed it self out. At last everything starts working again as the legs start to pump away and all is well. Once at the top of South Vine Valley Rd, its a fun drop into Middlesex again, followed by a fairly flat 5 miles to the base of my Favorite hill ...."County Rd 12"

County rd 12 is the second joke that the organizers play on us. At the 90 mile mark there is this itty bitty hill.... OK...OK.... its a quad buster. This puppy seems to go on forever!!!! Actually it is only 2 1/4 miles long , yet it starts out at 8% and gets steeper after that. By this point, most everyone is a bit worn down. I've suffered immensely up this in years past. This time, although it is still a hard climb, I spin up it at a steady clip... Mind you, I'm not setting any speed records here, yet I'm able to maintin a comfortable spin thats not stressing me .....repeating handyhanna's manta..."It's all about the grape pies"...! at the top is a sag, so gathered up a few refreshments and headed off for the finish, hopefully ahead of the rain cloud that was rapidly approaching from the south.

At last the ski slopes are in view....but the problem is that Mr Garmin only reads 98.5 miles. I'm here to do a century, so I turn around to head back the way I came for a little then turn around again heading back towards the finish. I end up with 100.45 miles. After packing up I go inside for my post ride meal, which was wonderful with the new vendor. Now I have to wait until after 5pm to get my bottle of wine ( you didn't think I would leave without my grapes....)

I'm very happy with my performance this year. Losing 60 lbs has been a blessing. Its was hard to do and will be hard to keep it off, but if I can keep this up , it's all worth it.

Recap

Miles 100.45

Moving time 6h47m 02s

I did the lowlander in less that 7 hours. I'm elated.

That's 45 minutes better than last year. I thought I did pretty good last year.

My goal the past few weeks has been a sub 7 hour Lowlander. I didn't think it was possible , but I did it. YESSSSSSS. I didn't really push that hard throughout the ride. I used a steady comfortable pace that the terrain allowed me.

The Highlander (lowlander) cycle tour has been my measuring stick as to how well my season has progressed. The first year I attempted it was a real eyeopener ( on my old 12 speed Raleigh). I had ridden less than 500 miles in 2 years, yet when I completed it the elation was overwhelming. In subsequent years my riding skills were not always something I worked on very much or very proud of. In '06 I had a disastrous ride. My awaking came in late June of '07, when I decided to ride the FANY ride. That ride invigorated my passion for cycling to new heights. I've always need a challenge to set my sites on. The Highlander (lowlander) has, as a late season ride, provided it.

All that training , the hours spent in the gym last winter working on my core, legs and shoulders. The major weight loss, the miles ridden this season but most importantly, was the helpful coaching from Mike C about 3 weeks ago. His tweaking of my riding mechanics which made a such huge improvement in my abilities.

Thanks Mike C.....

Anticipation

One of the dates I have looked forward to during the past 5 years has been the second Saturday after labor day. The day of the Highlander !!!!!! In past years my rides have been directed towards surviving the day. Some years sure were a heck of a lot tougher than others. From the elation of actually finishing the very first year, to riding the route with my son when he was 13. What a great day that was. With Peter being a rabbit early on to my being his cheerleader , encouraging him on long after he ran out of gas. Finnish he did...all 100 miles. Still the beauty of this ride belongs to the of the Fingerlakes area. The fragrance from the wooded hills or cresting over a rise where the vista will be anything from awe inspiring hills and valleys, to the serene calm of the two lakes we ride along side of.

The next few days leading up to Saturday I don't plan on riding very hard. So much of what I've read points out that rest, easy spins are what is most helpful at this time.

This past Saturday Cheryl and I did a spin around Stafford, a rather flat course with a couple small knolls. She has been experiencing some knee discomfort for a while.Where as we haven't ridden together that much this summer,its been difficult for me to observe her riding position. I did tweak her cleats some, that helped a little, but I noticed her knees were moving out away from the top tube as she pedaled. After raising her seat up little that lined her knees up much better over her pedals, reducing her discomfort. Time will tell.

Planning has already started for next years rides....Tentative list includes, Bike Florida (excellent spring training) Bike Virgina, Gettysburg battlefields (self guided), Seaway trail (self guided) Bike ride across Tennessee, FANY, STBC Fingerlakes tour, Bike Tioga, and Bike Journals Reunion (if its held in the east). Along with as much of western New York I can cover.

Keep on Pedalling

September dawns with a few interesting milestones.


A) The Bianchi has rolled over 10,000 glorious miles.

B) Year to date is over 5000 miles.

A learning experience

One of the things that makes cycling so much fun, is when it finally, clicks..... As the summer has progressed, so are my strength and abilities. Trying to do all the right things by doing intervals for speed, cadence and hill endurance, yet progress seems to be on a slower learning curve than I'd hope for.

Last Friday while I was taking a spin in Chili, looking more for a tempo ride than anything else, A rider came up along side me and we started to chat. Mike Corcimiglia, a member of GVCC , and I rode for a couple hours. Turns out he was raised in LeRoy!!!! Over the next 30 miles we (more like I) hammered and I received a great education. There is only so much one can learn from reading, or watching others , or trying to mimic what you think your suppose to be doing. There is no substitute for good coaching. While this ride was an easy spin for Mike, for me it was quite a workout....probably my best ride of the year for content. I was shown and received some valuable coaching advice on technique which I hadn't been able to put it together on my own.

On Saturday I applied my new found knowledge and practiced this on my ride to my brother Marks house, for our summers end picnic. Adding new habits takes some time, mostly because the old habits keep wanting to surface. Progress was made.

Normally on Sunday afternoons I have a open house somewheres. This eliminates my joining a great ride out of Churchville on Sunday's at 2pm. This past Sunday being a long weekend , past experience has proved that opens are poorly attended. SO...On to Churchville to ride with the big boys. Most of these riders are current or ex racers the rest are just plain, darn good riders. This ride would be a good gage as to how far I've progressed. In the past I get dropped in the first 3 miles and then spend the rest of the time playing catch up, along with being dog tired. Well, after 15 miles I'm still in the main pack holding up rather well. While I'm still being dropped from the main group on hills, yet able to pace back up with others. On the way back (20 miles in ) the pace gets stepped up as everyone wants to fly down 262 towards Byron. I'm in paceline taking my share of pulls with 3 other that's moving at 28 mph (or more). The speed gets stepped up to over 30 mph where I eventually fall of, then hook up with the next group moving in the high 20's . Yet for almost 5 miles I hung with that first group. That is something that would never had happened last week. What Mike taught me on Friday played a huge role in my new found abilities.

Who knows....with a few more weeks of training, along with practicing what Mike taught me, my goal of a sub 7 hour Lowlander is looking far more realistic.