I've been riding bikes my whole life. Like most people I'd guess. I've been riding a hybrid off road/on road bike since 1992. It's another Diamondback that's pretty beat up at this point. Next season ('05) I think I want to ride a Specialized Stumpjumper freeride bike. There is some decent rough terrain around where I live but next season I plan on doing some real single track mountain biking. This season ('04)I started riding a road bike. A zippy Trek 1000. This bike is so streamlined and fast the first time I rode it I had to get off and walk it to the track. I wasn't used to the speed.

First Race. 10/3/04
New Bike 10/20/04
Marathon Weekend Images 11/7/04
November Ride 2004
Another November Ride 2004
New Frameset 6/15/05

After years and years of the heavy-duty city/mountain bike I was just not ready for the speed and responsive handling of the Trek. I've never been a speed demon and don't consider myself an adrenaline junkie but at some point the road racing bug bit me. I don't think it was consciously the Tour De France and the Lance Armstrong phenomenon as I didn't pay attention to it while it was going on. I've since started reading all I can about the history and personalities of road racing, of course.

I think it was when I started wearing a helmet. Haven't worn one my entire life but finally listened to friends who ride telling me to be smart. With the added (false) confidence the lid gives me, I started riding much faster and more aggressively. It was then I wanted a speed bike. I've also started playing with a heart rate monitor and have been getting more structured in the way I ride. I doubt I'll ever compete against anyone but myself and the clock, but you never know. Also, you need to be incredibly aware and focused when you ride a road bike in traffic. I ride nice and easy through the Brooklyn streets until I get to the track or course. Then, I settle in and open up. I'm getting better but it's still pretty scary. A wipeout at those speeds can do some serious damage.

I probably like the mountain bike road bike better because I can do more with it in my area. And it's a lot of fun being able to ride in rough terrain be it weedy hills or NYC potholes and curbs. But I definitely dig the speed of the road bike when you have the course available. And practicing one benefits the other they say.

Cycling Links

<3 Photoshop

2004/08/03 00:24

"Removed the aerobar from the Trek. Messed with the balance. Replaced the pedals with non-clip ballistic racing pedals. Started a logbook. Need to track the distance to and from the course. Kept the HR in the right zone. Did intervals and a 5 mile time trial to get a baseline. Need to swap saddles. Realized I've been biking every summer since 1992. Need to wear my gloves. Would like another helmet so a friend can take out the DB while I'm on the Trek. Looking forward to finally measuring the increases in speed, endurance and distance. Digging gaining a deeper understanding. Enjoyed the whistling through the helmet due to velocity. Would like to get out on Long Island with a crash car trailing me so that I can go for distance without worrying about flats and failures. Got a 'script for anti-inflammatory treatment of Iaido elbow. Got referral to sports medicine physical therapist. Discussed treatment options. Prognosis, good. Dojo bound this fall. Need to ride year round, perhaps. Really want a Stumpjumper to replace the Diamondback. The bikes really complement each other. Printed out articles about scientific training, the importance of the right food and drink before, during and after a session. Rejoining NYSC asap. Looking for local club for beginner races before the season ends. Looking forward to watching the Olympics. Not happy with NYC at the moment. Wishing I was riding right now. Appreciating momentum. Cleaned the bikes. Work is great and exciting and frightening. Want to go go go."