Training Woes.....Nee Howwww

One thing I like about my job is that its always exciting and keeps me motivated through a series of challenges. When those challenges grow to Everest like propoptions and you feel like a "Sherpa" carrying the six tents, five casses of Champagne, a pet poodle and a set of croquet, in a snow storm the novelty wears off......
Ok I am not in the Himilayas,.......and I am prone to dramatic utterences, but I am a darn sight closer to them than my bike in Houston, which is probably wondering if it will ever enjoy the thrill of a hot pursuit again.
This Asian trip has trip has already seen me on 7 planes which have included 23 packs of peanuts, 18 bloody mary's and 28 hot towels. I have seen Quantum of Solace so many times that I know exactly how many ice cubes James has in his Martini, and the only thing that really keeps changing is the length of the seat belt which is expanding rapidly from my lack of training.

Hopefully next weekend I can get escape from Singapore!!!

Singapore Sling

While my fellow cyclists back in Houston are "hopefully" getting some training in I am stuck in Singapore (See Crane Test Pic) climbing numerous ladders in numerous shipyards as well as battling huge temperature changes.

AC - Humidity from Hell - AC ........Its like Houston in August but with a pair of coveralls ans steel boots.

Needless to say training has been limited. Only today after ten days in Singapore did I make it to the Gym which was well worth a visit with state of art machines and fixtures that make 24 Hour Fitness look very Pre-historic. Off to China tommorow!!!!

Weekend Ride Opportunities 7th & 8th February

Saturday 7th February
David Hill & I will be riding the "Ducks" ride tomorrow (MS150 Sanctioned Training Ride- See Event Schedule) with Renee. Watch for the Flag!
Sunday 8th February
Dave will be doing the usual Terry Hershey (4 Park Combo) while I will be at 30,000 feet on my way to Singapore.

Rooster Tails, Tire Blow Out, "Cramps" and Road Debris

Saturday 31st January

Saturdays Ride was the " 4 Park Combo" and provided us with some welcome training mates. Louis, brought Justin & Shelden to form their own unique version of the "Three Trini-in-teers" ensuring that Trinidad is well represented in the training series and the BHPB bike team. Considering the weather in Port of Spain rarely drops below 80 Degrees Justin & Sheldon were quite surprised that it took so long for the feeling to come back to their fingers and toes.
On the subject of weather the chilly morning was also commented on by two other team mates, Suzanne and Kelly who happen to deal with the weather professionally on a daily basis, and were much more prepared than the rest of us.
All the riders appeared to have fun and it was wonderful to get a good number (7) out for the training session. I know they will appreciate their hard work on "Ride Day"
Talking about Hard Work! Sunday was a Challenge.

Sunday 1st February
Sundays ride was called "Bike the Rescue" which helps towards Houston Animal shelters.
Dave Hill and I were joined on Sunday by one of our new training buddies from Saturday "Suzanne" who reminded us that wearing heels after a training session to go the theater was a BAD!!! IDEA Thank Goodness for Intermissions!!!

Dave and I were opting for the longest of the rides offered (64 Miles) so we started in a different group than Suzanne. We started at a blistering pace and led the way for 8 miles or so, getting into a good rhythm with a Pace line that clearly wanted to get home for breakfast.

The overnight rain made visibility poor with us all sporting muddy "Rooster Tails" off our back wheels, which was delightful especially cycling over the "Road Kill".

Riding in a fast group is exhilarating and fun but focus is paramount, especially when you blow out your front tire at the front of the group travelling 22 mph. Emergency Maneuvers are normally required, as was the case this morning.
After a quick tire change we hit the road again in earnest only to encounter some strong winds and possibly some of worst roads in Texas with respect to roadside debris.
Once we hit the 45 Mile marker we missed a crucial rest stop due to some "Poor Sign Management by the Ride" Organisers". It was a rest stop that I needed to fill up with water! Alas! I was now running on empty and the inevitable happened. (No Fluid intake = Good Chance of Cramping)
"An intense, involuntary contraction of a muscle"
For those of you who have not yet experienced the pain of cramping when cycling its not much fun. (See Web Site and Blog Index for Cramp mitigation measures)
Dave was a fantastic team mate and as we pushed on with many short stretching stops to finish with a respectable 18. 4 mph average for the 64 mile course.