Spring Commuter

The Desert San Campus Bike now doing duty as my Haskell Campus Bike.

Spring here in Interzone is an understatement, Gentle Reader of This Blog--more like Ka Pow! Every where green is shooting up--springing up! And Facilities has not yet started to make the switch over from heating to cooling. Its hot and muggy outside and even more so inside the library.

These seemed to appear over-night!

Sun coming up in Old East Lawrence as I bike to work.

Now KS in on Daylight Savings Time and we have an hour longer of light in the evening. This means its dark longer in the morning. I catch Him in His "Staring Role" as I head to Haskell Library.

Have to keep clothes loose as to keep cool.

Wearing work attire is different from the fast bike stuff. Work clothes don't breathe well, so I keep the shirt un-tucked and un-buttoned, and try to ride slower and not work so hard to rush to work. I've been arriving with sweat dripping down my face even riding a leisurely pace. And I stay sticky as the AC is not on yet at the campus.

The building is not very green and designed to be only warmed or cooled--pretty black and white. No thought as to how to make it work more efficiently within the environment in which it was built. If in winter the heat goes off, the building becomes frigid cold--when the AC is off, the building quickly become suffocatingly hot. There has to be a better way to design and build structures!

Big Boy slowly waking up to the warm weather and sunshine.

Bright, awake, shinny and singing!

Haskell Stadium as I ride by. A bus is ready to take the Lady Warriors Soft Ball Team on the road.

Memorial Victory Arch.

Jim Thorpe played an exhibition game here when the Victory Arch was dedicated in 1926.

On Wednesday at my lunch hour I run up the Haskell Stadium stairs--I start at 0 and do six sections or six flights--to the 60 yard line, doing a set of 10 to 8 push-ups between each set. I'm trying to get out of the "Jim" when the weather's good to do this kind of interval training. I can emulate my Celebrity Spin Class HR zones by doing this work-out.

Haskell colors--Purple and White!

Cheers! Bruce

Power of the People

Heading out to Lone Star Lake--for the first ride of Spring.

The last week of my Celebrity Spin Class was probably the toughest week of workouts I've ever had. Last Sunday I planned to saddle-up and put in some miles after the class, but soon as I got home, took a shower, got a bite to eat I was quickly running out of gas. And as I got the bike ready to go and filled a water bottle or two, the wind brought in rain clouds--and within about half-hour skies were grey and cold. I found myself heading back to bed and sleeping a couple hours instead, Gentle Readers of This Blog.

With Celebrity Spin drawing down, a lot of us were worrying that we'd lose our fitness if we weren't out riding--so with a great Saturday forecast--and several emails to set the time--I went out for my first Spring Ride with blokes from Spin. Other Bike Club members they ride with were going today and we met at the park, and then before you could say "Allure Libre" we were off!

Farmers gotta get out and burn somethin'

All I can tell you Gentle Readers, is that Celebrity Spin gave me super-charged legs! And I would need them riding with these guys. We rode fast! Jon, from Spin--the man is big powerful, and driven! Also Tommy--a stocky dynamo--lead the pack for many miles as well! Two totally different body types and each with just as much power as the other!

Steve was there who I rode with once before and had a great time flying through the back roads--and his young son Tim. Tim was very much the classic looking Italian-type rider; lean, strong, and Alfa Romero quick. Also along was Sally, a former Tucsonian like me--her lament was that all the years she road it she never won El Tour de Tucson, just came in second many times.

I am happy to report that I was able to stay with the group, and we rode fast and hard, and took turns pulling through the strong head-winds that were now gaining steam. The big difference I felt today is that I had power. When it seemed I would start to drop off, instead of just giving in, I sprinted and got back with the group to ride in the paceline.

This is essential when riding out here in Kansas with the wind bearing down on you. From my spin training I was able to recover quickly in the draft of the other riders. A few time Jon dropped us but we were able to re-group and then speed up as a group and catch him. I have to say that riding is a group like this is so much fun--I was beside myself with joy that here I was, the big Clydesdale, right up there with the rest of 'em!

At Hwy 59, for the home stretch back into Lawrence, we regroup.

Young Tim bonked and got dropped for the last real hard stretch up to 59. The wind is brutal there and Jon and Tommy dropped Sally, Steve, and Yours. I was getting tired now, mes amis, and had to be pulled up to 59 by them. We realized we dropped Tim, so Steve held back to wait for him while I tried to keep up with Sally.

Young Tim and Steve--Young Tim admits to Dad that he didn't eat breakfast--or lunch! Running on fumes the Kid is still the fastest thing I've seen out on the road!

Jon, Bruce, Sally, Steve, Tommy--photo by Young Tim.

After 10 weeks of tough spin class, and six weeks of weight training, I felt very glad about my new-found power. But I was somewhat dismayed at seeing that I'm still carrying the weight; I've not lost weight like I thought I might, mes amis, but eventually I might be able to get a few pounds lighter. I'm still at 250 pounds and if I can ride like I did today, where I felt stronger than ever--how would I feel if I was 10 or even 20 pounds lighter?

On our way back into town on Hwy 59.

A quick ride through Haskell Campus back to the Little House.

Back on the road.

One thing different about this first ride is that I really pushed myself to stay with the group--it was great to be in that paceline and riding fast--but I know I was riding way up in my zone 3 and zone 4 heart rates. I didn't take the HR monitor this ride for some reason.

After I got back, every muscle in my upper body was aching, and is still aching as I write this post, Gentle Readers of This Blog. My legs feel okay, its just that the rest of me needs the rest day. If I can just keep up and stay with these guys and ride like this, I know I'll continue to gain some skill.

But this was just 30 miles--and no way can I keep this pace riding a brevet. March 24th and the 200 km brevet is almost here. I know I'll finish--I am sure I'll finish stronger from all my training this winter. Now I just need to stay healthy and get a good long ride in so I'll be all set for my first 200!

The Mighty Trek.

Thanks for stopping by the blog!

Cheers! Bruce

Message from Spider

Yesterday, I went into the Men’s Room to wash my hands up—I had
just returned from the Jim Thorpe Fitness Ctr not far from my office. I have been lifting weights, or should I say, struggling to lift weights—to help my arthritic back and shoulder. Gradually I feel like I’m getting stronger, Gentle Reader of This Blog. Time will soon tell.

Leap Year Day yesterday and thunder storms and rain and wind sprinted through parts of KS with not so much as an introduction other than KA BOOM. Tornadoes didn’t kill people in KS but in other parts nearby some did die.

On my mind is the Brevet season—will there be a blizzard late March when I clip in? Have I trained enough? The right kind of training? Why am I doing this? Will I be on a course just to find a twister in my path to stop me? Worse than that—plain old Fear and Doubt?

I’m looking in the mirror and there’s an older fellow—now 50 years old—hoping to see the Randonneur. It will be March—March already. And this is the year to ride the Brevets. Little Egypt won’t be back until next Fall so I can ride and train and live on the bike—anything to be ready for the Brevets. I may not have this chance for a long time, mes amis.

These thoughts rolling around in my mind—and then I see on the wall, next to the mirror—a fleck so small. I go closer and strain to look because on this huge blank wall of an institutional rest room, there is a tiny almost unnoticeable wisp.

It is a spider. I am surprised I must say—tiny and almost invisible. Where did you come from? If you are the first sign of Spring my Little Brother, how did you survive last night’s powerful storm? I could see him move and look me over as well, and I could make out his tiny black eyes on top of his translucent greenish-yellow body.

I am unable to put into words our connection, mes amis. We were both two individual living things side by side and in wonder.

I have pulled out the bike to ride to work, back in the Tucson Days, and saw between the handle bars of the Mighty Trek, a spider’s web. Then while riding the tiny spider climbs out and then rests in the web there between my hands, and he rides along secure until we're at the Desert San.

For him a trip of a Million Miles!

Allure Libre!

Bruce

Look for the Architect

Rendezvous at the park for a afternoon ride. Saw this old piece of ornate work that's probably left over from years gone by. This is in the parking lot of the park by the Kansas River.

Forecast for Interzone was that it would be well into the 60's, Gentle Readers of This Blog. This got me pretty excited during the week, and I got all my little mundane chores done before the weekend so I could ride! At Celebrity Spin Class, everyone was pretty excited too--everyone was talking about getting out on the road and puttin' in some miles! But spirits seemed to sink as the wind came up with a vengeance.

Ended up that it was just me who committed to the afternoon ride with Steve. I'd never met Steve--he's not in Celebrity Spin. "Look for the Architect," everyone in spin said. "Okay--look for the Architect..." I replied. So while riding out to meet Steve, I though to myself, "What does an Architect look like?" No matter--there was Steve rolling up on his bike--and then quickly (Steve is fast, mes amis) we were on our way.

Retired for now.

Steve and I would do the quick "Monday Night Ride" which is the short 8 miles out and back jaunt that some of the Club does. I'd been out this way before but not on this route. Steve had emailed me the route, which was a image from Google Maps--so I was eager to get out there. 8 miles through the old West Lawrence neighborhood and by the River--where the large Victorian homes as still aging gracefully--and then on our way for a quick leg on the Farmer's Turnpike.

Old WPA Power Pole--preserved and still on the job!

The Old Power Pole is at the entrance to the power plant that serves Lawrence mes amis. Its a symbolic statement and I appreciate the thought behind it--how would you know what a power pole from the 1930's looked like? I'm glad I got a photo of it for you Gentler Readers as last time I passed by I was in hurry to get home.

Is Spring on the way?

Steve and I had a good ride and I'm glad I met him! He's fast and I could just barely keep up with him. I can tell I'm much more fit from the spin class--still the wind and hills are something I need to work on. I'll get dropped if I can't get my butt up on the climbs and stay with the pack!

Our ride was only about 16 miles on the after-work club course--but they were just right for a quick spin after a day at the office. Also, we can all get home before dark. I do need to ride at a quicker cadence and with the pack--better if the pack will be just a little faster. Will help me improve my riding, even if I'm pushing myself to the max on just a short ride.

Ride is not complete without a few blocks of shaking my bones!

Raleigh Super Grand Prix at The Little House.

I had a fun 20 mile ride with Steve, and it was just as good if not better than a longer 30 or 40 mile ride I've done out in the Wilds on my own. As the weather improves, I think more people will come out. I look forward to making new friends on the rides, and actually riding with the friends I've made in spin class--also, like Steve said--he can help me find some faster and safer routes around the city and in the Wilds.

Cheers! Bruce

Snow and Ride Into Work

Riding onto campus past the iconic Arch of 1926.

Not too cold--but I wore my rain pants as there was still a bit of rain falling and I wanted to stay dry.

The Dorm for the Haskell Athletes

Gazebo from about 1901, right across the library where I work.

Looking North up Barker--the light there is the intersection of Barker and 23rd St. which going East (to the right) turns into K-10 or the bee-line to Kansas City. Its a very busy intersection mes amis!

I'm riding in the ruts made by the cars...

15 MPH -- yeah right! Motorists fly through this round-about--most never even yield, they just think the bigger their car or truck, or the more expensive it is than yours--you gotta get out of their way. Do you think they'll yield to a cyclist? Don't bet on it--but actually most do because I put out the stern "halt" with my arm to let them know I am in the lane and I have the right away!

Through all that mess and a quick spin through Old East Lawrence (Interzone) back to The Little House.

Can you believe my Desert San Tucson Bike is now my hardy Urban Street Slayer? Ha!

Cheers! Bruce

Sunday Morning Mortals

The Mighty Trek.

My routine, Gentle Readers of This Blog, is bike to work everyday then Tuesday and Thursday evening spin class with the Bike Club--then a 10:30 Sunday Morning spin class. I wish I had more exciting posts for you--but its Winter here in Kansas and pretty cold! Luckily the snow and rain have not been pounding us (that may change as some snow is on the way tonight) so I will ride to work as long as I can.

It would be nice to ride to Celebrity Spin Class but just too cold, mes amis. I leave the Mighty Trek in the rig shop all week like you see in the photos. Best thing about the Celebrity Spin is that I've gotten to know a few people and learned about the different sects of the club. Got myself on the email list for one such group and typically they like to ride Sunday mornings--fast but not too fast. They like to ride in a group and not drop stragglers.

My HR Zones from when Boss and I trained it the Tucson Foothills last year.

I've been in the Spin class since December 29th and I have to say that I'm riding a good part of the time in Zone 3 and just into Zone 4. I do feel like I'm getting stronger and now during the workouts I try hard to spin at a higher cadence for longer in those higher Zones. I've only been able to reach 158 as my highest HR and have been able to sustain 153 to 155 for two minutes--but I really have to mash in the big ring to get up there.

Class is over--its been a great hour of spinning!

They found a spot for me against that bench because I had come in with rollers and nobody wanted me to be falling over. I'm glad I moved up towards the front because like I mentioned I've gotten to know some of the Bike Club Members who are active and like to have fun and explore different roads.

In the Celebrity Spin Class there are the elite riders who look fast even sitting up on their trainers. Then there are the mere mortals like me--I sweat like a pig, mes amis-- and I'm working hard. I want to get faster and stronger--I want to be ready for the first 200 km Brevet March 24th. Then there are the people just there to socialize and hang out with their friends.

There's the good-looking Cougars who enjoy all the attention from the fellahs--even me, making eye contact with the cute blonde when I look over my shoulder. Come time on the road I wonder if I'm gonna be able to keep up with them. They all look fit and strong--but in class don't seem to work hard.

For me, I think I'm gonna have to tough out the first 200--it will no doubt be cold and wet with snow come late March. Even this morning some of the people were talking about an April ride that was miserable and frigid cold.

I hope you get to have good days and can ride, Gentle Reader of This Blog... Allure Libre!

Cheers! Bruce

Rides His Bike

Thought I better start riding with a helmet again.

Not much to report on, Gentle Readers of This Blog--I am commuting to work every day just under two miles. Since I've heard that the bridge I would ride under on the bike path to reach my new office is being replaced--I have to ride on a busier street. The street is really a regular residential street, but a lot of drivers use is as a quick short cut--and by quick I mean speeders.

I've started to wear my road helmet on my very short commute. Mainly because its white and more visible. Also I put two very bright red strobe lights on the back of my bike to caution the speeding motorists to just relax and slow up a second. My new coat is a wind and water-proof shell. I got it 30 percent off so although expensive, it is a coat I could wear on Brevets--I like the bright red again for visibility. I'm told all the "Bros" wear them, but always black. A "Bro" is a frat boy--usually a bit drunk and loud--but for the most part harmless. I've seen them after being at one of Rico's shows. They're just out having a good time.

Very bright red strobe lights. You can't tell but yeah they're bright and they flash big-time--you can see them for at least a half mile or more.

I can tell when an impatient driver is coming up behind me by the sound of their engine--they want to speed up to pass me, but since I'm riding about 16 MPH they usually have to back off a bit and wait. Some people don't give a fuck and just pass me at 45 MPH. Again, this is a residential street and the speed limit is 30. But some people don't care--I'm just in their way...

Almost always these guys have to wait for the very very long light right at Barker and 23rd St--23rd street quickly turns into East K-10 just about a mile after the Haskell Campus--its a direct route to Kansas City. Cars wanting to turn left to go to KC have to wait about 5 minutes--yeah its a long light for me to cross too and then I'm at work.

I also have installed a very bright white strobe light up front on my handle bars--you've probably seen them mes amis--just trying to make sure the drivers coming the other way know I'm there.

Lawrence is a small city/little town and people speed everywhere short distances. Even Rico does this when I ride with him. Downtown is a mile away and he's driving with his foot on the floor--I'm like, "where's the fire Boy?" My route is one of the few that the streets go through without a bunch of lights and stop signs. Unfortunately its the only way I have to ride to work now with the construction blocking the bike path.

Hiawatha Hall, one of the original Haskell buildings from the late 1880s. It was used as the Women's Gymnasium up until about 15 years ago.

The Sun is coming up over the Gazebo--used to be the parade grounds.

I make it home.

A few days ago it rained pretty good. I wore my wind and waterproof jacket, and then some inexpensive rain pants I had bought while visiting Tulsa for Christmas. The rain pants really did the trick, mes amis! I was amazed that I was quite snug and dry when I arrived at the library--mainly I was a bit wet from the sweat I had worked up riding in to work. So I would say $45.00 for a pair of rain pants--ones that are breathable--was a good investment. I could wear my read jacket and the pants on a Brevet should the weather be such as rain and wind.

I can also tell you that a few times I've almost been hit in the cross walk at that busy intersection I told you about. In every case, I'm waiting at the light, it turns green, and the car drivers are turning left. For some reason, every time, drivers don't seem to see me. I'm not sure why. I think because the light for them to get on busy K-10 is short, and by habit they get moving.

Today a lady suddenly realized she was about to hit me and she slowed down--she was a bit embarrassed and I could see that she was saying she was sorry. I gave her a friendly wave--its okay I said--no harm done. I might have to dismount and walk my bike--or maybe put on my bright green-ish neon vest (will fit over my red coat) to help people see me.

I don't know why they can't? Also, really would be best to ride my bike in the crosswalk because the light is short and that would mean less drivers getting through if I was walking. I may also just ride in the street and up to the light. This is hard because its up-hill and would be harder for me to gain momentum. Also people that were behind me that wanted to turn right would be inconvenienced.

One thing, as soon as that light turns yellow, man those bastards speed up and freakin' run that light! Man they just floor it. Everybody at that intersection is watching out because if you started to turn--you'd get hit by some fucker flying through that red light! My fear is that one day there will be such an event, and I'll be there trying to dodge pieces of shattered metal! And I'll be the poor bloke standing on the corner just minding his own beeswax waiting to cross the street!

With some luck, this will never happen on my watch, Gentle Reader!

Cheers! Bruce

Winter in the Wilds

The Tall Tree on The Big Farm. Can you see the hawk up in the very top?

I have been living here in Kansas for a year this week, Gentle Readers of This Blog. One year and things have certainly changed for me--I have a job now--at least a ten-month contract, so having income again, and working in my profession/being back in the saddle--is a huge weight off of us. Now have to get the weight off this Clydesdale body of mine!

I'm out riding the Super Grand Prix--my first road ride with my favorite bike.

It is very hard to believe the incredible warm weather we're having mes amis! I went to spin class this morning and when I got home just before noon, it was almost 50 degrees. I hurried to saddle-up the Raleigh Super Grand Prix, which I recently brought back from Tucson. The bike was still ready to ride--just filled up a water bottle, a bit of air in the tires--and I am sailing through Old East Lawrence and into the Wilds...

KU about 10 miles out.

I ride out of the city then back North a few miles--that's where I see Fraser Hall up on top of Mt. Oread. When I left the Little House, the flags on the towers were not even waving--a good sign that the wind will not beat me up on the way out to Lone Star Lake!

The hawk that claims these fields doesn't quite give me time to snap his photo before he takes flight...

I enjoy the trip out to Lone Star with its emerald green fields and fresh rich farm land. Now of course things are put to bed, and the land waits. By bike this is a striking contrast--to feel winter--but its not frigid cold so with only a few layers, I can ride through the quiet air of the day.

I spy another rider and it looks like he sees me too--he slows and I speed up a bit and within a quarter of a mile, we are met up and cheerily greeting each other.

Riding with Chris to Lone Star.

Chris, like me, is out enjoying this warm day. He's riding a 1975 Raleigh Pro, and I'm riding my 1977 Raleigh Super Grand Prix. Although his bike is the Classic British racing machine, mine is made in Japan--still we're riding two very well made steel lugged road bikes--that's pretty cool. So we just set a pace we like and decide we'll ride up to Lone Star Lake--or there abouts--and then hopefully enjoy the tail wind we'll have on the return.

My old friend, The Big Tree on The Big Farm comes into view.

On the way to Lone Star Lake, in the village of Lone Star, we ride past the Lone Church.

Chris riding his Raleigh Pro...

A rare photograph of Bruce! Thanks to Chris for being a good sport and taking the photo!

Chris has a mirror that really works!

I've been riding with my small messenger mirror--which is the size of a button. I can pretty well see behind me but its a bit tricky--lots of vibration and I must hold and position my head so I can get a good look. Chris has a very nice mirror and it came in handy, mes amis. I must tell you that there was a bit of traffic this afternoon and we were able to ride side by side and Chris able to see traffic approaching--and being able to judge speed and distance quite well.

We rode at a good pace and were on our way to Lone Star when Chris said he need to turn around to be back before it got dark. This was a good plan, and although we were just a few miles from the lake, I decided I could probably turn around as well. The sun was heading down quickly and I could feel the air cooling off. Plus good to have someone to ride back with in the tail wind and stay together--much safer.

The hawk keeps his eye on me from way up in The Big Tree's branches.

Cottonwood trees can have very long lives, mes amis--would you be riding along beside us, you would be amazed at the size of this tree and the reach of the branches! Easily this Old Man is 300 feet tall--and could be well over 100 years old.

Long windy curve to Hwy 59.

Chris lives in West Lawrence and I in Old East. We split off and hope that we meet out on the road again one day. I have a ways to go; there is one long curve I have to ride out which will take me Hwy 59. The wind is always brutal here, and cars speed and pass by close and fast. Once I make it up there to 59, it will be a quick ride on the Hwy, then past the wetlands, through Haskell Campus, and home.

The Winter Sun descends it seems, on the Big Farm as I'm about to reach the Hwy.

In the photo above, I've ridden to and then around what I think is known as Shank Hill. The Big Farm is on the other side, and then further West and South is Lone Star Lake.

Almost home.

I can tell that the spin class I've been going to has helped me. I'm riding at high cadence and higher heart-rate. Or, what I'm doing is getting into higher zones and holding for a few minutes then coming down--trying to copy what we do in class. Just trying to keep that steady cadence. On the road and with the wind pushing and pulling you around, its a bit different. I'm just glad I got to get out for a few hours when the temps were just right.

Haskell--only two miles to home.

On the Super Grand Prix, I sail through campus, have a green light at Barker and 23rd St--and fly on my commute route back to The Little House. It makes me realize how much of a tank my Desert San really is to ride mes amis...

A good ride today--thanks for coming along!

Cheers! Bruce