Saturday Rides...

[DirtyHippieUTE]

Did 50 with a guy from school and a guy from the ward today. Both guys are pretty incredible athletes. One used to be a professional distance runner the other raced pro xc mountain bike before he came to school. I got a laugh out of watching them just walk away from me on even the slightest hills then think I had crashed because of how far ahead they had gotten.

You would think after the first couple of hills they would have realized that I really am that slow on the climbs but they still looked surprised every time I'd catch up.

"Dude, we looked back and you were gone. Did you have a mechanical?"

"Nope... I'm just that slow."

One highlight of the day was watching two guys who are trying to be extremely friendly (I introduced them today) battle their competative deamons. On the last "big" hill of the day one guy jumped out in front for a second because he thought a car was coming. The other thought he was making a break and suddenly they're both flying up the hill. Before I knew it they were dots on the horizon.

I love hanging out with people who are smarter, fitter, or more talented than me. I always seem to learn something. Today I learned that when I get out of the saddle to climb I am doing it wrong.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by DirtyHippieUTE

I love hanging out with people who are smarter, fitter, or more talented than me. I always seem to learn something. Today I learned that when I get out of the saddle to climb I am doing it wrong.

Sounds like everybody on my ride today.

[DirtyHippieUTE]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Sounds like everybody on my ride today.

Better that way... Every once in a blue moon I'll end up riding with people at my level. It's just never as much fun. It doesn't give me anything to aspire to. When I ride with people who are faster I get to feel good about myself for keeping up.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by DirtyHippieUTE

Better that way... Every once in a blue moon I'll end up riding with people at my level. It's just never as much fun. It doesn't give me anything to aspire to. When I ride with people who are faster I get to feel good about myself for keeping up.

Well today we did the Mt. Charleston climb a 17 mile climb with grades between 4 and 8 percent. Maybe a few pitches above that.

Five guys. New kid in my ward just takes off. My buddy stays with me, so I don't feel as crappy as I looked. Only one guy out of five was slower than I. Fortunately I wasn't hammering it, but it was not pretty. I'm going to take the 23 off and put on the 27, like a pansy.

[Archaea]

Sunday ride was much better because it was slower.

We did 17 miles, 4200 feet of elevation gain in around two hours. Felt a little better. Total 34 miles. Not far but at least we kept the wattage between 200 and 300 for most of the time.

[DirtyHippieUTE]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Sunday ride was much better because it was slower.

When it comes to Sunday rides Mrs. Hippie has exercised her power of veto.

Oh well... I'm too sore to ride anyway.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by DirtyHippieUTE

When it comes to Sunday rides Mrs. Hippie has exercised her power of veto.

Oh well... I'm too sore to ride anyway.

Mrs. Archaea rides, runs and swims herself on Sunday. Every once in a while, she actually makes it to church.

Next week is Mormon Holiday a la Stake Conference.

Get this I do the double climb today and Mrs. Archaea says, "well, you'll almost be up to me, I did the triple climb a couple of weeks ago."

Has anybody ever down mountain climb repeats?

If so, how many six minute intervals are recommended, and what heart rate or power wattage is recommended?