Getting into race shape

**I Are Baboon** · 05-27-2004, 06:50 AM

Worked shoulders this morning. Damn I've lost a lot of strength and endurance over the past five weeks. I had to cut back on the weight and the number of reps do get a decent workout. Bummer. Oh well, it's only five weeks. The strength will come back quickly.

No workouts for the next four days, but I have rides planned every day:

Tomorrow: Ditching work for a MTB ride. Damn weather better hold up.
Saturday: Road ride
Sunday: Ride of some kind but have not decided yet
Monday: Long MTB ride

naturaltan · 05-27-2004, 08:44 AM

we found a pretty good trial yesterday! The best part was it was a walking trail that had small bridges that had to be taken down because it apparently wasn't safe because of some movement due to ground getting soft underneath it. Anyways, we had to carry our bikes up some steep grades, but the small rides inbetween were for us great. You really learn a lot riding tougher trails. Coming back, my friend went a$$ over tea kettle going down some stairs. I saw him use the front brake. And before I could say anything or he could let off, over he went. He thinks he might have sprained his wrist on the fall. we talked and although I'm not expert, I told him how I'd do it. Sit back ... don't use the front brake, rear only (because at the end of the stairs was parts of a broken bridge). I did just what I said I'd do and made it down.

IAB ... when you're riding trails that require you to be back in the saddle so to speak, do you lower your seat? I found that having the seat at the proper riding height makes it a touch and go situation if I have to be back over the rear ... getting back on or having the seat hit in that spot no man wants to get hit

**I Are Baboon** · 05-27-2004, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by naturaltan Anyways, we had to carry our bikes up some steep grades

HIKE-A-BIKES!!

You will come to those inevitably.

Quote:

IAB ... when you're riding trails that require you to be back in the saddle so to speak, do you lower your seat? I found that having the seat at the proper riding height makes it a touch and go situation if I have to be back over the rear ... getting back on or having the seat hit in that spot no man wants to get hit

I only lower my seat if I am going to huck off something, otherwise I keep my seat at the same height throughout the ride. They say you should keep your saddle at a height that allows you to get full leg extension, but I keep mine a bit lower because I know I'm going to come to stuff that will require me to get way back behind the saddle. It's hard to do that when your saddle is real high. So, I keep my saddle low enough to allow me to scoot back when needed, but high enough to let me extend my legs enough to generate power.

Cool that you found new trails. That's are always fun. And yes, keep your hand off the front break when doing tricky descents!

X Ring · 05-27-2004, 08:57 AM

stairs are fun I rode up and down them all the time when I was at school. I kept my seat at normal height and just put my but lower and behind it. Just watch that rear tire!! start out slow and you can use your front brake but barely and like 15% of what you are apply to your rear. But the faster you go the better. that way you miss most of them and you get down quicker, whether or not you are still on the bike

naturaltan · 05-27-2004, 09:00 AM

Maybe I'll try and lower it just a bit. Yesterday I lowered it quite a bit since most of the riding for me was out of the saddle.

HIKE-A-BIKE

It is those kinds of rides that can really get a guy hooked for sure. Although some of it was a bit out of our expertise, it was fun none the less.

**I Are Baboon** · 05-28-2004, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by naturaltan
Although some of it was a bit our of our expertise, it was fun none the less.

BAH. You get better by pushing your limits.

**I Are Baboon** · 05-28-2004, 05:45 AM

Today's planned MTB ride has been cancelled due to rain showers.

I'm really bumming. So I am at work instead of getting my bike ready for a three hour ride.

naturaltan · 05-28-2004, 08:27 AM

that's a bummer for sure ... I was planning on doing the same trail from a different entry point, but it's supposed to have showers today and rain for the weekend.

IAB ... we pushed ourselves, just some parts we didn't have the experience to tackle successfully. What I like about the guy I ride with is he will push himself and in turn, that pushes me. We both thought that for a $6/700 investment, we'd better go as hard as we can. This last ride was great. Although I'm still not a fan of HAB

, it was a major blast. What I did forgot for the second time was a camera. Ihave told him to remind me that we need to take one with us. I think I'm going to look into riding with some of the local MB'ers. I'm sure I could learn a few tricks from them.

**I Are Baboon** · 06-01-2004, 10:06 AM

Well it was a gorgeous holiday weekend, but I did not workout or ride Saturday or Sunday. I was too busy buying a house.

I did get out for a 36 mile road ride yesterday and I hit the weights this morning.

No MTB for a while because I need to take my bike into the shop. I keep breaking chains and I can't figure out why. It could be a drivetrain problem, so I want a professional to take a look at it.

**I Are Baboon** · 06-02-2004, 06:40 AM

Worked back and biceps this morning. Had a pretty good workout. No riding this week unfortunately, The weather is going to be crappy.

I am doing the MS Tour for the Cure Sunday. It's a charity road ride that raises money for Multiple Sclerosis. I am registered for the 50 mile route. It will be my longest road ride to date.

naturaltan · 06-02-2004, 08:17 AM

50 miles ... how long do you expect that to take you?

**I Are Baboon** · 06-02-2004, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturaltan

50 miles ... how long do you expect that to take you?

I am figuring 3-3.5 hours.

**I Are Baboon** · 06-04-2004, 07:22 AM

Worked shoulders this morning. Not the best workout I've ever had. I was weak. It probably has something to do with the fact that I have not eaten as much the last couple of days. I'll refuel tonight.

Last night I was bad and had a Heath Bar Blizzard at Dairy Queen. But it was my 3 year wedding aniversary, so I really didn't give a shit.

I was paying for it last night though. My stomach was upset thanks to the sugar and lactose. Oh well. You only live once.

naturaltan · 06-04-2004, 08:38 AM

happy anniversary!

**I Are Baboon** · 06-04-2004, 12:07 PM

Thanks, NT!

naturaltan · 06-04-2004, 01:16 PM

you're welcome fellow MTB'er

we tried 3 different areas yesterday ... and we both thought they were lame. Most of the trails were small offshoots of a main walking path. So the trail would go through the bushes briefly and then back to the path. I don't know that we have an actual biking path that extends through the bush for any sustained lenght.

After our ride, we went for a (mandatory) beer and decided it's time for a road trip. Now we just have to figure out where that will be.

As we were riding yesterday, I'd groan as I saw couples riding past us or families walking 'cause I knew that the upcoming path wasn't going to be anything ride worthy.

**I Are Baboon** · 06-04-2004, 01:27 PM

Yeah, unfortunately as you try new places and explore a little, you're going to come to some places that just are not very exciting at all. It's happened to me several times. It sucks too, because you get all pumped up for a ride, get all your gear together, hop on your bike, and end up barely breaking a sweat. Oh well. For every one of those experiences you have, there are two that kick your ass.

naturaltan · 06-04-2004, 01:42 PM

let's hope so

I'm going by myself on the weekend to try another spot that is supposed to be a good ride. After that, we may have to explore different points of entry on these paths ...

**I Are Baboon** · 06-14-2004, 09:08 AM

24 Hours of Adrenaline is only 11 days away!!!

Physically, I feel ready. I did take the last week off from riding because I was out of town on business, but last weekend I did a 50 mile road ride, and this past Saturday I did four hours of MTB. I feel stronger than ever. Looks I'll be riding third in our team order. We have two experienced racers going 1-2.

This week will be more riding. Some road, some mountain. This coming weekend I am headed to Mt Snow, VT to watch the NORBA nationals.

naturaltan · 06-14-2004, 09:48 AM

that will be pretty cool!!

**I Are Baboon** · 06-14-2004, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturaltan

that will be pretty cool!!

Yup! Hopefully the weather will cooperate. We're planning on watching the Saturday races. I have some friends racing. We (the wife and I) may try to squeeze a road ride in during the day. Lots of tough hills in Mt Snow Valley.

**I Are Baboon** · 06-16-2004, 06:11 AM

Worked chest and triceps yesterday. Worked back and biceps this morning. Two excellent workouts.

I have a training ride planned for tonight (road ride). I am hoping to do some MTB tomorrow after work.

My weight is 169 right now. I wanted to be 165 for the race, but it looks like that is not going to happen. I suppose I could starve myself for a week, but I'd rather be heavier and well nourished. The race is 9 days away.

**I Are Baboon** · 06-21-2004, 06:06 AM

Four days to go!!!

I got out my XC bike last night. It's been "in storage" at my mother-in-law's for two years now. I'm taking it for a ride tonight to make sure it's working ok. It's five pounds lighter than my Titus.

I did a nice MTB ride Ssaturday, then a road ride yesterday.

No cutting of the diet this week. I want to be well nourished come the weekend.

**I Are Baboon** · 06-22-2004, 06:58 AM

Well, four days to go until the race, but I arrive Friday for practice.

I busted out the 26lb XC bike last night for the first time in two years. Certainly not as comfortable as my Titus and half the travel, but LIGHTER. Those 5 less pounds make a big difference. I was a ROCKET last night.

Worked chest and triceps this morning. I'll probably work back and biceps tomorrow, but no riding until Friday. I want my legs to be well rested.

**I Are Baboon** · 06-24-2004, 08:53 AM

Tomorrow I head to the race. I hope all the riding pays off.

naturaltan · 06-24-2004, 08:54 AM

Have a good time! I look forward to the pics ... hint hint ... and the corresponding report of the race.

bandaidwoman · 06-24-2004, 09:11 AM

good luck, let us know how you do , have a blast!

05-27-2004, 06:50 AM	#121
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	05/27/04 update BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENTS High Quality Supplements For Bodybuilders and Athletes. www.ironmaglabs.com Worked shoulders this morning. Damn I've lost a lot of strength and endurance over the past five weeks. I had to cut back on the weight and the number of reps do get a decent workout. Bummer. Oh well, it's only five weeks. The strength will come back quickly. No workouts for the next four days, but I have rides planned every day: Tomorrow: Ditching work for a MTB ride. Damn weather better hold up. Saturday: Road ride Sunday: Ride of some kind but have not decided yet Monday: Long MTB ride

05-27-2004, 08:44 AM	#122
naturaltan Going nowhere fast! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 9,902 Photos: 7	we found a pretty good trial yesterday! The best part was it was a walking trail that had small bridges that had to be taken down because it apparently wasn't safe because of some movement due to ground getting soft underneath it. Anyways, we had to carry our bikes up some steep grades, but the small rides inbetween were for us great. You really learn a lot riding tougher trails. Coming back, my friend went a$$ over tea kettle going down some stairs. I saw him use the front brake. And before I could say anything or he could let off, over he went. He thinks he might have sprained his wrist on the fall. we talked and although I'm not expert, I told him how I'd do it. Sit back ... don't use the front brake, rear only (because at the end of the stairs was parts of a broken bridge). I did just what I said I'd do and made it down. IAB ... when you're riding trails that require you to be back in the saddle so to speak, do you lower your seat? I found that having the seat at the proper riding height makes it a touch and go situation if I have to be back over the rear ... getting back on or having the seat hit in that spot no man wants to get hit
	just kick'in it in the ole Charger

05-27-2004, 09:00 AM	#125
naturaltan Going nowhere fast! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 9,902 Photos: 7	Maybe I'll try and lower it just a bit. Yesterday I lowered it quite a bit since most of the riding for me was out of the saddle. HIKE-A-BIKE It is those kinds of rides that can really get a guy hooked for sure. Although some of it was a bit out of our expertise, it was fun none the less. Last edited by naturaltan : 05-28-2004 at 08:22 AM.
	just kick'in it in the ole Charger

05-28-2004, 08:27 AM	#128
naturaltan Going nowhere fast! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 9,902 Photos: 7	that's a bummer for sure ... I was planning on doing the same trail from a different entry point, but it's supposed to have showers today and rain for the weekend. IAB ... we pushed ourselves, just some parts we didn't have the experience to tackle successfully. What I like about the guy I ride with is he will push himself and in turn, that pushes me. We both thought that for a $6/700 investment, we'd better go as hard as we can. This last ride was great. Although I'm still not a fan of HAB , it was a major blast. What I did forgot for the second time was a camera. Ihave told him to remind me that we need to take one with us. I think I'm going to look into riding with some of the local MB'ers. I'm sure I could learn a few tricks from them.
	just kick'in it in the ole Charger

06-01-2004, 10:06 AM	#129
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	6/1/04 update Well it was a gorgeous holiday weekend, but I did not workout or ride Saturday or Sunday. I was too busy buying a house. I did get out for a 36 mile road ride yesterday and I hit the weights this morning. No MTB for a while because I need to take my bike into the shop. I keep breaking chains and I can't figure out why. It could be a drivetrain problem, so I want a professional to take a look at it.

05-27-2004, 08:57 AM	#124
X Ring training to be Goku Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New England Posts: 696	stairs are fun I rode up and down them all the time when I was at school. I kept my seat at normal height and just put my but lower and behind it. Just watch that rear tire!! start out slow and you can use your front brake but barely and like 15% of what you are apply to your rear. But the faster you go the better. that way you miss most of them and you get down quicker, whether or not you are still on the bike

05-28-2004, 05:45 AM	#127
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	Today's planned MTB ride has been cancelled due to rain showers. I'm really bumming. So I am at work instead of getting my bike ready for a three hour ride.

06-02-2004, 06:40 AM	#130
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	6/2/2004 update Worked back and biceps this morning. Had a pretty good workout. No riding this week unfortunately, The weather is going to be crappy. I am doing the MS Tour for the Cure Sunday. It's a charity road ride that raises money for Multiple Sclerosis. I am registered for the 50 mile route. It will be my longest road ride to date.

06-02-2004, 08:17 AM	#131
naturaltan Going nowhere fast! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 9,902 Photos: 7	50 miles ... how long do you expect that to take you?
	just kick'in it in the ole Charger

06-04-2004, 07:22 AM	#133
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	06/04/2004 update Worked shoulders this morning. Not the best workout I've ever had. I was weak. It probably has something to do with the fact that I have not eaten as much the last couple of days. I'll refuel tonight. Last night I was bad and had a Heath Bar Blizzard at Dairy Queen. But it was my 3 year wedding aniversary, so I really didn't give a shit. I was paying for it last night though. My stomach was upset thanks to the sugar and lactose. Oh well. You only live once.

06-04-2004, 08:38 AM	#134
naturaltan Going nowhere fast! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 9,902 Photos: 7	happy anniversary!
	just kick'in it in the ole Charger

06-04-2004, 12:07 PM	#135
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	Thanks, NT!

06-04-2004, 01:16 PM	#136
naturaltan Going nowhere fast! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 9,902 Photos: 7	you're welcome fellow MTB'er we tried 3 different areas yesterday ... and we both thought they were lame. Most of the trails were small offshoots of a main walking path. So the trail would go through the bushes briefly and then back to the path. I don't know that we have an actual biking path that extends through the bush for any sustained lenght. After our ride, we went for a (mandatory) beer and decided it's time for a road trip. Now we just have to figure out where that will be. As we were riding yesterday, I'd groan as I saw couples riding past us or families walking 'cause I knew that the upcoming path wasn't going to be anything ride worthy.
	just kick'in it in the ole Charger

06-04-2004, 01:27 PM	#137
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	Yeah, unfortunately as you try new places and explore a little, you're going to come to some places that just are not very exciting at all. It's happened to me several times. It sucks too, because you get all pumped up for a ride, get all your gear together, hop on your bike, and end up barely breaking a sweat. Oh well. For every one of those experiences you have, there are two that kick your ass.

06-04-2004, 01:42 PM	#138
naturaltan Going nowhere fast! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 9,902 Photos: 7	let's hope so I'm going by myself on the weekend to try another spot that is supposed to be a good ride. After that, we may have to explore different points of entry on these paths ...
	just kick'in it in the ole Charger

06-14-2004, 09:08 AM	#139
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	June 14 update 24 Hours of Adrenaline is only 11 days away!!! Physically, I feel ready. I did take the last week off from riding because I was out of town on business, but last weekend I did a 50 mile road ride, and this past Saturday I did four hours of MTB. I feel stronger than ever. Looks I'll be riding third in our team order. We have two experienced racers going 1-2. This week will be more riding. Some road, some mountain. This coming weekend I am headed to Mt Snow, VT to watch the NORBA nationals.

06-14-2004, 09:48 AM	#140
naturaltan Going nowhere fast! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 9,902 Photos: 7	that will be pretty cool!!
	just kick'in it in the ole Charger

06-16-2004, 06:11 AM	#142
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	6/16 update Worked chest and triceps yesterday. Worked back and biceps this morning. Two excellent workouts. I have a training ride planned for tonight (road ride). I am hoping to do some MTB tomorrow after work. My weight is 169 right now. I wanted to be 165 for the race, but it looks like that is not going to happen. I suppose I could starve myself for a week, but I'd rather be heavier and well nourished. The race is 9 days away.

06-21-2004, 06:06 AM	#143
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	Four days to go!!! I got out my XC bike last night. It's been "in storage" at my mother-in-law's for two years now. I'm taking it for a ride tonight to make sure it's working ok. It's five pounds lighter than my Titus. I did a nice MTB ride Ssaturday, then a road ride yesterday. No cutting of the diet this week. I want to be well nourished come the weekend.

06-22-2004, 06:58 AM	#144
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	Three days to go Well, four days to go until the race, but I arrive Friday for practice. I busted out the 26lb XC bike last night for the first time in two years. Certainly not as comfortable as my Titus and half the travel, but LIGHTER. Those 5 less pounds make a big difference. I was a ROCKET last night. Worked chest and triceps this morning. I'll probably work back and biceps tomorrow, but no riding until Friday. I want my legs to be well rested.

06-24-2004, 08:53 AM	#145
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,737 Photos: 10	Tomorrow I head to the race. I hope all the riding pays off.

06-24-2004, 08:54 AM	#146
naturaltan Going nowhere fast! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 9,902 Photos: 7	Have a good time! I look forward to the pics ... hint hint ... and the corresponding report of the race.
	just kick'in it in the ole Charger

06-24-2004, 09:11 AM	#147
bandaidwoman inadvertant tree hugger Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 601 Photos: 4	good luck, let us know how you do , have a blast!
	Official Race Member of the Crank Crushing Rednecks Eat more mud, mountain bike until you die! XX Feminine power

06-24-2004, 09:37 AM	#148
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: