Monday, April 28, 2008

Saturday and Sunday Rides

On Saturday let's ride from my house out toward Babler and points west. We can meet at my house at 8:00 - 9:00 for breakfast - oatmeal, eggs, toast, coffee, cereal, fruit, etc and then we start riding around 9:00 AM. My address is 15243 Kempwood Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63017 - google it if you need directions.

If you are coming for breakfast please RSVP - so I can be prepared.

Sunday, I am up for a Sunday afternoon ride - after 2:00 PM - We could do a city ride.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Horsey Hotels booked, and travel comment

Hello all,

I booked three rooms in Frankfort, KY for the Horsey Hundred. We have the rooms for two nights, so we will be home basing from there the whole weekend. I booked one room for Mark and Nancy, and two other rooms to split amoung whoever is left. If it turns out we only need one room, I will cancel one.

It should take us about 5 hours drive time to get to Frankfort, plus additional time for stops. Plus, we loose an hour. I can probably only get away around 3:30 on that Friday - I might be able to make it 3:00, but that may be pushing it. So, if we leave (from my house, or wherever) at 3:30 and we have about an hour in stops (I figure two stops, but one may be longer for dinner), we will probably be getting in to Frankfort around 10:30 or 11:00 - but that will be local, Eastern time, so not really that bad.

Then from Frankfort in the morning, we can leave the hotel at 7:00 and be at the ride registration / packet pick-up pretty close to 7:30 and maybe rolling by 8:00 or 8:15.

I do plan on driving. I can take me plus two others. Remember, company car and compnay gas, so it's cheap!

Talk to you all soon,

Mike

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Horsey update and dorm room info

I registered for the Horsey last night. It's a great ride - you all will love it. I'm planning on the 100 mile option Saturday and the 70 mile option on Sunday.

It will take 5-6 hours to get there from Saint Louis (maybe 6.5 from W. County). Plus there is an hour time change against you going over.

There are dorm rooms at the college where the ride starts. $22 a night Friday or Saturday. $38 for both nights. 2 people to a room, 2 bikes will fit too. Community showers / bath down the hall. Nothing provided - so you bring your own linens and towels. I did not register for this yet, but would maybe consider.

I'd probably rather go the hotel option. Last year I stayed in Louisville on Friday night. That made it easier to not be driving so late on Friday. East side of Louisville (say about 30 miles past downtown Louisville) to the ride start is less than an hour. I think we can do pretty well with cheap hotels somewhere around there and split them 2 or 3 ways each and do almost as well as the dorms, but more privacy, and a potty right in your room - plus towels and linens right there too. We could do a room East of Louisville Friday night, then a hotel in the Georgetown / Lexington area Saturday night, so we don't have to drive so much after the Saturday ride, or again on Sunday morning. I'll start doing some leg work on hotels in both areas.

Last year on the Saturday I drove over at around 7am, and was registered and on my bike around 8:30 or 8:45. I remember feeling like I was a little late, but not that late. I do think the bulk of the riders get going by 8:00 - so something to consider. But the ride is pretty casual and a very open window for the start, so no big deal if you're off by 30 - 60 minutes.

So I think that is my plan / thoughts. Sunday we should be able to wrap up riding around 1:00 or 2:00. We get the hour back coming home - so the drive back is pretty easy. We should be able to be back in Saint Louis before dark. That will give you plenty of time for some rest, so you can go to the Trailnet Pizza Ride on Monday.

Mike

Sat afternoon ride, Sunday morning, city ride

I forgot that I have the March of Dimes walk to go to / work on Saturday morning. The walk is at Forest Park at 9:00am if anyone wants to come out. It looks like a great day for a walk. 5k walk to support prematurity prevention, research and care.

So... Saturday I am looking for a ride, but probably thinking noon or so. But that may be fine so it warms up a bit. Anyone up for a ride in West County that starts at noon? Maybe at Kaldi's in the valley? If nobody is up for that I'll probably wind up doing something in the city, but I do need to get some hill work in, so West County is the preference.

Sunday looks like a rainy day maybe in the afternoon. There is a Trailnet ride going, but it is way out in Illinios, so I don't think I'm going. Plus I think I'm going to try and go to the baseball game - or at least go to the start. They are giving away replica figures of the old Sportsmans Park stadium to the first 25,000 fans and I want one.

So... I'm planning on a city ride that leaves from my house at 8:30 probably and is finished by 11:00 or 11:30 at the latest. That way I (we) get a ride in, stay dry, don't drive forever to get to the ride, and we still have the afternoon for baseball or other things.

Let me know.

Mike
314-239-6229

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Ride Wednesday? Ride April 26 or 27?

Hello all,

I'm trying to get my butt in gear and was wondering if anyone was looking to ride Wednesday, April 23rd? I could start at my house, Paul's house, Roark's house, or wherever. Let me know - just call me at 314-239-6229.

I'm planning on riding Sat and Sun too. Saturday I'm pretty open - but earlier is better so there is more time for other things in the afternoon. I'd be up for about anything, any place.

Sunday I might be going to the baseball game, so I will probably do a city ride of some sorts. Maybe starting at my house, or David T's, but I'm not opposed to other starts, like Roark's or Forest Park, or other. With the game a possibility I'd be looking at an 8:30 or 9:00 start and only about a 3 hour (max) ride. David T has worked out some pretty good city routes if anyone is game. He's got some routes with a few hills, and he does a good job of avoiding too many stops and starts and busy areas, so for city rides his routes are usually pretty good workouts.

By the way, sorry I've been a bit of a stranger. You know the refrain...too much work and school. Both are going well, but they are killing my biking. The good news is that I'm done with school for a bit as of the coming Monday. Work will probably keep me busy (lots of travel this year), but if that's the only thing I think I can get my biking going pretty soon.

I'm looking forward to the Horsey Hundred, the trip to DC and of course the Blue Ridge to name a few. I need to really do some serious training too. Tom P and I are signed up for the Horribly Hilly Hundred in mid-June and as if right now I am going to need to bring my walking shoes or my car to finish the ride, but I think I have barely enough time to get it together if I focus now.

Talk to you all soon,

Mike

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Saturday & Sunday April 19th-20th Ride Plans

Folks,

It looks like spring is finally going to arrive. So I thought I would start planning for this weekend. I plan to spin at the J on Saturday to say goodbye to the spinning instructor and will be bringing the bagels. (This also gives me back up in case of rain that I get some exercise.)

I will then be home and ready to ride outside, from my house at 10:30 am. Where do I plan to go with good company along? I am going to combine Mike's and my Hills through Kirkwood loop with the Jefferson Baracks jaunt that Zavisa showed me. It should be a fun 50 miles.

Sunday I am open to starting earlier. Just some long flats with one or two big hills thrown in. I am open to suggestion on where and when.

Let me know your plans.

Roark

Friday, April 11, 2008

Saturday's Forecast for Riding

Friday night: Cloudy and windy. Low 36F. Winds W at 25 to 35 mph.Saturday: Rain and snow showers in the morning changing to mainly rain showers in the afternoon. Cold. High 44F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 40%. It sounds like a great day for riding so plan to show up for breakfast. Even if the weather is such that we do not ride - breakfast will still be served.

Mark

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Bicyling Saturday and Sunday April 12 and 13

On Saturday let's meet at my house for breakfast around 8:30 - 9:00 - and then we will ride out to Babler State Park to do some hill work. Breakfast may consist of oatmeal and eggs. I you plan to come for breakfast let me know. If it is raining and snowing on Saturday morning come for breakfast anyway.

Sunday - Trailnet Prairie Pedal Hamel, IL - Meet at registration around 9:30 and be on the road by 10:00. We need to be back by 3:00 in time to see the last round of the Masters.

Health Workshops...

All,
Here's some information about a couple of different workshops. I know the woman doing the "Beating the Sugar Blues" ones, but I'm not sure who's doing the "Nutrition and Energy Strategies for Cycling" one. She's got some good ideas, but I haven't been to this specific workshop. I'm not able to go to the sugar blues one but would be interested to hear about it if you go. We've gotten our free initial eval. If you go and decide to get an eval, let her know I sent you.

Please be our guest at the next AvivaWholeHealth FREE workshop. "Beating the Sugar Blues" is an interactive workshop that will help you enjoy a sweet life while reducing sugar, or artificial sweeteners. We will explore the harmful effects of sugar on the body and together discover wonderful, natural sweeteners that can enhance flavor and help to create a joyful and healthful life. Great for anyone from the complete sugarholic, to the certified health-nut!
See you there!

Sincerely,
Aviva Solomon
AvivaWholeHealth is dedicated to improving people's lives through healthful nutrition and lifestyle choices.
Call 917-687-6781 for a complimentary consultation!
Please check out our website for more information at www.avivawholeheatlh.com

Beating the Sugar Blues
Where: Studio Rue 7905 Big Bend Blvd
Webster Groves, MO 63119
When: Thursday, April 10th 6:30 PM

Where: Sante (the new fitness and wellness center at the Chase Park Plaza located at Kingshighway and Lindel Blvd)
When: Monday, April 14th 6:00 pm


Here's one at REI. This sounds like a good one too. I'm going to try to go to this one.

Nutrition and Energy Strategies for Cycling
4/17/2008 6:30 PM
Riding can take a lot out of you, we'll give you some info on what to put back in. We'll cover the when and why of eating and hydrating before, while, and after training, competing, or just going out for a nice long ride.
Location: St. Louis REI
Contact: Bike Shop 314-918-1004
Cost: Free
Registration Required? Yes. Bike Shop 314-918-1004

Thanks.
Cheri

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Sunday Riding at Babler State Park - A run for the hills

I suggest we ride out to Babler from my house on Sunday morning. Let's plan to be on our bikes at 9:00 AM.

If anyone wants to come a bit early I will have coffee and oatmeal for those who pre-order it. Please let me know if you are coming for breakfast and then we will ride at 9:00.

My address is 15243 Kempwood Dr. Chesterfield, MO 63017 - Baxter Rd and Country Ridge - google it.

Mark

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

REI clinic calendar

Hey Everyone,
Just an fyi. I didn't know if you all got these REI calendars each month. Take a look at some of the stuff they have. Some of it is pretty good. I went to one of the nutrition ones last month and it was really good. I don't know if the links for each clinic below will work. If not, you can just go to this link to see more about all of these events.
Thanks.
Cheri

4/8/2008 6:30 PM
Hands On Fix a Flat
Free
One of our genius bike techs will teach you how to fix a flat tire. Read more about this event.

4/9/2008 6:00 PM
Rock Climbing Basics
$
REI is offering an introductory climbing class taught by a certified REI climbing expert. Read more about this event.

4/12/2008 8:00 AM
Confluence Clean Up (with Trailnet)
Free
Lend Trailnet a hand by participating in this clean up event that will also include doing some planting to improve the landscape. 8am - noon Read more about this event.

4/13/2008 8:30 AM
Prairie Pedal Bicycle Ride
$
First Bicycle Fun Club ride of the season!! Registration & Start: 8:30 - 10:00 AM Stop by REI for your $3 off coupons! (while supplies last) Read more about this event.

4/14/2008 6:30 PM
Preparing for your first Century Ride (with Tour De Cure)
Free
If you have never done a century before, starting your training program can be a daunting task. Let us demystify the process for you and help get you started! Read more about this event.

4/16/2008 6:30 PM
Paddling the Boundary Waters
Free
This presentation will cover the basics of a trip to the Boundary Waters, including gear, planning, and permit requirements, and answer any questions to help you decide if this trip is right for you. Read more about this event.

4/17/2008 6:30 PM
Nutrition and Energy Strategies for Cycling
Free
Riding can take a lot out of you, we'll give you some info on what to put back in. Read more about this event.

4/21/2008 7:00 PM
Team in Training Info. Meeting
Free
Discover the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training, the world’s largest endurance sports training program. Read more about this event.

4/22/2008 6:30 PM
Hands On: Women's Open Shop
Free
It's ladies night in our shop! Come and learn some of the more advanced bike maintenance and repair skills. Read more about this event.

4/23/2008 6:00 PM
Triathlons 103: Setting Goals and Training Programs
Free
Training Bible Coaches will talk about setting realistic goals for your upcoming race season and future seasons. Read more about this event.

4/24/2008 6:00 PM
Mountain Biking Skills
Free
Learn riding skills from the experts and get repair advice specifically for off road cycling. Read more about this event.

4/26/2008 10:00 AM
Wings of Spring Confluence Birding Festival
Free
Celebrate the arrival of spring at the 3rd Annual Wings of Spring Birding Festival! Read more about this event.