Posted On Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 By David Veatch
In less than 48 hours, registration for the Triple Bypass has closed. This beats the 11 days of last year by… oh… many days, or a lot of hours, depending on which makes it more dramatic for you. I waited until the 2nd this time, which could easily have proved my undoing, apparently. It’s a good thing both myself and my brother made it through in time. We’re both in for July 11th, as are two other, as of yet to be named riders who were inspired by our participation last year. It’s going to be another great ride!!
Posted On Monday, December 22nd, 2008 By David Veatch
So, in case you haven’t noticed, it’s pretty cold. It’s been in the single digits for a while now, and in case I haven’t mentioned it, I’m not a fan of riding in the cold. My excuse the last week or so has been b/c I’ve been sick with a minor upper respiratory tract infection. My excuse this week is that it’s Christmas week, and as such, is pretty hectic. My excuse next week will be b/c it’s New Years, and I’ll be very tired because of it. I know, those are excuses, not reasons. After all is said and done, the truth is if I wanted to, I’d find a way. But unlike others, I’ve had to face the cold (ha!) harsh reality that riding in the sub-zero cold is too harsh for me. I won’t whine about why it’s too harsh for me, suffice to say that for daily outings, it just is. Riding should be fun. Riding in tear-freezing temperatures, at least for me, isn’t. That’s my burden to bear, and I bear it without shame. But that leaves me with a problem. I do love to ride, and I love the benefits of riding. I’m healthier more »
Posted On Thursday, July 31st, 2008 By David Veatch
It’s been quite some time since I slid through fog to get to work… almost 6 months, in fact. As a nice follow-up to the rain yesterday, the fog provided me with a nicely muffled ride in. Plus, I was on the Torelli, so I was doubly happy. I’m looking at getting a digital camera. Instead of the Portland, which would be an additional to things I already own, a digital camera would be brand new. I really wish I’d had it out in Colorado, so it makes sense that it be my reward to myself for finishing the Triple. Aside from the reward idea, there are lots of reasons, not the least of which is to punctuate these trite posts with equally trite images. But I want it for other reasons as well, having nothing to do with riding. No, having nothing to do with pr0n, either. That’s what the dedicated video camera is for, silly. I’ve always been of the mind that if you’re going to get something, don’t settle, but get what you want. I’ve just started looking around, so I haven’t really even narrowed the field down yet, but I’m sure I will soon.
Posted On Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 By David Veatch
Because someone requested it, and because I originally intended to put them out here but forgot… so, here you go!
Posted On Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 By David Veatch
On Sunday, and then again yesterday, I went out and rode the Indian Creek trails. I’ve become far more comfortable on the streets lately, and didn’t want the hassle of dealing with the tight corridor when extra traffic (other cyclists, pedestrians) is involved. But, the GF wants to get more riding in, having been inspired by the TPB, and wants to start easy, which is to say, with hills numbering very very few. I’d ridden the Indian Creek Trails years ago before I picked up the Torelli, and only remember one little hill that gave me trouble. Bear in mind, that was back in my days of “Granny Gear is for Wussies” thinking. Now, I’ll hit Granny Gear without a second thought if it’s necessary or appropriate. I’m still trying to get the GF to appreciate it’s benefits. Once she truly does, she’ll find that she’ll go farther with less effort and generally train better with a full range of gears at her disposal. Both rides were very hot. At least while I was on the streets getting to and from the trail. Once on the trail, the temperature cooled down dramatically. Between the creek and the trees, it almost more »
Posted On Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 By David Veatch
Those were the words that greeted us as we rolled into the Aid station at Vail Pass. It was the last of three grueling passes, and the sign spoke nearly true. It was all downhill from there. Mostly. Triple Bypass The day finally arrived. 8 months and then some of training, preparing, dreading, and looking forward. 6 months of riding to work, and hitting as many weekend miles as the weather allowed. All the trepidation, all the excitement, it all came down to this day. I woke at 04:30 to the sounds of Reveille. It somehow seemed appropriate. We snarfed down some of my brother’s pre-ride nutrition (yogurt, oatmeal and fruit), had some coffee and our all-too-kind hosts drove us to the starting line. It was hard to believe were finally there. Even as we rode to the park-n-ride where my registration packet waited for me, it still hadn’t sunk in that we were finally there. It was cool out, almost cold. Clear skies with no threat of rain, or snow, or sleet. The arm and leg warmers had already proved their worth, though I wish I’d packed my long fingered gloves. The Edge was fully charged, and ready to more »
Posted On Monday, July 21st, 2008 By David Veatch
Matthew had scheduled a paintball session for Friday afternoon, but my brother and I were really too concerned with making sure we were prepared for the Big Ride, and requested that it be rescheduled for Sunday (we were banking on not being too tired). He was agreeable, and so my brother and I drove down to Bergen Park (again) and met up with the rest of the “Warm Up” ride participants. While we were waiting, we noticed (how could we not) a silver Porsche Carrera drive up with a bike rack on top carrying a nice Scott. We couldn’t help but make a little fun of it. I mean, seriously… a Carrera, with a bike rack? C’mon. Turns out that it’s the Team Evergreen Club President! I want to be a bike club president if it allows me to afford a Porsche! He gives a bit of a speech to us, talking about the origins of the ride, and how it’s turned into one of, if not The premiere single day event in the country. He wishes us all the best of luck, and we all click in and set out…. …on a hard ride with some seriously confidence busting more »
Posted On Sunday, July 20th, 2008 By David Veatch
After the success of the previous day’s ride, my brother and I wanted to ratchet it up a notch on Thursday. Not a huge notch, mind you, we were still cognizant of working ourselves too hard too early. We didn’t want to come down with altitude sickness, or stress our bodies too much before the Big Ride on Saturday. But we were also very pumped up. That meant more climbing and at a higher altitude. This time, Matthew took us down to Bergen Park again to pick up my bike, and a few other odds and ends, and drove us all the way up to Echo Lake at the foot of Mt. Evans Road. Matthew drove back down to Bergen Park to wait for us. What a star! Echo Lake to 12,000ft and back to Bergen Park The climb up Mt. Evans Road is, all and all, a little steeper than up to Juniper Pass from Bergen Park. Combine the additional grade with the additional altitude, and we were working harder. But the extra effort was well worth it. It’s absolutely gorgeous up there. Made all the more compelling by having gotten there under our own power. All the pictures more »
Posted On Saturday, July 19th, 2008 By David Veatch
I’m used to waking up early in order to ride into work with time to cool off. My normal 05:00 CST wake-up time nearly came through for me, and I woke at 06:30 MST, and was unable to go back to sleep. So I got up and joined our host who was already up with coffee ready. It wasn’t long before my brother was up, and we started planning the week’s training. He was very concerned with not overdoing it, and fortifying ourselves with proper nutrition. I’ve been winging this whole thing from the start, so I continued that trend and just went with the flow. He been counting protein grams, and making sure to get the ride types of food at the right time during his preparation. I’ve been eating frozen pizzas and whatever else the GF puts in front of me. Granted, I’ve been eating *better*, but I’ve not been strict by even the least strict sense of the word “strict.” For the most part, I’ve been training like I ride… by the seat of the pants. Elk Meadow to 10,000ft and back to Bergen Park So, we eat what he recommends, and hang out for a few more »
Posted On Thursday, July 17th, 2008 By David Veatch
Due to health issues that I won’t go into in depth, we had to make many (many) stops on the way out. We hit every rest station, and then some. Our 9 hour drive turned into more like 11 or 12. We weren’t in a huge hurry, though, so it really wasn’t a big deal. Finally arriving in Denver, we stopped at the Swedish Medical Center, where the GF’s newborn niece was… well… born. A week premature, and weighing in at almost 7 pounds, she’s very very tiny. She’s almost, but not quite, as long as my forearm. I didn’t hold her, but the GF did, nearly swooning in the process she was so taken by her. While at the hospital, we decided to head off at the pass the health issues that were plaguing us on the drive out. That added about an hour to our hospital stay, and having driven for about 12 hours already, I was getting tired and even a little cranky. However, I’m not one to force my agenda on anyone, especially when there be health concerns on the table. In the end, the wait was worth it. Health concerns dealt with. Leaving the hospital, more »