This entry is LONG overdue. When I last wrote, I was just hours from starting the event that would make me a Super Randonneur, the Suffolk-Lake Gaston-Washington 600km brevet. I still had some nagging knee discomfort from the previous month. But I felt I could manage it throughout the ride if I could keep my speeds in check. I first mentioned my knee pain after riding the MS-150. However, the initial injury happened while overexerting myself early in the Tour de Cure late in April (no blog entry). I had taken a week off here, two weeks off there, and then a slightly longer break before the 600k in June, all in an attempt to let my knee heal or recover. The pain returned at varying distances into each ride, even when I took it easy. Regardless, I had a goal to complete the 600k and wasn’t going to let mild knee pain stop me from at least trying. Continue reading “ACP Suffolk-Lake Gaston-Washington 600 km (DNF)” →

I’ve been cycling more lately, including my fourth annual Tour de Cure on April 25th. However, I opted against writing about it since I spent my free time writing about the ACP 300-km brevet as well as preparing for a May 2nd 400-km brevet. The TdC was relatively uneventful and only served as a training ride for my much longer rides.   Since I was still feeling residual discomfort in my neck from the 300k during the TdC, I did an easy ride on Monday and then took the rest of the week off to let my neck heal.  I also returned a high-rise stem to service to help get my back and neck a little more upright. I gained about 2-cm. See the difference between the stems in this photo. Since the 400k began at the same time and from the same hotel as the 300k, my preparation and plan was nearly the same. The major difference was that I didn’t forget any clothing or gear. I unpacked, prepped the bike, and plugged in my gadgets to charge overnight. I was actually in bed at a reasonable time.    Continue reading “ACP Suffolk-Lake Gaston 400 km (252 miles)” →

Continuing my run for a Super Randonneur Award, I entered Tidewater Randonneurs’ ACP Suffolk-Lake Gaston 300-km event. Staying at the host hotel last year worked really well, so I decided to stick to that practice. I packed my car Friday morning, the idea being to go straight to the hotel after work. It seemed like a perfect plan… until I realized I had forgotten my arm warmers. “No biggie,” I thought, “I’ll pick up another set.” All was good! Knowing the ride would start at the same time as the hotel’s free breakfast and that the hotel room had a refrigerator and a microwave, I opted to buy some breakfast items on the way to Suffolk so I could eat really early in the morning. Continue reading “ACP Suffolk-Lake Gaston 300 km (187 miles, Run #3)” →

I rode my second run of the Suffolk-Lake Gaston 300 km on April 19th. It was the second ride in my planned pursuit of a Super Randonneur achievement. Since I had a decent finish last year (17h:15m), I was confident that I would be okay this year even though I wasn’t riding with the same strength just yet. The only downside to the morning was the weather. Here is a screenshot of the radar map when I awoke. Most cyclists, including me, don’t like to see a Saturday that looks like that. Regardless, I had already mounted my fenders and packed the rain gear to prepare for a long, wet ride. In addition to rain, it was 45 degrees and expected to warm to only 53 that day. I wore tights, a wool base layer, a balaclava, Gore Windstop gloves and my Gore raincoat. I also stretched a liner over my helmet. This was my attire for the vast majority of the day. Continue reading “ACP Suffolk-Lake Gaston 300 km (Run #2, 191 miles)” →

It’s been quite a while since my last rando. The weather has been unpleasant and other pursuits have kept me busy this winter. I’ve even delayed my blog entry longer than usual. I’m looking forward to some predictable weather. A pop-up calendar notice reminded me of the first ACP event in this year’s Super Randonneur Series. “DOH! That arrived quickly!” 😯 I hadn’t ridden nearly enough miles this year to feel ready for a 200k this early in the season. Regardless, I wasn’t going to miss this ride just because I’m overweight and out of shape. I packed my things and prepared to grind out a long, slow ride. Continue reading “ACP Suffolk to Skippers 200 km (130 mile, Run #2)” →

DC Randonneurs (DCR) hosted the Firefly 400k from Warrenton on May 18th.  I charged into my first 400 km brevet just one week after completing my first 300 km brevet.  I drove to Manassas on Friday and was asleep by 7 pm.  I awoke at 2 am, loaded the car, picked up breakfast and was signed in and ready to ride by the 4 am event start.  I was tired, but eager to go.  Little did I expect as I rode into what would become a wet and cold day that I’d have to terminate my ride, a “DNF” (Did Not Finish).  I abandoned to prevent my ride from turning out like this restaurant (photographed during my transit back to the start).  I’m inclined to have little to say.  But, as I posted in Why Read My Blog, I’m here to write about my shortfalls as well as my triumphs.  Here it goes… Continue reading “ACP Warrenton Firefly 400 km (DNF)” →

Tidewater Rando hosted another ACP event, the Suffolk-Lake Gaston 300 km, on Saturday May 11.  It’s essentially the same out-and-back route as the Suffolk-Skippers 200 km with an additional leg to Lake Gaston.  It was forecast to rain with WSW winds.  I really didn’t want to spend up to 20 hours riding in the rain.  But this ride was among my last of chances to get a 300 km documented before attempting the 400 km and 600 km events.  I don’t mind being caught in the rain.  But I really don’t like starting a ride in it.  😦 Continue reading “ACP Suffolk-Lake Gaston 300 km (189 miles)” →