Blow Out Week

I've done 2 group computrainer sessions this week. Wednesday, Jeff went with me. The profile was set on an easy course with minimal hills and trending downhill overall (Whidbey Island) and the dvd was a CTS climbing workout. Because the course was relatively flat, we could follow the dvd and change our cadence and effort as needed. It was a fun way to use the computrainer, though I also like just following a course like I did before.

Friday, I did the CTS cycling for fitness interval workout while on the same course as Wednesday's ride.

Jeff and I have been using our old tires on the trainer so we don't wear down new ones. Well, apparently other people do that too and when we were setting up on Wednesday we heard that some one's tire had blown earlier in the day. They told us it made a ticking noise before it blew. That turned out to be valuable information later on! Jeff's wheel starting ticking, he stopped pedaling and we all looked with dismay at how deformed his tire was! He got off his bike and let the air out right away and spared us having to hear the bang. One of the mechanics had a new tire on the wheel in no time and Jeff was able to continue his workout.

It turned out that the shop was getting trainer specific tires in stock the next day, so I planned to pick up one for each of us at my Friday session.

Friday, I got the new tires and one of the mechanics quickly put it on my wheel over my old tube. Well, maybe the tube was pinched a little, or there was sand or it was just old. A few minutes into my session, the bike felt bouncy and as I was looking to see if the front tire was flat and slowed my rpms, I heard tick, tick, tried hard to stop the wheel, but it immediately went BOOM under me. Ack! I'm glad that happened in the trainer and not outside! I'll bet it shows up on my heart rate graph! The new tire was fine, but the tube had a big hole in it. The mechanic did a quick tube change and I was back on the bike for the rest of the workout.

I've also done 4 rides at home on the Kinetic, but Thursday's ride was only 30 minutes. My legs felt heavy and I just wanted to loosen them up a little and have them ready for Friday's group ride. I did a total of 103.37 miles this week. Today is my recovery day unless I get restless later!

You can probably tell that Jeff and I are smitten with the computrainer. We are seriously thinking about buying one for home use...maybe very soon! They are expensive, but occasionally we get something big for both of us that counts for all the little holidays and birthdays and most of Christmas, all at once. I'll let you know as soon as we decide for sure!

Early Christmas Presents!

When the weather isn't so great, I need to focus on some cleaning, maintenance and making sure I have gear I need. Yesterday afternoon I stopped by two bike shops!

I've mentioned my tires a few times lately...can you tell how worn they are in the pic? You may need to see them in person for the full effect. Take my word for it, they have squared off edges!

Visiting Bikeworks Sunday, I was able to get replacement Bontrager Race X-Lites. The water bottles I've used for over a year just went completely plasticky almost overnight, so I got a stash to replace those and was pleased to find Cannondale ones to match my bikes! I am going to try the Tri Berry Nuun. Do you have a favorite Nuun flavor? Also in the picture are some new cleats. I've been a little afraid of pulling out of the pedal with my old worn ones lately. I ordered some replacement handlebar tape which should be available soon. (They didn't have any Cannondale kinds in stock.)

We also went to Providence Bicycle to pick up the PI AmFib tights that were on hold for Jeff. He's going to love those! Of course, I started looking around and noticed this top. I don't normally wear such bright colors, but do on the bike for visibility. It's the PI Symphony Reversible Jersey.

Doesn't everyone love a reflective 'tramp stamp'? =)

This is one of my favorite items now, the shaping is great and it's so comfy! I'll be tempted to wear this one off the bike too.

I made do with a bare minimum of bike clothing for a couple of years and only the tights for winter cycling specific gear, so now that I've stuck with the biking for awhile it's fun to treat myself to some clothes. I do find it helps. I don't have to think about what to wear or worry about whether it will work. It is comfortable while riding and I can just get on with the pedaling, the way it should be.

2 Flats in a Week!

Seems like this is just my time of year to get flats. Last year around this time I picked up a roofing nail, 2 large staples (at one go!) and hit half a smashed beer bottle hidden in some leaves! This year, glass has been the culprit, slashing an almost new tire last Saturday and creating a slow, invisible leak today. So tonight I'm off to the bike shop for another set of tires. The Maxxis Zenith Hors Categorie ones I've been using for 7+ months require special ordering, so I'm going to try Bontrager Race X-Lites which the shop owner thinks I'll end up liking better anyway. I'm getting good at fixing flats, but I hope I don't have anymore for awhile!