Bike to Work - 2011 Team Bike Challenge

At the end of April, I was approached by a coworker looking to form a team for the 2011 Team Bike Challenge here in the Bay Area for the month of May. Not really having a competitive bone in my body...I am not sure why they would ask me but heck I was up for a little challenge ;)

The whole challenge revolves around substituting you bike for any trip that you might use a car for instead. Like commuting to work, running an errand, going shopping or just running over to a friends house. Being new to the area, I was a little skeptical about trying to commute by bike. I had done it a few times back home but never on a consistent basis so I was going to do my best to give our team points.

4 Members of our 5 Member GU Crew Team
Me, Mel, John and Jeremy

You get points for each commute and then additional points if it is over a certain distance. For example, a commute to work for me is 6.1 miles each way for a totally of 12.2 miles. I get one point for the commute to work and I get one point for the commute being over 10 miles total. I would only get 1 point for my trips to the store since the total distance was only 2 miles.

Over the month of May, I tallied 35 different commutes by bike with a total of 370 miles of riding which includes 21 straight days to work. That doesn't include any "exercise" rides or miles since those would be done in lei of a car. I was able to rack up a total of 65 points and won some cool "medals" along with way...well I am not sure how cool they are but you get them as your totals add up. Though we kind of faded at the end, I think it is pretty awesome that we were able to ride over 1,700 miles...pretty awesome.

All in all, I think this was a pretty cool event. I was able to save between $50-$60 bucks in gas commuting and was able to get some recovery rides in for my legs. And honestly, I was surprised how much more awake I would feel in the morning once I got to work. There were days that it was tough to get out the door when you have a nice warm car sitting right there but once I started peddling, I was good to go.

PS: As I am typing this, I am looking at the weather for tomorrow and it is suppose to rain all day. (Special Note- I have been told no less than 50 times that it doesn't rain like this in California and this weather is not normal...though I am not sure an entire week has gone by without some rain) I think I might take this opportunity to drive myself to work for the first time since April...the challenge is over right ;) But I honestly plan to commute many more days by bike, so really this is just the beginning.

My New Favorite Bike Loop and the road called Butters!!!

I have found it rather difficult to "know" where to go ride. I have been on some great rides since I got down here but not always knowing exactly where we went. Plus it can always be difficult trying to get out of the city and onto these rural roads. A few weeks ago, a buddy took me on this route that I thought was pretty cool and even though the 3:00+ ride was a bit more than I was bargaining for at the time, it was still great to see some new roads.

The road called Butters :)

Fast forward to yesterday and I was on my own trying to remember where we went and exactly how we got there. After looking at a map and a quick mental note on where to turn, I headed out the door. I am never too worried since I have a smart phone with Google Maps on it and even if that fails, a good rule of thumb is to head towards to ocean...and then try and find your way home.

Always some amazing views at the top of the climbs.

This is a perfect weekend route. It is just over 25 miles and takes about 1:45 to complete if you are out to work hard but not try to push your self to exhaustion. Just like EVERY single ride here, it starts off with climbing...like averaging 10.5 mph for the first 40 minutes of the ride...climbing. You just go up and then up again and the in case you thought that was fun you go up a little bit more. The ride has just over 2,200 feet of climbing but what goes up must come down, so there are some great technical descents on winding roads. How can a ride not be some road names like: Skyline, Redwood and of course Butters...

Some small trees next to the roads :)

The hidden Post Office- This place is famous for being close to nothing.

And what would a good ride be without the random Stop signs
in the middle of nowhere...and the cars actually stop which can't be
said for ANY other Stop Sign in the state of California :)

I know I am not the first person to find this route but as of today I am going to claim it as "My Weekend Loop". There are opportunities to easily add additional miles if I need to and you are protected from the constant winds that seem to make sure I am ALWAYS riding into a head wind. So its pretty much MINE now :) Hopefully it helps me get my butt out the door without the hour or so of me telling myself that it will be fun.

So if you are ever in the Bay Area and want to go for a ride just let me know. I have the PERFECT one all planned out.

Michelin Krylion Carbon- Bulletproof...Just not Stapleproof

Michelin Krylion Carbon

I stumbled onto these tires looking for something that could withstand the tough roads around my hometown of Spokane and have continue to use them down here in California. I do a fair amount of city and rural road riding along with plenty of miles put in along side highways. These are prime locations for anything and everything to collect that could give you a flat tire.

Now I would like to think that it was my amazing abilities and superscope vision that has left me flat free for the last 2 years but I highly doubt that is the case...I am good, just not that good ;) I have to give credit where credit is due and I honestly believe it is these tires.

A Souvenir...or not

Just today I got my first flat tire in as long as I can remember. The culprit, well it was a heavy duty staple that someone decided to leave on the side of the road and I just happen to find that exact spot they left it and thought it might fun...or not so fun to get off and have to fix a flat.

You probably have your own favorites and maybe you had a bad run of luck with these tires but to go on as many rides as I have, on the roads that I have, and the harsh conditions I have...these tires have been amazing. I actually replaced my last set before ever getting a flat... not one and like I said I would like to think it is because I am so awesome but let's be real. Now I probably just jinxed myself but triathletes aren't supersitious...right ;)

Back up and riding...Rain in the morning and Sun in the afternoon

So if you are in the market for a great training tire that can 'roll' with the punches, might I suggest you pick up a set of these. With a relatively low cost, high reward and come in quite a few colors if you are all about accessorizing your ride.

Tour of California- Stage 4 GU Crew Recap

I should have know that starting the day racing to catch the Bart was just the beginning of a long but fun day. The plan was for the GU Crew to leave work around 10:30am, catch the 10:45am Bart and start riding shortly after 11:45am. The race was suppose to finish around 3:15pm so that gave us plenty of time to make the 30 mile journey from West Dublin to the top of Sierra Road.

The day began with my coworker and I have time trial it through the streets of Berkeley trying not to miss the train EVERYONE else was on. After running a few red lights, my fastest ever Bart ticket purchase (I only have 3 in the books, so not a whole lot of competition) and running down an escalator in cycling shoes, we walked up just as the train was pulling in. I am guessing we had about a minute to spare...just like we planned it.

The GU Crew

The ride started out awesome, we were cruising through the streets of Dublin looking like we should have been in the race. There was pulling, there was drafting…we pretty much had our own little pelaton heading to the finish.

Totally should have entered the race...

I haven’t really been on a big group ride since I left home so it was nice to be able to chit chat with everyone and just get out of the office and on the bike. The roads were absolutely beautiful and really reminded me of the scenery back home. Sure do miss all that.

Still Smiling...probably haven't started climbing the "Real" stuff yet!

The fun began when we started climbing up the backside of Sierra Road. It wasn't the Cat 1 the pros were heading up a few hours later but I was told that it could have been classified as Cat 2. So pretty much…I NEVER WANNA RIDE A CAT 1!!!

I was sweating so much, I could barely hold on to my handlebars, the sunscreen that was on my face was dripping into my eyes which was burning and made it almost impossible to see plus I had no idea where the top actually was. All I wanted to do was just stop, get off and start walking. But walk...with a tri bike...around all these cyclists...NEVER!!! I was going to keep peddling until either my legs fell off or I started rolling backwards. I am happy to report neither actually happened but I am pretty sure, it was only a matter of time.

San Jose in the distance.

Just like all the rides around Berkeley that produce many amazing views, this ride did not disappoint. Our ride took us just east of San Jose and with all the climbing made for some beautiful shots of the valley below.

Have you tried the new GU?

The "Work" reason we went to this ride was to hand out samples of the new Chocolate Raspberry Roctane released last week. We each carried about 8 lbs of GU gel up the mountain to give to all the spectators who made the trek. I was glad to see so many people, because there was NO WAY I was carrying that back down.

Bike Rack / Barbed-Wire Fence

A view from above the finish line.

We did actually make it to the race start. It is quite the production they set up in the middle of absolute nowhere. There were huge tents, mobile media trucks, fencing and people everywhere. I was surprised how many people made the actual climb up to the finish…many who rode the west side (Cat 1). It was very cool to see them  cheering and support all the riders and teams. It makes me wonder how absolutely insane the Tour de France is...

Chris Horner- The Stage 4 and eventually race winner.

Andy Schleck (left) and Levi Leipheimer (right)

Jens Voigt

One final climb to the line.

I was also surprised by how quickly the riders would head right back down the mountain. A few would throw on a jacket or some arm warmers, a can of pop and just turned around and headed back down as the race was still going on. It’s probably not that uncommon at a stage race like this, but just something new to me.

And back down the mountain they go.

Levi Leipheimer

The Pelaton reaches the top.

The ride back down for us was much less uneventful. Everyone knew exactly what lied ahead and everyone (or maybe just me) wanted to get back as my legs were feeling it. With over 3:30 on the bike and what I was told over 4,500 ft of climbing, I was going to sleep REEEEAL good.

All in all, I can’t think of a better day at the office. Pretty cool to be able to get out of work, jump on the bike and see the finish of the largest stage races in the US.

On The Road Again...

When living up in the PNW...especially eastern Washington, getting out on the road in January is something special. The weather is just not conducive to get out and ride without a great chance of crashing on ice and or looking like Lloyd and Harry during the scooter scene in Dumb and Dumber. Since the weather has been a bit warmer and dryer than normal, I took advantage and began to process of trying to get outside and on the road again.

I think I might have to create a checklist next time ;)

Honestly, I had completely forgot the process it takes to get ready for a ride in cold temperatures. I began the lengthy process by trying to lay everything out just to make sure I had it all...and still was able to forget a few important items such as toe and shoe covers along with a face guard. Don't even get me started on how long it actually took to get all the gear on, walk around the house 5 times remember this and that and then finally getting outside to remember I have to fill up the tires and add a bike bag. It was beginning to feel like I it was going to take more time to get ready then I would actually spend riding.

Ready to RIDE!!!

With everything FI.NAL.LY done, I was able to jump on the bike and get started on what turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day for a ride and made all the work to get ready totally worth it. The sun was out, the temperatures were right and the road was clear. Basically everything you would expect about 2 months from now.

Not quite the same without the wheat fields but SO much better than stuck inside.

Thanks GU for keeping me fueled during my ride!

The ride was awesome. I forgot what if felt like to have wind on your face and the asphalt under your wheels. I also realized a few things that you just can't find inside on the trainer.

The amazing smell of cow manure warming up in the sun!

And the leg hairs sticking through your bike tights...Hey don't judge, it's still winter :)

I sure hope this weather sticks around for awhile because me plus trainer is none existent and I am loving getting outside.

Mountain Bikes ROCK...and JUMP...and SPLASH!!!

Here in the northwest...when triathlon season is over it is time to hit the trails for some mountain biking. Last weekend a group of us met up near the 7-Mile Bridge and Riverside State Park. This would be the first time I have actually rode these trails even though I grew up just a few miles away.

Even though the night temperatures are hovering just above freezing, the early morning rides are still managable. All you need to do is layer up just a bit. Plus with mountain biking, you are usually riding pretty slow so it is easy to keep your body temperature up.

Here are a few of the highlights from my ride with: Greg, Natatlie, Nate, Matt and Jessie

Riding over a pile of logs...because we can :)

Natalie

Greg

Nate

Matt crusing down the trail.

The next set of shots are us launching off a rock that was next to the trail we were riding on. It made a perfect jump. I am pretty sure this is the LAST thing I should be doing on my bike as it could break at any second.

Me

Greg

Nate

Natalie

Matt

We did have a couple of crashes but only got one on film. After riding off the trail and into the shrubs on the side of the trail, over the handlebars he went.

Greg watching Nate crash.

Mountain Biking Carnage

 Here is another one of the sweet jumps we found.

Honestly, I feel like I was about 5 feet higher!

We also took a few videos. Check them out.

Getting a WAY to long run up to the jump.

Here is Nate having a little fun in a puddle.

Honestly, we are always looking for people to come out and ride. There are tons of great trails all over this area...and if you feel up to it, ROCKS, JUMPS and puddles to SPLASH through.

Mountain Bike Mondays and a Gift from Me to You!!!

Mountain Bike Mondays...

In my training schedule Mondays are usually pretty easy days. I try to get a swim done in the mornings and spend the rest of the day relaxing and gearing up for the week of work and workouts. If the legs are feeling fresh and the weather cooperates, I really like to get outside and jump on the mountain bike. The speed of riding on the road can be fun but there is just something about getting off the asphalt and onto the dirt that really make riding off-road enjoyable.

Me and the Goose overlooking Wandermere Golf Course

I do my best to try and rope in anyone who is interested and head for the trails. This week Nate, Greg and I headed out to see what trouble we could get ourselves in. This time we headed up to the bluff overlooking the Wandermere golf course and were presented with a pretty awesome view.

Nate riding the trails.

A Tricky Descent

Greg and Nate cruising along...

Greg and Nate discussing if it is possible to ride down the face of the cliff...we decided to take the long way down.

Great View!!!

Riding the mountain bikes is a great change in pace and really helps to replenish the tank after a long weekend of tough workouts.

Also a few weeks ago, GU Energy sent me out the new GU Performance Energy Sampler. Now I have tried many of the GU products throughout my training but having the opportunity to try so many different flavors in one easy place...Very Cool.

GU Performance Energy Sampler

You get 9 GU Energy Gels, all 3 GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gels, 2 bags of GU Chomps, 2 packets of GU Electrolyte Brew and 1 packet of GU Recovery Brew. This gives you a great chance to figure out what combination of each will help you stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up throughout your workout or race.

Some other exciting news of GU is the new flavor gel...Mandarin Orange. I have already used a few of these on my workouts and I can tell you, they can't get these out fast enough. Unfortunately, they won't be out until July but keep your eyes open and be sure to give them a try...unless you keep reading and you might not have to wait.

As for the Gift from Me to You...I have a GU Sampler that I plan to give away. All you need to do is comment on this post and you are entered. It's that EASY and you get $35+ in free supplements!!! I will do a random number drawing and will contact the winner for your mailing information. There is a good chance...a definite possibility you will be receiving a few packets of the new Mandarin Orange gels to try out. Sorry I couldn't resist!!!

Raffle ends on Sunday May 30th at 11:59 PM. So have your comment submitted by then.

"GU Energy provided the Performance Energy Sampler free of charge for me to review and the opinions of this post are mine"