February is almost here

Though I don't plan to start consistently training for the upcoming Death Ride till February, I have been working to consistently go to the gym and ride once a week. Last weekend I went out to ride Metcaf down in San Jose and finally managed to get to the top. I had tried twice before and failed. First time I tried I didn't even make it up 1/4 of a mile before I turned around and came back down (that was early 2007 and I was still VERY out of shape). When I tried again during the Tierra Bella 2007, I could barely go 1 mile before crapping out and had to walk the rest.

Took about 23 minutes to get to the top, which is pretty normal speed for me when climbing something steep (steep for me that is). I'm more concerned with consistency than I am at speed (not that being a bit faster isn't important to finishing the DR). This weekend on Sunday I went down to San Jose again, this time with Nahoko, to go ride around Chesbro and Uvas reservoirs. We parked at Scott's at Bernal and Santa Terresa before heading for Baily Rd. It was a short easy 36 miles, but felt good nonetheless. The only complaint has to do with the RAIN that decided to show up early. Fortunately it waited till we were less than a mile from finishing.

Ride felt good and feels like a good sign of things to come...hopefully it won't be too boring riding so many miles all by myself in the coming months (can't keep up with my coworkers who ride and others can't keep up with me; slight problem).

One thing about February showing up soon, I don't get to be so lazy when it comes to eating ;). Have to go back on a healthy diet once again!!! Damn those holiday pounds!!!

Everything needs a beginning

Decided it was time to start up a new blog dedicated to my cycling and hiking/backpacking efforts and adventures. In 2007 I made some major decisions that affected my physical way of life and even decided to challenge myself in ways that others thought I was nuts (they were right to some extent). After taking up cycling starting in January 2007 (technically it was October 2006, but didn't get going till 2007) I had one goal, to complete a century; my target was the Tierra Bella tour, but as anyone who road the 2007 edition of the TB knows it was a miserable monsoon (I didn't finish as a result, but believe I could have).

Though the circumstances are a little confusing, I ended up signing up for the 2007 Death Ride and figured I would train to be able to complete 2 passes. Though I needed a LOT more training, I still managed to train hard enough to be capable of completing 3 passes in 2007...now the goal is all 5 in 2008! Will continuing posting my training results as we move closer and closer to the Death Ride (July 12, 2008).

In 2007 I also spent 7 days backpacking the Emigrant Wilderness with my high school buddy Donald (pictures). Several additional trips are planned for 2008, including another visit to the Emigrant in August. Will also go back and hike Half Dome once again (first time was Aug 2007).

2008 here I come!!!