- Site:
- http://scottjohnsen.blogspot.com/
- Miles:
- 34471 total / 4937 in 2013
- Goal:
1. 12,500 miles 2. 3 Century Rides (2 completed so far) 3. Begin Brevet Rides with 200K & 300K Rides 4. Daily Core Workout 5. 3, 5 min. Planks 6. Have Fun!
Scott Johnsen rode: A beautiful day with ...
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- 21 miles
- 01:15 time
- 16.9 pace
- 1093 calories
- details
A beautiful day with temps in the low 80's, sunny and a light breeze. The only down side was that I was short on time before heading into Cambridge for a meeting. Because I felt a bit rushed, I started the ride too hard. My legs wanted nothing to do with it. It didn't help that this route started with most of the first 3 miles being slightly uphill.
Not only did I feel tired today, I felt like I was out of sorts on form. I felt like I was pedaling in squares instead of circles. :-) After a few miles, I backed off a bit and tried to take it easy. Once I managed to do that, I found the ride much more enjoyable.
This route had about 1,000 feet of climbing with one Cat 5 hill. I happened to be climbing that hill behind a trash truck picking up trash. I thought about trying to pass him, but I didn't think I could do so safely. I ended up slowing down so that I didn't catch him and come to a complete stop. I wasn't sure I'd be able to start up again on that hill if I had to unclip. That worked pretty well.
At the top of the hill, he turned right and I turned left. I only had to ride a bit more to get to 10 miles, so I kept going a bit. Downtown Hopkinton had a lot of repaving work going on, so traffic was a mess. I slowly worked my way through this heavy traffic until I made it back to the top of the Cat 5 hill.
I normally try to ride hard near the top of the hill to maximize my speed. Today I decided to see how fast I could go if I just coasted down the hill. I did my best to tuck but I'm afraid there's a bit too much of me to do a great job tucking! :-) Still, I did manage to hit 40.2mph by just coasting. Not bad.
I still took it easy coming back in the rest of the way. I had one other really nice downhill ... this is the one with the traffic light at the bottom that I have never caught green! Coming down the hill, I saw that the light changed green. I thought I was going to finally catch a green. Well, it wasn't meant to happen today either. I guess the cycling Gods were telling me it was a good opportunity to drink some water. :-)
I took the rest of the ride steady. Some nice rollers on the next section going past Hopkinton State Park. Just as I cruised back to my neighborhood, it started raining. Nothing bad, just a light summer shower. I quickly got ready to head to the shower. Before I got there, the sky opened up and it was pouring!! No lightening or hail, but I was still glad I got home when I did. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. This was one of those times. :-)
On a side note, I made it into Cambridge with time to spare. I haven't been in Harvard Square for quite awhile so it was a nice change.
Great detail, Scott! Thanks for sharing, although I'm feeling a little out of breath now & I can smell fresh steamy garbage mixed with diesel exhaust. Did I mention that you paint a vivid picture of the scene? Nice work today.
10 months ago • Like • 2 people
Thanks Michael!! That's why I was holding back!! :-) It's not all wine and roses out there. :-D
10 months ago • Like
As always Scott, love reading the rides! I'm with Michael on this one.
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
Great change for you even though you felt tired!! Great push out there and in some rain in your hood'
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
I enjoyed your story Scott! It was like I was on a bike near to you...thanks!
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
Fantastic ride Scott!
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
well done Scott....
10 months ago
Nice listening Scott. Turned a painful one into a great one :-)
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
Remarkable pace considering all the obstacles. I'm sure the garbage truck's breath didn't help matters. LOL
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
Scott. I'd say anytime you can do 40 mph (or anything near that) no pedaling, go for it. Those are the miles you paid for going uphill. Too bad about the rain but if you are like me, you don't shrink any more. Good ride.
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
Does your bike behave well at high speeds? I've had some in the old days that could develop a little shimmy, but maybe that's a thing of the past now. (What exactly are you riding--I've seen the color, but I didn't catch the brand/componentry). 40+ is awesome!
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
Nice going - good job on listening to your body and slowing down a bit. :-)
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
Thanks very much Andre, Henry, Dimitris, Akash, Anil, 26, Robert, Richard, Michael and Anna!! @Dimitris, I would have appreciated the pull! :-) @Robert J., It was a little stinky but I was able to keep my distance. :-) @Richard, I never worry about getting me wet, it's the bike I want to keep dry. After all, I was already pretty wet from sweat!! :-D
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
@Michael G., I ride a Specialized Allez Sport. I'm not sure what the "sport" means on this bike as I bought the bike used from a friend. It seems to be very stable for me, but I havn't had a lot of experience riding other bikes. My top speed (so far) - 44.8mph. I felt like I could have eeked a bit more out of it too. The bike held firm, ho twitching. I rented a Felt Z6 carbon bike last Jan. I loved it! But I didn't have any high speed opportunities since I was in Floriday with no significant downhills.
10 months ago • Like
Another nice ride Scott! 40mph...impressive!!
10 months ago • Like
Good riding Scott! Great way to keep the joy going!
10 months ago
Perhaps the gravity benefits of "too much of you" counteracted the wind drag. :)
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
Thanks very much Lena, Toni-Lee and Scott!! @Scott, there is at least one benefit of too much me! :-)
10 months ago • Like
Sounds like a tough ride Scott... Good work bro!
10 months ago
Nice job Scott!!
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
Thanks very much Dale and Sarat!!
10 months ago • Like
Tough but done!! Way to go Scott!!!
10 months ago • Like • 1 person
Thanks very much Pantha!!
10 months ago • Like