Showing posts with label Mini Tour de France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mini Tour de France. Show all posts
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Mini Tour de France - The Nail
Although I have found myself physically getting stronger with each stage; due to circumstances off the bike and beyond my control, I regrettably must pull out of this year's Mini TdF. Like Lance said after his disappointing finish on the cobbled Stage 3, "Sometimes you're the hammer and sometimes you're the nail..." Well - today I am the nail.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Mini Tour de France - Stage 3
I rode from my driveway to complete the third stage of my mini tour. A meandering 33 mile ride though the neighborhoods. There were no cobblestones like they had at the real TdF, that played havoc on the general classification and made steeper, Lance Armstrong's already steep journey to a record 8th win. Lance lost time on his major rivals, Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck and Cadel Evans.
Back to my ride, it was a hot day in the saddle with the temperature reaching 97 F. I downed a bottle of sports drink before I started and finished off two more bottles by the 18 mile mark. Not having team members passing out bottles on the side of the road, I was forced to take a detour to find a water fountain. Towards the end of the ride, I happened upon a rider who was in a bit of a time warp. He was riding an old Raleigh (in excellent condition) and had a Tubular tire weaved around his arms, chest and back. I hadn't seen that except in black and white photos of TdF riders in the 60's and 70's.
Results after Stage 3:
My Mini TdF
Stage Winner: Me
Distance: 33 miles
Time: 2h 05' 31"
Overall Leader: Me
Overall Distance: 138 miles
Overall Time: 8h 52' 01"
The Real TdF
Stage Winner: Thor Hushovd (Cervelo)
Distance: 132 miles
Time: 4h 49' 38"
Overall Leader: Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank)
Overall Distance: 402 miles
Overall Time: 14h 54' 00"
Back to my ride, it was a hot day in the saddle with the temperature reaching 97 F. I downed a bottle of sports drink before I started and finished off two more bottles by the 18 mile mark. Not having team members passing out bottles on the side of the road, I was forced to take a detour to find a water fountain. Towards the end of the ride, I happened upon a rider who was in a bit of a time warp. He was riding an old Raleigh (in excellent condition) and had a Tubular tire weaved around his arms, chest and back. I hadn't seen that except in black and white photos of TdF riders in the 60's and 70's.
Results after Stage 3:
My Mini TdF
Stage Winner: Me
Distance: 33 miles
Time: 2h 05' 31"
Overall Leader: Me
Overall Distance: 138 miles
Overall Time: 8h 52' 01"
The Real TdF
Stage Winner: Thor Hushovd (Cervelo)
Distance: 132 miles
Time: 4h 49' 38"
Overall Leader: Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank)
Overall Distance: 402 miles
Overall Time: 14h 54' 00"
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Mini Tour de France - Stage 2
The sun rose above Lake Maury as I began stage 2 of my Mini TdF.
After 70 miles the day before, in the scorching heat, my body wanted to be doing anything but riding a bike. I imagine there were a number of riders in the "Real TdF" that didn't want to get on their bikes when they woke up this morning either. If they can do it, well so can I.
Results after Stage 2:
My Mini TdF
Stage Winner: Me
Distance: 30 miles
Time: 1h 56' 57" (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
Overall Leader: Me
Overall Distance: 105 miles
Overall Time: 6h 46' 30"
The Real TdF
Stage Winner: Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step)
Distance: 140 miles
Time: 4h 40' 48"
Overall Leader: Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step)
Overall Distance: 269 miles
Overall Time: 10h 01' 25"
After 70 miles the day before, in the scorching heat, my body wanted to be doing anything but riding a bike. I imagine there were a number of riders in the "Real TdF" that didn't want to get on their bikes when they woke up this morning either. If they can do it, well so can I.Results after Stage 2:
My Mini TdF
Stage Winner: Me
Distance: 30 miles
Time: 1h 56' 57" (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
Overall Leader: Me
Overall Distance: 105 miles
Overall Time: 6h 46' 30"
The Real TdF
Stage Winner: Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step)
Distance: 140 miles
Time: 4h 40' 48"
Overall Leader: Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step)
Overall Distance: 269 miles
Overall Time: 10h 01' 25"
Mini Tour de France - Stage 1
The team bus took me across the James River for the start of Stage 1 of my Mini Tour de France (TdF). This would be the longest stage of my tour and judging by the merciless sun that shone high and bright through cloudless skies, it was gonna be a hot one to boot.
This stage was over the lightly traveled, country roads through the counties of Isle of Wight and Surry. It was a circuitous route through Smithfield, up to Surry, over to the Jamestown Ferry, through Chippokes plantation, back through Smithfield.
For the majority of the ride I was surrounded by fields of corn and soy bean and accompanied by a nagging cross wind.
At one point I had my head down and was hammering along when I happened upon a poignant reminder of the Tour de France. The spectators, especially on mountain stages, traditionally paint words of encouragement to their favorite riders. While I never saw my name painted on the road, I did happen upon this sage advice.
My pedal strokes took on an increased sense of urgency and I blew by said "bad dog", who was lazily lounging in the shade. I was either going to fast or it was too hot for him to give chase.
Results after Stage 1:
My Mini TdF
Stage Winner: Me
Distance: 70 miles
Time: 4h 31' 59" (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
Overall Leader: Me
Overall Distance: 75 miles
Overall Time: 4h 49' 33"
The TdF
Stage Winner: Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre)
Distance: 140 miles
Time: 5h 09' 38"
Overall Leader: Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank)
Overall Distance: 145 miles
Overall Time: 5h 19' 38"
This stage was over the lightly traveled, country roads through the counties of Isle of Wight and Surry. It was a circuitous route through Smithfield, up to Surry, over to the Jamestown Ferry, through Chippokes plantation, back through Smithfield.For the majority of the ride I was surrounded by fields of corn and soy bean and accompanied by a nagging cross wind.
At one point I had my head down and was hammering along when I happened upon a poignant reminder of the Tour de France. The spectators, especially on mountain stages, traditionally paint words of encouragement to their favorite riders. While I never saw my name painted on the road, I did happen upon this sage advice.
My pedal strokes took on an increased sense of urgency and I blew by said "bad dog", who was lazily lounging in the shade. I was either going to fast or it was too hot for him to give chase.Results after Stage 1:
My Mini TdF
Stage Winner: Me
Distance: 70 miles
Time: 4h 31' 59" (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
Overall Leader: Me
Overall Distance: 75 miles
Overall Time: 4h 49' 33"
The TdF
Stage Winner: Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre)
Distance: 140 miles
Time: 5h 09' 38"
Overall Leader: Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank)
Overall Distance: 145 miles
Overall Time: 5h 19' 38"
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Mini Tour de France - Prologue
Here I am, resplendent in Stars and Stripes, in the start house ready to begin my "Mini Tour de France" quest.
I traverse Cedar Lane.
Run parallel with the James River.
Blow by Christopher Newport University.
Cut through the Mariner's Museum.
All in completion of the Prologue Time Trial.
Stats: Distance - 5 Miles, Elapsed Time - 17:34
All this compared to Fabian Cancellara, who won the opening Prologue Time Trial of the Tour de France.
Stats: Distance - 5 miles, Elapsed Time - 10:00
Fabian in Action
Friday, July 2, 2010
Mini Tour de France - Preview
July is my favorite month of the year. July holds this prestigious position for 2 principal reasons:
First - it is the peak of Summer, with plenty of sunshine and warm weather.
Second - the Tour de France.
Like cycling enthusiasts around the world, I will be glued to the TV every night for 3 straight weeks, watching each stage of this epic race. My sleep will suffer, but the ecstasy is worth it.
This year I have decided to celebrate my favorite month by adding a different twist, that will draw upon the wonderful weather and the "Tour". I have decided to do my own, mini version of the Tour de France. The rules of engagement are as follows:
1. On the days of the time trials, I will ride equal distances. That's 2 time trials totaling 37 miles.
2. On the days of road stages that fall on a weekday, I will ride 25% of the distance for each of those stages. That's 13 stages totalling 386 miles.
3. On the days of road stages that fall on a weekend, I will ride 50% of the distance for each of those stages. That's 6 stages totalling 319 miles.
If my math is correct that equals 742 miles in total. As I ponder this endeavor, the distance does not concern me. The aspect of this challenge that causes me the greatest angst is, with work and family, finding the time to ride. I have a 3 week supply of Powerbar Endurance Beverage and Chamois Butt'r. We'll see how it goes.
Lucky for you, my faithful flock, thanks to the wonders of the Internet, and the power of the Blogoshere, I will take you along every stage of the way. Just think - you'll get to ride and won't have to spread anything on your butt to do it.
It all begins tomorrow - so stay tuned!!!
First - it is the peak of Summer, with plenty of sunshine and warm weather.
Second - the Tour de France.
Like cycling enthusiasts around the world, I will be glued to the TV every night for 3 straight weeks, watching each stage of this epic race. My sleep will suffer, but the ecstasy is worth it.
This year I have decided to celebrate my favorite month by adding a different twist, that will draw upon the wonderful weather and the "Tour". I have decided to do my own, mini version of the Tour de France. The rules of engagement are as follows:
1. On the days of the time trials, I will ride equal distances. That's 2 time trials totaling 37 miles.
2. On the days of road stages that fall on a weekday, I will ride 25% of the distance for each of those stages. That's 13 stages totalling 386 miles.
3. On the days of road stages that fall on a weekend, I will ride 50% of the distance for each of those stages. That's 6 stages totalling 319 miles.
If my math is correct that equals 742 miles in total. As I ponder this endeavor, the distance does not concern me. The aspect of this challenge that causes me the greatest angst is, with work and family, finding the time to ride. I have a 3 week supply of Powerbar Endurance Beverage and Chamois Butt'r. We'll see how it goes.
Lucky for you, my faithful flock, thanks to the wonders of the Internet, and the power of the Blogoshere, I will take you along every stage of the way. Just think - you'll get to ride and won't have to spread anything on your butt to do it.
It all begins tomorrow - so stay tuned!!!
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