Cyclists Thread

[Yung Nick]

Not a race, just an event or whatever I don’t fuckin know man

[BadScene]

That was a little cryptic -- NYC or surrounding burbs?  Upstate?

[cthc89]

I'm taking this single-speed beauty for a ride today

SPOILER: Click to show

[Yung Nick]

Oct 9, 2020 22:21:43 GMT -5 BadScene said:

That was a little cryptic -- NYC or surrounding burbs?  Upstate?

it was nyc. Ended at Washington square park

[BadScene]

oh.  i wasn't there.

[novogue]

Oct 10, 2020 12:45:30 GMT -5 x43x said:

I missed out on the Rapha+Palace jerseys...now they are $400+ on ebay. Good grief.

How much did everything end up being originally? I was halfheartedly looking for a one of those goofy cycling caps but that "You're in Queue" ordeal just put me off of the whole thing. Kind of surprised to see resellers jump onto something so niche as cycling gear, especially with the outrageous prices that are going on ebay right now. Who's gonna pay a reseller 660 euros for XL cycling kit?

[BadScene]

Just had my farthest ride today -- 50 miles at 3:28.  That was my goal for the year and I'm happy it happened before it got too cold.  I'm trying to see if I should shoot for 75 or 100 next year.

[Rhys]

Gent-Wvelgem final 20km was spectacular to watch. If Van Aert continues like he has, he’s going to go down as one of my favourite riders, he’s made this shortened season. I was expecting more from Van der Poel yesterday, he was so frustrating.

RVV is going to be special this year you can just feel it.

[novogue]

The papers are obviously hyping up the Van Aert/Van der Poel rivalry but the list of potential winners is so god damn long this year. Wouldn't even put it past Bettiol to just win de Ronde back to back. I don't think I've been this excited for a race since last year's cyclocross nationals.

[BadScene]

Thanks!  Yeah, I think 100 is the way to go.

I totally underestimated how much food was going to play a role.  The ride started out normal, but I kept going and could have used an extra apple sauce pack or something.  The final 5 miles was rough.

[we have to go back]

sup y’all. I’ve been cycling very casually for years but this summer/fall I recently increased my activity. I just completed a 40 mile ride in 3 hours the other day which is the furthest ride under my belt so far. How realistic is it to just try for a 50 mile after a few days? I mostly just want to make sure I’m not going to injure myself in some way if I keep racking up miles before I’m ready, or how to know if I even am “ready” and I want to manage my expectations. Stoked to be a part of the community

[novogue]

Just do it mate. Bring some extra food, stay hydrated, don't overdo it speedwise and you'll be fine. Back when I started I rode nothing but 40km rides and then just knocked out a 100km. It was hard but it also proved I could do it. Haven't looked back since when it comes to clocking big miles. If the 40 mile trip didn't completely destroy you, you'll do fine on 50.

[we have to go back]

Right on. Thanks for the words on encouragement. 50 and beyond here I come

[Rhys]

Drink before your thirsty and eat before your hungry. I’ve learnt that the hard way, bonking far from home is seriously not fun. The jump up in mileage can seem daunting but you’ll be fine, plan your route well and have places in mind to stop to fill your bidon/coffee/eat.

Your first century is a pretty big milestone, enjoy it!

[BadScene]

I've heard of the dreaded bonk a few times.  What does it actually feel like?  How would I know if I'm heading toward bonk territory?

[kwame]

Oct 13, 2020 10:01:35 GMT -5 BadScene said:

I've heard of the dreaded bonk a few times.  What does it actually feel like?  How would I know if I'm heading toward bonk territory?

in my experience it's like one minute you're having fun and the next you feel like you wanna die. like you just want to come to an immediate stop and be cradled like a baby. I'd imagine it's different for each person but the advice of eating and drinking before you need to/at regular intervals is for sure great. besides that I think pacing yourself is the best thing you can do

[Rhys]

Oct 13, 2020 10:01:35 GMT -5 BadScene said:

I've heard of the dreaded bonk a few times.  What does it actually feel like?  How would I know if I'm heading toward bonk territory?

Pretty much what Kwame said. You’re legs feel like you’re riding in treacle, a 1% gradient feels like 15%. I tend to feel dizzy, get the shakes, weak and light headed. It’s not fun if you can’t find a shop quite quickly.

Last time I booked I was 80km into a 120km sportive. The longest climb around here took me 60 minutes, week before took me 25.

[novogue]

All the nutritional advice aside, nothing’s as cool as being 80km from home and having a stop at a random local old pub for a big cup of coffee followed by some sweet pastry straight from the baker’s. Like being on holiday without actually being away.

Cycling rules so much.

[Rhys]

I agree with you on that point, nothing better than finding some quaint little bakery or cafe when out on the bike.

When I was younger my grandfather and his friend used to drive to Belgium to buy cheap cigarettes and I’d occasionally tag along with them. We always used to stop at this small village bakery to buy treats for my grandmother. I’ve been all over Europe and nothing compares to that place, wish I knew where it was. I was planning on coming over this year before Covid.

[novogue]

Oct 13, 2020 13:45:22 GMT -5 Rhys said:

When I was younger my grandfather and his friend used to drive to Belgium to buy cheap cigarettes and I’d occasionally tag along with them. We always used to stop at this small village bakery to buy treats for my grandmother. 

The true European spirit. Remain should've campaigned on that vibe. 

Anyway, the organisation behind the Ronde (and other smaller classics) are ramping up the corona-measures some more. It's going to be real weird seeing the bergs and the cobbles without the outrageous crowds.

[we have to go back]

God I wish I was cycling in Europe instead of the US so bad now. Just the idea of quaint little pubs and bakeries instead of chains on my ride makes me incredibly jealous.

[BadScene]

Agreed.  The best I can do on LI is to find a halfway decent bagel place I haven't been before.

[vomitponx]

bought a klein attitude mtb thinking i could take it on regular rides but it doesnt hold speed well so now im looking for either another klein road bike or a cannondale

[Rhys]

De Ronde without the large boisterous crowd doesn’t feel right.

[novogue]

Oct 18, 2020 7:30:01 GMT -5 Rhys said:

De Ronde without the large boisterous crowd doesn’t feel right.

Agreed. I usually dislike the crowd of drunks but this year's Ronde felt like some B-level kermiskoers. 
That said, a well deserved winner in Van der Poel. Hopefully Alaphilippe isn't to beaten up after that motard bodycheck, horrific crash.

Road cycling is in a such a good place right now.

[Rhys]

It was the first time I’ve missed a crowd since the restart. I’d imagine I would have felt the same this Sunday. Nothing can be guaranteed at Roubaix but I’m gutted it’s off. Hard to imagine anyone but the RVV final 2 hitting the velodrome first.

We haven’t had a good rivalry for a longtime too, I’m all for this over the next few years. There was no way Van der Poel was letting Van Aert have the better of him again.

[novogue]

Oct 19, 2020 0:42:06 GMT -5 Rhys said:

We haven’t had a good rivalry for a longtime too, I’m all for this over the next few years. There was no way Van der Poel was letting Van Aert have the better of him again.

I'm real glad it was this close too. Like, if Van Aert would've solo'ed to victory it would've been impressive but I can imagine it would've even reinforced the idea that he left VDP in the dust. Now, they both came out strong of this Ronde. Roubaix would've been an absolute thriller if it was on. Lots of outsiders that still had a decent shot too.

Ready for a decade of VA/VDP in the classics while Evenepoel takes on the Pogacars and Bernals of this world in the grand tours. 

It sucks for the dudes riding the Giro and Vuelta but as of now, cross is boss again.

[BadScene]

Posting a photo from my ride this past weekend -- took a trip out to the local abandoned mental asylum.  It's really fun this time of year -- the grounds are totally open, although the buildings are fenced off.  I'd love to go exploring one day, but I'm a bit more scared of the living folks, compared to the spookier entities.

[vomitponx]

picked up a 1986 made in Titaly bianchi. I'm only doing 15-25 mile rides so i think it'll do the job pretty well

[novogue]

As long as the brakes work and everything greased up, old bikes will do the job just fine. Is it celeste, yellow or red? 80's Bianchi's can get pretty wild.