Question: Have you ever wondered how they can tell who's first at the finish line when riders only fraction of a second apart from each other?
Answer: A timing chip mounted on each bike helps ensure the accuracy of the finishing order.
For those of you who are Vietnamese and can still read in your native language. Here another way to search for your next bike.
Is it just me to notice the sexy new look of the 2008 Trek Madone? I can see a lot of resemblance between this frame and those by Orbea
After turning some heads on Greenway last Thu night, I started to think of the bright future of our group and how good we can become.
I've been riding this route for the past few weeks on my own and enjoy it a great deal. The route includes some residential area up to the intersection between Highway 61 and 96 - around White Bear Lake, this segment is very smooth with a huge bike lane as wide as the size of a truck. The next turn will bring us to a rural country road along the East Highway 96 where you will see some Apple Orchards and several adjacent cute farms in the middle of the open corn fields. About 4 mile before arriving at Downtown Stillwater, there is a big finale of descending slope heading toward the River front district at Main Street. It concludes a 19 miles ride (approx 40 mile round trip) with plenty of treats along the way. To see the satellite traffic of the route, click on the "Traffic" link on the map.
A change of pace.....
You know you’re a serious runner when….
...your Saturdays for the next 4 years are ruined.
...your weekends are shot.
...a 12 mile run is an easy day.
...pizza, pasta, pizza, & pasta are your four food groups.
...your watch is more expensive and complicated than your car.
...watching the New York Marathon on T.V. made you get up and go for a run.
...you drink more water than Free Willy.
-you run through goosepoop like it doesnt exist
-you use frozen peas/vegetables to ice
-you know carbs are good
-you know the ammount of time to digest before you run
-you know what PR's are
-you get mad when people dont know what a 400 is, or any distance for that matter
-you own more running shoes than regular shoes
-you enjoy running in the rain
-you get excited when a new flavor of gatorade comes out
-theres no such thing as too much pasta
...your shoes have more miles on them than your car does.
...you need a magnifying glass to see your name in the paper.
...people say, "You run three miles...at once?"
...you combine phrases like "10 mile run" and "Easy Run" in the same breath.
...a meal involves more than 3 servings.
...you spend more on training clothes than work clothes.
...your christmas list includes more than one pair of running shoes.
...you feel lost without your water-bottle.
...you have running withdrawl if you don't run everyday.
-you won't drive by any running store without a quick look inside.
-you know exactly how far a kilometer is.
-you have more old dirty shoes piled by the door than a farmer. .
-you not only know how you did in a race, but you know exactly how every other runner finished.
-you know splits are something that not only cheerleaders care about.
-you get up earlier to run on the weekends than you do for school/work.
-you think that the inventor of Powerbar should have his likeness engraved on Mount Rushmore.
-you have hundreds of safety pins scattered around your house.
-you have more T-shirts than a souvenir shop.
-you check out the running stores for the new styles.
--you could watch a whole marathon and not be bored.
-you think of distances in terms of mile repeats.
-you can convert miles to km and back in your head in a second
-when someone asks you what you did today, you respond with a number
-you run 2 miles for practice and tell your coach that was a nice warm-up
-you enjoy racing your shadow.
-your wardrobe consists of at least 1/2 race t-shirts.
-your "nice" shoes are your new running shoes.
--you look dumbfounded when everyone asks you how long your marathon was. (26.2 miles... duh)
-instead of candy bars you keep energy bars in your desk.
-you don't blink an eye at $100 for running shoes, but you have to think about $100 for any other shoes.
-you save bib numbers in a scrap book
-you know to the hundreth of a mile how far it is around your neighborhood
-you have imaginary lines on the ground (start/finish)
-you look at other people's running shoes to see if they really run....you can tell
-you count your strides per minute
-you know the optimum stride rate (180 – duh!)
-You run hills just because. The turn around and do it again.
-You run small marathons in the boonies just so you can say not a single Kenyan beat you.
-You know that those cotton race shirt giveaways are for show and not to be worn to races.
-You can tell your IT Band from your patella.
-Gait, stride and over-pronation makes sense to you.
-You’ve had the gel of your ASICS freeze from running in extreme cold.
Not as lucky as many of us, I don't get to go to bed early after today ride even though it was the fastest group ride I've ever been a part of. Surprisingly, my body is not aching up as usual, just a little discomfort on the quads and some soreness on both palms of my hands for leaning so hard downward. Bad techniques! I guess almost two weeks off from biking did yield some positive effect on my overall condition. The tank is half empty!
I've been up all night catching up on the final paper - Self Assessment & Personal Growth Plan for Leadership Developement, a class I am wrapping up at Bethel. I have a habit of listening to Classicals/Jazz while working or studying. Spontaneus nature of this genre of music intended to smart people up, someone once told me. The luscious sound of a violin by Joshua Bell beams out from a cheap set of speakers on the bookshelf: "O Mio Bambbino Caro" by Puccini. The soothing tune didn't quite carry the calming effect I hope for to quiet Quang's booming voice still echoing in my head: "ON YOUR LEFT! ON YOUR LEFT!". So much for serenity and creativity.
After a couple hours of goofing off online shopping, suddenly I had an epiphany: cycling is a great metaphor for leadership. In order to get to that distant destination, one cannot be in a leadership position all the time, but have to relinquish that to others. Rewind back to the moment when my heart just about to jump out of my chest heading toward the end of Greenway around Farmer Market, I realize this is the purest physical form of collaborative teamwork. ABC Riders has transformed themselves from a "group" to a "cohesive team". From friends who share just common hobbies, to common goals that build up and encourage each other toward higher, worthier accomplishment. From an internal focus to an external outlook for better relationship among us. I am about to cry. Hick~Hick~
As some you already know, this past couple of weeks can be described as completely out of control. Cycling and training were the least on my mind as I took on a new engagement with a small up&coming startup company in San Francisco. It has been touted as one of the hottest join venture in the Bay Area with many lined up potential buyers. Yahoo and Google are among the bidder.
I'll be honest. I missed Frisco! I miss the winding roads of downtown, the scenic drive of Sonoma countryside along the Napa Valley vineyards, the bitterly cold wind blasting against my face as I cross Golden Gate Bridge on hwy 101, the easy stroll along shoreline of Sausalito, browsing through the art galleries on Embarcadero. Who wouldn't want to dress up for a fancy dinner at Slanted Door or Anna Mandara by the Wharf! But this time, somehow things changed! SF and I didn't click. Much to my surprise, I couldn't wait to be back to Minnesota with friends, church,...and of course, my ABC riders!
There was a time I tried everything to land that hot job that could afford me a yuppie lifestyle in the Bay Area of cool, hip, and trendy, especially in a town that run by Asians! It comes clear to me this city is no longer a good fit. Not to deny, I still enjoy greatly the gifts offered by Northern California, the food, the snappy trend setting diverse culture. But working condition here is just sheer painful. I had more stress in one week here than the entire year anywhere else. People here are driven madly by the next paycheck. It dictates every aspect of life. Call me crazy, but I miss Arden Hills where things are more "manageable".
At the mean time, I have a bit of work to loose that fat tummy of mine after 10 days of feasting on good food.
Ciao.
Is there a way to view the pictures faster. It's taking me too long to view just one pix.
Help! help!
How was the biking tonight gang? I really want to get out and bike with you guys. Man, I miss a great day for biking.
Way to go gang!
I want to thank you, Vietroadie, for taking the time to build our blog on the way to our own webpage. I can't wait until our webpage is up and running. I know it will be awesome because Vietroadie is creating it.
You're the man!
Cyclists are the biggest sandbaggers and secret trainers around.
They'll say anything to soften you up for the kill. Don't let this happen to you. Study this handy rider's phrasebook to find out what they really mean when they say:
"I'm out of shape"
Translation: I ride 400 miles a week and haven't missed a day since the Ford administration. I replace my 11-tooth cog more often than you wash your shorts. My body fat percentage is lower than your mortgage rate.
"I'm not into competition. I'm just riding to stay in shape"
Translation: I will attack until you collapse in the gutter, babbling and whimpering. I will win the line sprint if I have to force you into oncoming traffic. I will crest this hill first if I have to grab your seat post, and spray energy drink in your eyes.
"I'm on my beater bike"
Translation: I had this baby custom-made in Tuscany using composites blessed by the Pope. I took it to a wind tunnel and it disappeared.
It weighs less than a fart and costs more than a divorce.
"It's not that hilly"
Translation: This climb lasts longer than a presidential campaign. Be careful on the steep sections or you'll fall over -- backward. You have a 39x23 low gear? Here's the name of my knee surgeon.
"This is a no-drop ride"
Translation: I'll need an article of your clothing for the search-and- rescue dogs.
"It's not that far"
Translation: Bring your passport
I came across this
article in cyclingnews, Shimano will hand out some prize for bike group(s) that post the most creative add to promote cycling. The clip has to be posted directly to youtube. After watching some of the existing clips, I think ABCRide does has a chance.
"....entries must be submitted by the opening day of the Eurobike trade show on August 30, 2007..."
C'mon people,
VietRoadie.
The Simplified Bicycle Racer Category Chart
Category 1
Walks on water, trains on ice, rides in anything. Sprints two kilometers. Will attack on a 30% grade, going up or down. Can change flats while riding. Resting heart rate is between 30 and 35, max heart rate is 200 to 230. Measures distance training in terms of Tour de France stages.
Category 2
Rides across water, trains in snow. Sprints one kilometer. Will attack on a 10% grade, going up or down. Can change flats while still in the pedals. Resting heart rate is between 40 and 45, max heart rate is 185 to 200. Measures distance training in terms of centuries per day.
Category 3
Rides through water. Sprints 500 to 600 meters. Will attack on a 5% grade going down. Can change flats in under 3 minutes, but must get off the bike first. Resting heart rate is between 50 and 55, max heart rate is 185 to 200. Measures distance training in terms of centuries per week.
Category 4
Rides around water. Sprints 200 to 300 meters. Will attack on the flats. Can change a flat in under 5 minutes. Resting heart rate is between 50 and 60, max heart rate is 160 to 180. Measures distance training in terms of 10's per day.
Category 5
Rides in light rain. Sprints 50 to 100 meters. Will attack on the flat if someone in front falls down. Can change flats in best two out of three tries. Resting heart rate is between 60 and 70, max heart rate is 160 to 170. Measures distance training in terms of miles per day.
ABC riders ( before the prez went out and recruit HP cyclist as trainer)
Rides alternate July17th's, if it isn't too hot and there are no pro sports on the tube. Sprints two meters with 20 minute rest stops. Will attack a pizza with both hands. Has noticed that the rear tire has been flat for two years. Resting heart rate is 90, max heart rate is 93. Measures distance training in terms of how far it is to the nearest Baskin-Robbins.
"Bicycling is a big part of the future. It has to be. There is something wrong with a society that drives a car to work out in a gym."
- Bill Nye, scientist and producer of public TV science programs
"The bicycle is a curious vehicle. It's passenger is its engine."
- John Howard, U.S. Olympic cyclist
"Don't buy upgrades; ride up grades."
- Eddy Merckx, cycling legend
...and finally, just for female ABC riders....
"The bicycle is just as good as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community."
- Ann Strong
As you all know of my recent upgrade from the old Lemond Wayzata to a new 2006 Six13 Pro 1. (http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/CUSA/model-6PC1D.html) MAJOR LIFT! Wanted to be unique in my choice, I've been hesitated to look at Cannondale since many other member already chose this brand. But I have to say, it's justified.
I've been fiddling around with different sitting positions, handle bars, and brand new cleat system (switching from Speedplay Frog to Dura Ace 7800). All of this fuss is to make sure my season won't end up disastrouly like last year with a severe case of tendonitis on my left knee and really sore palms after any ride longer than 40 miles. And of course, I hate getting bonked after that 40 mile mark.
"Unless you lead, the view is always the same" It's so fitting, and definitely aint pretty when trailing behind both the Prez and Coach. How much dirt and pebbles can a man eat before his anger explode. I want to break the 100 miles barrier and 17.5 mile/hr avg before the end of the season. This investment better pay off!
Blessings,
David.
Hello you guys,
Some of these inf will be in the website SOON but youall on this email will get an earlier notice. I thinkyou all are the core members of ABC.
Doesn't matter who is showing up today the weather isgoing to be very nice today. Enjoy your new route ifyou are planning to do so. But don't forget yourindividual goal and working toward it 1 step at atime.
This Thursday we probably will have the biggest crowso far this season and we will train hard for Group Briders. Group C please enjoy at your own pace and donot worry about catching up... because you alreadyknow your route. We will meet back at the parking lotand will decide where to go for pizzas. Group B mustcover 4 more miles than group C there fore they mustbike 2mph faster. CAN YOU DO IT? with no complain!
On Tuesday Ride: We will focus on group C (C-level riders) on Tuesday.route will be pick out by Captain and Co-Captain (L&L)Ly and Liem. hehehe! You should ride 2hrs and if yourAve speed is 13mph... then your route should be 25-26miles. You will increase the distance if you can goat a faster pace. Faster rider can come out and havefun with group C... this way you can BURN MORE FATTHAN GLUCOSE when you ride at a lower intensity andpractice sprinting up every hill you can (YOU WILLBURN MORE GLUCOSE THAN FAT HERE). You also can bringyour mountain bike like Charlie to get a extraworkout.
On Thursday Training Ride: We will focus mainly on group B (B-level riders).route will be pick out by Toan or myself. At thispoint we are looking at about 28-30 miles and weshould be able to AVE about 15 mph. We might onlyhave one stop or no stop depend on leader's choice.We might start out at same time with group C and doextra loop some where about 3-4 miles so group C cancatch up and we can all ride home on Summit Avetogether.
When David done with the website!
We will finalize who will be in B-level and C-levelthen F-level (family bike ride). We will test yourspeed at the end of May on Flat land (and every monthor by request)... you will love it because you canactually bike about 1-1.5 miles faster on flat land.Distance of test will be about 19-20 miles.
Each of us will have our own profile: Your beautifulface, your beautiful body, your BEAUTIFUL bike andyour beautiful body on your BEAUTIFUL bike at whatspeed? hehehe! If you want to look good you know whatto do?
JULY IS THE MONTH FOR ABC JERSEY!!! WE WILL TAKE PICOF OUR GROUP! IF YOU WANT TO LOOK GOOD IN THE PIC THENSTART TO WORKOUT NOW! THIS WEBSITE WILL BE SENDWORLDWIDE! RIGHT DAVID? AND TO THE VELO GUYS TOO!HEHEHE!
Simple Standard for ABC:
*Family level... focus on fun and support children andnew riders.
*C-level Average speed is 14mph+ (I think most of youalready qualified) Focus 60% on riding and 40% onsocialize.
*B-level Ave speed is 16mph+ Focus 80% on riding and20% socialize.
*A-level Ave speed is 18mph+ Focus 90% on Training and10% on socialize.
Get the idea?
SO EVERYONE HERE WILL ACHIEVE THEIR OWN GOAL! EVERYGOAL IS DIFFERENT. WHEN YOU ACHIEVED YOUR GOAL THAT ISWHEN MOST OF THE FUN BEGIN!
Hello ABC riders,
Here's some photos taken from the ironman ride last weekend. I rode with the main group, who took the 30 miles route .....and was the last to arrive.... Congratulation to Alyssa Vo, who sprinted to the front of the pack and never looked back. She was the first to arrive on her first ironman ride ever. Everyone in our group has vowed to do either the 60 or the century ride next year. The weather was perfect on sunday and we felt like we could've gone a lot further. News from the rest of our group: Quang Vo and Jeff nailed the century ride in just a little under six hours. Do the math....that's about 17 mph average. I heard from Heng that him and his wife finished about 70 miles of riding on their tandem bike.
Congratulations to everybody on a good start for the upcoming biking season.
We will resume our weekly bike ride this Thursday at 5:30PM.
We will meet at the parking lot on Summit ave and East river road by the river.
Will do about 25K going back via summit ave. after taking another shot at ramsey hill.
Postride diner? choice of pizza at Davanni, U garden on University, or the new Peking garden. (if everybody opt for pizza again, I will scout for another location due to difficulty of finding parking spaces in highland park)
Toan
ABC prez
Hello you guys,
If you have goal for this summer and I heard about
it!!! You are here with me!!! Because that will be my
goal as well!!! hehehe
LETS TRAIN TOGETHER!!! more effective!!! more fun!!!
more discipline!!! Better Result!!! Less waste of
time!!!
As you all know I love biking and training with all of
you but this summer I have to be very organize with my
time and time with you guys too.
I also would like to find out how is your schedule so
we can better plan for our training ride so I help you
achieve what you want for this summer 2007 and I can
achieve mine.
For me I will be biking 2 days a weeks. Thursday
(about 35-40miles) and weekend (about 60-65 miles).
That will add up to about 100 miles per week. If you
can do this comfortably (NO SORE/PAIN IN THE NEXT DAY
AFTER YOU RIDE) then your Century is done and the time
of finish is up to you??? WHAT WILL BE YOUR SPEED???
If you are going to bike on Tuesday then you only need
to do 2 long rides per month. This distance will help
you get use to the saddle and your BODY have a chance
to learn how to proper nutrition yourself for longer
ride (90 MINS PLUS). AS A RESULT YOU CAN BETTER
PREDICT YOURSELF ON THE DISTANCE AND FINISH TIME.
ON TUE 30% of the time I will make group ride with
ABC. If I do I only want enjoy with group C and
teasing some of you. hehehe!
ON THU 90% of the time I will be riding and will DO
training ride (not a group ride) focus on you guys the
B-level riders and hope some of you will get into B+
or A level by year end. You can project your 65 miles
with finish time??? if you train properly and keep
your stats. Your goal is to finish your 62 under 4hr
or your 100 under 7hrs. I believe all of you on this
email can do it. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO 60+MILE BY
END OF JUNE AND 100 BY MID SEPT. HAPPY, HAPPY!
THIS IS NOT A GROUP GOAL! JUST YOURS!
I know David currently have classes SAT AM til 12noon.
But I only able to train with Oanh on Saturday AM
while the rest of the children still in bed. So for
David Thursday evening is going to be the most
importance training night with me until your classes
is over.
Maybe for Ba too??? We will slowly ADD 2 MORE miles
every week from our current 28 miles... because of
more sun light in the summer... and after August we
will starting to lose it... so YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?
If any of you can be there at 5pm please let me know
ahead! we can do extra 15 miles before the group ride
at 6pm. And also in order for us to cover as many
miles as possible so we must not rest or slow down!
Learn to pace yourself. That way will will end up
cover more mileage and make it back for pizzas with
everyone else. Right You Guy?
IF YOU GUYS CAN EVERY AT 16 MPH THEN WE SHOULD COVER
32 MILES PER EVEN AND IF YOU CAN AVE 17MPH THE WE CAN
DO 34 MILES.
SOME STATS FROM LAST YEAR 06:
We will discuss it here... to save time and our breath
on the road.
IN THE NEXT EMAIL I WILL SHARE WITH YOU HOW TO PREDICT
YOUR CENTURY RIDE BASE ON YOUR AVE SPEED IN 2HR???
ALMOST PRETTY ACCURATE!!!
Quang Vo
Trainer/Motivator
612.723.1613
Blaine, MN - USA
"I live life by design not by default."
