Despite the much cooler than normal spring that we've been having the weather is starting to turn a bit clearer than recent days. Great news for riding. However, our mornings are still hovering around 38-40 degrees and we are lucky to just cross over 50 during the day. Now for the most part that isn't bad. 38-40 degrees I'm ok with bibs, leg warmers, arm warmers, base layer, jersey, and windfront vest. It's my hands...
A few weeks back I went on a ride with some of my riding buddies, and had on my full finger Pearl Izumi Cyclone gloves which are known to be "heavy/warm" gloves. It was true for that day when we were riding since it was about 45. However, by 3/4 of the way through the ride I realized that I could have gone heavier. Similarly, on the mornings I need to be wearing the pair of gloves that Sarah told me to get after I showed her my finger one night at dinner (about 45-60 minutes after getting home). I almost wonder if I need to wait until 70 degrees to even think of fingerless gloves.
Now I've never said that I was a medical professional but here is what I think is going on. On my 2nd chemo they accessed a vein in my hand. At one point it felt really weird so they came over. Adjusting the saline/poison ratio that I was getting my reaction was delayed. I thought that it was feeling better at one point and the nurse was surprised since she had completely blocked the saline. Then it came. BURN. Wow did that hurt. Ever since I've noticed a dark smudge under my skin on my pinky. Now I dont know if they are related and I'm not speaking medically but I think it is an internal burn. One of the benefits of getting a port is that the chemo goes into a vein with a higher volume of blood so it dilutes faster rather than beating up veins. Patients that continually use their arms/hands sometimes find it more difficult to access the vein because the chemo makes the veins collapse. This is what I think, to an extent, happened to my middle finger. One those cold days at my top knuckle there is a very specific line of coloring to white. The tip of my finger gets VERY little blood supply and the only way to warm it up is to massage and push the blood back up, combined with heat.
Oh well, I live with that now, but at least I can just put on the winter gloves and get riding.
LIVESTRONG
Showing posts with label Cycling Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cycling Thoughts. Show all posts
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Weekend ride, dedications, and getting in shape
Now I have, but I haven't been holding up my end of the bargain on my riding. I told you all in one of my earliest posts that my commitment to you was that I would ride 1 mile for every $5 that were donated. Now I know that I am a little bit behind - though not much since I was able to ride a good portion of last week (including my Thursday morning ride and a ride on Sunday). However, I haven't been documenting the dedications as much as I hoped. To be honest, it all happened when I lost a bit of wind from my sails after I put together a video one evening the garage. It was cold outside - my thinned out blood tells me it was miserably cold outside, but my Midwestern roots (and parents) remind me that there is nothing "miserable" about 26 degrees. Likely just another sign of me becoming a PacNWerner, but I digress. I was in the garage, on the rollers (also can be miserable at times since you dont get any change in scenery), and I did a Flip video dedication to my friend and fellow survivor Flutie. RAF gave me a nice donation when I sent out an email telling folks of what I've been up to. In fact, even getting my email inspired him to take the plunge and register for LIVESTRONG Austin. It will be great to meet him in person and hopefully keep up with him - it might not be a headwind holding you back, Flutie, I just might be holding onto your saddle for a pull. Well, lo and behold, the damn video wouldnt upload to YouTube. I've tried more than 2 handful of times and now I'm out of fingers - or at least have been out of motivation to try and repost it. Nevertheless, I kept riding but holding out hope that I would do my rides in order (for the most part) and document the dedications the same way. My list of dedications is at home, but look forward to an upcoming post on who I've been riding for.
This weekend was another great opportunity for a ride. The stars aligned and Patrick and I were able to get a free pass from our wives to go on a ride and Michael was able to join us as well. As Sarah got ready to go to the bridal shower for Kaitlin, I was getting my bike into the car and heading down to Seattle. The forecast was calling for high 40s - maybe even hitting 50, but I wore my tights just in case. Better to be warm than cold, right? Well, it wasn't a miserable day, but it was biting cold. I'd guess it was more like the low 40s and a few different times I needed to ignore the lack of feeling in my fingers, but we did about 26 miles, which included a climb up 65th in Seattle to Top Pot Donuts. I decided not to get a donut since I'm trying to lose weight right now, and I'm glad I did. Down to 183.6 this morning. Only 20 lbs to go! I'd say the most amazing part of the ride (and I know it's because they haven't had as much time), normally I'm able to do hills, but nothing like Patrick and Michael. However, since I have a longer commute and have been able to ride more with my schedule, I've even started to become a bit of a hill hunter. Going up the ridge, I was able to sustain a faster climb than both of them - something I've never done - and something I'll probably only be able to do for another week or 2 until they catch up and pass me. Still, it was pretty cool.
In even better news, our friends Mark and Maria finally decided to get some hybrid/comfort bikes and Maria just told me today that she is hooked and didn't realize how much she would love biking. They may not be doing the STP or a LIVESTRONG ride, but they are riding and that is all that matters.
Ride hard and LIVESTRONG!
This weekend was another great opportunity for a ride. The stars aligned and Patrick and I were able to get a free pass from our wives to go on a ride and Michael was able to join us as well. As Sarah got ready to go to the bridal shower for Kaitlin, I was getting my bike into the car and heading down to Seattle. The forecast was calling for high 40s - maybe even hitting 50, but I wore my tights just in case. Better to be warm than cold, right? Well, it wasn't a miserable day, but it was biting cold. I'd guess it was more like the low 40s and a few different times I needed to ignore the lack of feeling in my fingers, but we did about 26 miles, which included a climb up 65th in Seattle to Top Pot Donuts. I decided not to get a donut since I'm trying to lose weight right now, and I'm glad I did. Down to 183.6 this morning. Only 20 lbs to go! I'd say the most amazing part of the ride (and I know it's because they haven't had as much time), normally I'm able to do hills, but nothing like Patrick and Michael. However, since I have a longer commute and have been able to ride more with my schedule, I've even started to become a bit of a hill hunter. Going up the ridge, I was able to sustain a faster climb than both of them - something I've never done - and something I'll probably only be able to do for another week or 2 until they catch up and pass me. Still, it was pretty cool.
In even better news, our friends Mark and Maria finally decided to get some hybrid/comfort bikes and Maria just told me today that she is hooked and didn't realize how much she would love biking. They may not be doing the STP or a LIVESTRONG ride, but they are riding and that is all that matters.
Ride hard and LIVESTRONG!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Aluminum v. Carbon
Recently I've read a few different blogs, discussions, and one research paper on carbon vs. steel or aluminum. Now first let me start off by saying that my aluminum was originally purchased as a "I'd like to have a bike, have a mountain bike in WI, no need to spend too much on it" bike. In other words, I didn't know nearly the amount that I know now (which still can be expanded) about bikes, cycling, technique, components, etc. It is a Redline 740 (I think) with a mix of Tektro and Sora components, a triple, and pedals that had clips on them (which I guess it still a step up from just plastic pedals - but you get the drift).
As I believe I've mentioned before, at the end of this summer I found a really nice deal on a Fuji Team that was sitting in the warehouse and listed at clearance. It is the same model as my friend Patrick (though his is a year or two older). I did some convincing, multiple pats of the eye, the "what would you like me to cook you for dinner tonight my love" and lo and behold, I was given permission to make the purchase.
As winter has come upon us, I've got the fenders on my aluminum for winter commuting and typically am only on my carbon when on my rollers in the garage. Friday the roads were clear and the weather was looking nice so I felt comfortable taking the newer ride. I've got a mix of 105 and Ultegra components on it (so still nothing to brag about), and I also know that my Redline could use some maintenance and new items (chain, cables and housings, brake pads soon, etc.). That being said, the Fuji is so much more responsive. It's stiffer, shifts easier, I feel like there is more torque off the line, and really just overall stiffer. Maybe I'm not the best to describe it, but then again, if you've been on both, you know what I mean. It's a different, smoother ride. I can't argue the points that the actual research paper stated which was that for a short commute (like I have - 12.5 miles) there isn't a significant time savings by being on a carbon compared to aluminum or steel. But I can argue that of my 2 rides, it is the preferred ride. And maybe it puts me in a better mood and I get into more of a rhythm when sensing the stiff responsiveness and smooth rolling, but it does shave a few minutes off my commute. I'm not sure if it's as an analyst or a cyclist but I track stuff like that. It also nearly guarantees interesting looks when people ask how long of a ride it is and I can tell them 37 minutes to get into work and 42 going home - we track precision. My father-in-law does the same thing going around the lake on his rowing scull. Keeps our competitive edge right?
LIVESTRONG
As I believe I've mentioned before, at the end of this summer I found a really nice deal on a Fuji Team that was sitting in the warehouse and listed at clearance. It is the same model as my friend Patrick (though his is a year or two older). I did some convincing, multiple pats of the eye, the "what would you like me to cook you for dinner tonight my love" and lo and behold, I was given permission to make the purchase.
As winter has come upon us, I've got the fenders on my aluminum for winter commuting and typically am only on my carbon when on my rollers in the garage. Friday the roads were clear and the weather was looking nice so I felt comfortable taking the newer ride. I've got a mix of 105 and Ultegra components on it (so still nothing to brag about), and I also know that my Redline could use some maintenance and new items (chain, cables and housings, brake pads soon, etc.). That being said, the Fuji is so much more responsive. It's stiffer, shifts easier, I feel like there is more torque off the line, and really just overall stiffer. Maybe I'm not the best to describe it, but then again, if you've been on both, you know what I mean. It's a different, smoother ride. I can't argue the points that the actual research paper stated which was that for a short commute (like I have - 12.5 miles) there isn't a significant time savings by being on a carbon compared to aluminum or steel. But I can argue that of my 2 rides, it is the preferred ride. And maybe it puts me in a better mood and I get into more of a rhythm when sensing the stiff responsiveness and smooth rolling, but it does shave a few minutes off my commute. I'm not sure if it's as an analyst or a cyclist but I track stuff like that. It also nearly guarantees interesting looks when people ask how long of a ride it is and I can tell them 37 minutes to get into work and 42 going home - we track precision. My father-in-law does the same thing going around the lake on his rowing scull. Keeps our competitive edge right?
LIVESTRONG
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Warmers, Wind, and Rain
Over the past week the Greater Puget Sound region has gotten buckets of rain. Yes, that is a very technical metric that is used by most amateur meteorologists - buckets o' rain. This doesn't show you everything that has happened (and dont get me wrong, this is nothing like the floods of 2008), but still, it was a lot of rain.
Over a 5 day period we got just over 3 inches of rain. Our backyard was flooded, which our golden retriever loved splashing around, and then I started to keep a closer eye on the forecast. BREAK IN THE WEATHER. That is right folks, a time to celebrate and a time to ride. Unfortunately Monday I woke up and it was still raining - buckets. Question my dedication to cycling if you wish, but I wasn't planning on cycling through buckets. Tuesday came around with some rain in the morning but a break in the weather for the afternoon. Unfortunately, my morning routine/twitter check found that there were several local cyclists and CascadeBicycle were tweeting about landslides and flooding that took over various local bike paths. The main path that I was curious about, due to the route of my commute is the Sammamish River Trail. Today the weather was looking was too tolerable and my sanity needed a bike. So off I went.
There wasn't too many remnants of flooding along the trail so I probably could have/should have biked in yesterday (nothing like shooting yourself in the foot, right?). It was a glorious, but windy ride in as I was being battered by 11 mph winds. The ride home should be a breeze though - just what you need after a long day in the office.
I'm the first one to admit that I'm actually still in my youth when it comes to life as a cyclist. However, I love every bit of it and I've done a fair bit of studying. Typically when the weather gets cooler I've been wearing a long sleeve base layer under my jersey, I upgraded this year from some tights to bib tights (always recommend bibs over anything else). Just recently LIVESTRONG was honoring the 28 million with cancer and offered 28% off all of their items. It is fair to say that my wife has been amazing over the last year and I've spent my fair share on cycling (don't worry she will be rewarded by Santa). I should have purchased more at such a discount, but instead I just got a pair of arm warmers. They are so much better than my typical attire. A sleeveless baselayer under my jersey and armwarmers and I was set. A windfront vest would have been ideal, but I had the rain coat with me. Being just as "windfront" (sometimes too resistant), I knew I would be fine. I read on the CyclingForum the other week a person who was complaining about getting too warm while riding. The recommendation (which some responders said they never thought of) = pull up the sleeves of your jacket. You would not believe how much that really helps. You get warmed up, pull those sleeves up, and there were a few times I was still thinking that a vest could have been better, but with a 60% chance of rain, I'd rather make sure I'm dry on the way home. Plus, pulling up the sleeves allowed the few other cyclists to see the LIVESTRONG arm warmers (the note of the few other cyclists means, c'mon people, get out and ride - its 45 degrees in December!!)
LIVESTRONG
Over a 5 day period we got just over 3 inches of rain. Our backyard was flooded, which our golden retriever loved splashing around, and then I started to keep a closer eye on the forecast. BREAK IN THE WEATHER. That is right folks, a time to celebrate and a time to ride. Unfortunately Monday I woke up and it was still raining - buckets. Question my dedication to cycling if you wish, but I wasn't planning on cycling through buckets. Tuesday came around with some rain in the morning but a break in the weather for the afternoon. Unfortunately, my morning routine/twitter check found that there were several local cyclists and CascadeBicycle were tweeting about landslides and flooding that took over various local bike paths. The main path that I was curious about, due to the route of my commute is the Sammamish River Trail. Today the weather was looking was too tolerable and my sanity needed a bike. So off I went.
There wasn't too many remnants of flooding along the trail so I probably could have/should have biked in yesterday (nothing like shooting yourself in the foot, right?). It was a glorious, but windy ride in as I was being battered by 11 mph winds. The ride home should be a breeze though - just what you need after a long day in the office.
I'm the first one to admit that I'm actually still in my youth when it comes to life as a cyclist. However, I love every bit of it and I've done a fair bit of studying. Typically when the weather gets cooler I've been wearing a long sleeve base layer under my jersey, I upgraded this year from some tights to bib tights (always recommend bibs over anything else). Just recently LIVESTRONG was honoring the 28 million with cancer and offered 28% off all of their items. It is fair to say that my wife has been amazing over the last year and I've spent my fair share on cycling (don't worry she will be rewarded by Santa). I should have purchased more at such a discount, but instead I just got a pair of arm warmers. They are so much better than my typical attire. A sleeveless baselayer under my jersey and armwarmers and I was set. A windfront vest would have been ideal, but I had the rain coat with me. Being just as "windfront" (sometimes too resistant), I knew I would be fine. I read on the CyclingForum the other week a person who was complaining about getting too warm while riding. The recommendation (which some responders said they never thought of) = pull up the sleeves of your jacket. You would not believe how much that really helps. You get warmed up, pull those sleeves up, and there were a few times I was still thinking that a vest could have been better, but with a 60% chance of rain, I'd rather make sure I'm dry on the way home. Plus, pulling up the sleeves allowed the few other cyclists to see the LIVESTRONG arm warmers (the note of the few other cyclists means, c'mon people, get out and ride - its 45 degrees in December!!)
LIVESTRONG
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