Tag Archives: Rapha

Are You Ready For the Amgen Tour of California?

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First things first. I hope Chris Horner drops everyone on Mt. Baldy and retains his Tour of California title.

Here are three primers to get you fired up for the Amgen Tour of California. It starts this Sunday, the 13th of May. Enjoy!

Here is a good overview of the stories to follow during the tour from cyclingnews.com.

And from the race organizers here is all of the stage information.

Finally, from the guys at Rapha, check out this gorgeous video showing cyclists tackling the 2011 stages. Lovely.

Who do you want to see on the podium this year?

Goal Achieved! Finisher of Rapha 500

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Yesterday I achieved my goal of finishing the Rapha 500. I road 516 kilometers to pass the 500k goal of the competition. What a great way to end 2011!

Some highlights:

  • Road a century with friends and family on Boxing Day
  • I had a personal best for longest ride at 212 kilometers
  • Road with a new friend discovered through the Rapha 500
  • Helped a friend achieve a personal best and finish her first century
  • Managed to keep it rubber side down and finish with no mechanicals
  • Discovered several new cycling buddies on Twitter and Strava
  • Managed to stay awake to see the New Year’s fireworks

Rapha 500 Progress

Here are some photos from the rides:

Stopping at Catfish Corner for a photo

The gang at Catfish Corner

Just me and the cows

Discovering quiet country roads on Rapha 500

Fireworks ringing in the New Year!

Thanks to Rapha, Strava, my family and friends. The Rapha 500 was epic!

Ride Number Three For Rapha 500

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Ride number three for the Rapha 500 was outstanding. Accompanied by friends and family, the ride was 100k heading on a loop southeast from Dallas.

Sadly, my Garmin and my iPhone died during the ride so I only recorded 39 miles.  Oh well!

 

Ride Number Two For Rapha 500

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Ride number two was an easy Christmas ride with my brother Joshua.  We rolled around White Rock Lake and Lakewood.

The ride was just under 30 miles, about 47 kilometers.  With that ride I am now about 52% complete with the challenge with 6 days left.

 

 

Ride Number One For Rapha 500

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Ride number one for the Rapha 500 is done!

I went 132 miles, about 212 kilometers, on December 23rd.  With a route that I figured out online the night before and jotted onto a piece of paper, I headed south from the house in a 22 degree wind chill.  Definitely winging it, but I figured that would be half the fun.

This was a solo ride as my buddy Ben was a late scratch.  We had planned to do it together but he is nursing an ankle injury and had to sit this one out.

 

Getting Prepared For Rapha 500

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My goal for the Rapha 500 is to not only get the patch, but also to kick the crap out of the 500k mark.  Why not, right?

My buddy Ben and I are going far on the 23rd.  The theme of the ride will be to celebrate “Festivus” from Seinfeld fame.  We will start with an airing of grievances and feats of strength.  Then we’re just going to pick a direction and roll.  We’ll do a little mapping ahead of time but we’ll be exploring new roads so we’ll keep things pretty flexible.  My wife will be locking in “Wife of the Year” for 2011 as she has volunteered to come and pick us up wherever we finish.  This ride should be epic.

On the 24th I’ll join the Wild Stallions for their Christmas ride.  My friend Christy organizes the Wild Stallion rides a couple of times a week and always has a good group.  This ride will probably be 30-40 miles so I’ll look to add some on the end to get closer to 100k.  Read more... (273 words, 1 image)

A Christmas List for Cyclists

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Getting a cycling gift for the cyclist in your life is always special.  More than getting them something they need, you’re also letting them know that you support the time and effort they spend on their bike.  And we know it can be a lot of time.  The support you’re showing is truly special and priceless.  So now you want to show it by getting them a present.  But what do you get the cyclist in your life for Christmas?
Problem solved.

Here is the readyforplanb.com Christmas list for cyclists:  Read more... (410 words)

  1. Give the gift of warmth.  For cyclists hitting the road this winter, the best place to start is on their feet and hands.  These overshoes by Rapha are perfect for keeping toes nice and warm no matter how ugly the weather gets.  Or swing by your local bike shop and grab some nice gloves.  Overshoes Price: $60.00
  2. Entertainment for indoor sessions on the trainer.  This can be an iTunes gift card, some audio books or a training DVD that simulates a ride.  A good one would be the 2011 Epic Rides Virtual Ride DVD Rouge Roubaix LA.  Price: $30.00