Tuesday, December 30, 2008

introducing the tuesday night races

Once school starts back up it'll be time to start getting serious about training, and getting serious about doing some training together, as a team.

To that end, I'd like to introduce the SU Tuesday Night Races. The idea is simple. A mid-week race simulation training ride, open to everyone. Several laps over a short loop, a loop short enough that if you get dropped you can catch back on with the group on the next go around, or cut the course with a fast downhill run on Airport Rd.

Yesterday, I scouted out what I think will make a good course:

The course has nothing that I would call a "climb," but this is south-central PA, so it's not exactly flat either. According to Bikely, there's about 250 ft of elevation gain on the five-mile route. So, if we started off running a four-lap, 20 mile "race," we'd finish with 1000 feet of elevation gain, which is a pretty decent stomp in the cornfields.

There's little traffic on these roads, but obviously we'd still have to keep a lookout for cars. If you'd like to scout the course, run it clockwise, making all righthand turns. We'll have to sweep the turns before we race it.

The course is also convenient. It's obviously close to campus, but also easy access for Gettysburg College folks if they'd like to join us (their adviser earlier approached me about doing some training "races" together), as well as folks from Chambersburg and Carlisle. I wouldn't be surprised if by April (after the time change) we regularly get groups of 15-20 riders out on a Tuesday night.

Anyway, I hope to get a trial run on the course with y'all the second week of classes, Tuesday, January 20th, 4pm. As the days get longer, we'll move the time back gradually to accomidate more riders.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to all!!!!!!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Suprisingly Great Ride Today!

So it was beautiful out today and all throughout church I was itching to get out and ride... so I did! Broke in the new (and stylish) SU Kits today as well. They feel great, especially the windproof vest! I'm glad they came Friday!

Anyways, I started out for about 4-5 miles from my house, did a few short (but STEEP) climbs in "The Hills" part of Harrisburg, then coming out, I ran into a guy (Paul) who happened to be riding by, and he invited me to join him! So, Paul was like a Cat3-2 rider, but I stayed with him (for the most part...) except for the climbs. Long story short, he was a great guy and we ended up going 32.8 miles... (wasn't planning on that so my legs are pretty shot now) but it was a lot of fun!

Just thought I would share... Have a good break!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

A Hike to remember

With the weather getting cold, I find it hard to get out and cycle. This Saturday, Eric and I mixed things up with hike up to the falls in near white out conditions. Luckily for us, we had the trail blazing dobermans leading the way. We moved at a brisk pace, only to stopping at the top to take in the amazing view. It is not everyday you climb a mountain, but it is a good feeling when you do.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Crazy Night Tonight

So I almost got killed tonight. I got out late today... around 3:50 ish and decided to take advantage of the semi-tolerable weather. hovering around 44 degrees isn't too bad I guess. I had no trouble once I got into town around 4:55, but once I got onto campus around 5:00 ish, all hell broke loose. I almost got hit like 4 times, people were yelling I was crazy (literally), and one girl yelled "Where's your blinkers". It's 5:15 now and it's pretty dark, but at around 5:00 I had on sunglasses and still thought it wasn't that bad. Just thought I would share, so watch out for crazy drivers on campus! ha ha. See everyone thursday at the shin-dig!

ps. Matt, if you went out today, sorry I couldn't make it at 3:15, at least you had some light!

Monday, December 1, 2008

recognize anyone?


The billboard is up. I'm told that if you're headed south on 2nd Street in Harrisburg, about to get on 581, you can see it right there. It'll be there for two or three months, then moved to another location.

Y'all are famous.

clothing order...

Money for clothing orders are due this Friday, 12/5.

Details on who owes me what and how to get me the money are posted on the private email group: shipracing@yahoogroups.com.

(If you're an SU student and you're not in that email group, you can either email me and I'll send you an invitation OR go to yahoogroups.com, search for "shipracing", and request membership. Be sure to tell me who you are.)
Cody found this fun bike website. Its worth checking out the theater room.