Laurel Rathbun makes an adequate effort at Jingle Cross.
The V surrounds us, it penetrates and binds us together. Through disciplined practice we are able to draw from it to push harder and go farther on the bike; what we do on the bike then informs how we face our lives. The masters, such as the Prophet Merckx and the Apostle de Vlaeminck, could channel this strength to overcome the greatest challenges both on and off the bike.
The question we must always ask ourselves is, how hard is hard enough? The answer is, you go until the lights go out, and then you go some more. Today’s lesson is that if you can still stand after the effort, you didn’t go hard enough. Nice one, Laurel.
Merckxspeed, my fellow Velominati.
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Cyclocross is definitely one discipline that will put you at near your heart rate limit and leave you there for the full hour if you let it. In no other efforts have I ever been able to recreate that sort of intensity over time. Long climbing efforts are hard but nowhere near as hard as CX.
Max HR efforts lead to all sorts of fun stuff. You can get the reflux or full spew. That's fun. I also get tunnel vision in long uphill sprint efforts.
The interesting thing that I've discovered is that Max heart rate is a movable feast. It can be trained higher, much higher, even for old people like me.
@frank
I won't say that I was being sarcastic in referencing Simpson, because that would be going a bit too far. While his death was tragic, short-sighted, and mistaken, I have to give him some credit in being willing to turn himself inside out. Take away the drugs and you still have a cyclist demanding to be put back on the bike.
@frank
Woah, careful, let's not forget the need for the casually deliberate and respect for the bike...
There are certain things that need to be tended to before collapsing.
The good thing about being a cyclist is that I'm always within 5 kg of where I should be. The bad thing about being a cyclist is that you always feel 5 kg heavier than you wish you were.
The other bad thing is seeing old pals. "Oh, he's gained like 20 kgs, I'm fine with only gaining 5." You're not as bad as some former mates, but that isn't saying much when you dream of looking like a pro roadie. Lycra is not flattering unless you are skinny as and toned as.
Looking forward to putting in many, many more hard efforts in 2016. 2015 had been a year largely without the time/energy/ability to put in long, hard rides. I miss them.
@cognition
Absolutely agree. Also, take away the drugs and you still have a Cyclist who is alive.
@chris
This is the photo we link to on Rule #65. I love that Laurel has a minion to hold her bike up for her.
@frank
I was thinking the same thing, glad I’m about 6 kg lighter now than I was then. This is me a few years earlier when I was having those enormous lunches.
Egads. Cannot be unseen!
@RM2RIDE
Casually deliberate . . .
@frank
No you don't...
@Rule #65 link
Let's not forget this