Hello, Schlafly crew! I'm providing a link to a great article on cycling efficiency. I hope it gives everyone something to think about when you ride.
http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/Why_fast_pedaling_makes_cyclists_more_efficient.htm
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Decatur Road ride
Brad, Jeff, and I went to Decatur Illinois this past weekend to visit Brad's parents, do a little skiing, ride our bikes, and drink some beer. We decided to bring our road bikes along so when the girls were skiing we could take a ride and explore wonderful Decatur.
On Saturday we were bored and decided to hit the road. We tried to map out a ride at the house and headed out the door. Very quickly we found out that are plans were not that great. We found out that some roads were gravel and not paved, or they had little gravel patches in them. Not good for road tires!! But we continued and found some good country roads with a little bit of hill climbs. A good ride getting us three to learn how to work together drafting. Man it makes a big difference when 3 people work together versus a one man team. You are able to go much faster with much less effort. The first ride was about 20 miles, good day to get the legs moving since I didn't ski like the others did earlier in the day.
On Sunday we were planning on a group ride put on by the local bike shop in Decatur. We pulled up to the parking lot and quickly found out that no one had showed up. We met up with a local cyclist that was just passing by and he gave us a pretty good route. He said he had been on the road for 50+ miles, but I didnt believe him. He loved to talk so Brad was in heaven while Jeff and I hung out in the back with Brad's college roomate, Jason. We proceeded on and blew Jason out of the water, he was not used to riding that fast nor that far. Brad stayed back with him most of the time and myself and Jeff got some good interval training in. I even hit 33 on flat ground trying to push myself towards the end. This ride was very flat, and windy. One way was easy, the other way was tough. We rode through one of the connecting towns and stopped in at the gas station for a water fill up and a little rest and we also had to find our way back to the car. The ride ended up being about 27 miles for Jeff and I. Great weather and some good country scenery. We will have to do that again. We finished the night with some good Mexican food and margaritas, followed by some good ole putt putt.
Monday we all woke up to rain hitting the windows. The girls went out skiing early and they guys waited until later. Not feeling well, I stayed home and waited for a while longer. Decided to pack up the car and head home through some nasty rain, they said it was about 8 inches in a couple hours and we drove right through it.
Now back in STL and plan to ride and prepare for the Rhetts Run mountain bike race in a week and a half in Columbia. Gotta keep training and getting faster!
Jay
On Saturday we were bored and decided to hit the road. We tried to map out a ride at the house and headed out the door. Very quickly we found out that are plans were not that great. We found out that some roads were gravel and not paved, or they had little gravel patches in them. Not good for road tires!! But we continued and found some good country roads with a little bit of hill climbs. A good ride getting us three to learn how to work together drafting. Man it makes a big difference when 3 people work together versus a one man team. You are able to go much faster with much less effort. The first ride was about 20 miles, good day to get the legs moving since I didn't ski like the others did earlier in the day.
On Sunday we were planning on a group ride put on by the local bike shop in Decatur. We pulled up to the parking lot and quickly found out that no one had showed up. We met up with a local cyclist that was just passing by and he gave us a pretty good route. He said he had been on the road for 50+ miles, but I didnt believe him. He loved to talk so Brad was in heaven while Jeff and I hung out in the back with Brad's college roomate, Jason. We proceeded on and blew Jason out of the water, he was not used to riding that fast nor that far. Brad stayed back with him most of the time and myself and Jeff got some good interval training in. I even hit 33 on flat ground trying to push myself towards the end. This ride was very flat, and windy. One way was easy, the other way was tough. We rode through one of the connecting towns and stopped in at the gas station for a water fill up and a little rest and we also had to find our way back to the car. The ride ended up being about 27 miles for Jeff and I. Great weather and some good country scenery. We will have to do that again. We finished the night with some good Mexican food and margaritas, followed by some good ole putt putt.
Monday we all woke up to rain hitting the windows. The girls went out skiing early and they guys waited until later. Not feeling well, I stayed home and waited for a while longer. Decided to pack up the car and head home through some nasty rain, they said it was about 8 inches in a couple hours and we drove right through it.
Now back in STL and plan to ride and prepare for the Rhetts Run mountain bike race in a week and a half in Columbia. Gotta keep training and getting faster!
Jay
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Hey guys and gals,
Here is the link to an article on Bicycling.com that I thought was interesting, and hopefully helpful. Especially for people like me that want to, or need to drop some pounds. It might also help us fuel our bodies properly for upcoming races and group rides. It doesn't say anything about Schlafly beers, but I am positive that it is ok to consume.
Aaron
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-4-21-17124-1-P,00.html
Here is the link to an article on Bicycling.com that I thought was interesting, and hopefully helpful. Especially for people like me that want to, or need to drop some pounds. It might also help us fuel our bodies properly for upcoming races and group rides. It doesn't say anything about Schlafly beers, but I am positive that it is ok to consume.
Aaron
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-4-21-17124-1-P,00.html
Tsali Trail head cam
Two Members of Team Schlafly Cycling took a road trip to The Tsali Recreation Area in NC. The Tsali is ranked as one of the top ten MTB trails in the nation. We stayed in a custom log home 3 miles from the trail head overlooking lake fontana. The wine and gourmet meals were had day and night as we watched the storms roll in from the mountain side vista. We road, we ate, and we sipped the Patron filled margaritas. It rained everyday but the trail conditions remained ride able. The trails are non technical and the climbs are forgiving. This is a place to consider for your next trip. http://www.mtbikewnc.com/trailheads/tsalitrails.html http://www.watershedcabins.com/
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Indian Camp Creek ride
Just finished riding the hills at Indian camp creek, well little hills are there. The flat section was muddy so I just skipped it and got some hill training in. Surprisingly rthe conditions were really good, excet for a few muddy spots. We only have 3 weeks until the next mtb race at Rhetts Run in Columbia. My goal is to finish in the top 3 or to hopefully win it! The next two weeks will be in training mode. If anyone wants to ride let me know!!!!
Last night Aaron and I enjoyed a few six pack of the fine Schlafly Pale Ale. Great training fluid, kept us hydrated at least last night. I wish the local stores sold the other Schlafly products!
Last night Aaron and I enjoyed a few six pack of the fine Schlafly Pale Ale. Great training fluid, kept us hydrated at least last night. I wish the local stores sold the other Schlafly products!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Lost Valley
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This pic was taken after Aaron's first lap at lost valley. Trail was a little muddy in spots, look at Aaron's legs. This is a good pic of the trail behind us coming up on the dreaded climb! Nice pics Brad. It was good to get another person riding with us, and hopefully you continue to come out. We ruined Bocko on that same hill where Brad is taking the pic from, but Aaron cruised right down it. Brad's gps said max speed was around 32mph, and I passed him so it is a fast hill and very loose rock. It was good to see the little 7 year old in the middle of the trail, little kid was doing great! Now it is raining so this trail will be a little wet for a few days. Off to the road bike!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
First MTB Ride!
I had one of my first mountain bike experiences today. Brad, Jay, and I went to Lost Valley. It was a blast! I had a bunch of wipeouts, one was pretty bad. I biffed right in front of a 7yr old boy and his dad. It was funny, when I got up the kid says "boy your tuff!". I told him the fat broke my fall.
I did fair better then El Bocko... I at least made it 2 miles into the ride before I hit the dirt. I do have a pretty nice bruise on my elbow. I am pretty positive that it won't be the last one.
It was a very good learning experience. The most important thing I learned, is my conditioning sucks! My legs were fine, but my wind was not. That is one heck of a good workout! I think that I am going to sleep really good tonight.
It was fun, and I can't wait to get out again soon!
Aaron
I did fair better then El Bocko... I at least made it 2 miles into the ride before I hit the dirt. I do have a pretty nice bruise on my elbow. I am pretty positive that it won't be the last one.
It was a very good learning experience. The most important thing I learned, is my conditioning sucks! My legs were fine, but my wind was not. That is one heck of a good workout! I think that I am going to sleep really good tonight.
It was fun, and I can't wait to get out again soon!
Aaron
Monday, May 4, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to the schlafly cycling team's blogspot page. Please post about any ride we have done, race you have been involved in, or just anything in general. We would love to hear your thoughts about each ride.
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