tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-100787982024-03-06T22:47:57.120-08:00Mike HowardAn endurance and XC Mountain Bike racer over 45Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-69234129878810290182013-01-30T06:19:00.000-08:002013-01-30T06:19:03.985-08:00Wow ! I haven't been on here for a long time,I seem to always be in a hurry.I've been doing a 90 day workout from Graeme Street that is kicking my ass and I luv it,it's all about High Intensity Training.
Looking at my last post from last year,I signed up for the DK200 gravel race in Kansas,I went with Nick Perrow and we finished it in 15 hrs.It was brutal but the weather was perfect and we had a great time finishing together.
Looks Like I have a full sked. of racing this season, with the XC race series here in Illinois,the Mohican 100k,Wausua 24-9,12 or 24 hrs solo,Berryman Epic and some local gravel races.
I'm riding for Bushwhackers again this year,they have a pretty good group of riders now,between tri,road,adventure and mtb they should be well represented.
I'm going to try and post up this year,maybe it will keep me motivated.
See Ya ! Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-61887282396155786292012-01-29T15:12:00.000-08:002012-01-29T15:15:55.972-08:002012 seasonI'm putting together my race sked. for this year and wondering just how many I'll do.Looks like I'm in the DK 200 this year instead of Mohican,Nick is joining me on the race and I'm really looking forward to this one.Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-33895100709782356342011-04-26T19:31:00.000-07:002011-04-26T20:55:14.519-07:00Always Impressed !Trans Iowa #7 done for 18 riders and I can only sit a wonder if only ! I pulled the plug on the training way back in March around my 50th b-day and wish I would have talked to a few more people about getting motivated.I was on target until the weather started to get better which should have motivated me more but it did the opposite,I keep thinking about the things I need to do around home.Even after some good training on the bike with Nick with 7 hr rides , the next few days I didn't want to get back on the bike,I hated the thought that a three hour ride is a waste.By the end of March I wanted and could have done my plan of 10 to 12 hr rides back to back which would have told me if I had the legs for TIv7,crazy to think you need that kind of training but I do know my own body and what it needs.<br /><br />Why does the suffering on a bike appeal to some of us? Don't know but I have to have a goal when I train and it has to be possible to get,the Trans Iowa is possible for some not all and I need to let this race go or make it my goal again.<br /><br />After the way we suffered at TIV6 but for only 5 hrs I was pissed about the time limits and the way I blew 5 months of training in Illinois weather,snow,cold and rain to have it all end because of the weather and I don't have the ability red line my heart rate for 50 miles,it's not the way to start a 330 mile race cramping 4hrs into it.I can race for 24 hr solo and do damm well,I have some abilities,that's the reason I went to endurance racing !<br /><br />To read others Blogs and now see that they too had a rough time mentally just to train but they some how got through it and made it to the start of the race.It just shows how tough they are and they know the rewards of just toeing the line...I should have at least done that.<br /><br />If I try to get back in to race TIV8 I think it will take a wish list for me and I know it's being selfish but all the racers have a little some thing they would change.<br /><br />1- late June or July race<br />2- two check points but time limits are longer if any...if a guy is so far back there is no possible way he could make the finish in time who cares,he trained his/her ass off and deserves a shot at finishing for his own pride.<br />3- More supply store stops on route if in July ...no need to kill a guy from thirst<br /><br />That's all I'm looking for not much ! With all this said and I think I'm done pouting...Mark and DP work their ass off for this race and it sure has come a long way from Jeff and Mark from TIV1.Congrats on having a successful race... What they decide to do is what we all have to do if we want to try and be part of a race that has left so many victims along the back roads of Iowa and made us admire those that have finished.Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-30225809812680766012011-03-04T14:48:00.000-08:002011-03-04T15:03:59.570-08:00Caught in the rainI was all set for a 3 hr ride and headed out on the road bike but the weather wasn't going to be in my favor for long.I planned on some intervals and was an hour into my ride when the rain was coming my way,it didn't look to bad until i seen lightning strikes and heard some thunder! <br /><br />My ride turned into a time trail ride back to the house and finished up with a 3 mile run on the tredmill.<br /><br />Ride planned for Saturday and Sunday<br /><br />See ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-80259574842344000352011-03-02T17:38:00.000-08:002011-03-02T18:16:18.342-08:00ride,rideStopped by Bushwhackers to grab some Hammer products,Perpetuem and Gel and check out how the store is doing with their reset.Bikes and Mr. Woo and Mr. Al are coming up staires while lawn furniture is going down.<br /><br />I had some riding partners Sunday with Nick,Bob and Jon came out for some sloppy gravel...Nick and I got in 3-1/2 hrs.I needed a recovery day on Monday after 3 days in the saddle but back on Tuesday for 2 hrs 31 miles followed by today with 4 ..hrs and 52 miles.<br /><br />I hope for a quick ride or run tomorrow...It's March weather can put the hurt on yeah fast.Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-28472011680174039662011-02-20T15:16:00.000-08:002011-02-20T15:19:51.214-08:00spin inside !Yesterday I got in almost 3 hrs on the road,a good ride with some hills...Today spin inside watching the 500 race...1-1/2 high intensity intervals.<br /><br />Monday rest day then back at it Tuesday and Wednesday !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-14238421970268744352011-02-18T18:01:00.000-08:002011-02-18T18:05:01.785-08:0030 miles todayBob G came over and we got in a quick 30 miles,weather has been nice well, lets say temps have been good mid 50's bit windy...cold coming back next week.<br /><br />I hope to get in some good miles tomorrow and Sunday before the rain hits.<br /><br /><br />See ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-52416165446312632472011-02-15T18:52:00.000-08:002011-02-15T18:58:29.837-08:00Trying to get the milesGetting the miles under your belt in February can be tough but the weather is getting better and I'm running out of time.My bike choice for TIV7 is still up in the air but I decided to get the rig set up for now,I have a cross frame but don't want to spend the money getting it set up.<br /><br />Run today and spin intervals for 1 hr...ride outside I hope tomorrow !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-90005602096868106422010-12-19T08:07:00.000-08:002010-12-19T08:12:49.423-08:00Back in the dungeonIv'e been back down in the Dungeon for a few weeks hitting the cyclo core workouts and doing some running...Midz came over Wednesday for our first workout of the winter,he has some big goals to hit with some long endurance runs and I hope to keep him on top of his game.I hope to keep running this winter so I can help him with the 50 mile race this April,I'll get up a full sked. of my races for 2011 soon !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-83744903859414112532010-03-03T10:33:00.000-08:002010-03-03T10:38:47.564-08:00Road bikeTuesday and today's miles were on the road bike WOW ! I forgot how light and fast I can be with a 19 pd bike.Midz joined me today for a quick 27 miles that's 5 rides in 5 days with 28 more to hit my goal of riding every day in March.<br /><br />Thursday could be tough but I think I'll do a 12 mile time trail and then a easy ride on Friday to set myself up for some long hours in the saddle Saturday and Sunday.<br /><br /><br />See yaMike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-53844378753111411302010-03-01T17:14:00.000-08:002010-03-01T17:30:29.549-08:00Sunday ride on the Rig<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv6GwRLovpguyWl7suMgHxQu7sfHt5h4J5aSyZRtt7JEeqX7WcGhPfeNdASqcAMfqCwEtebKwWPTNEoH-CmyodlBAZkFwopGRiQCKTAb3pBYqu3UqbwhINpxzVYg7mzIUKEMvhg/s1600-h/bike+rides+2010+012.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv6GwRLovpguyWl7suMgHxQu7sfHt5h4J5aSyZRtt7JEeqX7WcGhPfeNdASqcAMfqCwEtebKwWPTNEoH-CmyodlBAZkFwopGRiQCKTAb3pBYqu3UqbwhINpxzVYg7mzIUKEMvhg/s320/bike+rides+2010+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443840237269301858" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFq9nADdEHVOZ_JklUH5h0pK0XugcwVmm6VlC6q-WfY0UC1SruaU86ZhWfHMzn7um_l8dcZ8s90wGCDAO7pjECNn2jF8wnRWViLJj9GT6pY2nN5CywB7By8basrUvtz7mecct2w/s1600-h/bike+rides+2010+013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFq9nADdEHVOZ_JklUH5h0pK0XugcwVmm6VlC6q-WfY0UC1SruaU86ZhWfHMzn7um_l8dcZ8s90wGCDAO7pjECNn2jF8wnRWViLJj9GT6pY2nN5CywB7By8basrUvtz7mecct2w/s320/bike+rides+2010+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443839436967622866" /></a><br /> <br />I woke up Sunday morning wanting to get some good mileage on the Rig but I wanted the temps to get up a little higher before I set out on my ride.I took off with a goal of 2 to 3 hrs of ride time depending on how I felt and how late it was getting but I hit 2-3/4 hrs and 42 miles so all was good.<br /><br />The Rig felt great I love the gearing on it,it's perfect for Trans Iowa and the drop bars make it feel great with no pressure on the back.I have the big MTB tires on it right now but I will go with some cross tires soon.<br /><br />Midz came over for a quick 25 miles tonight...cold and windy !<br /><br />I'll hit it again in the morning maybe with road bike !<br /><br />Day one 25 miles !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-87157218494647597852010-02-26T19:24:00.000-08:002010-02-26T19:58:00.672-08:00New Rig made it home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-tvhtkwEm1l9mNnaEjizlbUpGkXYa6kodj5Q4Xy2emVsEOlfxJAG9pMRpayyfRno_qUQtB4lIwCheqW7FO22fIDiAOH3xi_kAPLc4E3tpGe6_JdUPRcofkpq5zZyN-_-RoNqxQ/s1600-h/bike+rides+2010+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-tvhtkwEm1l9mNnaEjizlbUpGkXYa6kodj5Q4Xy2emVsEOlfxJAG9pMRpayyfRno_qUQtB4lIwCheqW7FO22fIDiAOH3xi_kAPLc4E3tpGe6_JdUPRcofkpq5zZyN-_-RoNqxQ/s320/bike+rides+2010+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442759312418313346" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT10tgujl8WW3CtQMISdrpHJLK4RS-tbvFDnP-sqwX4on5IAjuYpMryMq7fKmYr0DISWgFvil2CK2smKQoCb4sFUVmt_d2Bso_oiIzXbQvbWIljnKtPCYB7TYWPR5x4ssPcPtHKQ/s1600-h/bike+rides+2010+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT10tgujl8WW3CtQMISdrpHJLK4RS-tbvFDnP-sqwX4on5IAjuYpMryMq7fKmYr0DISWgFvil2CK2smKQoCb4sFUVmt_d2Bso_oiIzXbQvbWIljnKtPCYB7TYWPR5x4ssPcPtHKQ/s320/bike+rides+2010+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442764719854955010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphvliiJw3cwih_Q9pffrMTpff_j4OYTe1h-f8iFo2YRWHChUNciZwAbczEf4zEOwEPndiRrjnkDXq7JxTH-yw-Shh9hCEBHa76xV7WiNsz0jxUGjLdNm3k3z25lnc5rN1R2Z6gA/s1600-h/bike+rides+2010+010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphvliiJw3cwih_Q9pffrMTpff_j4OYTe1h-f8iFo2YRWHChUNciZwAbczEf4zEOwEPndiRrjnkDXq7JxTH-yw-Shh9hCEBHa76xV7WiNsz0jxUGjLdNm3k3z25lnc5rN1R2Z6gA/s320/bike+rides+2010+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442762380301140162" /></a><br /><br />The Gary Fisher Rig is a single speed bike that I have wanted for some time but I also need a bike for the TIV6 race.I didn't want to buy two bikes or tell Cindy I want two more bikes,but I knew I could get the Rig and make it my special TIV6 bike then cross it back over to a single speed. I had Bob Woo from <a href="http://www.bushwhacker.com/road.php#">Bushwhackers</a> go to work on it for me,I knew he could make any adjustments to make it work.<br /><br />I made it into a 2x9 with drop bars so I would be more comfortable on the gravel roads,this should help keep me low and faster which is my main goal for the TIV6 race.I'll get a few rides in with these huge tires then switch out to some cross tires,maybe sooner than later.<br /><br />I got in a good 60 miles in last Sunday in some pretty shitty weather that made it a good suffer fest 4-3/4 hrs by the time I made it home.<br /><br />I hope for some good back to back mileage days soon and I'm setting a goal of riding every day in March or aleast a run on days I can't ride.<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://www.bushwhacker.com/road.php#">Buchwhackers</a> on helping me get the Rig !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-33572971084089350122010-02-09T06:46:00.000-08:002010-02-09T07:15:15.237-08:00Try to some milesI hit the Rock Island Trail Sunday for some much needed saddle time,I knew the snow would slow me down a little but I didn't count on it taking a toll on my legs.I had planned a 2 hour ride to the 20 mile mark and then 2 hours back but I didn't stop when I should have to refuel and I payed for it at with about 9 miles to go...The snow was just a couple inches deep but was like going through sand and the legs were getting a hell of a workout.When I got to Dunlap with 5 to go I hit the quick mart for a cherry pie and coffee a good 500 calories to get me back to the truck<br /><br />The snow between the 14 and 16 mile mark had driffs to big to ride through so I did some hike a bike,I think the worse was where hikers had walked,their foot prints left a hole and made the trail almost unrideable at times...It need more hikers to pack the trail down.With 6 to 8 more inches of snow this morning that was the last RIT ride for a while.<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/ou31gl.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/2425zki.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>Ice fishing on Saturday fun time !<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/2hoaalv.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/inczzn.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br />beaver dam flooding my properyI'll <br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i49.tinypic.com/30ksqi8.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br />I'll be looking for this guy in April<br /><br />Back on the spinner for the day !<br /><br />See ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-32203332612861966852010-01-31T11:39:00.000-08:002010-01-31T11:44:12.519-08:00a little to coldI did get in a ride at Farmdale Friday a good 1-1/2 hrs but it was a slow ride and not much of a workout,Saturday I hit the spinner for my 1 hr race pace ride and today I ran 35 min. and did a recovery ride for 45 min.<br /><br />I still need some good long RIT rides,lets hope the weather warms just a little bit more for the 4-6 hour rides I need to get in.<br /><br /><br />See ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-70268066133795041762010-01-25T18:11:00.000-08:002010-01-25T18:43:09.873-08:00Hey Wind ! Bite me !The NRS with some fenders <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwpcv7QynxUeJyXpXcai2JTXumL06SbQQ_YBNyxHN1cuvn0kauDlHgZBWOiHeuXkSPe1gnECNL1Mv5uM0tvjgVOWjxKOPSc8OfutmEfbKK6VElgzQye00X4M25wH4ByCe6OtdMA/s1600-h/bike+rides+2009+260.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwpcv7QynxUeJyXpXcai2JTXumL06SbQQ_YBNyxHN1cuvn0kauDlHgZBWOiHeuXkSPe1gnECNL1Mv5uM0tvjgVOWjxKOPSc8OfutmEfbKK6VElgzQye00X4M25wH4ByCe6OtdMA/s320/bike+rides+2009+260.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430873018746711570" /></a><br />Temps were in the 40s over the weekend and I was planning on some good road miles but the wind and rain came in hard and fast so I spent my time down in the dungeon.<br /><br />I need to get consistence om my training so this week I decided to ride every day or run if I can't get the ride in,spinning is the plan with some outside riding weather permitting and getting some core workouts.Spin today with the race dvd at 80-90% of heart rate for a hour...I'm spent !<br /><br />Midz might be able to make it for a Wednesday morning spin ! WELCOME TO THE DUNGEON !<br /><br /><br />see ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-50375197640737660752010-01-20T07:51:00.000-08:002010-01-20T08:13:07.769-08:00Not going to spin for hoursGetting ready for Trans Iowa and I'm not going to spend that much time on the spinner,unless weather dumps on me later next month.I'm running and keeping my spinning to 45min. to 1-1/2 hours,the workouts have been structured and at high leval of intensity.The goal is to raise my LT so I can withstand the long rides at a high rate of speed.I don't want to train slow and steady,then you become slow and steady.<br /><br />The trainer dvd that midz and I have done in the past workouts down in the dungeon is all I need,it still makes me work hard and then I do my own version of intervals on other days.Today was a 50 min. run a super set of close grip pulldowns,pushups,sissy squats 5 sets and 10 min. on the speedbag.<br /><br />Can I get a century in before the end of January ? I'm going to try! maybe Rock Island Trail maybe road.<br /><br />I need to pay off the Rig and it ready for some training rides...Brad Newman will be joining me at Trans Iowa,he was e-mailed by Mark on Friday that he was in.<br /><br /><br />See Ya !<br /><br />Midz can you ride or spin on Wednesday mornings ?Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-52532296479323862402009-12-06T07:38:00.000-08:002009-12-06T11:37:08.271-08:00X-mas party 2009PAMBA had their X-mas party last night and as always a good time was had by all,I drank my red bull and vodka and didn't get out of control...feel pretty good this morning.I need to cut some more wood this morning then jump on the spinner while watching football.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.tinypic.com/dcbl8y.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/em2xx.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/23mpv6.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br />See ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-16317156711546507712009-11-17T06:16:00.000-08:002009-11-17T07:22:14.524-08:00A long time ago !Cindy and I have hit that 25 year mark on our marrige today ! We met in June of "84 and November 17th of "84 we were married...Yeah in 5 -1/2 months we knew we were ment for each other so why wait !<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/287m4wi.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br />I'm off this morning and she is working so I'll take her to lunch today so we can spend some time together.<br /><br />Happy Anniversary Honey ! <br /><br /><br />This what I'm getting into !<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/13z0b9v.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br />My winter has changed because I'm on the roster for <a href="http://http://transiowa.blogspot.com/">TIV#6 </a> I hope the weather is good so I can get in as many miles outside that I can,if not it's going to be a lot of time sitting on the spinner down in the dungeon ! I need some more movies !<br /><br /><a href="http://http://www.mohican.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59:mohican-100-mtb-race&catid=35:mohican-races&Itemid=65">Mohica 100</a> is going to be June 5th next year so it works good with the I-74 seriesMike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-66319969834296004142009-11-15T05:58:00.000-08:002009-11-15T06:26:41.656-08:00TIV#6I sent off my entry into the <a href="http://transiowa.blogspot.com/">Trans Iowa race</a> yesterday,I should hear back Monday or Tuesday that I'm im.My winter will be spent riding as much as I can outside and a lot of spin time in the dungeon.Race is set for late April so lets hope fpr a good March so I can get the long miles in outside to see how my training has gone.<br /><br />I'll post back up when I hear when I'm in !<br /><br /><br />see ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-62150575515226239832009-11-01T05:48:00.000-08:002009-11-01T07:13:58.416-08:00Bike PatrolFriday night a local running club invited PAMBA's bike patrol to come out to the oldest cemetery in Peoria to watch over the runner's at a Spooky Marathon race.The race started at 6:00pm to midnight and had close to 200 people run a 5 K and 25 run the whole marathon.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/2ajzy3t.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br />It had been raining for two days but it finally had stopped for the race.We set up a fire pit and paired up the patrol riders to keep a eye on the 6 mile course.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/34rvksw.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>It was a lttle smoky from the pit but kept us warm.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/24qjpmt.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>Morgan made some chili that helped keep us warm and fueled for the riding.<br /><br />The run had some steep climbs and long I think a rode around 24 mile by time we were done.We only had one sprained ankle out of the whole night so it was a good night of patroling for us.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/2myqo43.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>Carrie got a magic wand for her efforts !<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/2q15g1l.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br />Hope to get some more riding out side before winter sets in,I don't want to get in the gym to soon but look foeward to some dungen workouts with Midz.<br /><br />See ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-50799923822599483192009-10-23T18:16:00.000-07:002009-10-23T20:37:05.912-07:00End of the seasonTough end to my race season with a DNF at the Matthieson race last weekend,I went way to hard for the first 2 miles that was out in the open prairie and suffered for it once I got in the woods.I was hoping the legs would come back but they said "you blew it" and once I got in my first lap I knew I wouldn't make it for another 2 laps.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/ir6xcy.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>getting ready to race with Midz,Kelsi,Steph and Zack looking on.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/2zivsw4.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>getting warmed up riding with Tony amd Stauby<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/14w6g79.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>racing down a hill right before the creek<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/jaup0n.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>Tony with a flat tire carrying his bike thru the rock section<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/vxqnd.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>Mike Staub making it up the monster climb for the last time.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i36.tinypic.com/15yzqfb.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>Kelsi posing on the Vermillion river at Matthieson State Park.<br /><br />The place will be part of the I-74 series next year, I can't wait to get back up here and redeme myself for the DNF.<br /><br />I'm looking at next years season and I need to decide if I want to shoot for Trans Iowa #6. I need to make up my mind before Thanksgiving to make the roster.If I do that means I need to start training at the start of December and really get going in January on the trainer.<br /><br />Mohican 100 is a must do race and the Wems series.I should be able to do the I-74 XC series and a 24 hr,I'll be hitting the road endurance races also.<br /><br />I have taken about 4 weeks off from any real training or hard riding I guess thats why I had such a bad race last weekend so after this weekend I'm hitting the gym and get back to eating good.<br /><br />By the way if you see a wallet on the highway up around Matthieson State Park it's mine ! THAT SUCKS ! <br /><br />See Ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-18871344138680236412009-09-26T17:58:00.000-07:002009-09-26T20:30:14.462-07:00Still here ! 7 oaks racePic from the top of the ski hill at Seven Oaks September 5&6 24 hr race I did with Tony,Brad and Andy,we took 2nd place with a hard fight with Team Rasmussen from Iowa.<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/20syu85.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br /><br />Me coming in from my second lap,going hard trying to make up some time.<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/2vct4kz.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br />Tony cooling down from another fast lap<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/1zlptts.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br />Andy grabing his bike for another lap with Brad in the back ground coming in from his lap<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i36.tinypic.com/fwrojs.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br /><br />Brad all done with his last lap of the 24 hr race and pulling a nose wheelly !<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/2hdwidj.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br />Me enjoying a hot cup of coffee while the fog rolls in at 3 or 4 am waiting for Andy to come in from his lap<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i33.tinypic.com/osrg52.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br />Race is over and were hanging out relaxing waiting for the awards<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i33.tinypic.com/otkoeu.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br />Team PAMBA Brad,ME,Tony and Andy<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/2dbs1zr.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br />I know Tony and Brad had to drive the 4-1/2 ride back to Peoria and Andy stayed in Des Moines but I had Cindy driving me back and I just had to close my eyes !<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/d9mok.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><br />Fun race with Bob and Peggy making the ride over to watch and help support,Cindy and Kelsi as always was there for support and cherring us on ringing the cowbell,Thanks guys!Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-25450145172176412332009-07-29T13:47:00.000-07:002009-07-29T14:09:43.158-07:00Yep I'm Here !Wow ! Starting to get some time to get on the bike and try and salvage some of this season,I rode Jubilee today after work with only 3 hours of sleep in the last 36 hours.Wouldn't know my legs felt great and I did the full race course for 3 laps at race pace and could have kept on going...Expert did 4 laps a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to stop feeling good.<br /><br />Missing 24-9 was killing me this weekend but I kept on watching Paddy,Naomi and Ray Nees and a big YEE AHH for Ray ! he does his first 24 solo and gets the win ! When I think of the battle we could have had it would have been a blast !I'm really Happy for him...and of course Cindy and I missed seeing Paddy and Naomi maybr next time Paddy and Congrats on the wins !<br /><br />Getting the Jubilee race out of the way has really let me get back on the bike we now need to get I-74 #4 at Black Partridge done on August 9th.<br /><br />I did get to race a couple of weeks ago and did ok I raced Sport with the legs lacking saddle time and have hit the road for some good miles.I'm doing a Endurance road race on the 8th and shooting for a 12 or 24 hr. road race in September.<br /><br /><br />See ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-62583081749807798362009-06-14T17:46:00.000-07:002009-06-14T17:55:22.584-07:00Trailwork and ridingI have been trying to get Jubilee ready for the I-74 race that we moved back to the 28th of this month,it's almost there with a little more back work to be done.Tony,Bob and Betsy and a few others have helped out with knocking down the weeds so the whole course is ready,except for knocking some burms down that hace chaneled water.<br /><br />Cindy and I rode the Rock Island Trail today I had my Bike Patrol garb on so I can put that in the books,It was nice getting Cindy on the bike,we also stopped in Dunlap and had a coffee at Joes.<br /><br />More Trail work in the morning and a afternoon ride if the weather is good !<br /><br />A small group of PAMBA members have over 200 hours of trail work at Jubilee since March !<br /><br /><br />See ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10078798.post-25577609016696418112009-06-02T06:53:00.000-07:002009-06-02T07:34:34.148-07:00Mohican 100k in the booksFinally getting to the Mohican 100k race I did on Saturday and I finished and that's what I was wanting since this was my first point to point race.It was tough with more climbing than I have ever done around here and a lot of it was on the county roads connecting you to one trail to the other.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/mhowie/bikerides2009179.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />We stayed at the Mohican Inn before and after the race and enjoyed the quiet( no TV's)<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/mhowie/bikerides2009131.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Getting lined up for the mass start of 400 riders<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/mhowie/bikerides2009134.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/mhowie/bikerides2009137.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Were off and I'm in the upper half of the racers<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/mhowie/bikerides2009141.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br />Riders coming in to the first aide station<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/mhowie/bikerides2009145.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Finally made it with 20 miles done and mostly all single track I did take a bad fall coming down a steep hill with wet roots only four miles in the race,shook it off and tried to get in a grove but I was all over the place and needed to let some air out of my tires.<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/mhowie/bikerides2009154.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Coming into aide station 3 with 46 miles in and feeling pretty good, I hooked up with a couple guys and we rode the rest of the race together.<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/mhowie/bikerides2009158.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />No respect LOL!<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/mhowie/bikerides2009168.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />15 min. later pro's come by aide station 3 and pass us on the rode like we standing still,they were on maybe mile #88 and we were on #52 but all were hurting !<br /><br />No post race pic's due to logistic's and me being me (crotchety) The race was fun and I could have done the 100,I think I did have it me...The great part about this type of race is you don't need to worry about carrying all your food and water the aide stations have every thing you need unless you want a specific type of food but they had fruit,P&J,oatmeal pies,Hammer products and water.<br /><br />This is the type of race you want to do with some friends so you can all help each other get through it and talk about the war stories after the race.There was no need for me to get in a hurry since you know your not in the top ten so I just enjoyed the ride and scenery...I'll be back for this one !<br /><br />See ya !Mike Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11844979763460004680noreply@blogger.com0