Last Ride in March

Riders,

Okay, I know we need the rain.... but don't we need miles too? I know "April" (or March) showers brings May flowers... but, it's also going to bring a bunch of "poorly trained" athletes to May races for some pain!!! I have 5 weeks, (right Iron Mike?) to get some SERIOUS miles... and when I say serious, I'm talking METRIC serious.

So, will there be a ride, or NOT? That tis the question. Mother Nature has been dishing out some liquid sunshine. The weather for this Saturday looks very "iffy".... according to weather experts, there's a slight chance we'll be between rain storms early Saturday morning. It's probably better to be prepared in case Lady Luck comes our way. So pump up your tires, clean your glasses and put on some clean riding gear. If you happen to be registered to ride Assault on the Carolinas... best of luck.... according to Beastie Bob, the weather this year will he exactly the same as the weather last year... and Beastie Bob did it then, and he'll do it again this year!

If everything works out weather wise, a group of riders will pull out of New Spring parking lot at 0900 this Saturday. We'll continue with the tried and true of our weekly SVR. If it IS raining.. I'm sleeping in and will eventually get to the Y for a water workout followed by some indoor running... I'll be the grumpy old man... at this "time" of the year, there's "flip of a switch" in my head that says all exercise needs to be done OUTSIDE!!! So, Mother Nature, get with it in providing me with the second half of that equation!!!! swim/bike/run + good weather = happy me!!!

NOTE: For NEXT weekend, the SVR will defer our ride so we can support the JJR... the Jubilee Joy Ride which starts at the Ag Museum across from Tri County Tech. Ride details and registration can be found on ACTIVE.COM So, get registered for that ride... historically, it's been the ride that officially starts the riding season... but, with the "new" time change instituted a few years ago, things have gotten out of whack.

Speaking of "out of whack" ... one of our own, TT-Bob was whacked on the TNR. (NOTE: I just wanted to use "whack" again)... TT-Bob was part of the final sprint at Mac's when the peleton pulled a "pile up" that would rival any sprint stage of the Tour de France. TT-Bob is in good spirits and is scheduled for discharge tomorrow. What should strike fear in the hearts of regional TTers is this "little" forced break for TT-Bob will just make him hungry for more when he comes back...

Any questions? Please see my leadout man... that would be the most impressive new rider Mr. D!!!

The Announcer

Ride Report

We had a great ride this past weekend. Here's the way I saw it. The group was rather mello in the beginning... until the climb on Timms Mill... which is usual for this group. Once on 5 Forks, the groups began to form. I was on Jason's wheel... the real fast guys had vanished up the road. Jason took a monster pull... and bridged up to a few riders... Florida Bill had set up and waited. We caught Aaron and formed our own little group. In my mirror, I saw a rider bridging solo.... it was Mr. D.... and just think, he's a rather new rider!!! our group solidified as we crossed Liberty Hwy... I was last man back as we crested 1-k hill... accordingly, I was obligated to contest the sprint!!! After all, if the other 3 guys will lead you all the way, what else is there to do??? The gentlemen of the group, let me go... THANKS!! it was the highlight of the day. After that, it was soft-pedaling and spinning...

One good thing about stopping to WATCH someone change a flat... we get to visit for a while... We had a new rider, all the way from France... no kidding... so, he told us how he'd watch TdF as a kid... that's awesome!!!! the tire change caused us to be "late" to P-ton... the other group got away... so, we short cut the route... as we were running out of time... On Melton, we got in one more hard effort... then, we took it to the house...

That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

March 21 ride

Riders,
The warm weather spoiled us this past Tuesday night! This Saturday, the temps will hover around the low 60s as the high. Good thing we haven’t put away our cool/cold weather riding gear!!! So, get out the long sleeve jersey, find the vest, get the tights washed and the head gear (for at least the start of the ride)... and let’s get ready to ride…. And since it was near 80 degrees today, maybe a slight dip in the temp will be welcomed??? For me, as long as I can ride, I’ll be the happy camper!!!! We’ll meet at the parking lot of New Springs to roll out at 0900 sharp this Saturday for “the ride of the week!” Our route remains the same of about 40+ miles… and I think someone is going to suggest we take Simms Mill, AGAIN!!!

We’ll trade stories of what everyone did last weekend during all that rain… who did the stretching workshop?, who did the spin class? Who did the gym-rat workouts? Who did the trainer or rollers? and maybe someone will tell us the RODE in the rain!!!

Maybe we'll trade stories of training plans... how taking 7 months off and eating at Momma Penn's can develop you into one fast rider, runner and swimmer??? Then we can talk about what happens when you get BUSTED on an early morning run that was not reported to your training partners... or when you post a near PR on a 5 K brick after the TNR??? or how you can go out and ride two in a row???

Congrats to Nate, G-man and Ms. Fancy-Pants on a fine tri event at Parris Island!!! Way to start the season! So, when's the next race??? don't forget the Y series!!!

Don’t forget the upcoming organized rides: JJR and ILR and others that are sure to come.
Of note, the Tuesday Night Ride has started. We meet on the square in Pendleton and wheels roll at 6pm sharp. The route is a 27 mile loop. Of note, when we ride on Tuesday, our motto is "ride as hard as you can, for as long as you can"... then, blow up and soft pedal while you lick your wounds... and maybe the following week, you'll be able to go a bit longer and harder!!!

So, come on out and let's see how the winter training rides have progressed into more fun than is legally allowed on a Saturday morning!!!

PS. Don't forget the new Tri Shop in Greenville... GO TRI SPORTS at McBee Station.. Tell Jamie that Mike, Fred, Vance sent you and get a surprise discount on select merchandise... eg, most everything except bikes, wheels and wetsuits.

PSS.. does anyone read this stuff??? just asking....

Cross your fingers

If you didn’t ride last weekend, you missed a great event! We had ~24 riders at the start and met a few more on the road. At the regrouping point at Mac’s, we had more than 33 riders… it looked like a convention!!! WHERE WERE YOU?? Then, in Pendleton, something happened… as I recall, there was a motion put forth to NOT ride Simms Mill Rd.. the motion was seconded and passed by majority.... Somewhere between P-ton and Simms Mill, there must have been a mutiny planned… because almost EVERYONE went straight onto Simms Mill… going against better judgment, I followed the lead rider… as did everyone else.... hmm, something about "caving" to peer pressure???

One can’t help but to ask is the weather for this weekend a way for the “cycling life-force” getting back at the group for this mutiny? I’m certain that changing the route “on the fly” is a punishable violation of some sort? For me, I know I was punished for riding Simms Mill… the pain and suffering of those “little stair-step hills” was almost too much to bare!! But, kudos to all who persevered!!! and my apologies to Mr. Cheek... as he was posting a PR for distance... and we threw him on Simms Mill.. but, honestly, he rode very strong.... hmm, what do you do in the "off" season??

So, It appears that Mother Nature is sending us some liquid sunshine for this weekend. If my chance a miracle happens and we get a break in the weather... we'll meet at 0900 in the parking lot of New Springs for our required ride of the week...

Props to TT-Bob who had an excellent showing at the Georgia Cup TT last weekend. And best wishes for a great race (and better weather) at the Paris Island Tri to some of our own SVR regulars... go get'em Fred, Nate and Ms. Fancy-Pants!!! send some race reports!!!

I just found out that young Andrew is racing at Paris Island... his run split will be fast!!!

Okay, want to know what one does with inclement weather on the horizon? DO HILL REPEATS with Mr. NameSake... that'll bring you to your knees... one word for that workout... OUCH...

okay, I know what you must be saying... especially Beastie Bob... "I thought you didn't do hills?".... yep, there's change in the air???? what's next, Ceasar's Head??? NOT!!!

See ya on the Road

First March Ride REALLY!!!

Riders,

Be very quiet and listen. Can you hear it? Yep, that’s your bike calling out for you to come rescue it from the garage or basement. For some, the bike was sentenced to these deep and dark corners and put to rest. Some bikes actually hibernate during the winter months. Last weekend might have sent them back in time to make them think they were in the middle of winter… but, WHOA!!!! This weekend is going wake them and up and they are hungry for a ride!!! So, you must oblige them and bring them out to the SVR… Saturday Vance Ride...

If you told me that one weekend we'd have snow and the next weekend we'd have a spring day... I think I'd ask you what you'd been drinking!!! But, at this time of the year, you never know what you'll get. I only hope the old tale of "snow 3 days on the ground means it's waiting for more" is WRONG... I'm ready for SPRING.. and RIDING..

Yep, this Saturday is going to be nearly perfect for riding… a group of riders will gather at the parking lot at New Spring Church to rollout at 0900 sharp. Our route remains the same, about 42 +/- miles. We’ll regroup a few times along the way. Some riders are in need of an intense workout and others are just looking for miles… miles and miles of smooth road to get their legs back. Once again, I'm going all the way... maybe even Cherry St Ext?? I have got to return to my roots of riding...

So, if you’re not riding the Ga Cup TT, or umpping behind home plate, or taking the family out for a good time… or with child!!! (Congats to you!!!) come ride with us.

And don’t forget to set your clocks this Saturday night… we’ll lose one hour as we “spring up”… but, that means we’ll get one more hour of daylight after work… and that means the Tuesday Night Ride starts in Pendleton!!!! Oh yeah!!!! Let the fun begin!!! Oh you need to arrange your work schedule to be on the square in Pendleton every Tuesday evening... that ride starts at 6pm sharp and it's the best riding around... other than the SVR!!!!

PS… and just to set the record straight… THIS IS THE FIRST RIDE FOR MARCH!!! I think I was "early" last week...

Don't forget, GO TRI SPORTS offers a discount to Anderson Riders... tell Jamie that Mike, Fred and Vance sent you... the discount is good for most everything except bikes, wheelsets and wetsuits....