Apr 08, 2020 at 06:55 PM
Sorry no photos today but I did get out for a very nice gravel ride. After a couple of days of recovery I feel like a new man.
https://www.strava.com/activities/3272159554
https://www.strava.com/activities/3272159554
Kissenas Around the World
Apr 13, 2020 at 07:37 PM
My old school setup for riding during these times. Switzerland does allow for exercising outdoors, but I think that’s ridiculous, because very few can also exercise a correct distance from others.
Also, in my case, family obligations have kept me from doing much exercise that last 8 months. As a result, I’m now recovering from a pulled left knee tendon after resuming exercise too strongly a few months ago. Rollers are perfect for what I need. Hopefully I can get back on a regular exercise schedule so that I can drop the weight I gained, rebuild the muscle I’ve lost, and get back to those mountains you see in the background when the restrictions are lifted.
Apr 13, 2020 at 07:50 PM
That's awesome but it looks like if you lose it on the rollers you're going right over the edge!
Jun 06, 2020 at 09:48 PM
Combo post - New Bike Day for Dr. Roazen, and I get a new training partner who can drop me anytime.
Jun 07, 2020 at 03:53 AM
@Jules. What bike did she get? Are you going to practice social distance motor-acing? 
Jun 07, 2020 at 10:18 PM
ORBEA GAIN D31
Shimano 1x and tubeless rims (not yet set up)
My wife can officially drop me on any hill she wants now, so there is that.
Shimano 1x and tubeless rims (not yet set up)
My wife can officially drop me on any hill she wants now, so there is that.
Jun 08, 2020 at 03:28 PM
Newly discovered: Strava doesn't have a way to self report your bike as an ebike - so Lisa is QOM'ing everything in sight from here on out
Jun 08, 2020 at 04:04 PM
@Jules Don't think Lisa wants a rep as 'that person'.
I think you/she can make the rides on the e=bike "private." I think that will take her off those leader boards.
I think you/she can make the rides on the e=bike "private." I think that will take her off those leader boards.
Jun 08, 2020 at 04:21 PM
Lol. I think anyone that cares can flag the ride. The bike is listed as "Orbea Gain" for goodness sake. Is strava saying they don't want ebike users? Or maybe only paying ebike usersmugwump said:@Jules Don't think Lisa wants a rep as 'that person'.
I think you/she can make the rides on the e=bike "private." I think that will take her off those leader boards.
Jun 08, 2020 at 05:12 PM
Otoh it would be pretty brag worthy for someone who legit beats the ebike records.
Jun 08, 2020 at 05:17 PM
"Emperor of the Mountain?"David Yang said:Otoh it would be pretty brag worthy for someone who legit beats the ebike records.
Jun 08, 2020 at 08:38 PM
strava has a sports type “E-Bike” set your rides appropriately and you should be ok
Jun 08, 2020 at 08:38 PM
E-Bike
Jul 24, 2020 at 05:32 AM
On the Croatian island of Vis, staying in the old fishing village of Komiza. Woke up early and went for a short spin. My family tries to vacation here every summer. After a week or so here, then onto the tiny village where my father-in-law is from for a couple weeks of sitting under a mulberry tree listening to people bullshit all day, and for myself a few rides I hope. Met a cyclist there a few years ago who will hope show me some new roads. Until then, more of this.
Jul 24, 2020 at 12:50 PM
gorgeous! You should connect with Garrigan he lives close to there i think
Jul 24, 2020 at 02:52 PM
I believe he’s based further north, in Istria, which is where most good cycling happens in Croatia. But you’re right, it’s not a bad idea to reach out to him.
Aug 21, 2020 at 07:27 PM
So I just uped and moved to Boulder Co site unseen, and after two days it's totally one of the best impulsive decisions. The riding out here is spectacular. The altitude is destroying me so far. I think if I wasnt a true climber before I will 100% be one now.
I havent been able to figure out which canyon roads are good yet. If any of y'all are taking a trip out to these parts let me know, given we eventually have a quote unquote normal. These are the only pics I have so far from Flagstaff road.
I havent been able to figure out which canyon roads are good yet. If any of y'all are taking a trip out to these parts let me know, given we eventually have a quote unquote normal. These are the only pics I have so far from Flagstaff road.
Aug 22, 2020 at 09:22 PM
My experience is that the first two days at altitude are awesome. You'll get worse for the next week, and then start to get better again.
I also gather it's hard to train as deep at altitude, so watch it. I'd skip the "training" thing and focus on the riding.
And "climber" is relative. Most of the hills aren't as steep, so that changes the nature of climbing.
I also gather it's hard to train as deep at altitude, so watch it. I'd skip the "training" thing and focus on the riding.
And "climber" is relative. Most of the hills aren't as steep, so that changes the nature of climbing.
Aug 27, 2020 at 08:01 PM
As some of you know, was able to spend a few days out in Michigan early August. In what is my fourth year pre cross training camp. Although, there will be no cyclocross season in 2020. #crossiscancelled
We drove out there, which frankly, even long at 12 hours, was kinda trivial, and probably the best way to manage pandemic risks.
Infinite gravel roads, and really great weather. It impresses me every time, just how remote this area is. As I did not take any vacation days, kept the rides in the 25ish miles range. So great to be able to break from Prospect Park and 9W for a little while.
We drove out there, which frankly, even long at 12 hours, was kinda trivial, and probably the best way to manage pandemic risks.
Infinite gravel roads, and really great weather. It impresses me every time, just how remote this area is. As I did not take any vacation days, kept the rides in the 25ish miles range. So great to be able to break from Prospect Park and 9W for a little while.
Oct 09, 2020 at 10:00 PM
Took the family to the “Redhead MTN Bike Park” (where else do three redheads go to ride?) today
https://www.mndiscoverycenter.com/visit/redhead-mountain-bike-park/
https://www.mndiscoverycenter.com/visit/redhead-mountain-bike-park/
Oct 10, 2020 at 07:27 PM
winning, Jules!, winning!
Oct 25, 2020 at 04:19 PM
It still amazes me what kind of bikes people commute on here in Switzerland, and lightly lock up. Wouldn’t last 10 minutes in NYC.
Full carbon, ultegra, all yours with minimal effort.
and here, the frame is aluminum, but the components are Red, with a power meter, and carbon wheels. This can be yours for slightly more effort, but if you only want the wheels, a few seconds and they’re all yours.
and here, the frame is aluminum, but the components are Red, with a power meter, and carbon wheels. This can be yours for slightly more effort, but if you only want the wheels, a few seconds and they’re all yours.
Oct 25, 2020 at 07:31 PM
Are you encouraging us to come over and do some version of “the Italian job”
What’s your split?
Oct 27, 2020 at 07:20 PM
If you visit, no need to bring a bike. Just something to cut a flimsy lock, and you’re good to go.
Jul 19, 2021 at 08:57 PM
Scoping out Greenville SC 
Jul 26, 2021 at 12:04 AM
I took a short trip to Europe earlier this month. The reason was somber: my mother, who is in her eighties, has macular degeneration and needed me to take her to see family and drive from her place in Switzerland to the south of France to see a lifelong friend who just lost her husband. Overall the trip was a success in that we both got to see many people who we haven't seen due to the pandemic.
I debated whether to bring my bike for such a short trip, but in the end I am glad I did as the weather was generally good and I had opportunities to ride fantastic roads.
Once I arrived in the south of France (Forcalquier) I discovered that it was only a 90 minute drive from the base of Mount Ventoux. So while my mother and her friend spend the afternoon together I got a chance to climb the famous giant of Provence.
I made a brief video of my ascent and descent. In short, while it averages around 8.5%, there are several km of 10%+ and I wish I had a compact crank. I was churning around 50-58 rpm the whole time. It's hard, but I also was not going all out. Must be something else to race up this beast.
Surprised to see donkeys, sheep, sheep dogs, and a solitary cow that seemed lost on the upper slopes.
Highlight for me was meeting an 18 year old French kid fro Paris who was climbing with his buddies for fun. They were all over the mountain and I rode for several kilometers with Oscar. He was on a rented bike in sneakers and was more enthusiastic about this than I was. You would think they were giving away Jay-Z tickets at the summit. Love to see kids who get excited about the sport. By the way he is a Pinot fan. Basically likes anyone French in the tour.
Here is the video:
https://youtu.be/ZRkBl-b03qg
Long way to go to the top
Oscar
Tom Simpson memorial
Yup, Pantani is still revered here
Where is the summit?
Requisite summit shot
Can I trouble you for directions?
Can I hitch a ride?
Mountainside was full of sheep... goats?
Dogs chillin by the side of the road
https://www.strava.com/activities/5617199248/overview
I debated whether to bring my bike for such a short trip, but in the end I am glad I did as the weather was generally good and I had opportunities to ride fantastic roads.
Once I arrived in the south of France (Forcalquier) I discovered that it was only a 90 minute drive from the base of Mount Ventoux. So while my mother and her friend spend the afternoon together I got a chance to climb the famous giant of Provence.
I made a brief video of my ascent and descent. In short, while it averages around 8.5%, there are several km of 10%+ and I wish I had a compact crank. I was churning around 50-58 rpm the whole time. It's hard, but I also was not going all out. Must be something else to race up this beast.
Surprised to see donkeys, sheep, sheep dogs, and a solitary cow that seemed lost on the upper slopes.
Highlight for me was meeting an 18 year old French kid fro Paris who was climbing with his buddies for fun. They were all over the mountain and I rode for several kilometers with Oscar. He was on a rented bike in sneakers and was more enthusiastic about this than I was. You would think they were giving away Jay-Z tickets at the summit. Love to see kids who get excited about the sport. By the way he is a Pinot fan. Basically likes anyone French in the tour.
Here is the video:
https://youtu.be/ZRkBl-b03qgLong way to go to the top
Oscar
Tom Simpson memorial
Yup, Pantani is still revered here
Where is the summit?
Requisite summit shot
Can I trouble you for directions?
Can I hitch a ride?
Mountainside was full of sheep... goats?
Dogs chillin by the side of the road
https://www.strava.com/activities/5617199248/overview
Jul 26, 2021 at 10:26 AM
Jul 26, 2021 at 01:31 PM
Patrick, I'm sorry to hear about your mother, but am glad you had a chance to ride Ventoux. It's a bitch of a climb! I'd take our spin up Huez any day over doing that mountain again!! Did you get more of a chance to ride in the region, though? There's some real pretty riding around there.
On another note, I'm riding outdoors again after my knee surgery. I'll post some shots of my rides around the island of Vis in the next few days.
On another note, I'm riding outdoors again after my knee surgery. I'll post some shots of my rides around the island of Vis in the next few days.
Aug 13, 2021 at 01:46 PM
Friends, it's been quite a vacation. My recovery from knee surgery is coming along fine, and I've managed some nice rides while trying to return my body to fitness. Sadly, I also had to return to the USA for a quick visit because my mother's health took a bad turn. She's doing better, even though her dementia will never improve. And now, my next stop will be returning to my family, who are still vacationing in Croatia. Hopefully I'll next be able to climb the mountain above Zagreb called Sljeme (pronounced 'SLEEyehmay').
But first, some shots of the island of Vis.
The road climbing out of Komiza, lit by the sunrise, with the Adriatic in the distance.
Vineyards and olive groves below. Some watermelons, too, which help make the heat more tolerable. Overall, the local produce was very tasty.
Above the city of Vis, on the island of Vis. 
I finally did this climb. I'm looking forward to returning when I'm fitter! Wonderful hairpin turns snaking out of the the village. 
So many beautiful old stone buildings. And quite a few abandoned ones. Probably owned by a family whose descendants are lost and scattered around the world, with ownership of this building now unknown. And so it remains, empty and beautiful. 
Local wines are quite strong, thanks in part to the abundant sun.
I heard that there is a road to the top of that big hill. Next summer, I will try to go there. 
I ended up interrupting my vacation to run back to the States, and took my bike with me. This is the path along the C&O canal, which to me is the best thing about riding in the DC area. No cars, abundant nature. You can ride for miles without seeing a single person. Wonderful for the body and spirit.
The view across the Potomac into Virginia from Edwards Ferry.
Near Great Falls
Anyone know what kind of bird this is? I think it's a heron. 
Old school Kissena gloves above gravel
My noble steed, a titanium Ritchey Breakaway Cross bicycle. 
And finally, I had to go for a ride with an old friend. A couple of you know who this is, and know how important he was to making Kissena what it is today. This is Brian Grundstrom, classical music composer extraordinaire, and many years ago helped Kissena transition into the club it is today. Eloy can likely speak to this better than I can. Brian, for years while I was riding for other teams (Team TAM, NYSketches/Amino Vial) kept urging me to join Kissena, and I'm glad I finally listened to him. He now lives in DC and rides with Squadra Coppi, a team that was created by the guys who ran my first team back in the mid 80's, when I started racing as a junior (Century Bicycles Incorporated). And for others who may remember, I saw Steve Lassahn yesterday. Another Brooklyn cycling expat. He also now lives in DC, and used to be a soigneur to the Mercury pro team, as well as Webcor and some others. Deep knowlege, and super nice guy.
Until next time, be well, my friends.
Aug 13, 2021 at 02:56 PM
Awesome photos, and better routes, Nathaniel!
So very sorry to hear about your mom.
Sweet you got to ride with Brian! amazing! -- btw, team, Brian ran all the Kissena races in Prospect Park back 15 years ago. Charlie I. took over once Brian moved to DC.
I think sometimes Kissena and former Canada CX National Champion, Mike Garrison lives in Croatia. He lead cyclo-touring rides, and I am sure he could at least suggest some amazing rides/routes/roads.
So very sorry to hear about your mom.
Sweet you got to ride with Brian! amazing! -- btw, team, Brian ran all the Kissena races in Prospect Park back 15 years ago. Charlie I. took over once Brian moved to DC.
I think sometimes Kissena and former Canada CX National Champion, Mike Garrison lives in Croatia. He lead cyclo-touring rides, and I am sure he could at least suggest some amazing rides/routes/roads.