IT Band

I saw the doctor for my regular check-up, and talked to him about the problems I've been having with my IT band. He had me start taking Motrin, and sent me to a physical therapist. The anti-inflammatory already has helped - I felt normal on the bike last Saturday for the first time since last June. The PT guy gave me some good stretches, as well. Too bad the weather is going to keep the bike on the trainer for a while - watching those guys suffer at the cyclocross race last weekend inspired me to want to get out and ride.

Weekend Ride Report

Since I was busy on both days during the day, I broke down and put the old tire on my rear wheel and put the bike on the trainer Sunday night for my only miles this weekend.  Time for me to live vicariously - anybody get in a good ride this weekend?  Let's have a report.

Daylight Savings Time Come Back!

After riding my bike home from work yesterday in the dark, I reached the conclusion that the end of Daylight Savings Time sucks. I'd be all for going to work 6 a.m.-3 p.m. just to see the sun when I get off work. For any bike commuters out there -- it's getting darn chilly in the mornings. Had to use the blinkies yesterday. I miss Summer already :(

Sunday Ride to Crete

Thanks to all 12 riders who came out Sunday for the Sprague to Crete to Denton ride. Hope you all had fun - here are some pics from what turned out to be a beautiful fall day.

The Solution

I have found the secret to riding faster - ride downhill all the time. This bike should help me do that:

Sunday Ride

I am organizing a Sunday group ride as the weather looks nice for this weekend. We will meet at 1 p.m. at Wilderness Perk (14th and Pine Lake) - the ride will probably be in the 30-40 mile range, and will be at a recreational, conversational pace. Some riders are folks I met during the TdN this last summer, others have done some of the other group rides around Lincoln. Anyone is welcome to join us.

Slow can still be fun

Saturday morning I headed out on the ride Aaron organized with Aaron, Janna, Kelly, Nicol, Megan, Gravy, Mark, and a guy named Matt? who I had not met before. Got dropped on the way to Denton, and finished the ride with Nicol, Megan, and Gravy. We turned in back towards Lincoln at W. 84th and Van Dorn, took a lap around the park, and headed home on the paths for a nice easy 30+ miles. The fast group headed north to 34, and then returned through town - saw Kelly this morning, he said they ended up at about 45 miles. I think it is time for me to realize that the laid back, conversational rides are more fun for me than blowing up the legs, lungs, and heart trying to stay with the racers. However, for the masochist in me, there is nothing like spending Saturdays experiencing that feeling of dismay as I watch the wheel in front of me slowly but inexorably pull away - and then following that by watching Texas do the same thing to the Huskers.

On another note, I was sick of the beat-up top tube decals, so I took them off. What do you think, should I get new ones, or take all of the decals off and go stealth? If I remove the decals, will the weight savings make me go faster? :)