Last week wasn't too bad. While the streets were a bit wet at least the rain held off.
This week should be much nicer.


This weekend before Portland Fit, I will be doing a short bike ride to warm up the legs.
If you are into the multisport scene this is a great way to get a brick (2x sports back-to-back) workout in.
Or if you are just looking for a little extra challenge and need an excuse to dust off the bike.

When: Saturday, 5/9
Arrive: 6:20am (to pump up tires, get into shoes, etc.)
Depart: 6:30am
Duration: 1 hour
Course: Out-and-back on Hwy30

This will be a group ride and I won't leave anyone behind unless we discuss ahead of time. Speed will depend on the group and can be anywhere from 14-20mph.
The ride is weather conditional and if it looks like there will be a high probability of rain then I will post a cancellation by 9pm Friday night.

If you would like to join me let me know and I'll look for you, otherwise just show up.

Randy


Note: This is an informal ride and not sanctioned by Po

Come out and join Randy...he needs the company

No takers this week, huh. It looks like some great weather so I'll be out there.

Hey Celia, I have a bike you can borrow..

Wow, I wish I didn't have to work! The weekend weather looks great!!
I'm getting my feet wet this year in a new challenge....signed up for a triathlon this summer. So far, while I have gotten a few 50-mile bike rides in on nice days, it's mostly been the trainer for me.
I need sunny days on my weekend off

Randy, if you and others go out next weekend I wouldn't mind joining the group.
I'm guessing I wouldn't be back in time to start with the reds....but as long as I know the running route, I don't mind bringing up the rear and run with the yellows.
Have an awesome ride and run tomorrow!

Pam

It was a nice ride Sat morning, the weather was cooperating for once.
Sorry, but I won't be at PFit next week. You're more than welcome post the ride and giver 'er a go.

I haven't joined you for the bike rides as I am a beginner and I have a jalopy bike. I am going to do the Luna all womens tri-it in August. If I like it, I will ramp up my equipment. I have been reading about ttri's. Can you recommend a place to get a bike fit? (That won't make fun of my bike)
Cynthia

Cynthia,
As far as a Bike Fit goes, I would offer some advice based on your answers to a few questions you need to ask yourself.

You call your current bike a Jalopy.
Is it comfortable enough to get you through Luna, at which time it sounds like you'll make a decision to get a new one (upgrade) or not? If you don't intend on modifying this bike to put you in a more serious riding position for Tri Racing, then I would say don't spend the money on Bike Fit for the current ride, but spend it on the upgrade.

Is it even possible to get a better position on the current bike, and at what cost are you willing to gain what might turn out to be a very minimal advantage in terms of comfort or power/efficiency? Some bikes are just not suited for tri set-ups, so you spend a lot of time and cash adding this-and-that to try to "bend" it to conform to a perfect fit. I believe that at some point you reach the diminishing returns quotient and spending good money to upgrade older technology becomes futile. Kinda sounds like computers, huh? You could be better off spending that money for upgrades (aerobars, lighter wheelset, quality tires, etc.) on a newer technology ride.

Case In Point: I have a bike that's being borrowed by a friend of ours. This was my first "Tri Bike" modified from a standard road set-up back in 1992. She's been riding it for a couple of years now, but although she's asked more than once, I won't sell it to her. I tell her that for what she'd pay me, I'd rather she put that money into higher/newer technology. I'll most likely keep it for a indoor-trainer bike or convert it to a single speed. It's a great frame for either. That old technology get exponentially older each year, as parts get harder to come by. Their a market for vintage or antique bikes, but it's not as large as one might think. So many of them were mass produced items with stellar components in their day.

If after reading this you still wish to get the "Jalopy" fit, I would suggest either River City Bikes or Bike Gallery (certain locations). With the close last year of Gateway Bikes, the tri community lost a great resource for our sport. Athlete's Lounge on NW Vaughn - although targeted towards the triathlete desiring top end equipment - might also do fits, but River City and Bike Gallery see more everyday bikes come through their doors, so you might feel better with their service.

Hope to see you out there!
Doug

Welcome Cynthia. I think Doug is spot on regarding the bike fit and equipment upgrades.

I don't know if you are Pfit or Vfit but may I suggest you track one of us down (or any of the Tri folks) and we would be glad to help out and answer any and all of your questions.
A word of caution. Tri's can be very addictive and fun!!

Randy