More Muerto prep

I wrote this on the 18th, but forgot to "publish" it. Hence the delay.

17 June 2013

50 kms of gravel and dirt after work. 

This was my first time out with the heart monitor working. Roughly speaking, at 48 years of age, my maximum heart-rate should be between 165 and 175 (anaerobic - race day), my speed training heart-rate should be between 155 and 165, my strength training heart-rate should be 145 to 155, and my endurance-training should be between 135 and 145. If I want to endure it should be 125 to 135, and if I need to recover, it should be between 95 and 125. All in all the information is helpful. On this ride I spent 20 minutes riding at a speed training rate, which is too much. Although I still spent the bulk of the ride within the strength and endurance ranges, I was still working too hard for too long, breaking down muscle rather than strengthening it. I've got some habits to change. What else is new?

18 June 2013

52 kms of gravel and dirt in the morning, with FR. 

No heartrate monitor this time, but I could feel it that I'd been out working hard the day before. Like I say, old habits die hard. But I'm working on it. 

Riding ketchup

11 June 2013

More (minor, but still something) Muerto prep: 50+kms of gravel, dirt, and dykes with FR. Very good. But my need for a computer is evident. I don't keep a steady pace. FR complains about it. I surge when I don't need to. Apparently especially when obstacles present themselves, like hills, and so on.

15 June 2013

After a bit of a riding gap I finally have a day, and it's stupid windy from the West. (On the upside, the wind's finally coming from the West!) But I have to ride, so I make it short and intense: 16 kms with wind one way (to the 75) and then back, into the wind - 32 kms. It took just over 18 minutes to get to the 75, and about 40 minutes to get back. 

Another upside, I received my new cycling computer that evening. 

16 June 2013

The computer works! Using it (it includes heart-rate monitor) may change riding for me, a lot. First, it's going to be good to see my speed again, to help keep a steady pace. Second, using the hrm makes you realize the difference in energy spent between a heart-rate of 135, and 145. I think I could going at 135 a lot longer than I could at 145. I went out for 10 kms (there was a similar sort of wind as the day before) and it was easy to see how important it will be to ride smarter, not harder. For Muerto survival/endurance purposes this information will be helpful. 

Muerto shopping

Bag decisions? Frame bag? Top tube bag? What to buy, and from whom?

Water? I've decided against a hydration bag, because I hate wearing anything on my back when riding, and because I'm not a fan of sucking out of those nipply thingys. I'll carry three bottles: 2 behind the saddle, and one on the frame, just below/behind the frame bag.