After I announced my 8 am active recovery ride last Saturday we ended up with a nice turnout. Some other G2 rider decided to do "mikes ride" while yet some decided to just ride alone. Unfortunately I must have not be clear enough and it seemed that I had upset some riders by my 8 am announcement and had created some confusion. I apologize for this confusion so let me try to make this weekend G2 ride more clear.
Here we go..... I , me , Willy van Gent , G2 team Capt, will be riding at 8 am this Saturday and Sunday for a active recovery ride approximately 2 HR. Any G2 rider is more then welcome to join me including the 6 pleasant riders that joined me last week. If for some reason, you have a family or a dog, cat or any other commitments that forces you to be back earlier, or active recovery ride does not fit your schedule, then please feel free to do your own early ride or join "mikes ride" at 7 am.
You can click on the comment tap on the bottom of this announcement and asked if any other G2 riders would like to join you at your preferred time. Again I apologize if I hurt someone feelings and I hope this message will prevent any future confusions.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
2nd Annual Southeast Florida "Tour de Cure"
OK G2 riders, I know some of you are already registered for the MS ride and are trying to raise money for that good cause. I also realize that is is difficult to make a choice in what charity you are willing to support. There are many to choose from and we usually pick one or a couple that we most relate to because of a family member or even yourself being effected. I am posting this since I received this email and thought you might be interested. Please let me know who would like to do this. I will register the G2 team if I get some of you to commit.
Thanks,
Willy G2 Team Capt.
My name is Erica and I am a volunteer at the American Diabetes Association.
I would like to invite you and G2 Health to participate in the 2010 Tour de Cure on Sunday March 7, 2010 at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines. I know that your team participates in the MS150, and I want to invite you to train at our fully supported ride, including full motorcycle escort from Broward Sheriff's Office, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for our riders.
We have a special promotion for new teams in which you and all of your teammates will receive FREE REGISTRATION .Each rider must raise the minimum of $150, but each new rider you recruit gets $25 credit towards the minimum making the minimum fund-raising goal $125 .
This offer is only valid until February 22nd, so don't hesitate to register today.
Event Details
Sunday, March 7, 2010
CB Smith Park, Pembroke Pines
10, 35, 62 and 100 mile rides
Organization Details
The American Diabetes Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Funds raised at the Tour de Cure will support research for a cure, as well as programs and advocacy for South Floridians affected by diabetes.
Diabetes Facts
23.6 million Americans have diabetes.
57 million Americans have pre-diabetes.
1 in 3 children born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
The total annual economic cost of diabetes in America is estimated to be $147 billion.
Thank you and have a nice day.American Diabetes AssociationVisit us at http://diabetes.orgOr Call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383)
Thanks,
Willy G2 Team Capt.
My name is Erica and I am a volunteer at the American Diabetes Association.
I would like to invite you and G2 Health to participate in the 2010 Tour de Cure on Sunday March 7, 2010 at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines. I know that your team participates in the MS150, and I want to invite you to train at our fully supported ride, including full motorcycle escort from Broward Sheriff's Office, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for our riders.
We have a special promotion for new teams in which you and all of your teammates will receive FREE REGISTRATION .Each rider must raise the minimum of $150, but each new rider you recruit gets $25 credit towards the minimum making the minimum fund-raising goal $125 .
This offer is only valid until February 22nd, so don't hesitate to register today.
Event Details
Sunday, March 7, 2010
CB Smith Park, Pembroke Pines
10, 35, 62 and 100 mile rides
Organization Details
The American Diabetes Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Funds raised at the Tour de Cure will support research for a cure, as well as programs and advocacy for South Floridians affected by diabetes.
Diabetes Facts
23.6 million Americans have diabetes.
57 million Americans have pre-diabetes.
1 in 3 children born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
The total annual economic cost of diabetes in America is estimated to be $147 billion.
Thank you and have a nice day.American Diabetes AssociationVisit us at http://diabetes.orgOr Call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Posting a report.
For now all G2 members can only comment (very simple). If you want to post something send it to me or Eric and we will be happy to put it on the G2 blog for you. www.g2willy@att.net or elandes7@gmail.com
PS don't forget Eric and I will keep track of all the comments by G2 members and by the end of March we will announce the winner of the $50 give away towards a new G2 jersey.
Thanks.
PS don't forget Eric and I will keep track of all the comments by G2 members and by the end of March we will announce the winner of the $50 give away towards a new G2 jersey.
Thanks.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Massage G2 Special discount Spatopia
Hey, G2 riders, Spatopia (one of our sponsors) has offered a 10% extra discount on their already super low prices, from Feb 21 st until the next Sunday. So if you are riding the 100K this Sunday or just need to treat yourself to a great massage go visit Spatopia. www.spatopiamassage.com/ .
(Must show a valid G2 VIP membership card)
(Must show a valid G2 VIP membership card)
2010 team/club uniforms
hey G2s,
here are images of the 2010 team/club uniforms. there are some great options for tri suits and running singlets along with the usual range of cycling apparel. willy has asked that all orders be placed by the end of this week so we can get this thing rolling. I guess all of the main kinds of cycling clothing types will be available, but if you have a particular request, please email willy directly to check on availability. some pieces require too large a minimum order.
here are images of the 2010 team/club uniforms. there are some great options for tri suits and running singlets along with the usual range of cycling apparel. willy has asked that all orders be placed by the end of this week so we can get this thing rolling. I guess all of the main kinds of cycling clothing types will be available, but if you have a particular request, please email willy directly to check on availability. some pieces require too large a minimum order.
Monday, February 15, 2010
G2 rides this weekend Feb 20/21
Ok G2 the rides for this weekend. As I mentioned in my previous email I am taking it easy for awhile. So this weekend I will start at 8 am on Saturday Atlantic BLVD and AIA usual place Beach parking lot. I will be riding active recovery Zone1-2 for a 2 hour ride. I was ask when are we going to do breakfast again, I am came this Saturday if it is nice weather. We can have breakfast at Athena By the Sea after the 2 hour ride. Sunday I registered for the US27 ride and again I will be doing the 100k at easy pace Zone 1-2. I know some of you are already registered but if you have not and your are planning to go here is the link.
http://bicyclerun.eventbrite.com
http://bicyclerun.eventbrite.com
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Puerto Rico 380+ miles, 3 days.
I tell you one thing, after riding 150 miles on Fri, 93 on Sat and 140 on Sun including climbs, I have gotten a whole new perspective and respect for the riders on the Tour The France. After 3 days of riding and being on my bike for over 20 hr, my body said "what the hell are you doing". I know, stop the whining, let’s talk about what a great experience it was. I am not from PR so I am not sure if I can be as excited about the island as Ines is but I can tell you one thing the Puerto Ricans are the nicest people to be around. Ines nice report by the way, so here is my few of the ride.I arrived in PR a couple days before the ride with my brother to check on some property we bought about 20 years ago. As we drove our rental car I was thinking, " man riding my bicycle on these roads and in this traffic is going to be a bitch". Hitting big potholes and avoiding the aggressive drivers with the car was already a back breaker. So Friday morning, approx 480 exiting riders with blinking, flashing lights met in the dark old San Juan. We were so ready but the once never done it before not knowing what really to expect.
3-2-1 and there we go, in the dark escorted by a army of police on motorcycles, it was unbelievable site. I soon learned the word "HOJO" and shortly afterward the word that rimes "CONJO" what ever that means. It was going to be a rough ride even though most roads were paved. After about 20 miles was our first stop for breakfast, great I was very hungry already and could use some food (pretty much every 20-25 miles there would be a feeding station including lunch.)
After breakfast the massive group of riders could make a choice in riding A-B or C group. A group would be pretty much hammer fest, which I wasn't really in the mood for but Liz and Hans (a new G2 member from Ohio) decided to start with that group. Inez, Mark, Jim and I decided on the B group. As we rode at a pretty stiff pace I felt like being in the Tour the France. We were riding with about 200 riders on the highway and some roads we were taking up all the lanes. The police escort was amazing, with flashing light and loud sirens stopping all the cars as if the president was being escorted.
Also racing along with us was the camera crew on a scooter. It looked like they were on a suicide mission flying past us in upcoming traffic and at one point scraping their engine on a curb sparks flying right in front of me. I thought they are going down and taking a few cyclists with them but luckily they stayed up strait. It was somewhat hard to keep site on the G2 riders but the G2 jerseys stood out as usual and were easy to spot. I kept keeping a eye on Ines who was most of the time in front of me. She road like she had done this ride many times before (as we know she did it last year). I couldn't’t believe how focused she was and I was very impressed and proud of her being one of the G2 girls on this ride.
We were told that soon the steepest and longest hill 1.5 miles would come up. I had never done hills myself so that was another reason I had decided to stay with the B group. The B group was pretty much controlled be a local staff rider and his teammates. So far I had been OK with the shorter hills since I could power up them and recover on the way down. There it was, O boy, I was optimistic and glad I had a 25 in the back. I had my power meter on my bike and so far keeping the wattage under 400. Now though I am pushing 400 plus watts going only 8 miles per hr. Just to give you a example 400 plus watts on the flats I be going 30 plus miles per hr. No way I can hold for 1.5 miles climbing. I now realized that my 205 lbs body was going to really challenge the gravity forces of nature, thinking any moment I am going backwards. Looking up didn't help much either but I refused to get of my bike and walk.
About half way ahead I saw my rescue a restaurant on the left with a flat parking lot. With a heart rate of about 190 I cycled around 3 times recovering somewhat and continued my climb. At this time Mark passed me on the left. I stayed in the zone finally making it to the top. Once going downhill I managed to bridge up back to Mark and some other riders. I though this was it but NO! There was another steep hill staring us right in the face. I took a deep breath and said, “OK Mark here we go again” just a few feet into the climb Mark started to cramp bad. Again I got visions of watching the Tour on TV and continued with my own pace up the hill. When I reached the top I realized that I had passed a lot of riders and actually was one of the first riders up there. I felt very proud of myself considering I do not necessarily have the build of a climber.
With some continuing smaller climbs we finally made it to Lunch only being half way and 75 more miles to go, Man, I was done. Lunch was a great break for everyone and by this time we heard that Liz was the only girl left in the A group. Some riders started to place bets if Liz was going to make it to the end of the day with the A group. We all finished the 150 miles that day including Liz representing G2 as being the only girl that was left in the A Group. Wow! (G2 girls where shinning)
The next day was going to be a short ride (ONLY 93 miles!) with not to many steep hills but more rolling hills and flat toward the end. By this time some of the riders including me started to feel the effects of the hours in the saddle and bumpy roads. Yes the saddle sores were becoming an issue. Especially when the organizers decided to direct us to the next scenic lighthouse for lunch over what I call a 3rd world sand road with holes, puddles and I have no idea what to call it, but at the end two, one foot concrete strips going to the top of the hill where the lighthouse was. The concrete strips were broken up in places leaving only a couple of inches to balance on. Now it became a Cirque Du Soleil act. This road did not help our very delicate behinds very much and as riders starting to fall and walk, I was thinking this lunch better be good. Also there was only one way back, the same way as up, Great. Even though it was a beautiful spot most riders agreed it was not worth the pain of getting up there.
As the group continued the roads got less hilly. I was also happy it was less then 100 miles. Couple more miles to go the Group B had kept a pretty stiff pace, on the fats we were going 21-24 mph, we averaged about 18 mph with climbs. The group leader decided to have no limit towards the end and this was my chance to shine. He said to me after we picked it up to about 26-27 mph, "you can take a pull, I know you are strong" Even though my legs were burning this was right up my ally. Flat as a pancake and a headwind. I took the pull and picked it up to 30 mph. Looking back only 2 riders left, Mark being one of them. We continued into town where there was another steep climb and mark rear derailleur cable broke. He did manage to finish. As most of the B rider and local PR team and leader came in after me I had gotten the nickname "The Hammer". Out of 480 only 6 G2 riders managed to represent the FL flats pretty well. Luckily Mark managed to get his derailleur fixed so he could join us still for the final 140 miles the next day.The longest 30 miles ever were yet to come.
At least the next day we started of when the sun was up. The day before we left at 6 am pitch dark just hoping that you would not hit a huge pothole since you couldn't see anything. The organizers plan was to have the C group leave first then B and last A. this way we would all meet together for breakfast and later that day have all the riders as one group escorted into San Juan. Liz by now had also decided to join the rest o the G2 riders in the B group. By this time we all started to feel the aches and pains from holding on tight to our handlebars, bumpy roads, climbs and the long miles. I was sitting now on some extra padding, yes it was a fluid filled 2.5” blister ouch! I did not know how to sit comfortably and I kept sliding back and forward in different positions to ease the pain. No such luck, every HOJO, I cliched my teeth and just wishing to get of my bike at the next rest stop. The only person that didn't seemed faced by anything was Ines. She was just riding like a pro and kept going and going like she were out on a leisure ride (must be the Puerto Rican in her).
With about 150 B riders reaching about 100+ miles we were getting close to the point where all the groups would gather together to ride in as one big group to San Juan. The speed started to increase and the B group scattered. I was almost all the way in the back not realizing the final race was on. I had some more adrenaline left to put out one more final effort. Passing many riders working my way to the front a small group was left pushing 28-35 mph using the camera truck as a draft. Al hell broke loose flying trough turns and traffic. I was thinking man how far and how long will this keep going when I saw the school ahead, which would be the end. My final effort sprint, and once again I ending in front. Jim said he managed to hang on for dear life but also made it in with the top riders.
All riders A, B and C groups would meet here to be escorted as one big group into San Juan. I thought this last day would be 130 miles and we only had 20 more miles to go. Since we were all together now we had close to 500 tired and exhausted riders taking up the road. Almost everybody was wearing the jersey we were given so you couldn't recognize anybody anymore either. Jim asked me what would it take for me to not wear a G2 jersey. I told Jim, the event jersey was to tide and did not fit, I guess a good excuse. By this time I was so sick of being on the bike that the end couldn't’t come soon enough. On top of that it was not 20 miles but close to 30 more miles to go, man I am in pain, hungry and crabby. I also had to focus twice as hard since we got this far without crashes and I was not planning to be taken down toward the end. I have to tell you though I was extremely impressed by the bike handling during this ride. I surely thought there would be more crashes but surprisingly only a few had gone down that I heard of. I guess in order to do a ride like this you must have a few miles under your belt.
When we finally arrived in San Juan it was a amazing site. Hundreds of people were clapping and cheering us on and the feeling of making this unbelievable 3 day challenge and beautiful ride made it all worth it.
I would like to say, that it has been a pleasure to have done this event with wonderful friends and G2 members and I hope to do many more rides like this in the future.
If any of the Puerto Rico riders like to comment please do so, Liz or Hans I was not in the A group so it would be nice to hear your experience.
Willy van Gent
G2 team Capt.
3-2-1 and there we go, in the dark escorted by a army of police on motorcycles, it was unbelievable site. I soon learned the word "HOJO" and shortly afterward the word that rimes "CONJO" what ever that means. It was going to be a rough ride even though most roads were paved. After about 20 miles was our first stop for breakfast, great I was very hungry already and could use some food (pretty much every 20-25 miles there would be a feeding station including lunch.)
After breakfast the massive group of riders could make a choice in riding A-B or C group. A group would be pretty much hammer fest, which I wasn't really in the mood for but Liz and Hans (a new G2 member from Ohio) decided to start with that group. Inez, Mark, Jim and I decided on the B group. As we rode at a pretty stiff pace I felt like being in the Tour the France. We were riding with about 200 riders on the highway and some roads we were taking up all the lanes. The police escort was amazing, with flashing light and loud sirens stopping all the cars as if the president was being escorted.
Also racing along with us was the camera crew on a scooter. It looked like they were on a suicide mission flying past us in upcoming traffic and at one point scraping their engine on a curb sparks flying right in front of me. I thought they are going down and taking a few cyclists with them but luckily they stayed up strait. It was somewhat hard to keep site on the G2 riders but the G2 jerseys stood out as usual and were easy to spot. I kept keeping a eye on Ines who was most of the time in front of me. She road like she had done this ride many times before (as we know she did it last year). I couldn't’t believe how focused she was and I was very impressed and proud of her being one of the G2 girls on this ride.
We were told that soon the steepest and longest hill 1.5 miles would come up. I had never done hills myself so that was another reason I had decided to stay with the B group. The B group was pretty much controlled be a local staff rider and his teammates. So far I had been OK with the shorter hills since I could power up them and recover on the way down. There it was, O boy, I was optimistic and glad I had a 25 in the back. I had my power meter on my bike and so far keeping the wattage under 400. Now though I am pushing 400 plus watts going only 8 miles per hr. Just to give you a example 400 plus watts on the flats I be going 30 plus miles per hr. No way I can hold for 1.5 miles climbing. I now realized that my 205 lbs body was going to really challenge the gravity forces of nature, thinking any moment I am going backwards. Looking up didn't help much either but I refused to get of my bike and walk.
About half way ahead I saw my rescue a restaurant on the left with a flat parking lot. With a heart rate of about 190 I cycled around 3 times recovering somewhat and continued my climb. At this time Mark passed me on the left. I stayed in the zone finally making it to the top. Once going downhill I managed to bridge up back to Mark and some other riders. I though this was it but NO! There was another steep hill staring us right in the face. I took a deep breath and said, “OK Mark here we go again” just a few feet into the climb Mark started to cramp bad. Again I got visions of watching the Tour on TV and continued with my own pace up the hill. When I reached the top I realized that I had passed a lot of riders and actually was one of the first riders up there. I felt very proud of myself considering I do not necessarily have the build of a climber.
With some continuing smaller climbs we finally made it to Lunch only being half way and 75 more miles to go, Man, I was done. Lunch was a great break for everyone and by this time we heard that Liz was the only girl left in the A group. Some riders started to place bets if Liz was going to make it to the end of the day with the A group. We all finished the 150 miles that day including Liz representing G2 as being the only girl that was left in the A Group. Wow! (G2 girls where shinning)
The next day was going to be a short ride (ONLY 93 miles!) with not to many steep hills but more rolling hills and flat toward the end. By this time some of the riders including me started to feel the effects of the hours in the saddle and bumpy roads. Yes the saddle sores were becoming an issue. Especially when the organizers decided to direct us to the next scenic lighthouse for lunch over what I call a 3rd world sand road with holes, puddles and I have no idea what to call it, but at the end two, one foot concrete strips going to the top of the hill where the lighthouse was. The concrete strips were broken up in places leaving only a couple of inches to balance on. Now it became a Cirque Du Soleil act. This road did not help our very delicate behinds very much and as riders starting to fall and walk, I was thinking this lunch better be good. Also there was only one way back, the same way as up, Great. Even though it was a beautiful spot most riders agreed it was not worth the pain of getting up there.
As the group continued the roads got less hilly. I was also happy it was less then 100 miles. Couple more miles to go the Group B had kept a pretty stiff pace, on the fats we were going 21-24 mph, we averaged about 18 mph with climbs. The group leader decided to have no limit towards the end and this was my chance to shine. He said to me after we picked it up to about 26-27 mph, "you can take a pull, I know you are strong" Even though my legs were burning this was right up my ally. Flat as a pancake and a headwind. I took the pull and picked it up to 30 mph. Looking back only 2 riders left, Mark being one of them. We continued into town where there was another steep climb and mark rear derailleur cable broke. He did manage to finish. As most of the B rider and local PR team and leader came in after me I had gotten the nickname "The Hammer". Out of 480 only 6 G2 riders managed to represent the FL flats pretty well. Luckily Mark managed to get his derailleur fixed so he could join us still for the final 140 miles the next day.The longest 30 miles ever were yet to come.
At least the next day we started of when the sun was up. The day before we left at 6 am pitch dark just hoping that you would not hit a huge pothole since you couldn't see anything. The organizers plan was to have the C group leave first then B and last A. this way we would all meet together for breakfast and later that day have all the riders as one group escorted into San Juan. Liz by now had also decided to join the rest o the G2 riders in the B group. By this time we all started to feel the aches and pains from holding on tight to our handlebars, bumpy roads, climbs and the long miles. I was sitting now on some extra padding, yes it was a fluid filled 2.5” blister ouch! I did not know how to sit comfortably and I kept sliding back and forward in different positions to ease the pain. No such luck, every HOJO, I cliched my teeth and just wishing to get of my bike at the next rest stop. The only person that didn't seemed faced by anything was Ines. She was just riding like a pro and kept going and going like she were out on a leisure ride (must be the Puerto Rican in her).
With about 150 B riders reaching about 100+ miles we were getting close to the point where all the groups would gather together to ride in as one big group to San Juan. The speed started to increase and the B group scattered. I was almost all the way in the back not realizing the final race was on. I had some more adrenaline left to put out one more final effort. Passing many riders working my way to the front a small group was left pushing 28-35 mph using the camera truck as a draft. Al hell broke loose flying trough turns and traffic. I was thinking man how far and how long will this keep going when I saw the school ahead, which would be the end. My final effort sprint, and once again I ending in front. Jim said he managed to hang on for dear life but also made it in with the top riders.
All riders A, B and C groups would meet here to be escorted as one big group into San Juan. I thought this last day would be 130 miles and we only had 20 more miles to go. Since we were all together now we had close to 500 tired and exhausted riders taking up the road. Almost everybody was wearing the jersey we were given so you couldn't recognize anybody anymore either. Jim asked me what would it take for me to not wear a G2 jersey. I told Jim, the event jersey was to tide and did not fit, I guess a good excuse. By this time I was so sick of being on the bike that the end couldn't’t come soon enough. On top of that it was not 20 miles but close to 30 more miles to go, man I am in pain, hungry and crabby. I also had to focus twice as hard since we got this far without crashes and I was not planning to be taken down toward the end. I have to tell you though I was extremely impressed by the bike handling during this ride. I surely thought there would be more crashes but surprisingly only a few had gone down that I heard of. I guess in order to do a ride like this you must have a few miles under your belt.
When we finally arrived in San Juan it was a amazing site. Hundreds of people were clapping and cheering us on and the feeling of making this unbelievable 3 day challenge and beautiful ride made it all worth it.
I would like to say, that it has been a pleasure to have done this event with wonderful friends and G2 members and I hope to do many more rides like this in the future.
If any of the Puerto Rico riders like to comment please do so, Liz or Hans I was not in the A group so it would be nice to hear your experience.
Willy van Gent
G2 team Capt.
no news is bad news
hey G2s, I hope there were some hearty enough to get out this morning. I'm afraid the whistle of the wind and the cold made me opt for sleep. if anyone has a ride report, just send it along and I will be glad to post it. personally, I am a tiny bit tired of the wind.
speaking of postings, while G2 obviously has our Official™ weekly rides, if you will let me know your ride plans for the upcoming week by the prior sunday evening I will put together a list and post it by monday morning. please include your preferred contact and your planned route and ride type (e.g., interval workout, long slow distance, etc.). I know that most of us find sometime to ride during the week, but don't often think to ask others along. if you do post a ride, please let those who have rsvp'd know directly if you decide to cancel. I may not be around to post the cancelation. likewise if you have previously committed to go on a ride that you can no longer make.
thanks and I hope everyone had a great ride!
speaking of postings, while G2 obviously has our Official™ weekly rides, if you will let me know your ride plans for the upcoming week by the prior sunday evening I will put together a list and post it by monday morning. please include your preferred contact and your planned route and ride type (e.g., interval workout, long slow distance, etc.). I know that most of us find sometime to ride during the week, but don't often think to ask others along. if you do post a ride, please let those who have rsvp'd know directly if you decide to cancel. I may not be around to post the cancelation. likewise if you have previously committed to go on a ride that you can no longer make.
thanks and I hope everyone had a great ride!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Weekend Rides
Hello G2s, sorry about the late post. from the patter of drops on my window, I'd say it's raining already, but tomorrow's rides go like this:
Saturday
anyone looking for an easier Saturday ride, cesar is looking for a group to meet at Atlantic and A1A at 7:30. if you're interested, I would phone, text, or email cesar and let him know you're in. I will probably do Mike's Ride along with anyone else who shows up. I need to get home earlier tomorrow so I will probably only be going to the spanish river light. I would imagine that a compromise on the easier group's start time might allow both rides to regroup and decide where to proceed north to as a group.
Sunday
sunday's ride will meet same bat time same, bat channel... which, for those of you whose pop cultural references don't extend to cheesy 60s TV shows, means Atlantic and A1A at 7:30
of course, all bets are off in the event of rain.
have great rides whichever you choose to do and we'll see you on the road!
Saturday
anyone looking for an easier Saturday ride, cesar is looking for a group to meet at Atlantic and A1A at 7:30. if you're interested, I would phone, text, or email cesar and let him know you're in. I will probably do Mike's Ride along with anyone else who shows up. I need to get home earlier tomorrow so I will probably only be going to the spanish river light. I would imagine that a compromise on the easier group's start time might allow both rides to regroup and decide where to proceed north to as a group.
Sunday
sunday's ride will meet same bat time same, bat channel... which, for those of you whose pop cultural references don't extend to cheesy 60s TV shows, means Atlantic and A1A at 7:30
of course, all bets are off in the event of rain.
have great rides whichever you choose to do and we'll see you on the road!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
thoughts on puerto rico from ines
hey G2's, Ines emailed about posting her thoughts about the PR ride. I am happy to post this and any other thoughts that you want to share as a post. Please just send them via email to me. Thanks Ines for a different view of the same event:
La Vuelta de Los Nueve Faros, Puerto Rico 2010.
I have to say that no matter how I look at it, this ride always takes my breath away. Last year I did the ride with my then 19 year old daughter, needless to say that I came back with a new found respect for this beautiful creature that I raised. The experience was brutal but beautiful, going around the awesome island where I was born and raised with my first born was an experience that very few people get to experience, and I am one of the lucky ones. This year my daughter couldn't make it but my G2 friends along hundreds of other new and old friends could. I had a blast again, I enjoyed every inch of that ride with a smile. Sharing the ride with beautiful people from different places in this world, but with one common goal: have a great time! Jokes were told, some I was able to translate for my friends, some had no translation one of those cultural things... Climbs were done over and over and over, breath taking views were the rewards many times at the top, other times just the satisfaction of "I did it!!", we developed the art of hole jumping, every time you heard the word "hoyo" you had to expect anything from a little hole on the road to a crater that can take you down, we also felt what some of our gears feel like, you know the ones we never use in our flats roads ;-) But at the end of each day we all absorbed and enjoyed this experience in our own personal way and at the end of all three days we walked with another adventure, another experience that nobody can take away from us: Puerto Rico, La Isla del encanto seen from one of our favorite places; our bikes!! Eso es asi!
Ines
Ines
Monday, February 8, 2010
Puerto Rico 380+ miles, 3 days.
380+ miles, 3 DAYS, Climbs, hills, pot holes (graters) cobble stones, 20 degree steep incline and saddle sores. All G2 riders made it and we represented very well in this brutal event. As we are trying to recover a full report will follow in the next couple of days on the G2 blog. I just would like to send out a quick note, saying that we are all safe and I am very proud of the following riders finishing this tough cycling challenge.
Our girls especially Liz and Ines kick butt and showed that training on the flat FL roads did not take away from their amazing effort climbing the Puerto Rico hills. Also doing a great job was our out of state new member Hans from Ohio. Jim and Mark where riding very strong and it has been a pleasure to have done this event with these great G2 riders.
Willy G2 Team Capt.
Our girls especially Liz and Ines kick butt and showed that training on the flat FL roads did not take away from their amazing effort climbing the Puerto Rico hills. Also doing a great job was our out of state new member Hans from Ohio. Jim and Mark where riding very strong and it has been a pleasure to have done this event with these great G2 riders.
Willy G2 Team Capt.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday: weekend wrap up
the weekend ended the week well for G2. the sunday ride gathered in the chilly morning at the usual spot. your humble author, perhaps expectedly, being the last to arrive. the wind was once again a factor and before the sun got over the trees, it made for a very cool ride... and not the good kind of cool. it was a quiet start - cesar having preferred the company of his pillow more than that of his fellow G2 riders. indeed, until I warmed up, I found his perspective oddly attractive.
the ride continued north to spanish river with the only disruption being my insistence on pulling 22mph into the wind. my apologies to my fellow riders. being a classic perfectionist, it is all or nothing with me and I tend to want to go really slow or (self-) punishingly fast. order was restored at the spanish river light and we began to anticipate Nomads® and the promised tailwind.
Nomads gave us all a chance to see what bike upgrades are available to anyone who is willing to get struck by a car in exchange. Mauri's restored ride is now sporting Campagnolo Super Record™ 11 speed ™ and some very nifty Zipp 404's. as his strength returns, we will all be glad to see the new equipment put to good use... of course, right now he's playing the sympathy card and applying to the city for a handicapped sticker so he can ride and park wherever he wants. and in a classic abuse of social service programs, he shouts his claims of handicapped status whilst surging ahead of the group.
today, the tailwind (mostly) fulfilled its promise and we sped back to atlantic with a few spirited surges along the way. of course, in a blatant disregard of peloton etiquette, I was attacked while heeding the call of nature... but, it was only fair given my earlier antics - touché, mes freres. on the final approach to lighthouse point jerry launched a well-timed attack taking everyone but his obviously pre-arranged pickup truck accomplice by surprise. he effectively used gravity, aerodynamics, and sarcasm to gap the group and was only reeled in when he felt his point proven.
another good weekend of riding closes its books. thanks to everyone for making it fun, tough, and interesting. have a great week G2s!
the ride continued north to spanish river with the only disruption being my insistence on pulling 22mph into the wind. my apologies to my fellow riders. being a classic perfectionist, it is all or nothing with me and I tend to want to go really slow or (self-) punishingly fast. order was restored at the spanish river light and we began to anticipate Nomads® and the promised tailwind.
Nomads gave us all a chance to see what bike upgrades are available to anyone who is willing to get struck by a car in exchange. Mauri's restored ride is now sporting Campagnolo Super Record™ 11 speed ™ and some very nifty Zipp 404's. as his strength returns, we will all be glad to see the new equipment put to good use... of course, right now he's playing the sympathy card and applying to the city for a handicapped sticker so he can ride and park wherever he wants. and in a classic abuse of social service programs, he shouts his claims of handicapped status whilst surging ahead of the group.
today, the tailwind (mostly) fulfilled its promise and we sped back to atlantic with a few spirited surges along the way. of course, in a blatant disregard of peloton etiquette, I was attacked while heeding the call of nature... but, it was only fair given my earlier antics - touché, mes freres. on the final approach to lighthouse point jerry launched a well-timed attack taking everyone but his obviously pre-arranged pickup truck accomplice by surprise. he effectively used gravity, aerodynamics, and sarcasm to gap the group and was only reeled in when he felt his point proven.
another good weekend of riding closes its books. thanks to everyone for making it fun, tough, and interesting. have a great week G2s!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Mike's Race, er... Ride
ahh... another saturday, another drag race up A1A. despite the Puerto Rico Ride™, there were a good number of riders at the corner of A1A and commercial this morning including 6 or 7 G2 jerseys. as cesar will point out, however, once the ride starts, everyone is expendable. perhaps more delicately - and less hobbsian - once the ride starts it's difficult to keep track of one's companions and thus one is compelled to get by as one can. as happens at least once a ride, I found myself pulling too hard for too long on the front and was admonished (and rightly so) by Mike. quoting Top Gun, he said "son, you ego's writing checks your body can't cash"... or something to that effect. I am now foresworn to ride smarter. and certainly his advice was born out in practice as he surged past near the end finishing with the last 5 riders or so.
after the spanish river light, a loose group containing myself, rené, cesar, mike, and yaniv along with some other riders headed north toward lake worth. in all, it was a very good ride, although the much looked-forward-to tailwind shifted ever so slightly to the west becoming an ever-so-slightly tiring sidewind. the reduced group (mike having turned around near the delray inlet) remained in good spirits (although, I was reminded by cesar several times that once we had a tailwind, I was expendable). thankfully, I remained useful through the remainder of the ride!
another good ride and another good showing by G2. thanks to everyone for the good riding and companionship... well, you know, unless you're expendable.
after the spanish river light, a loose group containing myself, rené, cesar, mike, and yaniv along with some other riders headed north toward lake worth. in all, it was a very good ride, although the much looked-forward-to tailwind shifted ever so slightly to the west becoming an ever-so-slightly tiring sidewind. the reduced group (mike having turned around near the delray inlet) remained in good spirits (although, I was reminded by cesar several times that once we had a tailwind, I was expendable). thankfully, I remained useful through the remainder of the ride!
another good ride and another good showing by G2. thanks to everyone for the good riding and companionship... well, you know, unless you're expendable.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Hi from Puerto Rico
Hi there from Puerto Rico. Man I just drove around PR and San Juan with my brother in a rental car the last few days. You think FL drivers are nuts wait until you try to drive and get around in the San Juan city. I decided not to ride this am in San Juan for that reason but I know Mark and Liz did and I guess they survived the ride. I am sure they will give me or you guys report about it. Anyhow, tomorrow will be the first long ride and I am pretty excited. I did not ride for almost a week so I should be nicely rested. I had a chance to few the final G2 jersey uniforms designs and I have to say they look quite awesome ( offcoarse I am somewhat biased).
Just a reminder we have pretty much everything available as you know. The jackets look really cool and the trisuits came out great. I will send you some more images when I get back.
As you can tell I am checking up on you guys so don't forget about the $50 blog give away. It would not make sense for me or Eric to win the price. G2 have fun this weekend,
Willy G2 Team Capt.
Just a reminder we have pretty much everything available as you know. The jackets look really cool and the trisuits came out great. I will send you some more images when I get back.
As you can tell I am checking up on you guys so don't forget about the $50 blog give away. It would not make sense for me or Eric to win the price. G2 have fun this weekend,
Willy G2 Team Capt.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
club rides this week
hello all,
in the absence of The Captain™ (and several other G2s who are off the the lush sunny island of Puerto Rico - and a lot of climbing), there won't be an official G2 ride on saturday. those who are interested can join Mike's Ride® (my own intention) then head up to whatever point north seems appropriate. I am going to try to get to WPB since I haven't done a long ride in a while. in any case, if there are enough of us, we can roll as a group (yo) and if just a couple, we can go whither we will go.
sunday will be the same as always. 7:30 at atlantic and A1A.
willy has entrusted me with membership cards for helena, norm , morris, and yaniv. if you're there on saturday, I can give those out. otherwise they can also be sent if that's your preference.
oh, and if you have any news for the group or a great story, email me and I will get it posted.
okay G2s, until this weekend, have a great week!
in the absence of The Captain™ (and several other G2s who are off the the lush sunny island of Puerto Rico - and a lot of climbing), there won't be an official G2 ride on saturday. those who are interested can join Mike's Ride® (my own intention) then head up to whatever point north seems appropriate. I am going to try to get to WPB since I haven't done a long ride in a while. in any case, if there are enough of us, we can roll as a group (yo) and if just a couple, we can go whither we will go.
sunday will be the same as always. 7:30 at atlantic and A1A.
willy has entrusted me with membership cards for helena, norm , morris, and yaniv. if you're there on saturday, I can give those out. otherwise they can also be sent if that's your preference.
oh, and if you have any news for the group or a great story, email me and I will get it posted.
okay G2s, until this weekend, have a great week!
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