Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Train like a Race Horse, pt 2

Saturday Tridaddy was working out in a western 'burb which is all thoroughbred horse farms. Rolling hills, changing leaves, blue sky, aahhhh, purely pastoral. I like this horse in particular because he went lame and can no longer race at the track, but that doesn't stop him from running with his head high.

Beauty in motion

I on the other hand, scare myself. I am currently not worthy of my new ride, a Quintana Roo Tequilo. Add two letters and you have a good approximation of my riding skills on aero bars. But, this bike has bubbles, really cool bubbles, and that makes me smile. Did I mention she does 20 in granny gear? I have about 2 more weeks to practice outside and still retain feeling in my hands and feet and then it's indoors for a winter of spinning. Six hours or so is a lot of time to spend in the saddle so my off season conditioning will focus on endurance and strength training for my neck, shoulders and upper body.

So, I'm not quite ready to be put out to pasture, but I have a lot of practice in front of me. We did go on the annual trek to the apple orchard Sunday. Another simply marvelous day to pick apples, walk the orchards, hunt for pumpkins and breathe in autumn.
No trip would be complete without apple picking, but in a rare early end to picking season, this orchard was out of apples to pick. Not to be deterred by details, we took the wagon ride around the orchard anyhow, and noticed that there were still some trees that could be gleaned. The guy in the pumpking barn said we were welcome to walk the orchards and see what was left, they just weren't opening the fields to pick for purchase. We found plenty of apples to pick and sample, so crisis averted.
Part of the orchard ritual is to find pumpkins to carve. Hyphen girl in oldest child character is not content with any old pumpkin, no it has to be the biggest pumpkin in the patch. At $.39 a pound we tried to discourage that at first. Not that it breaks the bank, it's just that spending four times for a pumpking I can buy for $3.00 at the grocery store irks me. So, we made a deal with her, she can pick any pumpkin she wants but she has to be able to pick it and carry it to the barn and to the car herself. She just about gave herself a hernia this year, but she did it. That was worth the price of admission. It's always good entertainment when you get to needle your tweener, and then let them glory in their accomplishment.
My boy took a little more sensible approach, he is his mother's son.

The rest of the IMFL and training thoughts are yet to come, too much housework and office to do today, that and I'm required to take at least a 30 minute ride on the bubble bike today-coaches orders. Ok, twist my arm.

Have a good one!

10 comments:

:) said...

Wowo! She's a total stunner! Nice ride, Tri-mama... You and Wil are riding in high-style these days! //jealous// Congratulations on such a pretty (and fast) choice. You have earned her!

"Ride like the wind, Bullseye!"
Guess which movie???

Spandex King said...

TriMama,
Did you buy the bike from Gear West? I'm from LaCrosse and have been thinking about heading up to check out there store. I've heard its a great store and they offer a lot of help with your purchase. I'm one of those special needs people.
Spandex-King

The (IRON) Clyde said...

Wow....awesome. I am so jealous of you and that bike. I am waiting for Uncle Sam to give me my sweet tax returns this year before I can get my tri-bike....super jealous.

Tersie said...

trimama - I enjoyed your story of the trip to the apple orchard. Isn't autumn great? I'm very new to the world of tris and I guess I kind of consider myself a wanna-be right now since I haven't done one yet! I have a long way to go to get in shape to do it, but I have been working at it! Reading blogs from folks like you keeps me wanting to move forward! :o)

Oldman said...

Hey that's my bike! they sold a jersey to match with bubbles! A maintenance tip, keep after the chain it will rust in no time without lube.

Congrats on a great bike!

Nancy Toby said...

$51.74 for that!? Amazing! ;-)

She's a beauty!!! Love the color!

Comm's said...

love the autumn post dont get much of that season in the desert. its the bad side of enduring 75 degrees everyday until March.

Is that you wearing the Swedish sweater, the white knit? I love those but haven't owned one in a decade. Those don't go well in a desert.

Recovering Alumni said...

Sweet ride!! Looking at your pictures made me cold though - you are all wearing long sleeves!!

Hollyfish said...

EXCELLENT RIDE!! You look so studly in all of your bike garb. And I loved your marathon recount too... There's nothing like a great bike to get you so totally motivated to ride it. You deserve every bit of it - IMFL lookout!! Thanks for all the positive energy and posting...it's buoyed me more than you know...

Tracy said...

AWESOME bike! I know how you feel about not being worthy - I'm still afraid to touch my E9. I love these pics, too! You're getting really good at this html stuff.