NEPMTBA preseason MTB TT series training

[NEPMTBA]

To all:

Mini unofficial training series to gain strength and improve time. Every Tuesday/Thursday starting from 2/19/09 at Back Mt Trail. 5PM - 6PM Start at trail head near Knights of Columbus. Keep your own time. Roughly 2 miles of sustained grade uphill, good for beginners to pros. This is a rail trail, so it's wide and not technical. Finish when your front wheel touches pavement at the end of the uphill. Record your time. Turn around and enjoy the 2 mile downhill ride back down for fun, don't time this part as this is your reward for your efforts. Post them here on MTBR Pa forum or the NEPMTBA shoutbox if you like.

See ya there, leave some good air for me I need all I can get... LOL

[NEPMTBA]

2/19/09
First Attempt:

My ride:
2006 Redline Monocog Rigid 29er XL roughly 32 lbs w/ 32-22gearing, 175mm cranks, WTB Exiwolf 2.3x29 fr 32PSI 75 % tread, WTB Exiwolf 2.3x29 rear 30PSI 50% tread.

Trail condition:
Temp 23 degrees, time 5:45 PM, dusting of salt & pepper snow on frozen/mushy ground.

Time
14:07

Comments +/-
+ This is my first attempt, felt good all the way as I didn't get much out of my comfort range, I know the singlespeed with 32-22 gearing was holding me back, but I ride this bike a lot so I just made it fun with no pressure, next time I will ride the race bike with gears.

- Rode with large battery light and camelbak, winter clothing 3 layers, much out of my range, I know the singlespeed with 32-22 gearing was holding me back, but I ride this bike a lot so I just made it fun with no pressure.

More on my blog:
http://mtbmoto.blogspot.com

[NEPMTBA]

2/24/09 NEPMTBA MTB TT continues tonight, Day 2 - Back Mt Trail 5-6PM

Second Attempt:

My ride:
Everything the same except switched to a 20 tooth rear cog

Trail condition:
Temp 25 degrees, Bitter cold this ride compared to last ride, windchill feels like 17 degrees, time 5:30 PM, trail surface was like putty the entire way compared to last ride when ground was fast and frozen. This ride was a struggle to maintain speed.

Time
14:40

Comments +/-
+ This is my second attempt, felt good all the way, increased effort in a few places and recovered, I think the change of gearing will consider be to my advantage once the ground dries out!

- Rode with large battery light and camelbak, winter clothing 3 layers, Very Cold! Mushy ground very hard to maintain speed.

Loren & Jake joined me and posed times of:
Jake 14:30
Loren 18:05

It was great to have them join me on a really cold night! We rode the rest of the Back Mountian Trail and headed back to the cars for some warmth from the car heaters!

[NEPMTBA]

Catch the latest updates on the NEPMTBA MTB Moto Blog:

http://mtbmoto.blogspot.com/

[NEPMTBA]

Fifth Attempt:

My ride:
Everything the same as far as ride/set up.

Trail condition:
Temp 40 degrees, Starting time 5:15 PM, Total trail surface was firmed up, with slime on top due to light rain.

Time
14:00!

Comments +/-
+ Back to more of a consistent time and a few seconds faster than before.

- Light Rain

[NEPMTBA]

Ride will commence at 5:45 tonight.

Updates on the Blog at:

http://mtbmoto.blogspot.com