1. My pedal stroke is getting better (I realized that I was ankling before)
2. My new awesome tires with low rolling resistance (they are also super grippy such that they grip up bits of gravel which in turn splatters all over the place including onto my body ahh)
3. I increased my saddle height
4. What can I say? I'm just getting fitter :P
The last time that I went to Rose Bowl I was already aware and was changing my pedal stroke, as well I've already had my new tires. Hence it's not due strongly to reasons 1 or 2. 3 and 4 are continuing in the background. The only difference is thus reason 5. I think the reason that I was able to do GMR on my first ride was because of my gym training. I remember some cyclists were so curious and thought that I have a secret formula - well, the formula is - gym, specifically the elliptical machine. In any case, it's always nice to spice things up a bit, if you just ride then you will always be using the same muscles, whereas if you incorporate other activities then you will strengthen other muscles. And since muscles are interlinked, then strengthening the other muscles will indirectly strengthen and support the muscles used for cycling - it's quite logical :)
During the ride, I've been hearing a clicking sound when I'm on the lowest gear. My biggest fear is that my bike may break apart while I'm riding it so I'm pretty paranoid about its maintenance. Hence after the ride, I dropped by my LBS. Everyone there remembers me since I've been there 3 times or so in the past month. They made me look quite stupid because the clicking sound simply comes from the pedal hitting an 'extension cord' (not sure the proper name). I also asked them to help me fix the shifting because it was getting stiff (apparently the derailleur was slightly bent inwards most probably due to my multiple crashes), replace a missing bolt on my rear brakes and exchange the worn out saddle bolt. And all this - for free! It's not really the money (although I'm always short on money) but more the generosity that I'm thankful for.
2. My new awesome tires with low rolling resistance (they are also super grippy such that they grip up bits of gravel which in turn splatters all over the place including onto my body ahh)
3. I increased my saddle height
4. What can I say? I'm just getting fitter :P
5. I've been working out in the gym the past week
The last time that I went to Rose Bowl I was already aware and was changing my pedal stroke, as well I've already had my new tires. Hence it's not due strongly to reasons 1 or 2. 3 and 4 are continuing in the background. The only difference is thus reason 5. I think the reason that I was able to do GMR on my first ride was because of my gym training. I remember some cyclists were so curious and thought that I have a secret formula - well, the formula is - gym, specifically the elliptical machine. In any case, it's always nice to spice things up a bit, if you just ride then you will always be using the same muscles, whereas if you incorporate other activities then you will strengthen other muscles. And since muscles are interlinked, then strengthening the other muscles will indirectly strengthen and support the muscles used for cycling - it's quite logical :)
Ok, enough blabbing, now that winter is coming in, I will be riding less and most probably do Rose Bowl during weekdays (I'll drive there since I have no intention of competing with rush hour traffic) and maybe the mountains on the weekend if weather is good. I'll also go to Chantry once in awhile to see how I'm progressing. In between, I will be going to my beloved and trustworthy gym.
This morning, I drove up to Glendora and did the GMR-39 loop. I wore my new Campagnolo outfit which looks quite nice :) The ascent was easier than I remembered from last time (around 1 month ago). I bumped into a cyclist whom I met before and we chatted a bit. I'm actually faster than him, it's probably because he doesn't get out often and age is catching up with him. But I really like him, he is very humble, nice and is softly spoken. I think life would have been quite different if I had someone like him for a father...
This morning, I drove up to Glendora and did the GMR-39 loop. I wore my new Campagnolo outfit which looks quite nice :) The ascent was easier than I remembered from last time (around 1 month ago). I bumped into a cyclist whom I met before and we chatted a bit. I'm actually faster than him, it's probably because he doesn't get out often and age is catching up with him. But I really like him, he is very humble, nice and is softly spoken. I think life would have been quite different if I had someone like him for a father...
During the ride, I've been hearing a clicking sound when I'm on the lowest gear. My biggest fear is that my bike may break apart while I'm riding it so I'm pretty paranoid about its maintenance. Hence after the ride, I dropped by my LBS. Everyone there remembers me since I've been there 3 times or so in the past month. They made me look quite stupid because the clicking sound simply comes from the pedal hitting an 'extension cord' (not sure the proper name). I also asked them to help me fix the shifting because it was getting stiff (apparently the derailleur was slightly bent inwards most probably due to my multiple crashes), replace a missing bolt on my rear brakes and exchange the worn out saddle bolt. And all this - for free! It's not really the money (although I'm always short on money) but more the generosity that I'm thankful for.
On a different topic, I should never have doubted whether my mum cares about me or not. She is a very busy mum to my three younger siblings and need to take care of the house and also the business when dad is away. She places a lot of responsibility on herself and overly stresses about things which is bad for her health :( But sometimes I get quite lonely and I focus on myself rather than thinking in other peoples shoes. It's true that my mum can be quite quick tempered and is stubbornly conservative but no one is perfect and she is my mother. When I get home, I will try to take care of things so that my mum can relax and take it easy. I got her some bath bombs (amongst other things) so that she could relax in the spa. And I will try to find some baking recipes for diabetics and bake for my mum since she loves sweet things but can never enjoy them :)
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