Look, an update!

Looking back at this is odd to say the least.

Caught MRSA in Sep ’15, hospitalized ’til Jan ’16 due to blood poisoning, pneumonia, and the MRSA spreading to my left lung and valves in my heart. Thank Jesus I incurred no irreparable heart damage despite losing 15% of left lung. Ended PICC line of vancomycin in Feb ’16 (super precautions due to heart and diabetes). Rode less than 50 miles in 2016 due to lack of endurance/fitness, and the lack of motivation that comes with it.

We’re at one year later and I’m not sure how to start back. A ten mile casual ride will result in me napping afterward. Not concerned about the 10lb weight gained, that will pass. My concern is finding that muse – the thing that made me strive for the road to pass below me mile after mile.

Un année sans; une désir, égaré.

RKP – thanks for the tag/callback.

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What is up with Cycling Clothes?

Original Post

This post isn’t a newbie asking why lycra and chamois pads are important. This is more along the lines of the social/cultural aspects of cycling clothes.I am not a disbeliever in cycling kits. Not including my two sets of shoes, I have about $500+ in clothes. The garments are typically expensive, and sadly they do get exponentially better when you reach that $50 for a pair of shorts level. I also do not ride exclusively in cycling clothes. I am not afraid of pedaling along in jeans and t-shirt around town or to go to the store. After maybe three or four months of trying to use some of my already owned performance clothing used for running or other sports, I found out some of these pieces just didn’t cut it. Gym shorts will not suit you for a thirty mile ride or more if you don’t want saddle sores or crotch rub.  With that said, you can clearly take me out of Grant Peterson’s side of the Venn diagram.     

I have many issues with the clothing in this statement for cycling use. I wouldn’t have a problem with wearing such clothing (if it didn’t look like it was two or three sizes too large on the person) as long as we aren’t talking more than ten miles. Call it a luxury, call it habit, or even call it weakness, but I see no sense in wearing clothes that will get and stay dirty or eventually be uncomfortable on a ride.

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wvcycling.net’s Goals for 2010

With the first month of 2010 almost over, it was about time to start making goals. Directions to take the blog. Things that need light brought upon them, and things I need to learn also. There is a lot about WV that I do not know. There is also a lot about cycling that I do not know. This blog is going to show progress in both of these alleys.

I’d really like to get out and explore more of the state. There are so many great places around here, and I need to become privy to the lesser known areas. This is where I hope my subscribers come in handy. If you ever have any suggestions on locations, let me know.

Another topic is to become acquainted with people in this state that can do good for cycling. Heck, I even hear Joe Manchin enjoys cycling. Nick Hein is the CEO, of Positive Spin in Morgantown. I hope to be able to learn a few things from him while at WVU.

The amount of businesses that dabble in cycling is actually pretty amazing in West Virginia. I’d like to see what they think about many things that go on, and what their goals are.

Me being the roadie that I am, really needs to develop a broader awareness of what is out there. Especially cyclocross. I didn’t know it was as big as it is here in the state. (Actually sending out an email to JR Petsco with questions about wvcx)

We can’t forget our MTB buddies, but there will still be a bigger chunk of time on EURO racing. Fitness will also be a big key for this blog, seeing how West Virginia’s obesity and diabetes ratings are only in competition with Burger King and Mississippi.

Also to the readers, invite me to one of your club rides. I’d really like to see a glimpse into other bike culture groups in this state.

There is still a lot of time left in 2010 and many words to be posted. Keep me updated with your lives, and I will keep you updated on all things wvcycling.

Don’t forget that wvcycling’s freebie contest ends Feb 1st

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Benchmark Rides

Do you have a local hill/mountain/flat section of pavè that is a favorite place to test your current fitness or handling skills? I always imagine the time before power meters and real science being put into application to measure a cyclist’s fitness that one would use a benchmark ride and perceived effort as a quasi-empirical way to determine skills and fitness.

In theory this is a very sound way to determine your fitness level throughout the year (disregarding things difficult to measure):

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Interview with WVU’s Cycling Team President: Ryan Post

With this blog, one of my big goals is to grab and pick little sections of West Virginia’s cycling scenes and locations, and be able to convey them to others who may not live in this state, or may not get to travel to areas that posts are created.

This time, I have interviewed the Cycling Team President of West Virginia University. WVU has around 29,000 students and the main campus is located in Morgantown WV. if you’ve been in WV at all, or follow any sport – you know that WVU is a big deal.

I wasn’t able to make it up to motown this week to interview Ryan, but I was able to speak to him on the phone, and email him some questions. Lets get started!

Ryan started competitively cycling in 2005, starting with MTB. He is a USAC Official, and often promotes races, and still has time to race himself. I remember first meeting Ryan in Phillipi in 2008, during a criterium where he was logging times and data. I volunteered to use my car to block off an entrance/exit point in the crit loop.  He became President of the WVU Cycling Team/Club in 2007, and became President of the WVU Sports Club Federation in 2008. Funny enough, in 2005-6, he logged over 300 miles on a unicycle! Talk about dedication!

20Q With Ryan Post

1.       What was it like racing with the WVU Team in the 2009 season?

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