King Challenge, 25 of 30

Roads like these

I had a late night on Friday, attending The Lion King on Broadway at the Boston Opera House with Mike and Chip, so getting up early Saturday morning to drive to New Hampshire was a challenge within a challenge. Still, I didn’t want to bail on the King Challenge Ride, (a charity ride for brain injury recovery), so I dragged myself out of bed at 6:30 to hit the road.

I chose to ride the 30 mile route, (60 is well beyond my endurance level at this point), and planned to ride alone. The only other riders I knew, Vanderkitten Jen M. and Suzanne D., were positioned up front with the lead pack while I settled in comfortably near the rear. It was a lovely ride on country roads, passing farms and orchards, stables and barns, sparkling streams and brilliant foliage. It’s truly a gorgeous ride.

Around mile 12-14 I lost my ability to change gears. Either one of my inner cables broke or my derailleur was damaged. I’m leaning towards the former. I tried to manually move the chain to an easier gear to help with the hilly terrain, with no luck — I was permanently stuck in high gear. After two miles of riding single-speed, I checked the gps map of the route and decided to cut my ride short by taking a right on Exeter Road at mile 15.5 instead of a left, essentially trimming five miles off my ride. That’s ok. I was happy with 25.

Back at the start and the post-ride after-party, I ran into Jen and chatted with her briefly, (Suzanne was out on the 60 mile route), but I felt a little awkward hanging around and decided to just head out. I grabbed a veggie burger, changed out of my cycling clothes, and left to find coffee.

It was a lovely day and a great ride for a great cause. I’m tired, though.

Foliage along the Exeter River

Krempels King of the Road Challenge

We had a spectacular fall day for the Krempels King of the Road Challenge in Exeter, New Hampshire -- probably the most gorgeous route I've actually been on in a while. The foliage was peaking, the air cool but not bitter, and the roads beautifully serene. Quintessential New England.

I joined Alison, Kristen, Amy and Jen for the event -- galvanized by Alison and her love for ride organizer/pro rider Ted King. I'd previously balked at the idea, knowing New Hampshire can often get snow in the middle of October, but I'm glad I went. We had a fantastic day with great people -- a fun ride for a good cause -- raising money for the Krempels Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Definitely looking forward to riding again next year!

Harpoon Point to Point

Chip loved his rider jersey and made this pic his screensaver

Ready to ride

Chip!!! Ohmigosh, he cracks me up. We had a GREAT time over the weekend riding the 25 mile route of the Harpoon Point to Point. It was Chip's first ride event and the longest mileage for him, but no kidding I think he could have handled the 50. He was strong! Rich joined us for the ride, (his third P2P), and both guys left me well behind on the hills -- the first on Back Mountain Road and the second on the dreaded three mile Brownsville-Hartland Climb. (I expected it.) For me, it wasn't my best Point to Point, and looking at my Strava stats I noted it took me 15 minutes longer to climb BHC this year. Ha!

On our drive home, Chip talked non-stop about the ride, and cycling in general, and how much fun he had. He's decided that cycling is his sport -- the way swimming is for Will, and tennis is for Zach -- and can't wait for another event. He made a plan for us to ride the P2P 50 next year and the 100 in 2016. Ambitious! It's a good thing I've restarted my training efforts, because I'm going to have to work hard next year to keep up with him. Seriously.

Chip's "selfie" of Team Cronin-Schalck at the start

The guys chose a shady spot next to some sheep
while waiting for me on a hill.

Late Summer Update

The summer is cruising along, and while I'm greatly enjoying my adventure rides with Chip, I must admit I miss the discipline of having a training plan in place. This is the first summer in 13 years that I haven't had an event to train for. It's been refreshing, but also a little empty.

My shoulder is doing ok. I have almost full range of motion now, although there are a few spots where my shoulder starts to get tight. I still have some tenderness, (it feels like a constant bruise -- perhaps from the labral tear?), and I still have tendonitis going on, but the crazy pain from the supraspinitus tear is gone.

No surgery and NO MORE PT. Have I mentioned how much I hated my physical therapist? She was awful.

Despite strenghening exercises for my rotator cuff, I find myself weak, weak, weak. I often have to ask one of the boys to open a jar of spaghetti, or carry something heavy, which is annoying. I also find that after a long ride, my shoulders and neck are sore. It's going to take some time to get my strength back.

But, I have a few ride commitments on the calendar --  The Harpoon Point to Point with Chip, (and possibly Rich and Pete), is coming up. The 25 miler up Back Mountain Road, including the Brownsville-Hartland climb, is more than enough for me right now. I'm sure Chip will crush me on the climb, but will burn his brakes on the other side during the descent, so I'll catch him there.

I'm also planning to ride the Krempels King of the Road Challenge with a few of the girls -- Alison, Cate and Kristen -- in October. Brrrrr.... it's going to be chilly in New Hampshire at that time of year!

Before KKotRC, there's still an option to ride for the EOD Warrior Foundation. The UNDEFEATED EOD RIDE is ON this year, and while I would love, love, love to honor Kevin, and join Julia, Christina, Schreck and Tim for another ride in California, there's just no way I can pull off the training between now and then. (Although I understand Schreck just dusted off his bike. Hmmmmm.) Still, while I won't be ready to ride a hardcore 200, I can definitely commit to doing some fundraising for the EODWF and possibly ride a 100 mile virtual ride here at home while the posse is riding in SoCal. (Awwwww, sad. I miss them already!)

Summer training kicking in

Hot, hot, hot!! We are loving the steamy weather, perfect for beach walks and late afternoon rides. Temps on Monday hit the 90s, but that didn't slow Chip down at all -- he talked me into a hill workout out on the neck after registering to ride the Harpoon Point to Point together!!! Chip does well on the hills, (stronger than me!), but has some trepidation on the downhill. So, we headed over to the neck to do some hills, but caught sight of a few Spiders after our first hill repeat, so hopped in line to join them for a loop of the neck, too. Fun!!!

Love the summer.

Day 7: 30 Days of Biking, Ride for Angels

A fews Spiders at the start of the Ride for Angels
for Angel Flight NE. Great day for a ride.

Harpoon Point to Point 2014

We had a spectacular day in Vermont for the Harpoon Point to Point, benefitting the Vermont Foodbank on Saturday. A record 800+ riders set out over three routes, (100, 50 and 25 miles) -- each a challenging route among rolling hills and a few steep climbs. I scared myself out of riding the 100 mile route, in part due to repeated emails from Harpoon noting route changes and elevation details. I knew the 50 mile route was tough all on it's own, and I had an attack of self-doubt on whether I could do the 100 or not. In hindsight, I know I could have.

While waiting for the ride to begin, I ran into Beth Patrikas (who I rode the Seacoast Century with last fall), and her friends Lynore and Peter, so I joined them for the ride. It was a fantastic route starting at the Harpoon Brewery in Windsor, heading north to Quechee and Woodstock, and turning back towards Reading and Brownsville to Hartland, (and back to the brewery). Riding in Vermont is spectacular -- through the small towns along the Ottauquechee River, down a few hardpacked dirt roads, crossing small covered bridges, and passing farms and horse pastures along the way. So gorgeous. The hills are definitely a challenge... but it's worth the effort.

After the ride, I met up with fellow Cyclopaths Anne and Drew, (and Anne's daughter, Lauren), who completed the 25 mile route and already had their first beer in hand. I quickly changed and rejoined Beth, Peter and Lynore for some food, and then located Anne, Drew, and Lauren for a post-ride beer. (Or in my case, Harpoon craft cider.)

It was a great day for a great cause, and I look forward to next year's 100 mile ride!!

Harpoon Point to Point on the Horizon

The ups and downs of this summer have not deterred me from the charity rides I'm committed to this year, and so training continues, and coach Shayne hasn't given up on me yet. (That I know of.)

Next on my calendar is the Harpoon Point to Point, which has become a semi-family affair. (Rich has joined me for a few of the rides, and I've always enjoyed that.) This year, my intent was to ride the 100 mile mountainous century, (elevation profile can been seen here), and that's what I registered for -- although reality tells me that I may only be ready for the 50. (Still a challenging ride.) We'll see. I could try to hammer out the 100 in three weeks, (those climbs look a little scary right now...), or convince Rich or Pete to join me on the 50 mile ride. (Love those boys.) Either way, it's all for the Vermont Foodbank, and I'll be ready to ride on August 9th.

EOD Warrior 5K, Memorial Day 2014

I'm not a runner... but still ran 3.3 miles today for the EOD Warrior Foundation. I couldn't be in San Diego today for the 5k Memorial Day race, but there was no reason why I couldn't run the miles here at home. (Not owning proper running shoes isn't an excuse.)

Chip and Davey joined me for my run. They are both 12 years old and can run a 7 minute mile, but they kept me company anyway. (Good boys.) It was a slow pace -- but I got it done -- and hope friends running in San Diego had a great day. We honor all who've made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our freedom this Memorial Day.

Tour de Cure 2014 with SpiderOne Racing

Tour de Cure 2014, A few Spiders at the start.

To add to my Garmin recharging issues... I also have trouble remembering to recharge my phone... so I didn't get many photos on the Tour de Cure. Seriously, I hate gadgets. :)

Thank you, Nancy and Fred Cronin for your donation to the American Diabetes Association on behalf of my ride! Many, many thanks! xo Tam

Tour de Cure 2014 and a Week of Rides

My busy week ended Sunday with the Tour de Cure for the American Diabetes Association. It was a hectic week after shaking off the RAAM Oregon (Crew) Challenge, and the weather was iffy, but I did manage to get a few rides in, including Friday's ride around Marblehead Neck in a light rain. I fell out of my routine of recording and uploading my rides to Strava -- My Garmin was totally dead since the week before, and I just kept forgetting to recharge it. Of course Ethan joked about it this morning and said, "You know that means your rides didn't happen, right?" (Haha.)

Without the Garmin, I couldn't upload to Training Peaks either, so it looks like I didn't do anything for two weeks. Curiously, though, I didn't hear a peep from my coach. I guess out of sight, out of mind? (Tsk, tsk, Coach. Too busy with your new team?)

Today's Tour de Cure was a great ride along mostly back roads through Topsfield and Georgetown, up to Newburyport. The route takes a few of my favorite roads, and it's been a while since I popped through Newburyport. I rode with a group from SpiderOne Racing the entire morning and it was terrific fun. (We also made a new friend, Keith!) Since I was away for RAAM the weekend before, and Mike was running Trav's Trail Run (also in Newburyport), I cut my ride early to scoot back to Swampscott in time for Chip's lacrosse game. I made it just in time. By the time 8 pm rolled around, I was glad the week was done. It's been crazy.

Weekend Wrap-Up

The last three days have been in the low to mid 20s, but I managed to get out for a ride each day. At this point, my threshold of not riding in temps under thirty degrees is shot. I just need to get out.

On Saturday, the Pedal to End Cancer, (originally planned as an indoor ride) headed outdoors instead. It was a bitter 27 degrees, but the sun was bright, making it feel a bit warmer. (Or maybe that was all in my head.) We headed up to Manchester for a 20 mile loop, and Shayne humored me by stopping for breakfast/lunch at the Beach Street Cafe. (Haha. So Cyclopath.) It was a cold one, but good to ride, and we raised some money for the American Cancer Society. (Thank you again, Nancy and Fred, for the donation!)

Sunday's ride was a tribute to fellow SpiderOne athlete John N. Matook -- who passed away very suddenly on Wednesday. Led by Brandi and Shayne, several of us made the ride to John's wake in Revere under gray skies and raw temps, but no snow, (originally in the forecast). Julie H. and I rode the round trip from Swampy, coming home in the dark -- which was actually quite a challenge when we couldn't see the potholes. I hope John would have smiled at our adventure.

Having gone out the last two days in the cold, I hadn't planned to ride today, (21 degrees and a repeat of yesterday), but I'd been nursing a caffeine-withdrawal headache since waking at 4 a.m., and thought a ride would help. (It didn't, really, but I'm glad I got out. March is a long month.)

How do you stay motivated to ride through the winter?

This one has been a tough one, and I find I'm riding indoors more than I did last year at this time. If we're not cleaning up from a storm, we're in the middle of a deep freeze from another polar vortex.

I've been getting my training done at the YMCA and at P2 cycling at B&S Fitness. On Saturday, March 2nd, (coming up!), B&S is hosting an indoor cycling event titled, Pedal to End Cancer. The three hour event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society -- which you're all well aware of. The ACS has been a workhorse in the fight against cancer.

I'm committed to ride at least one hour on the trainer. (Every $100 raised for the ACS will get me 1 hour on the bike -- although I'm getting a late start with the fundraising.) Personally, I'd like to ride 2 hours. Three hours on a trainer could kill me. Haha...

You can find the fundraising link here: Pedal to End Cancer. I'd sure love your support!

I've cut back my Pan Mass Challenge this year and will be riding several small charity rides like this one and the upcoming Tour de Cure. The smaller events keep my training and momentum going, making it possible for my big ride -- the Wounded EOD Warriors ride in the fall -- to be successful. Each ride works in tandem with the next -- and the smaller goals keep me motivated through the winter. Thank you for your support! It's all coming together.

UPDATE: Thank you, Nancy and Fred Cronin, for sponsoring me in this event! I'm now committed to ride two hours for the American Cancer Society on Saturday. So fantastic! Many, many thanks, xoxo Tam

Filling in the Calendar

RAAM Oregon Cycling Challenge

A lot of puzzle pieces are coming together as I work out my ride schedule for the summer, juggling the boy's ambitious plans, (football conditioning, swimming, sailing, SUP), and Mike's running goals. (A half marathon!)

First up is an indoor cycling event on March 1st called Pedal to End Cancer, which coach Shayne Gaffney is organizing at the P2 cycling studio at B&S Fitness. I'm trying to convince a few North Shore Cyclopaths to join in, but so far no one is ready to ride. (Ahhh... we're a fair-weather team.) If anyone is interested in joining me, let me know! Info can be found here: Pedal to End Cancer.

In other cycling news: I am flying out to Portland, Oregon on May 9th to crew Joan Deitchman's RAAM Oregon Cycling Challenge, May 10th-11th. It's a 400 mile race as a prelude to the Race Across America, (RAAM), in June. I will get some crew training done during this event, learning how to direct follow, leapfrog, navigate and communicate with the rider, all in preparation to crew Joan's solo RAAM ride June 6th-24th, with the race starting June 10th. (I'll post more about this later.)

I'll be home from the Oregon Challenge on May 12th, in time to ride the Tour de Cure for the American Diabetes Association on May 18th. It's going to be a busy summer -- and looking ahead to May and June is keeping my mind off of the brutal winter we've been having. I hear we're getting another storm Tuesday... although at this point, I'm no longer paying attention.

Pedal to End Cancer

Date: March 2, 2014
Location: B&S Fitness, Salem MA
Fundraising: $100 per hour / 3 hour event for the American Cancer Society
Website: Pedal to End Cancer
Ride Category: Charity

The first charity ride for 2014 is actually an indoor ride, giving no excuses for those fair-weather riders who won't hit the roads until May. (That's you, my dear irrepressible Cyclopaths.) On March 2nd, athletic clubs around New England, including B&S Fitness in Salem, will host the Pedal to End Cancer -- a three hour indoor cycling event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Originally titled Spin for Hope, the fundraiser has raised more than $2.5 million dollars since it's first event in 2005. Riders register for 1-3 hours, individually or as a team, pledging to raise at least $100 for every hour they ride.

My original plan was to get a few Cyclopaths on board for this event as a team ... but we'll see. I know the fundraising for the Pan Mass Challenge and other ride events will weigh heavily on the decision. Either way -- as a team or on my own -- I'm in for it. (Anyone else?)

(For more info on joining the Pedal to End Cancer on March 2nd, drop me an email or contact Shayne Gaffney at shayne@bnsfitness.com)

Harpoon Point to Point Check Presentation

The Harpoon Brewery announced today that the Point to Point Ride Committee gathered at the Vermont Foodbank this week to celebrate this year's total fundraising from the August ride... $134,483! Wahoo!

Congratulations to all riders and sponsors on a great effort. Every $10 helps acquire and distribute 30 meals, so this year's fundraising will provide 403,449 meals to Vermonters in need. Job well done!

Sincerest Thanks and Appreciation

As the season winds down with just one last charity ride on the horizon, I'm thinking of the many friends, family & teammates who supported me this summer. Between the Pan Mass Challenge, Harpoon Point to Point, Ride for Angels, Sea Glass Ride, and the upcoming Undefeated/EOD Ride, I rode five charity events this year, (plus the Rapha 100, Cohen Classic and Seacoast Century; and fundraising for Tour de Cure). Each had special moments and I felt fortunate to participate in all.

I have a special thank you to Mike and the boys for their unwavering support behind the scenes. I may be the alpha dog in the house, (according to Rigby), but Mike is the rock, and without him, none of it works. (Thank you, honey!) The boys were all terrific this year as they did their best to accommodate my rides. Sometimes it didn't work, but we rolled with it. Will, (my competitive one), Chip (the goof ball), and of course Zach, (the peacemaker)... we had great summer.

Thanks, also, to the team of people who kept me rocking and rolling -- Keli and Christine, who tortured me with weights and cardio. (I've been enjoying the break, but will be back at it next month). Shayne and Brandi and many of the Spiders, who helped me reach my cycling goals this summer; my many riding partners, too many to list, (you know who you are!), but especially Ethan, who rode with me through sub-freezing temps last winter. (I think P2 is going to be a much warmer way to train in the off-season!); The North Shore Cyclopaths, for their constant love and encouragement; and all of my family and friends who sponsored my rides and supported me throughout the season. We raised almost $10,000 for the various charities I rode for this summer. Pretty impressive -- we all make a great team. Thank you!!

Sea Glass Ride 2013

Today we had our 8th Annual Sea Glass Ride in memory of Cyclopath Sue de Vries. (It's hard to believe eight years have passed already.) This year's ride was a low key affair, in part because Ethan, who organizes the ride, was flat-out busy preparing for and riding three large charity events this summer. Eleven of us gathered this year for the ride to Gloucester... but in classic Cronin fashion, I offered to host the Cyclopath post-ride brunch/annual season gathering (usually held pre-PMC) for the entire gang of 50. After getting a later start towards Gloucester, and knowing that Cyclopaths not riding the Sea Glass Ride would start showing up at my house at 11:00, I opted to take the shorter route and turn back in Manchester with Anne and Drew. (No Gloucester for me today.)

I'm glad I cut it short.

Riding Will's bike for just 25 miles was torture. I picked up a pedal wrench to swap out his caged pedals for my clipless, but at 7:15 am, minutes before I needed to head out the door, I realized I forgot to make the swap! And no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get the pedals off. (Yes, I should have switched them the night before.)

Fun on the Sea Glass Ride. Bunny ears for Drew.

I gave up and hopped on the bike and took off for Salem. Five minutes into the ride, the bike started making clicking noises. (Thanks, Jeff, for taking care of it in Salem). Ten minutes into the ride, I realized there were no brakes. (Yup). Halfway to Manchester, my butt started getting sore. Really sore. I just couldn't get comfortable. The thought of riding 40 miles to Gloucester on Will's bike was not very appealing. It just didn't fit me.

With my Trek headed to San Diego, I've been hitting the Y this week for quick spin workouts -- and unless I can make the adjustments to Will's bike tomorrow, I may just stick with the gym the next few days. I miss my bike already.

Back in Action

Representing from the front lines,
Matt Small rides a belt-driven Trek

I've been off the bike since Saturday's ride while some kind of virus had its way with me. Yesterday was the first day I felt somewhat normal, and today it's time to get back in action. I have the Seacoast Century (100 miles) coming up in 3 days! Time to get moving again!

This weekend also kicks off one of the Worldwide Undefeated EOD Rides. On Saturday, Matt Small, Brian Murphy, Richard Crump and Mark Constantine will be riding their first 100 miles of the Afghan EOD Ride... in where else? Afghanistan. Matt is riding a custom Trek fitted with a Gates carbon belt drive for the ride, while the others have cobbled together whatever bikes they could. (Steel framed mountain bikes, rusted chains... ouch!) Matt says he's not too worried about the ride, (more worried about the monotony than the miles), but can't speak for the other guys. They're heading out at 0400 hours the morning of the 21st, hoping to beat the Afghan heat.

My ride on a carbon fiber bike along the New Hampshire/Maine seacoast won't be easy after coming off whatever bug I had this week -- my muscles are feeling a little weak and I've lost a few pounds -- but it won't even compare to the harsh conditions, (not to mention the freaking WAR ZONE), those guys are riding in on Saturday. Bravo, guys. (Be safe.)

The West Coast Undefeated/EOD Ride is now 22 days away and counting... I'm ready.

Ride for Angels w/SpiderOne Racing

SpiderOne Racing @ Ride for Angels

My SpiderOne ride on Sunday was a team effort supporting the Ride for Angels out of North Andover -- a charity ride benefitting Angel Flight NE. It was a gorgeous ride -- probably one of the better routes I've been on all year -- and definitely a ride I'll do again. In addition to a spectacular route along the back roads of the Merrimack, it was well marked, had great rest stops, and the folks involved, (volunteers and organizers), were super friendly. Everyone should consider adding this one to their ride calendars next year!

I had a fun day with the Spiders, and rode my fastest 40k at 1:27 (25 miles at 17.2 mph avg.) while hanging on to fellow spider Serie Keezer for about 18/20 miles -- until one big hill beat me down, and another rider and I dropped back and lost Serie. Given my penchant for missing route arrows, (ha ha), I stuck with the other rider, (wearing an SPD Ride to Remember jersey, an upcoming ride honoring fallen Massachusetts police officers), to our first rest stop, where the Spiders regrouped. It was a faster start for me, and I was kind of thrilled to be able to hang on to Serie for as long as I did.

The remaining 40+ miles went pretty quickly. We stayed together as a group for a few miles (after each succcessive rest stop), and would then split up into smaller groups, reconnecting at each rest stop along the way. A few miles from the finish, everyone regrouped one final time to close out the ride and cross the finish line together. It was a really terrific team ride -- the camaraderie made the seventy miles seem easy -- and I got to ride with coach Shayne for a while, too. It was a pretty great day.