Today Fight Club happened in Helgin. My legs were feeling ruined after the threshold workouts this week. I was hoping to get in 3 climb intervals to finish out the week, but I wasn’t too optimistic it would happen because I was really feeling fatigued yesterday. So as the wind blew me into Elgin, I had one objective on my mind, climb repeats on Moore Hill. What is Moore Hill? I just found out today.
While rolling through the streets of beautiful Helgin, I ran into the club ride just as it was forming. I introduced myself to the ladies and informed them of my intention to do the first climb on PJ road. They said, “Game on.” Fight Club was commenced. Read more
Today I integrated with a peloton of cattle that was about 300 strong. Many times I’ve ridden with cattle, including during a bike race once. Riding with animals happens to be one of the interesting diversions while training around here. Most of you are familiar with my catapult to fame from a front page news picture riding with the elk. Actually, tangling with elk has happened several times while riding. One experience had me locking up brakes to avoid a pile-up. Sparks flew in the morning darkness as elk crashed through the barbwire fence. I’ve also mixed it with deer many times. Then, I was in a pack of horses on the road to PJ once. Add the aforementioned to my close calls with ground hogs, bald eagles, rattle snakes, skunks, ducks, grouses, squirrels, coyotes, chickens, rabbits, turkeys (daily), pigeons, crows, ospreys, and fish. I’m surprised I haven’t seen any bear or cougar on my bike yet.
Then, there was the ultimate challenge. Last summer, while riding in the middle of the valley on Booth Lane, I came upon a formidable opponent, a Pronghorn Antelope. Know as the fastest long-distance animals in the world clocking 70+ km/h, a throw down with a prongie is chance at the world title. Imagine that, champion of the world. Read more
