Galena Brick
Galena is a harsh reminder that most of us are flat landers. In Galena you are either going up or down. Not the sort of wimpish little inclines and overpasses we have around here, but real hills. OK, they aren't quad-busting 20 or 30 minute climbs, but they are relentless - one after another, after another, after another... And for those of us that are vertically challenged (cycling-wise) the hills of Galena are FUN!
Today, Laura, Michelle, Scott and I headed over to Galena for a little brick training session in preparation for the Galena Triathlon on May 19th. Since Galena is a point-to-point race, the plan was to start at T2, ride to T1, ride back to T2 and do a short brick run up "the hill". Aside from a strong headwind on the return ride, the day went according plan.
Our day started out with about a rolling 500 foot climb before the rolling descent down into Apple Canyon Lake. Since the race course actually drops about 300 from T1 to T2, we thought the return ride would be slightly easier. Except we were riding into a very strong headwind. It is really depressing to be cranking out 20 mph on a long descent due to head winds. (Quick, which do you prefer: headwind going downhill or tailwind going uphill?).
In the end we had some great climbing conditioning and some thrilling 40 mph descents. Considering that it was our first real hill ride of the year, everyone rode amazingly strong. Now onto race weekend in Galena!
BTW - it is actually quicker to drive to the IMOO course in Verona, WI than it is to drive to Galena, IL . Just an FYI for anyone that might be interested in riding IMOO a "few" times this year.
Laura:
Michelle:
Scott:
Today, Laura, Michelle, Scott and I headed over to Galena for a little brick training session in preparation for the Galena Triathlon on May 19th. Since Galena is a point-to-point race, the plan was to start at T2, ride to T1, ride back to T2 and do a short brick run up "the hill". Aside from a strong headwind on the return ride, the day went according plan.
Our day started out with about a rolling 500 foot climb before the rolling descent down into Apple Canyon Lake. Since the race course actually drops about 300 from T1 to T2, we thought the return ride would be slightly easier. Except we were riding into a very strong headwind. It is really depressing to be cranking out 20 mph on a long descent due to head winds. (Quick, which do you prefer: headwind going downhill or tailwind going uphill?).
In the end we had some great climbing conditioning and some thrilling 40 mph descents. Considering that it was our first real hill ride of the year, everyone rode amazingly strong. Now onto race weekend in Galena!
BTW - it is actually quicker to drive to the IMOO course in Verona, WI than it is to drive to Galena, IL . Just an FYI for anyone that might be interested in riding IMOO a "few" times this year.
Laura:
Michelle:
Scott:
posted by Doug Johnston @ 8:35 PM
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