Saturday, April 25, 2009
Back to Road Racing
Showed up on Sunday to the Chuck Pontius criterium in Valencia. After a week off from cape epic and a couple more weeks of slow efforts I found myself at the line ready to race without any high end work. My teammate KK went from the gun and after about 3 laps the field caught up. Suddenly Thurlo shot out of a cannon, I went after him and then KK and we then had a 3 man TT for the remaining 40 min. The effort really hurt but we succeeded in almost lapping the field. We decided to give KK the win and I just criused in for third. Next weekend is the Dana Point Grand Prix.
Friday, April 3, 2009
535-2 Polar exercise files - Cape Epic 2009
Dear Cape Epic Rider,
Save the attached files to your Inbox folder and start the Polar software.
If you have Polar Precision Performance 4.0 software or earlier your Inbox is located by default under c:\Program Files\Polar\Polar Precision Performance\Joe Average\Inbox
If you have Polar Protrainer 5 software your Inbox is located by default under c:\Program Files\Polar\Polar ProTrainer\Joe Average\Inbox
If you have Polar Precision Performance 4.0 ,please make sure you have updated your PPP SW to the latest version 4.03.050. The update is available on
http://support.polar.fi/PKBSupport.nsf/ALLDOCS/42256C2B001E0F6A42256B27003FEA5F?OpenDocument
Regards
Your Polar Team
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Toasting to u guys!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Friday, March 20, 2009
calm before the storm .....
the day is finally here and the team is in gear and ready .... the day was spent in Camp's Bay legs immersed in Atlantic's frigid sea - a cool 9 degrees C ... A few shark sightings but....
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
OK for Citizens to take law into own hands
This is the article in the Cape Town Times located directly below the mentioned Zuma Headlines. Only in Africa.
Curent Headline- Zuma Case
As noted on the front page of the Cape Times, a long standing trial for the current president of the African National Congress has been scraped. He was on trail for rape.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Camp's Bay
Here is where Jonathan and i will stay for the next three day's prior to the race start. This is Camps Bay just south of cape town. A photo from the air and from the window of our cottage. If we walk onto the street and to the right or north a long row of shops and restaurants begin. The beach includes white sands and the water very cold. This is the town Jonathan grew up in.
Tuesday In Greyton
We were joined by Spiro (photo), a friend of Jonathan's who lives in Greyton and has become a life coach. He spent about an hour touring a couple of the stage 4 race loops with us. The race courses have been marked and we are able to pick up the trails with a little investigation as hard copy routes have not been provided as of yet. You can see the red arrow sign in the picture of me. The cows in the back were completely amused by our presence. We then headed back to Cape Town and our beach cottage for the next three days prior to the race start.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday training
Jonathon and I decided to go back to the stage 3 route and try to find the 3K hike a bike section of the course. The previous day we did succeed in finding the first climb. After the lunch mentioned below and trying to repair the rear hatch of our vehicle, we ended up going up the nearby hills and back riding the course. We ended up parking far up this hill and rains where in the sky and cool temperature. Yesterday we were hitting the highs of our stay and today rain and clouds. While riding in the cloud fog and rain Jonathan had stopped and held me back. There where heavy cries which where either hiennas or baboons. It was very irre and unsettling but we continued on. After rolling over the mountain and down we got to the top of the hike a bike section. 20 percent up a 2000 foot high face with more rocks, cobbles and boulders then imagined. This was part of a 4 by 4 path. Both Jonathon and I were amazed any vehicle would attempt this. So all in all we accomplished our goal for the day. Then off the Greyton and our cottage.
Today at lunch
typical cape dishes, frikkadels, babotie, tomato bredie and green bean bredie. I decided on the babotie which cost R45. the rand is about 10 to 1 so roughly $4.50.
Franschhoek
We arrived in Franschhoek today and checked into the gable manner (see photo). Franschhoek is located within a valley sounded by the craggy mountains. This region was populated by elephants in the late 1800's and the wine making can be dated back to the 1600's with the french. Jonathon and I joined by Niko drove east out of the valley and into the adjoining region for Epic stages 2 and 3. We reconned part of the course and then back to the Gable Manner for a Ice bath. We went to Dinner at the Tasting Room, recently named one of the top 50 resturants in the world. Robin I wish you were with me as you would have loved it and this region.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Arrival Text
We arrived in SA Friday morning at sunrise after a long night of flying. I ended up with 4 seats and a complete lay down in coach while Jonathan truly enjoyed business class food and seating. While I enjoyed the space, I got the curse of no sleep and endless time. In the afternoon we got to the bikes and a fairly leisurely ride south down the beautiful SA coast. The photo is from Dinner at Mano's and we where joined by Jonathan's friends Niko and Candy, Richard and Sam and Dirk and Riana. Niko was the original rider in the cape epic but we took his spot. Dirk is a three time finisher and provided lots of helpful information. Richard was just plan fun. Saturday we meet Niko and headed a couple Kilometers to the start of the race prologue. The photo is on the course looking down into cape town. After a lap of about 1 hour Jonathan experienced a sidewall flat which put havoc in our day. We have been experimenting with tires and now may be making a change. Niko has a khs chain link come off at the end of the second lap, have not seen this one yet. We are now off to a 2 night stay in FranschHoek. This area is a big wine region and look forward to arrival and the expected countryside. We plan to recon days 2 and 3 of the epic.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday March 12 in London
The day started out with a quick cab to Chelsea and breakfast at Daylefords Farm Cafe. Jonathan and I were joined by Aidan and Borra. The restaurant includes fresh organic foods and a very stunning interior. We ventured through the streets and observed Chelsea life. From the dog in the window, to the typical London bus. the woman are hard core here and you can see abundant woman riding bikes in the rough London weather via bike. We are at Heathrow and depart for SA.
Aidan's on mission to crack the Xdream trickster gym bike
I went to Aidan's gym in London at the Roehampton Club to help advise him on his obsession to crack level 20 on the Beginner level of the Xdream trickster gym bike. (Check out a review in the Guardian newspaper online article at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/aug/26/healthandwellbeing.fitness1)Aidan needs to come first in each race in order to progress to the next level There are 20 races and three levels - 60 races in total. He has achieved 19 wins on beginner level but he is struggling big time to crack the short 1.5km race in order to progress to the next level - the intermediate level where another 20 races await him! Aidan is finding it especially difficult on the last 500m ofthe race where good technical skills for downhill are required. I saw his heartrate reach 171 at one point! Any advice to help Aidan achieve his goal would be greatly appreaciated. Then maybe he will be ready to start training for the 2010 Cape Epic...
Adios,
Steve
London Stoppover
Monday, March 9, 2009
Silverado Canyon
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Cape Epic Charity
As noted, Jonathan Williams and Steve Strickler will be riding the Cape Epic and will be looking for donations to Breakaway from Cancer. Our last adventure included riding the stages of the tour of California and over $10,000 was raised.
Here are two options for donations at this time. The following link is the direct breakaway from cancer web page. Donations can be done via this web page.
http://www.breakawayfromcancer.com/
Alternatively, the following link can be used and you can just use the 8th stage and add either the name of Jonathan, Steve or yourself. We are looking into modifying this page for this event.
http://www.velogen.org/agm/consec.cfm?do=cc_signup
Thank you for any donations
Here are two options for donations at this time. The following link is the direct breakaway from cancer web page. Donations can be done via this web page.
http://www.breakawayfromcancer.com/
Alternatively, the following link can be used and you can just use the 8th stage and add either the name of Jonathan, Steve or yourself. We are looking into modifying this page for this event.
http://www.velogen.org/agm/consec.cfm?do=cc_signup
Thank you for any donations
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Fwd: Amgen-Giant Masters Charity Challenge Photos
| Hi, Here is the link for the photos from last Saturday and some others I have on my website from other stages of AToC. There are 11 pages on the Amgen-Giant Master Charity Challenge the very last image is a video (I know Dara is going to like this one) Cheers, Gus Corona |
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Stage 8
http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages/stage8.html
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Into the climb
Saturdays Stage Start
Here is the link for todays Stage
http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages/stage7.html
Friday, February 20, 2009
Dinner in santa barbara
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Thursday Stricky Tours Wine Tasting
Stricky Tours rode from Paso Robles to Hwy 1 and got extremely distracted from wine tasting. Richard poured wine for the riders at the top of their climb and while riding down hwy 1. We drove back to the finish line just in time to see the pro's come thru.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
KOM ??---> QOM
-----Original Message-----
From: WHYDOWEWORK@AOL.COM
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:04:10
To: <stricks98.@blogger.com>
Subject: KOM ?? QOM
Robin & Kel Bells rode the last leg of the course today. They climbed the last KOM thru snow and down thru beautiful rolling countryside ending up at the finish line just before the pelaton.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday Ride
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
20 K to go
3rd Day of Rain
Tuesdays Stage
Typical Daily weather forecast with all green and some red. The red has been following all the last two days. We love it now.
The link below is for today's stage from San Jose to Modesto
http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages/stage3.html
The link below is for today's stage from San Jose to Modesto
http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages/stage3.html
Tuesday Morning
Monday, February 16, 2009
on the climb
Monday Ride Start
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Dinner Sunday Night
Sunday Stage Completed
Malcolm Hill, Jonathon Williams and Steve Strickler completed the whole ride. Others succumbed to the 40 degree temp and constant rain with occasionally heavy winds. The pro field was equally blessed with the foul weather which surely contributed to the fragmented field. One long cold day in the record books.
Sunday Start TOC
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sundys Ride
http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages/stage1.html
Vince's Italian Ristourante
Friday, February 13, 2009
Fwd: In Honor of Anthony Meeker
Dear Friends and Family,
Most of you are already aware that Anthony (Tony) Meeker my brother passed away on Monday, February 9th in a tragic car accident in his home state, Pennsylvania at the age of 44. Many of you didn't personally get to meet Tony, but he was a giving, humble, spiritual, and kindhearted brother and friend. He will be missed dearly by all of us.
I am home in PA for his funeral services this weekend and wanted to thank you all for keeping our family in your thoughts. We sincerely appreciate all personal expressions of sympathy. We have been comforted immensely by all that have reached out with your prayers and thoughts.
Tony was a compassionate fellow cyclist and champion. The l ove of cycling with my brother was a bond we shared together. Should friends desire to send memorial contributions the family has designated the Amgen-Giant Elite Masters Racing Charity which I will be riding in next week in honor of Tony to raise funds for Cancer. Below I have included links that will give you information on the ride. It would mean a lot to the family if you should decide to give a charitable donation in lieu of flowers or gifts in honor of Tony.
Thank you in advance for your continued support and contribution. Keeping us in your thoughts is truly appreciated.
Richard Meeker & Meeker Family
Stage information including length and profile can be viewed on the Amgen Tour of California website http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages.html
Amgen Cycling Club's website:(http://www.velogen.org/agm/consec.cfm?do=cc_signup). All funds donated on behalf of the Charity Challenge go directly to Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer. Family and friends can donate on Tony's behalf by providing your name in the appropriate field on the registration page. If you wish to solicit donations via check, please be sure to have your name or affiliation referenced on the check. Checks should be payable to Amgen Cycling Club and mailed to the following:
Jerry Jayne
Amgen Inc
MS: 38-2-D
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tour Of California Amgen Giant Challenge
AMGEN-GIANT MASTERS CHARITY CHALLENGE
Elite masters cycling team challenges California-based cycling teams to 'ride and raise' for charity during the Amgen Tour of California
Corona Del Mar, CA - Jan 6, 2009 - A select group of the Amgen-Giant Elite Masters Racing Team will be riding stages of the Amgen Tour of California in advance of the race to help promote awareness and raise money for Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer™ initiative. Breakaway from Cancer™ is a complimentary component to Amgen's sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California to increase awareness of the important resources available to cancer patients, from prevention to education, and patient care to advocacy and support.
To support charity, the Amgen-Giant squad is reaching out to other California cycling teams to 'share a stage' while getting some good base miles during the tour. Cycling team members will be asked to raise charity funds in advance for the Breakaway campaign in order to participate. Participants will begin the stage route hours in advance of the official stage start time with the goal to arrive into the finishing city in advance of the race. Rolling support will be provided for the rides.
"This is a great way for California's competitive cycling community to get in some great training while supporting Breakaway from Cancer, an important component to the Amgen Tour of California", says Malcolm Hill, of Amgen-Giant Elite Masters Racing. "Our racing team is part of the larger Amgen Cycling Club whose mission includes raising funds for cancer initiative partners. We are challenging other riders and teams to become part of the highest profile cycling event in the U.S. by participating in one or more of our stage awareness rides."
Riders select which stage(s) they wish to participate. As in years past, the stage routes include spectacular scenery and challenging sections. "The stage rides are not a race but we encourage participation limited to strong riders", says Hill. "We hope to raise a minimum of $100 per rider for each stage with 100% of the funds raised to directly reach the Breakaway partners". A list of riders and teams participating in the Breakaway from Cancer awareness rides for each stage will be announced prior to the Amgen Tour of California.
More information is available by contacting Malcolm Hill of Amgen-Giant Elite Masters Racing at 949-697-9845 or at hill285@gmail.com.
About Amgen Cycling Club: A non-profit, charitable organization with over 800 members located at 10 chapters worldwide. Amgen Cycling Club primarily consists of Amgen Inc employees, however is a community based organization that exists to promote cycling fitness and education to its members and residents within itsÕ communities. Amgen Cycling Club is sponsored by Amgen Inc, Giant Bicycles and other community based sponsors throughout the United States. The Amgen-Giant co-sponsored cycling team is an elite group of working master racers, which are active community members of Amgen Cycling Club. This event is not an officially supported event by Amgen, AEG or the Amgen Tour of California.
For more information on Amgen Cycling or the Amgen-Giant Team, please visit http://www.velogen.org//
Elite masters cycling team challenges California-based cycling teams to 'ride and raise' for charity during the Amgen Tour of California
Corona Del Mar, CA - Jan 6, 2009 - A select group of the Amgen-Giant Elite Masters Racing Team will be riding stages of the Amgen Tour of California in advance of the race to help promote awareness and raise money for Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer™ initiative. Breakaway from Cancer™ is a complimentary component to Amgen's sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California to increase awareness of the important resources available to cancer patients, from prevention to education, and patient care to advocacy and support.
To support charity, the Amgen-Giant squad is reaching out to other California cycling teams to 'share a stage' while getting some good base miles during the tour. Cycling team members will be asked to raise charity funds in advance for the Breakaway campaign in order to participate. Participants will begin the stage route hours in advance of the official stage start time with the goal to arrive into the finishing city in advance of the race. Rolling support will be provided for the rides.
"This is a great way for California's competitive cycling community to get in some great training while supporting Breakaway from Cancer, an important component to the Amgen Tour of California", says Malcolm Hill, of Amgen-Giant Elite Masters Racing. "Our racing team is part of the larger Amgen Cycling Club whose mission includes raising funds for cancer initiative partners. We are challenging other riders and teams to become part of the highest profile cycling event in the U.S. by participating in one or more of our stage awareness rides."
Riders select which stage(s) they wish to participate. As in years past, the stage routes include spectacular scenery and challenging sections. "The stage rides are not a race but we encourage participation limited to strong riders", says Hill. "We hope to raise a minimum of $100 per rider for each stage with 100% of the funds raised to directly reach the Breakaway partners". A list of riders and teams participating in the Breakaway from Cancer awareness rides for each stage will be announced prior to the Amgen Tour of California.
More information is available by contacting Malcolm Hill of Amgen-Giant Elite Masters Racing at 949-697-9845 or at hill285@gmail.com.
About Amgen Cycling Club: A non-profit, charitable organization with over 800 members located at 10 chapters worldwide. Amgen Cycling Club primarily consists of Amgen Inc employees, however is a community based organization that exists to promote cycling fitness and education to its members and residents within itsÕ communities. Amgen Cycling Club is sponsored by Amgen Inc, Giant Bicycles and other community based sponsors throughout the United States. The Amgen-Giant co-sponsored cycling team is an elite group of working master racers, which are active community members of Amgen Cycling Club. This event is not an officially supported event by Amgen, AEG or the Amgen Tour of California.
For more information on Amgen Cycling or the Amgen-Giant Team, please visit http://www.velogen.org//
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