Orwell Wheelers 2015 Club League Round 04: Corkagh Park crit. Reverse direction lap.

Long Story short, I  finished 17th with the front group.

Here's the slowmotion video that Dan captured of the finish. Look out for me coasting in on the hoods, Thug Luke.

Orwell Club League R4 - 22 April 2015 from dancoulcher on Vimeo.

How the race unfolded

View the ride on Strava here.

Ben Hurr ain't got shit on me :P A few close calls with the other riders, but I got by. My return is almost Doug Stamper-esque, a few episodes ago, I was a cripple (without the government benefits) now my character arc has reversed and I'm no longer stalking ex-girlfriends on my laptop as I ride the turbo trainer. This is a joke, and a reference to season three of House of Cards.

We raced the track in reverse. I was apprehensive about the longer uphill. My confidence was down as I didn't feel fantastic during my sprint drills yesterday. But I knew that the final corner wouldn't be as big a choke point as racing the other direction.

I think I got my fueling strategy and warm-up correct tonight. At 17:07, I consumed a John West Steam Pot, 70g of Bombay Mix and a Banana. 10 mins before the race, I slowly ate a Nutri-Grain bar. Other people were consuming gels. I did one lap small ring, one lap big ring, one lap small, then stretches. Got back on the bike for more small ring, and big ring laps. Added some sprints and hard laps in there too.

There was a big crowd at the race this evening. It started, and quickly lined out. I sat on Ann Horan's wheel for a few laps. Just like Stephen last week, I knew she'd be there, or there abouts at the end and would be a good guide in navigating the opening laps. Then I figured out where to move up. I gunned it down the first straight, and found myself in third position. The other guys pulled off during the remainder of the lap. So there I was at the front of the group, clear road in front of me, I wound it up and went at a pace I could sustain. I adopted the TT position. Before the first turn, I looked at my back wheel and the group were only halfway down the straight. I considered making a long-range bid for glory, but I decided against it, as this was very early in the race. I sat on the top-tube on the first downhill straight and waited for the others. I joined back in, slipping down the order as I searched for a gap in the wheels.

I noticed that I was very strong on the uphill section. My seated spinning style was outperforming the grindy, out of the saddle antics of those trying to move up around me. I like the lap in this direction. You're on the drops for 60% of the lap, and on the hoods for the other 39%. The missing 1% accounts for my hand gestures (the influence of the Italians in my life).

I was riding in a relaxed state, not out of breath until the final two laps. I was able to exchange a few words with the others around me. Today I remembered something, within me, lies a beast. A beast full of rage. On one lap, some guy wizzed down my inside. I immediately, became incised. The beast was awake. "Fucking call when you're coming down the inside!" I yelled. He didn't hear me. "Pull up beside him, and call him a cunt!" the beast articulated. We all have to get up and work in the morning, this is not life and death... for me anyway.

I decided that the best course of action would be to ride hard and hopefully beat this guy... I'm pretty sure he placed. But I was teetering on the edge of reason, a mental and emotional place I had not frequented since my first season of Tag Rugby. I heard Garrett and some other guy encouraging the group to work hard. Next time through the lap I decided to encourage the group twice in quick succession "Pedal through the fucking corners" and "Speed up down the straight, ye cunts". It worked. I think I have a future as a Road Captain, or a DS.

I noticed some Semi-Limit guys permeate our group. I was waiting for them to gut us like the previous week. But only six made the catch. I was doing well, moving up on three-quarters of the lap and holding position on the other quarter. I looked at my Garmin's lap time field, 39 minutes, 59 seconds. Then I heard shouts, urging responses to the attacks that would occur in the final five minutes and two laps. I responded well to the changes in pace. I could imagine people going out the back door, due to the accordion effect of crit racing. They didn't matter, the race was unfolding in front of me.

In the last few laps, there were people shouting "C'mon Luke". I was actually riding beside the younger "Luke". I said to him, "Are they shouting for you, or for me? Did you bring your fan club?" #InterLukeBanter #NonLukesWouldNotUnderstand #JustLukeThings

The urge to attack never entered my mind. There wasn't enough space to move up. The pace was rocketing, without a wheel, I would not last long. I was hoping that the group would continue to whittle down as the pace went up. Leaving me as the sixth placed rider and netting one point. This didn't happen. A series of people in front of me breaking on the second last corner derailed my attempts to empty the tank in the last 300 meters. I rounded the last corner in a decent position and went full gas to the line, I gapped the other group behind and came in very shortly after the winners.

I feel like I'm really getting going now and I hope I can race more this season. But I'll soon be moving back to the late shift.

What was learned

I learned a few things this week.

• My bunch handling skills are getting better... or else luckier.
• I need to awaken "the beast" earlier in the race.
• I'm making progress and a placing isn't too far away.
• My training is working well.
• 17th place is better than last week's 28th place.

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Orwell Wheelers 2015 Club League Round 03: Corkagh Park Crit 40 mins + 2 laps

After having trained twice for the race specific 30 second intervals, I felt more confident in this race.

Report

View the Ride on Strava.

Actual finish was 28th out of 55 starters.

At least I hung in there this week.

I have a lot more to give in terms of performance, I could've averaged a little higher heart rate, by pushing myself more. I could've been much braver by diving down the outsides. But the goal for this week was to finish with the front group, which I more or less achieved, as I finished about 4 seconds behind the pack.

The sprint finish must've been tight, as people were crowding around Dave's Video for a long time.

I fared much better than last week, I sat on Stephen's wheel for the first few laps, I knew he wasn't getting dropped.

I was in second position, trying to close a gap on Garrett when the Semi-Limit group caught and merged with us. The two of us were soon somewhere to the back of the pack. Where I stayed for the rest of the race. Just redlining it outta corners.

I need to work more on my sprint power out of the corners, so I can catch and pass the wheels in front. The Zone Distribution Chart has given me much input into the training I must do to improve.

What was Learned

My training was pretty good. I was no where near my 5, 10 and 20 minute peak power for the ride. I set a new record for my 45 minute power at 188 Watts. I must continue my short intervals to be able to keep pace and pass people on the accelerations.

I need to improve my assertive riding. The way that the Semi-Limit guys carved through our group was sublime. I need this.

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Stages Power Meter Long Term Review

Introduction

I like cycling and I like technology. I was very apprehensive about spending €650 for a few extra lines on my Strava rides. After using the Stages Shimano 105 crank arm for almost ten months, I am really happy with my purchase.

Marrying yourself to a Power Meter

Power meters are expensive, so most people will only buy one. There are lots of considerations to take into account.

• Would you be upgrading your bike in the future?
• Do you ride lots of different bikes?
• Do you plan to rent a bike, if you go on a cycling holiday?
• Do you use your bike on a Turbo Trainer?
• Does your bike support this power meter?

Power meters come in many formats and as such they have their own pros and cons.

Wheel Hub Based

Pros: Can fit on almost every bike. Whole output of power. Speed and Cadence reading too.

Cons: Which wheelset do you put your power meter on?

Pedal Based

Pros: Can fit on almost every bike. Whole output of power (if dual sided). Left/right readings (if dual sided).

Cons: Axel servicing and Platform life. One of the first contact points in a crash.

Crank Arm Based

Pros: Cheapest. Low maintenance.

Cons: Single sided power readings. Fixed to one type of crankset and crank arm length.

Crankset Based

Pros: Whole output of power. Left/right readings. Low maintenance.

Cons: Fixed to one type of crankset.

Other options, that were available in mid-2014

I was considering getting a Power2Max or a PowerTap. Both offering the whole output of my power, compared to Stages' well documented doubling the left only reading. Power2Max offered estimated left/right readings.

Power2Max

Deciding on a Power2Max model was pretty confusing, and there was some hidden costs that it could entail. Could I just replace my spider with their spider? Did I need to buy Rotor cranks and new chainrings? Would these cranks fit my bottom bracket? If I bought a new bike in the future would my Power2Max fit onto it.

PowerTap Hub

The PowerTap has its downsides too. It goes on a wheel. Would I buy a deep section wheel that I couldn't ride in windy conditions. Would I buy a heavy aluminium rim that I would be hold me back when I need aero advantages? Could I use it on the Turbo Trainer and on the Road with a quick change?

Stages

The Stages solution is not bound by most of these limitations. Only the bike upgrade might be a problem. For Instance, if the bike comes with a Campagnolo, SRAM, FSA or Rotor crankset.

Model

I went with the Stages Shimano 105 5700 crank arm version, it was the cheapest option available to me. All I needed to know was the length of the crank arm, which is on the inside of the existing crank arms on Shimano cranks.

Ordering Experience

I ordered from powermeter24.de, there was some delays on Stages end. They probably use a lean approach to manufacturing. Waiting for a certain volume to be ordered and the making them. PowerMeter24 were €50 cheaper than the Stages site. The package came in great condition.

Installation - Fitting it to HollowTech II crankset.

My bike has the Shimano Sora group set. The crank arms are HollowTech II. So the power meter fitted on without problems. I used a Shimano crank tool and torque wrench to attach it to my bike. Gave the crank a few rotations to wake it up. I turned on the "Power Sensor" on my Garmin Edge 810 and typed in the ANT+ id of the power meter. Then took it out for a spin. I was getting power and cadence reading from the device, as expected.

I really recommend putting some LockTight on the bolts before you attach them, so they don't become stuck. I recently removed and reattached my Stages, during cleaning after a particularly mucky and salty ride. I attached it too tightly, without adding LockTight and the plastic bit where the Shimano crank tool goes into is stuck to the crank now.

Training experience

You may pick up some Chris Froome-esque habits when training with a power meter.

I didn't do an FTP test for a long time after installing the power meter. The Strava challenge of Rapha Rising was taking place. I displayed my Watts Per Kilo field on my Garmin and paced at 2.8 watts/kilo during the climbing part of the challenge. After a few weeks my Strava Power Curve became accurate. This curve has a "Show Estimated FTP" option and I first noticed that my FTP was 196 watts. I set my training zones based off this reading. Later I found a climb that was just over 20 mins long. I would ride up the hill using the power meter to pace my effort, using the "Average Power - Lap" field on my Garmin Edge 810. This Uphill Time Trialing combined with my other intervals showed that my FTP was increasing. Seeing the increases in my FTP was the most exciting bit about the tests. The secondary objective of the tests was to move up the Strava Leader boards.

General Experience

The battery lasted almost six months. My Garmin was displaying "Power Mater battery low" messages, which was cool. I ride it in the Irish weather, so it gets adequate rain and puddle testing. I haven't experienced the Battery dying during, or after, wet rides. I keep my bike very clean, so the power meter is still in great condition. Only the outside of the crank arm is a bit worn from wearing Winter Overshoes. Updating the firmware is really easy. Spin crank to wake it up. Turn on the Bluetooth on your phone and open the Stages app. Connect to the power meter and update the firmware.

If I was buying a Power Meter again, in 2015...

Would I go for Stages again? No, I would go for a pedal based Power Meter, such as the Garmin Vector S, or the PowerTap P1 Pedals. The Crank arm based Stages would be second.

If I was in the market for a pedal based power meter, I would first examine the servicing of these pedals. To keep them running smooth. The benefit of a Crank Arm based solution is that it is basically maintenance free.

Conclusion

I recommend the Stages Power Meter as a solution to getting power in your life, if you want a crank arm based power meter. But another type of power meter may suit your needs better, so get the one that meets your requirements better. You are spending you money, so don't hamper yourself because you deserve the best.

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Orwell Wheelers 2015 Club League Round 02: Corkagh Park Crit 30 mins + 2 laps

I missed the first round, the Pine Forest TT. That day was really bad weather-wise, plus I had to work late. I was able to attend the first Corkagh Park Crit.

Report

View the Ride on Strava.

Back in business, if you can say that about your first proper race. My Patellar Tendonitis magically subsided, a few days ago, so I decided to race this evening. My training was hampered for six of the last seven weeks, so I can only get better.

I was a little apprehensive at the start, as I didn't want to go too hard too early and explode. Followed the wrong wheels and they got dropped, so I got dropped.

The Garmin and I had a fight again (our first in a long while), I had disabled all the segments, but it re-enabled them again, so every lap it was on the map screen. I wanted my "3 Second Power" on the screen. Spent some time fiddling with it and lost concentration.

Rode on my own for awhile then got picked up by the faster, chase group. Riding in a bunch, even at the back, was so much easier. Stuck with them for five laps. I tried to move up in the group, but expanded too much energy. Should've stayed at the back, as I was comfortable drilling it outta the corners and taking it easy on the uphill finishing straight.

Got a stitch and fell off the back. Couldn't get back on and dropped out just as I was about to get lapped after 25mins of 30mins+2laps

Legs will be freshly shaved next week and I'll be aggressive in the early exchanges.

What was learned

I needed to be well placed at the starting laps of the race. I also needed to adapt my training to suit the racing.

While chasing, I matched my 5, 10 and 20 min, peak power record for 2015. This was fine, as I had build this base of longer Intervals over the Winter.

When I was in the back of the Semi-Limit Chase Group, I hard to sprint out of the corners. These short sharp accelerations were not something I had practiced before. So I heeded the advice of one of the other guys in the club. He said he was doing 30 second all out efforts, with 30 second rest intervals, because racing was constant little accelerations. I would factor these into my training over the coming weeks.

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Blogger Custom Domain with Blacknight without "www"

Intorduction

Want to link your fancy custom domain to your Blogger blog/website? Read on my wayward son (and/or daughter(s)).

Step 0: Start the process from the Blogger Console.

Note down the URLs for the final step (or just open a new tab for the Blacknight console). Copy and paste them into the CNAME records near the end of this posts.

Step 1: On the Blacknight Console Select "Registered Domains".

I presume you've already bought the domain.

Step 2: Select "Manage DNS" for your chosen Domain. 

Step 3: Go to the DNS Tab

Step 4: Go to the "DNS Records" and Click "Add New DNS Records".

Step 5: Add the A and CNAME Records.

The A Records are vitally important to the domain redirecting from the "www.domain..." to the "domain...".

Step 6: My table looks like this, remove any "@" records that may be there.

Step 7: Ensure that it's working from the Blogger Console.

Ensure that that "Redirect..." CheckBox is checked.

Step 8: The fun part, let the domain bake in the internet oven.

I hope this worked for you without problems.

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How to Mute Skype Conversations (Dark Humour Version)

Motivation

We've all had it, we've all been that person, who always has that one extra YouTube video, reaction GIF and/or Emoticon. All the other IM clients of our day have an easily accessible "Mute" button. That is, except for Skype. Skype is basically the inverse of Lync, it's constant "I'm installed you stupid human, like a crazy ex-girlfriend, I'm here to stay and ruin your computing experience" popups were the bane of my life. Life got better when I figured out how to turn off almost all Skype notifications. I wanted to mute some work related conversations that, I wasn't interested in, from triggering the icon appearing on my Windows 7 taskbar.

No longer are we forced to be the social butterfly that our mothers wanted us to be when they forced us to go outside, instead of playing computer games. Unlike our console unplugging mothers, we can ignore these Skype conversations. Enough with me revealing my horrible childhood memories of summers off from school and being forced to play outside. Although I enjoy the outdoors life now, it must've been ingrained into me from when my mother left me in the bog to turn all the turf one summer's day.

Find the Conversation

Lots of redacted information.

I can be really cranky when I'm pulling a sickie, but it's stressful keeping up appearances. Maybe in the future I'll write a blog post on how to pull a convincing sickie. Although it may not be a great post, as I don't pull sickies and rarely take a day off. Rule number one of being an ass kicker is "Ass kickers don't take days off". You should see my Google Calendar, constant events entitled "Kick Asses" and "Ensure Asses are kicked".

Disable its Notifications

Disable that mofo real good.

Johnny Knoxville could only dream of being this disabled when he starred in "The Ringer". Step 3 is to enjoy your life, knowing that you are not missing out on crappy Skype notifications.

Bonus: My Skype control panel's notification settings

How to make your Skype the equivalent of a Women's Rights under Taliban law*. 

*I'm not well versed in Taliban Law, but I'm pretty sure women have about as many rights as Skype notifications I see.


As per usual, if any of this dark humoured content offends you, please know that I have just kicked your ass through the medium of Blog Posting. NO DAYS OFF ASS KICKING!

Also I love my mother, and I had a great childhood.

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How to Mute Skype Conversations

Motivation

Skype has many notifications, I don't care about notifications. Google Now has changed how I think about notifications.

Find the Conversation

The above picture is worth 1,000 words, so this caption is basically redundant.

Disable its Notifications

Then just click the "x" button.

Bonus: My Skype control panel's notification settings

This menu comes from "Tools" and "Options".

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