In Atlanta in Roya's hilly neighborhood I did my first light workout on the bike on Monday. The weather has been unbelievably cool and wet. I don't think it got about 65º today which for the deep south end of May is very cool. The ups and downs provide a variety of sprints and rests, definitely a workout. I did this short circuit just twice and maybe I'll try it 3x.
More focus on strengthening will begin next month and continue through July, and then, hopefully a return to sprint training by late Aug. I'd be hard pressed to fine anyone else who would have attempted this repair on a 64 yr old track athlete.
Dr. Saliman said he's "crazy" to do these types of repairs since there is more money to be made in total knee replacements. So, I am very grateful. Also, very fortunate to get insurance to cover this.
Had a back issue last year so didn’t MTB much. Swapped out my handlebars for wider higher set up to be more erect and it not only took the pressure off the back but the bike handles much better on the descent. My bike year was the last year of aggressive geometry for race mountain bikes so current bikes are better suited for the trails, and apparently higher wider bars are part of the difference. This climb is a beast, constant undulations periodic loose trail and rocky obstacles require repeated short bursts of high power output to maintain progress. It is so so rewarding to then turn around and descend back to the car. These guys are flying. My downhill speeds on hard guy range from 13 to 19 mph I bet they are mostly 20+ sometimes hitting 30. https://youtu.be/1Nii6RXGGbk?si=uGvIxkg0IfRhP7oh
ReplyDeleteAny recommendations from Dr Saliman about your recovery protocol. Has he validated (or was it him that suggested) strengthening in June + July and then sprinting again in August. When i injured a muscle+tendon I was advised what to do and very specifically what to avoid. Based on your training to date I suggest that his view of weight bearing+strengthening and high volume cycling movements are of particular importance.
ReplyDeleteBiggest recom was listen to your body.
DeleteIf you drive to Binghamton bring your bike and bike from your brothers place south on 7 and climb up Banta to Finch to Ross Hill road. It gains about 800’ in 2.7 miles. Either turn around or continue to state line, Brady hill, Conklin forks road for a 11 mile loop. I’ve hit 45 MPH going down Finch (or Banta) so sections are steep. I won’t go that fast anymore.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to drive there but that Banta climb sounds a lot like what I do in Sewanee, about 900' in 2.5 miles. I've never been that fast on a downhill, I think maybe 42-43 max. My brother bought an old carbon bike by Cannondale. So when I go, I may try it on his bike. My escape gear is really low... 34T front and back with 160mm cranks. Can climb pretty much anything paved while seated. I had a bad experience with canceled flights last time I tried to fly there but will again maybe in June.
Delete55 MPH once in a race in Vermont. And people were passing me. Back side of the climb in Stowe going over the gap. Crazy fast. 1989 I think. In a circuit race in Charlottesville (10 mile hilly loop, 6 laps) each lap had a 45 MPH twisty turny downhill, the pack was about 110 bikes. I did not like that so after lap 1 I raced up each hill and was one of the first over so nearly everyone was behind me. Safer. There were only 39 finishers in a group of 30 to 40 year old masters, 110 started. 104 deg F. Race of attrition. Common in cycling races for riders to drop out actually. I finished 19th. I didn’t race that much maybe 20 total road and crit races and an equal number of time trials spread out from the late 80’s to about 2010. Many competitive group rides though which were kind of like a race, but without people taking chances so they were much safer.
DeleteTomorrow may be the day I try Banta.
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