210 in 2010 Challenge

I've spent the last few months pondering a new challenge for myself and I've finally decided on one. I'm calling it the "210 in 2010 Challenge". For this challenge I will attempt to commute to work by bike 210 of the 365 days in 2010.  How did I come up with 210 days? Well, I started with the 365 days that are in a year, and since this challenge is for commuting to work I discarded weekends and holidays. That gave me a total of 251 days. I'm the type of person who uses every last second of vacation and sick...

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Bike Withdrawals

I've been off my bike for well over a month and I'm starting have withdrawals. I spent hours online perusing bike commuting sites and blogs while daydreaming of commuting again. Screw it, I'm going to start riding into work again. Tomorrow sounds like a perfect day, what do y'all think? I'll deal with the running consequences late...

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More Commute Pics

Here are a few more photos taken of my commute route. I've also added all these images to a map if anyone cares to see exactly where they were taken. Some Canal. Well maintained bike lanes of Bradenton With bike lanes mysteriously disappearing Bradenton isn't the most bike friendly city around. Approaching a new traffic circle in a developing area of Manatee County Long Bar Pointe Development Sign. Looks like it's in the middle...

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My Poor, Neglected Superfly

My bad ass carbon fiber Gary Fisher Superfly is just sitting in my garage doing nothing. Actually, I guess that's not entirely true. Over the past couple months it's been collecting samples for it's research on "Particles of matter regarded as the result of disintegration", more commonly known as "dust". Not only is is covered in dust but, I had to pillage the saddle for use on my commuter. So there it sits covered in mud and dust with a lone seat post protruding from it's sleek "nude carbon" frame. What's that? Mud? Did I...

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Memories Of Cold Weather Commuting

I'm not talking about Florida cold weather commuting either. The memories I'm referring to consist of sub freezing temps and lots of snow. I first started commuting by bike while attending college in Spokane, Wa. Although I don't have any images of my actual commute it looked a little something like this. And here was my route. Oh how I miss commuting in the snow. ...

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Bike Commuting On Hold

I’m reluctantly putting my bike commuting on hold. I was just starting to get into a good routine and really starting to enjoy it but, I don’t want to jeopardize my running. With the Goofy race less than two months away and my training program pushing my legs to their limits every weekend I’m afraid that I’d be asking too much of them with an additional 24 mile a day bike commute. Besides, I think my wife would kill me if I was unable to run with her for her first Marathon. Even though I’m planning on running the Gasparilla...

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Random Commute Pics

Here are a few photos of my commute home tonight. I had taken a lot more but for some damn reason my phone decided it was only going to keep these two. I'll post some more later. Some canal on my way home Where did the bike lane go?...

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My Commute Route

I thought I'd share my commute route. <p><p><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/fl/bradenton/595125477072185583">Work Commute</a><br /> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/fl/bradenton">Find more Bike Rides in Bradenton, Florida</a></p></p&g...

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Florida Coast to Coast Tour

The other day I was having an exceptionally good commute home from work and started day dreaming about what would happen if I just kept riding. Well, I didn't keep riding but I did get another idea. I thought, "I wonder if I could ride from a Gulf Coast beach to an Atlantic Beach". I practically obsessed over it for a few hours wondering what it would be like, what would go wrong, what route would I take, how long would it take... That night I mentioned the ride to Theresa and she thought it sounded really exciting. So, We're...

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Rad Rides From SingleTrack Samurai Productions

For those of you who enjoy self supported endurance cycling and adventure type events you should check out SingleTrack Samurai Productions! All the events thus far have been completely free! My man, Karlos, aka The Naked Indian, comes up with some pretty rad events from quick local tours to epic cross state time trials. Did I mention they're totally free? He does all the planning and organizing himself, and with the help of some local...

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Running With The Florida Summer Heat

Anyone who’s ever tried running in the Florida summer heat knows just how brutal it can be. Theresa and I discovered this first hand last Sunday morning during an 8 mile training run. The run started at Holmes Beach, and was to take us along Manatee Ave to Robinson Preserve, through the preserve, then home. We parked the truck and spent a few minutes stretching and making fun of a few beach bums before we hit the pavement. The run started well but it didn’t take long for us to realize that the heat was a bit more intense...

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Post Peach Tree Road Race Update

The 6.2 mile jaunt that is the Peach Tree Road Race proved to be much easier for both Theresa and I than we expected. We weren’t sure how things were going to end up considering the run/walk routine we’ve been using for training. We started the race with the intentions of running as far as we could without the walk breaks, but were pleasantly surprised when the only one needed was at “Cardiac Hill”. “Cardiac Hill” isn’t much of a hill...

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Pre Peach Tree Road Race Update

The 6.2 mi Peachtree Road Race is just around the corner, but am I ready? I've been following my Marathon training program, I've added weights, and I'm still riding once a week. I'd say I'm better off now than I was before I attempted my first marathon. Unfortunately, that's not saying much considering the little amount of training I did for that marathon. I started my marathon training program about 2 months ago with a 3 mile run...

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55nine Performance & Wobble Naught

-- UPDATE --It is with the deepest sadness that I am writting to inform you of the cancelation of my Wobble Naught fitting. I thought I'd have the funds but things aren't looking so good on the financial front. I'll have to hold off for while. Please join me in my mourning process. A couple weeks ago I had decided to sell my Superfly and order a custom frame. The reason behind this was simple, I wanted a frame that fit me...

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Toyota Tundra - My First Full Sized Truck

I've been sporting a Toyota Tacoma for the past 6 years. The first Tacoma I owned was a 1st generation extended cab version with the TRD off road package. It was small even with the extended cab, especially for someone my size. I can honestly say that I never got used to cramming myself into it. Despite the small size I absolutely loved that truck. It's till my favorite truck, even today.In 2006 Theresa and I had decided to trade in the...

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Pulling The Plug on Hammerhead...

...and poppin the top on a Santos ride. I have officially decided not to ride the Hammerhead 100 this year. It was supposed to be my first hundred miler ever, but I got lazy for a few months and am in no condition to even attempt the 50 mile option. My level of fitness just isn’t there. Not to mention the $70 entrance fee! Finances have been tight in the Schroder household the last couple weeks and that $70 could be used to get a lot of beer..er...I mean groceries. I am instead considering a ride at Santos. Good luck...

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Boeshield T-9: Interim Review

I’ve been using Boeshield T-9 for just over a month now and I must say that I’m not as impressed as I thought I would be after my First Impressions post. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a great chain lube, but it’s not quite a great as some other reviews had let me to believe. Boeshield T-9 does a great job of creating a nice even coat over the chain which I would assume aids is rust prevention. I’m saying “I would assume” because I don’t...

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Mountain Bike Feed Bag

Endurance Mountain biker Karlos (a.k.a. The Naked Indian) just published a great review on a bike mounted bag called the Feed Bag. If you’re looking for easily accessible storage while you ride check out his review. http://singletracksamurai.blogspot.com/2009/05/extended-review-part-two-epic-ride.html I’ll definitely be purchasing one of these in the near future for my longer ride...

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Marathon Training in Progress

Yesterday was my first of many marathon training runs. Starting with yesterdays 3 mile walk/run routine my training program has me scheduled for 4 runs per week for the next 7 months, all the while preparing me to run a total 39.3 miles in two days. My ultimate goal is to someday complete an ultra marathon of 50 miles or more.   Yesterdays run was a very easy 3 mile walk/run routine. I’ll be using this method for the first couple...

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Life & Laziness

Life & Laziness – These are the two most destructive forces in my quest to become an endurance athlete. I haven’t been on my bike in over two weeks and it’s been even longer since my last run. We’ve had a lot of family visitors over the past couple months which seems to drain all motivation from me. I seem to eat a lot of ridiculously unhealthy restaurant food and drink an absurd amount of alcohol while they’re here. This results...

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Enter Stage Left - Running

I, in all my wisdom, decided to run a marathon with virtually no training earlier this year. This brilliant decision resulted in a serious case of ITBS. Fortunately it didn’t effect my riding. Running, however, is a different story. I ran a 5K with Theresa a few weeks back, my first run since the marathon, and just about bit the dust a couple times from the severe ITBS pain. I hoped the 2.5 months of rest would have given it plenty...

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PowerBar Gel: First Impressions

The first of the energy gels I'll be reviewing are the PowerBar Gels. I’ve had a couple opportunities to use them and my initial impression is very good. I’ve done several rides using only these gels and haven’t had any issues. PowerBar Gels can be purchased in 7 different flavors. and although I’ve only had the Strawberry Banana and the Vanilla I’m very impressed with the taste. They are in more of a liquid form than the Gu Energy Gels...

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Endurance Nutrition: Energy Gels & Carbs

As part of my path to proper endurance fueling I’ll be testing and reviewing different foods, diets, and fueling suggestions. The first on my list of fuels to test are energy gels. The three gels I’ll be reviewing are Hammer Nutrition’s Hammer Gel, PowerBar Gel, and Gu Energy Gel. These reviews will come later though, right now I’m going to discuss the types carbohydrates in each gel, weather they are simple or complex, and how the mixture...

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The Path To Proper Endurance Fueling

I began my quest to become an endurance athlete with absolutely no knowledge of sports nutrition. I slowly began running and riding longer and longer distances without know what fuels my body would require. Over the past few months I have struggled severely with nutrition and blood sugar levels during endurance related events. I have now decided to become a student of the art of endurance sports nutrition. I don’t mean that I’m gong...

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Weight Distrobution: Thank You Harvey Minton

I just had the best ride I've had in a long time. It was only 12 miles and it was on paved roads, but it was definitely the best ride I've had in months. Why was this ride so good? Well, I had my first bout with good weight distribution. That's right, I finally found a good spot to place my beer gut while riding.A few weeks back I attended an advanced mountain biking skills class put on my the Swamp Club and taught by Harvey Minton. One of the topics he touched on was weight distribution. I struggled with the idea of having...

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Boeshield T-9: First Impression

For the past few months I’ve been using White Lightning’s Clean Ride to lube my chain and it has served me well. It wasn’t until about a few months ago that I heard about Boeshield T-9 for the first time. My friend and fellow rider, Luis, uses it and swears by it. So, I decided to give it a try. I called around to a few places and found a West Marine store that carried it. The only problem was that the store closes at about the same...

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Suiggy 6 Hour Failure

I participated in my first ever solo race on Saturday, March 14th. It was the Squiggy Classic 6 hour. I’ve participated in a few 50 mile challenges but this was my first real official race. Please note: I didn’t say that I completed my first ever solo race. Just that I participated. The race was held at Morris Bridge Park near Tampa, Fl with a start time of 10:00 am. Prior to the start of the race all of the bikes were placed...

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AJ’s Bikes And Boards, Do We Even Need The Internet?

Most of my bike related purchases are done via the internet. You can do all your shopping right in your living room and you’re bound to find exactly what you need. I will on occasion stop by one of the local bikes shops to see if they have what I’m looking for but most of the time I leave empty handed. I have two local stores that I frequent quite often. Ryder Bikes, who has been instrumental in getting me setup and ready to ride, and...

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A Weekend of Endurance for the Schroders

This weekend was a weekend of endurance for the Schroder Family. I participated in the Croom 50 Challenge and Theresa participated in the Sarasota half marathon. The Croom 50, as I'm sure you've guessed, is a 50 mile mountain bike challenge. The Sarasota half marathon, as I'm sure you've also guessed, is a 13.1 mile course that winds through Sarasota waterfront neighborhoods.Croom 50 was a pain in the ass! Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly...

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Thigs Are Looking A Bit Different Around Here

If you've paid a visit to my blog in the last couple days you've probably noticed that things are starting look a little different around here. It's true, I've made a few changes and what I think are some pretty big improvements. Recently I've been doing a lot of research on blogging and I've come to learn that, although content is king, there are also a few other attributes that attract readers and keep them coming back. Attributes such as the blog template, colors, and cleanliness just to name a few.In the blogging world...

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Ausie Cyclists Help Quench Koalas Thirst

While the US is being pounded with a an unusually harsh and cold winter Koalas in Australia are going to extremes to stay hydrated. The quote and images below were sent from a distributor or ours in Australia.While some of you are freezing overseas we here in Oz are boiling + 40 centigradeBelow are some photos of what Koalas are having to do to get a drink.The photos with cyclists were taken on Tuesday night (3/2) on the old Eagle on the...

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New Prized Posssession

I finally got my 26.2 sticker for my truck! I wanted one so bad after running the marathon but the local running store didn't have any. Theresa found one online and placed an order for it along with a 13.1 sticker for herself. I eagerly awaited the arrival of my prized sticker but it never came. After two weeks of disappointment Theresa decided to send a friendly reminder to the company that she ordered it from. They didn't give an excuse...

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Ranting (HELP!)

Before I get going on my rants I wanted to take a minute to congratulate Karlos - The Naked Indian - The Single Track Samurai himself on his new sponsors. Great job man! Your mother and I are so proud! Ha-ha. But seriously though, Congrats!Ok, on to my rants now...Lately I've only been getting about 25 miles a week on my Superfly. I would like to some day actually hang with the guys I go riding with. I'm getting tired of getting dropped. MT and Q have been patient with me long enough and it's time that I start taking things...

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Ididaride Weekend

I participated in IDIDARIDE XV on Jan 31st, 2009. My quest to participate in this event began over a year ago when I stumbled upon the SBA website and found the link for IDIDARIDE. I didn't even know what it was but the name itself spiked my curiosity. After reading the description of the ride I decided that I wanted to give it a shot. Unfortunately my registration for IDIDARIDE XIII was a little late. All the spots had already been filled....

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Foiled again...

Foiled once again! I picked up my new Superfly frame a week ago and started gearing up for a few endurance rides. After just two short rides I start experiencing a debilitating pain in my knee. After a bit of research I learn that this pain has a name. It's called Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) occurs when there is irritation to this band of fibrous tissue. The irritation usually occurs over the outside of the knee joint, at the lateral epicondyle, the end of the femur(thigh) bone. The iliotibial...

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A Few New Goals

I am going to start keeping a list of my goals, short term & long term, as well as my achievements. Two of my goals for 2009 have already been meet, finishing a marathon and completing my first 50 mile ride. I met my riding goal on Jan 3rd 2009 during the Naked Indian Ride with a total of 56.3 miles. My first marathon was completed one week later, on Jan 11th 2009 with a time of 6:10:15. Although the marathon was somewhat unsuccessful it has left me with an unusual sense of motivation. I am going to layout a few new, more...

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My Frst Marathon

I completed my first marathon on Sunday, Jan 11th 2009! I did it with very little training. I'm very sore and very tired. It was not an easy accomplishment but it has left me with an unusual sense of motivation. So much so that I have set a few new, more ambitious goals. The adventure began almost a year ago with a conversation between my wife, Theresa, and I. Theresa had jokingly told me "Good Luck" after I announced that I thought I...

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