Finally got the powertap software working. The problem to date was the fact that it is XP compatible and my laptop is Vista. Damn Vista. Anyway after a bit of looking and cursing I found the latest update and version of the poweragent software and downloaded it. Guess what now it works.
Guess what now I can see how I apply my power on the bike and hmmm, it seems a little crazy to me. Anyway I think I need some help in understanding how to interpret the info in front of me and then applying it to the bike.
So now I can see and there are some things I need to do to get on top of it and be a little more efficient and therefore stronger and faster on the bike.
Stay tuned folks
Ciao
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Very focussed Now
Now that I have the Powertap for more than 1 ride I am finding myself riding harder than I normally do, percieved effort(PE) is up, I am climbing harder than I was. Now dont get me wrong, I am not attributing this all to the Powertap. It is more because I have a new focus, have changed the way I look at my training, and changed the way I interpret the info in front of me at any one time. Plus aiming to ride and stay above a certain wattage regardless of the terrain adds to the challange and therfore adds some motivation, focus and drive.
Right now while I am still working out how all this works and where I am in regards to my fitness I am aiming to keep above 250 watts and the average for my ride above 200. So far so good. As for aiming for that magic 1730 Max all I have managed is in the 1200's.
So how did todays session go? I went to Nundah and met up with the Tuesday Intervals group and we had a hitout of 3X 5 lap intervals with the usual sprint t the end of each interval. Ith each interval at 40km/h it made for a solid session. Add to that, left the house a little late and had to smash myself all the way there made it a good start to the day. After the session I headed off to work nice and easy but still aiming to stay above the 30km/h ave speed I had. I got to work and time for PT. I headed off to Samford for a few extra km's and some climbing skills. Now from work the climbs are only short but for a non climber they are a good starter. I normally hit these hills and my cadence drops to 60 rpm and in the 39/23-25, today it was kept above 80 and on the steeper slopes 39/21-23 and at times 53/21 towrds the top where it starts to flatten out a touch but still climbing. For me as a non climber this is a significant change to the way I climb and my PE when climbing. During any of the climbs I remained seated, at no stage did my HR go into the RED like it normally does. I know this could indicate an improve in fitness, but also that I have changed my mindset in relation to hills and how I ride. I am also finding that my pedal stroke is smoother and in circles not triangles. Anyway for the day my kms were 96.16 KM at an ave of 30.1km/h
So if this how I feel after a couple of rides I can't wait to see how things will be after a couple of months of concerted training and riding.
So if any one has some hints as to how to train with power please pass t on to me.
Ciao
Right now while I am still working out how all this works and where I am in regards to my fitness I am aiming to keep above 250 watts and the average for my ride above 200. So far so good. As for aiming for that magic 1730 Max all I have managed is in the 1200's.
So how did todays session go? I went to Nundah and met up with the Tuesday Intervals group and we had a hitout of 3X 5 lap intervals with the usual sprint t the end of each interval. Ith each interval at 40km/h it made for a solid session. Add to that, left the house a little late and had to smash myself all the way there made it a good start to the day. After the session I headed off to work nice and easy but still aiming to stay above the 30km/h ave speed I had. I got to work and time for PT. I headed off to Samford for a few extra km's and some climbing skills. Now from work the climbs are only short but for a non climber they are a good starter. I normally hit these hills and my cadence drops to 60 rpm and in the 39/23-25, today it was kept above 80 and on the steeper slopes 39/21-23 and at times 53/21 towrds the top where it starts to flatten out a touch but still climbing. For me as a non climber this is a significant change to the way I climb and my PE when climbing. During any of the climbs I remained seated, at no stage did my HR go into the RED like it normally does. I know this could indicate an improve in fitness, but also that I have changed my mindset in relation to hills and how I ride. I am also finding that my pedal stroke is smoother and in circles not triangles. Anyway for the day my kms were 96.16 KM at an ave of 30.1km/h
So if this how I feel after a couple of rides I can't wait to see how things will be after a couple of months of concerted training and riding.
So if any one has some hints as to how to train with power please pass t on to me.
Ciao
Monday, February 16, 2009
A whole new training focus
Well, Sorry for the big delay but I ahve been a bit busy. Anyway in my last post I hinted that I might be the new owner of a Powertap Power meter. Guess what, I got it. After saving a few dolllars on what is essentially a relatively new system, I now have a new training focus.
It was hinted to me that I would view my time on the bike differently and after to hard rides into work to guage my levels I have found that maybe I am still in the bottom end of where I want to be. Where my Polar HRM, on exactly the same ride says I ma doing a 32 ave sp, the Power tap inidcated a 28kmh ave. Hmmmm. Is it wrong or is it right. The percieved effort seems the same. Oh I dont know!!!
Anyway now it is time to change the way I train and understand Power based training. Anyoine got any clues or tips or even a training programs that they have used that I can look at to come up with a valubale working plan for me.
Max power so far 1164watts. Apparently i have to beat 1730watts. Thats what the previous owner maxed out at, so definately a challenge.
Will keep you posted.
It was hinted to me that I would view my time on the bike differently and after to hard rides into work to guage my levels I have found that maybe I am still in the bottom end of where I want to be. Where my Polar HRM, on exactly the same ride says I ma doing a 32 ave sp, the Power tap inidcated a 28kmh ave. Hmmmm. Is it wrong or is it right. The percieved effort seems the same. Oh I dont know!!!
Anyway now it is time to change the way I train and understand Power based training. Anyoine got any clues or tips or even a training programs that they have used that I can look at to come up with a valubale working plan for me.
Max power so far 1164watts. Apparently i have to beat 1730watts. Thats what the previous owner maxed out at, so definately a challenge.
Will keep you posted.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The season Eye Opener
Well the first Open event of the season has been run and won, and believe me I was o under done it wasn't funny. Even though 1 month ago I was happy where my fitness and strength levels were at, after a couple of weeks of wet and busy work place those levels have slipped and I went in and over cooked myself far to early in the race and just didn't have it.
I have no excuses, I chose the easy option when it was wet, so I have to turn it around and use the knowledge gained from the weekend and use it to have a successful rest of the season.
So what did I learn??
Well first of all, I need to get some solid riding in and get some legs and fitness. 50km hard yesterday and then 90 KM with sprint intervals today has started a change of training focus for me and I seemed to be recovering well so far. STAY FOCUSED
Second of all, there are some strong teams forming and that HYPE needs to be on their game in every race in order to nullify the other teams efforts. The best case scenario for us would be to allow the other teams to fight for position and wins and and benefit from their errors and infighting. MORE FOCUSING
Third, the racing will be harder and faster this year. If I am to retain my Crit title then stringing together some solid results combined with solid training, is not going to be enough this year. I am going to need allot of luck, alot of Training and remained (you guessed it) FOCUSED.
Rohan's Birthday was great. No blood, only a couple of tears, 2 significant crashes( T-Bone and a Touch of wheels) but no damage, no fights and a lot of tired kids by the end of the day. Emma whipped up a mean Fruit salad which was totally demolished by the kids well before the lollies and chips(crisps) did, and some party bags. As for party games, who needs them when the kids are belting around racing each other, chasing each other and entertaining themselves. Beats trying to round them up and make them pass the parcel or some thing like that. Oh, Rohan had a BMX track with FMX and ATV stars on the table top and triples. NICE.
So as I said when I started blogging this year that I would make this a way to show my focus and determination in training and Racing, keep an eye out for my training sessions and race results. Give encouragement where needed and if you think some advice is needed then pass it on. Oh and on a final note, I might be becoming the proud new owner of a power tap(wired). Will keep you posted.
Ciao
I have no excuses, I chose the easy option when it was wet, so I have to turn it around and use the knowledge gained from the weekend and use it to have a successful rest of the season.
So what did I learn??
Well first of all, I need to get some solid riding in and get some legs and fitness. 50km hard yesterday and then 90 KM with sprint intervals today has started a change of training focus for me and I seemed to be recovering well so far. STAY FOCUSED
Second of all, there are some strong teams forming and that HYPE needs to be on their game in every race in order to nullify the other teams efforts. The best case scenario for us would be to allow the other teams to fight for position and wins and and benefit from their errors and infighting. MORE FOCUSING
Third, the racing will be harder and faster this year. If I am to retain my Crit title then stringing together some solid results combined with solid training, is not going to be enough this year. I am going to need allot of luck, alot of Training and remained (you guessed it) FOCUSED.
Rohan's Birthday was great. No blood, only a couple of tears, 2 significant crashes( T-Bone and a Touch of wheels) but no damage, no fights and a lot of tired kids by the end of the day. Emma whipped up a mean Fruit salad which was totally demolished by the kids well before the lollies and chips(crisps) did, and some party bags. As for party games, who needs them when the kids are belting around racing each other, chasing each other and entertaining themselves. Beats trying to round them up and make them pass the parcel or some thing like that. Oh, Rohan had a BMX track with FMX and ATV stars on the table top and triples. NICE.
So as I said when I started blogging this year that I would make this a way to show my focus and determination in training and Racing, keep an eye out for my training sessions and race results. Give encouragement where needed and if you think some advice is needed then pass it on. Oh and on a final note, I might be becoming the proud new owner of a power tap(wired). Will keep you posted.
Ciao
Friday, February 6, 2009
Family Birthday time
Well Tomorrow is Rohan's 6th Birthday. Should be good, he is having a X-Games Freestyle party. How does a 6 year old have a freestyle party. He invites all his school buddies and tells them to bring their BMX bikes, Scooters or Skate boards and just allow them to go stupid in a park for 2 hours. In that time I expect to go through millionsof tears, hundreds oof band-aids and a ton of lollies.
He is getting some pretty good pressies too. From Mum and Dad he is getting an Anger Management Pro Skater helmet, along with a Nintendo DS game and heaps of cool stuff.
Anyway after the party we are heading off to Oakey for the Two Day tour. But like I said yesterday I am only doing the Kermese on Day 2. Let you know how it all goes on Sunday night. Till then ;)
He is getting some pretty good pressies too. From Mum and Dad he is getting an Anger Management Pro Skater helmet, along with a Nintendo DS game and heaps of cool stuff.
Anyway after the party we are heading off to Oakey for the Two Day tour. But like I said yesterday I am only doing the Kermese on Day 2. Let you know how it all goes on Sunday night. Till then ;)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
It is the start of Open season
Well, Open season is upon us and really because it is so early in the season I am feeling a little underdone. The first open event is a 2 Day Tour (of sorts), made up of a Crit and Kermese. I haven't raced either before, but form all reports it is a great weekend. I am only doing the Kermese on the Sunday. The unfortunate thing is I will only have one other HYPE rider there to help keep it together for me. Thanks Adam. Oh well, will just have to do a Rockin' Robbie and use the other teams to get me to the line. What is it Robbie says " I dont see ot
her riders I only see gaps and I use them". Hope thats how it goes for me.
her riders I only see gaps and I use them". Hope thats how it goes for me.Anyway this Saturday is Rohans 6th Birthday and he is having a X-Games freestyle party, so he has all his party guests bringing their bikes, scooters or skate boards for some fun in the park. All should have fun.
So for now I will go, but I will post a race report after teh Kermese and some pics, if available. Adams partner should be there to take some awesome pics. If it is a successful day ofr HYPE then hopefully we can use the pics to garner the support for some additional sponsors.
until then ciao
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