Charleston Winter Bike League

WBL #2

2011-12-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

WBL #2- tomorrow- leaving from the downtown Bicycle Shoppe again at 9:30am. 3 1/2 hr Cainhoy loop. 18-20 mph avg. Watch out for your fellow riders out there and shout it out if someone falls off the back. We had some chaos going on last week near the end that didn't need to happen. Should be good weather- 1 store stop.

2011-2012 WBL #1

2011-12-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

WBL #1 this Sunday folks! 3-3 1/2hrs. 1 store stop. 20ish mph nice and steady. Leaves from The Bicycle Shoppe Downtown at 9:30 AM. Be there or be...........slow next season!

The Finale

2011-02-15T16:54:00.001-08:00

Sunday was the finale of the CWBL for the 2010-2011 "season". What a great day for a ride! Finally warmer, and with racing starting next week we rolled out for a shorter, more intense 65 miler. With 3 sprints on tap it looked to be an exciting day. We headed north with a helpful although unnoticed tailwind. As we approached the first sprint on Seewee Rd. tensions were apparent. The sprint, although slated to be a short one, ramped up from waaay out. After much chaos the results were known-
Nathan......1st
Luke W..2nd
Erin....3rd

After a re-grouping we rolled on, still savouring the favorable winds. With a long double paceline we pushed on to the north and the 2nd sprint at the end of Doar Rd. This sprint was much shorter as I jumped late to lead out Oliver and held it to the line. No one else jumped so the results stood with DH taking 1st and Oliver 2nd. No one could tell me who was 3rd so no points were awarded.

We pushed on, entering the Francis Marion National Forest. A pee break and a short while later we turned left onto Halfway Creek Rd and south into the waiting headwind that stood in the way of home. After a long, rough, windy trip down Halfway Creek Rd we hung a left on to quiet and twisty Guerin's bridge Rd. After not seeing a car for the entire length of the road we were rapidly approaching the final sprint zone of 2011. The wind would play a part here as no one wanted to gas it and break up the double paceline. We waited and waited as we rapidly approached the sprint. This was going to be another short one apparently!
As we exited the final right hand turn onto the home stretch Luke had waited long enough and fired off the sprint. With a ferocious leadout, I sprang off of his wheel creating a large gap that would be difficult to close. Nathan got held up in traffic but burst loose, closing fast with Robert in tow. I held on to take the 2nd sprint with Nathan 2nd, and Luke hanging on for 3rd.
We re-grouped and headed back south on 17 and the headwind for 45 min home. Due to the traffic we were now in a single paceline and it took it's toll. With riders blowing out the back we rolled back down 17 and home. Soon we made it back and the 2010-2011 CWBL was concluded.
Thanks for coming everyone, and we'll see ya'll in October!

WBL #8

2011-02-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday's WBL turned out to be another great ride. With Collegiate racing beginning last weekend our numbers were a bit diminished. I have no idea what lame excuses the missing regulars had but the rest of us rolled out at 9AM headed for another big loop. After a crash on the tracks on Spruill Ave, our numbers were down to only 7 riders. Trip turned back with a gash in his tire, Rob got too far away from Mt. Pleasant, and I have no idea what was wrong with John Hayes. Nevertheless, the rest of us pushed on inland. Shortly before arriving in Monck's Corner, the decision was voted on to hang a right and return home via Cypress Gardens and Bushy Park Rd. After a stop at the Church's Chicken for Brad we headed home in a large lollypop route. The rest of the ride was great with a smooth rotating double paceline.
Upon our arrival back at N. Rhett I noticed that I had to be at work in an hour...and it was going to be windy all the way. We try to stay nice and steady on the WBL but this caused an unfortunate mood swing as the hammer now needed to be dropped. Luke, Wilson, and I hit it pretty hard all the way back to town as the others rode a sensible pace. It was going to be close. Fortunately I made it back with 5 min to spare and went directly to work. Thanks for the help guys, couldn't have made it back on time without it!
See everyone next week. Probably going to do a 3 hr loop in the forest with 3 sprints. Time to add some speed and break up the standings!
Looking forward

WBL Tomorrow

2011-02-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

Come join us for the WBL tomorrow. Last week we got in 4+ hrs and around 90 miles. We had one good full blown sprint where everyone was eligible for points. Nathan took over the leader's jersey from Myles, and Oliver held his lead in the points competition. With the C of C team off racing this weekend, there should be a major re-shuffling of the leaderboard. We'll have at least another sprint tomorrow, maybe a little more dirt, and try to add 5 or 10 more miles to the loop. Might have to add a 2nd store stop as well. Points will be awarded for Packer's attire and deducted for Steeler's crap. Look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

WBL #7

2011-01-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

Come on out this Sunday for WBL #7! The weather should be great. Last week's ride was perfect so we'll do the same route again. We got in 4 hrs, a little over 80 miles. I think we will probably try to add a half hour and a dirt road or two to that this week. Maybe a sprint or two as well. Hope to see everyone there! 9 AM from the Mt Pleasant Bicycle Shoppe.

WBL #6

2011-01-22T09:58:00.000-08:00

The WBL will be departing from the Bicycle Shoppe in Mt Pleasant at 9 AM this Sunday once again. Show up if a 4 hr/ 80 mile ride is what you are looking for. Suppose to be sunny with a high of 50. We'll have to throw in a sprint or two as well to break up the tie at the top of the leaderboard. Come on out!

WBL #4

2011-01-14T16:09:00.000-08:00

WBL #5 this Sunday! New time and departure location. 8:15 from the downtown Bicycle Shoppe. 3-4 hr, 60+ miles. Not sure of the route but we will have company! Come on out- last week was a great ride despite the temperature and wind. We mixed in some dirt and had a blast on an unconventional route. So come on out this Sunday for some miles!

Weekend Off

2010-12-24T05:16:00.000-08:00

There is no WBL this weekend. Merry Christmas. WBL #3 will be @ 9AM on Jan 2nd! See ya there!

WBL #2

2010-12-16T17:59:00.000-08:00

This sunday- 9 AM The Bicycle Shoppe- Mt. P- WBL # 2- 4 hr- 75-80 miles, Tour de ChaCo.loop. 18-20 mph double paceline as always- hope to see ya there! Leader's jersey will be awarded, one sprint for 3,2,1 points ( cat 4/5 only!)
Don't be late!
DH

Harden up points

2010-12-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

I was both pleased and dismayed as I pulled into the Bicycle Shoppe this morning. I was hoping no one would show. With a 100 % chance of rain and high winds I would have rather stayed indoors. However, to my dismay others had shown up and were waiting. The good news is that we had a great turnout for such a dismal day!
We rolled out a couple of minutes late with a tailwind. Blasting up to Francis Marion National Forest pretty easily, I was not looking forward to the powerful headwinds surely waiting for us on the return trip. After the pee stop on Steed Creek, the rains hit. It was raining pretty hard quickly and the rain capes came on. Once we got fully soaked it wasn't bad out, the jackets adding warmth.
With the left turn onto Halfway Creek, the headwind hit as did heavier rain. The conversation present earlier in the ride died out as we put our heads down to grind it out to the finish. After an eternity on Halfway Creek Rd,we finally hit 41, cut back through Park West, Rifle Range Rd, and back to the Shoppe. 3:15 ride time and 61 miles later, we could dry off. 2 HTFU points were allotted to all in attendance as well as 1 bonus point to Myles for riding the fixed gear.
1st awesomely atrocious day of the 2011 season and I'm glad now that I did it! Thanks to all for showing up and making me ride! Next week we'll go for 4 hrs and hopefully better weather so come on out!

Rain or shine!

2010-12-12T05:07:00.000-08:00

Looks like only an hour of rain this morning so WBL is on. See ya there!

WBL on 12/12

2010-12-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

Anyone want to ride tomorrow? 60-70% chance of rain. 50 degrees. 9-12am is the worst of it......right when we will be riding. I'm thinking no WBL tomorrow. I'll let ya know for sure by 8am tomorrow.

Charleston WBL #1

2010-12-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

Sunday the 12th! Be there. The Bicycle Shoppe in Mt. Pleasant @ 9 AM. Tour de Monck's Corner on tap. 4 hr. One store. Could be a touch of dirt. Be ready!
DH

First WBL of 2010

2010-11-18T05:11:00.000-08:00

WBL #1 will take place Dec 12th at 9:00 AM. We will depart from The Bicycle Shoppe in Mt. Pleasant. 4 hrs, One store stop.
See ya there!
DH

WBL 2010-2011

2010-10-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

Getting a plan together for this winter's WBL. Trying to come up with some new routes that you probably haven't ridden before. Gonna try to mix it up this winter. Stay tuned for more details. Comments and suggestions are appreciated as always!
DH

What had happened was..........

2010-01-26T17:58:00.000-08:00

Since I had eaten some bad chicken ( allegedly) I got to stand in the parking lot and watch WBL #11 roll out Sunday morning to threatening skies. 15 or so left the shop and they picked up another 5-6 on the way out for a large group.
All my info is second hand so here's what I've got. Rain and wind, one sprint, and nothing crazy happened.
Sprint # 1
Oliver...........1st
Thaddeus....2nd
Chris Mac....3rd

The leader's jersey changed hands as well with Thaddeus taking over and me dropping to 3rd with my DNS.

This Sunday however, Pro 1,2,3's can sprint and we'll extend the sprints into longer zones. Should get really fun now!
Hope to see everyone then!
DH

WBL # 10

2010-01-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

I'm tired so I'll post a full report later- here is a summary: 4 :40:50 hr., 96 miles. We went up through Francis Marion almost to Monk's Corner and back. Beautiful weather, although a tad windy. 2 sprints were contested with the results as follows:
Sprint1:
1st...Thaddeus-3pts
2nd...Joachim-2pts
3rd...Wagers- 1pt

Sprint2:
1st....Nathan- DQ and -3 pts for sprinting in a 4/5 sprint
2nd...Joachim- 3pts
3rd...Hansoolo- 2pts
4th...Luke W.- 1pt

and Joachim was docked 1 pt for running over a little dog in coldblood. Attempted murder is not tolerated on the WBL man!
Later-DH

WBL #9

2010-01-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

Here's the map from last week's ride: Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled. And some pictures. Another long day. Cold and windy conditions made it the toughest yet. The gravel roads were in perfect condition however, smooth and packed. Good stuff. We had a larger turnout than last week despite worse conditions. One sprint was contested by the 4/5's on Seewee Rd. with Joachim again coming out on top, Oliver 2nd after a long leadout, and Joe holding on for 3rd. Even though it was cold and windy- we had abundant sunshine so I can't complain! See ya next week- DH

Tomorrow's ride- WBL #9

2010-01-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow's route will be the same as last week but we'll do it in reverse this time. 4 1/2 hr, 86 miles, 2 store stops. We might mix up the loop in Huger a little, check out some different roads up there. The Bicycle Shoppe will be providing fruit, bagels, and coffee afterwards as well!
Hope to see everyone there- last week's ride was great- don't let the cold scare you off!
DH

WBL # 8

2010-01-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

The 8th installment of The Charleston Winter Bike League took place last Sunday under crystal, carolina blue skies. And 20 degree temps. And 15mph winds.
A hearty group showed to put some miles in the bank. We headed out Cainhoy road toward Huger in a large figure eight in Francis Marion Natnl. Forest. With a headwind all the way out the first of 2 cat 4/5/45+ sprints might be tough. After a nice steady 18-20mph down Cainhoy we entered the sprint zone. Tensions were high and the guys looked fidgety.
Joachim jumped first on the roller after the church. Clawing their way back to his wheel were Thaddeus, the Holcombnator, and a crafty Wagers. With big points on the line the rest of us tried in vain to remain in contact and see the action. Back and forth they battled with Joachim taking the points, Thaddeus holding strong in 2nd, and a surprising Wagers taking the final spot.

Sprint Results:
Joachim...........1st
Thaddeus........2nd
Wagers............3rd

After a quick store stop @ Huger we pushed on into the bowels of the forest. After some glassy smooth sections of dirt road and low traffic roads we had looped back to the store for another stop.
Down Steed Creek road we headed through the minefield toward 17. Finally the road got glassy smooth due to a recent resurfacing after Halfway Creek. Everyone was still hanging in strong with the 2nd sprint looming in the distance. Entering the sprint zone Joachim attacked immediately. Too far out. No way. Thaddeus stood and jumped to get on his wheel and immediately cramped. Maybe a chance for Joachim. A counter by Holcomb gobbled up the distance with Thaddeus now recovering and coming back strong. Surprisingly, Joachim holds off the wolves with Thaddeus slipping by Holcomb for 2nd.

Sprint 2:
Joachim.........1st
Thaddeus.......2nd
Holcomb.........3rd

After a short stint on 17 we headed back down Seewee Rd. for home. Fatigue was mounting for all as we turned back on 17 and the homestretch back to the Shoppe. A short while later we arrived. With 4 1/2 hrs in and 87 miles in the bank, we were done. Everyone went home to a well earned meal and rest. Looks like a bunch of strong guys will be coming out of Charleston come spring!
DH

Sprints and Hotdogs

2009-12-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

The 6th WBL ride went down last Sunday under clear skies and cool temps. We had a nice sized group of 20 or so riders head out for 4 hrs and one sprint to determine the sprint leader's jersey. Our normal dirt section was a surprise this week as a deep mudhole covered the road from side to side when we arrived. I was already thinking of an alternative route when Trip decided to go for it. Right up the middle. Gross, but worthy of one bonus point for Trip. If one guy goes, we all go so onward we went. I didn't say rode, but went. Some of us rode through the woods, some carried their bikes. As I was riding around the obstacle I spied Ken P. bolting up the left hand side, carrying his bike and sprinting like he was in the Olympics. Problem was that there was a deep puddle between the strip of land he was on and the road where we were. He must have run like that for 200 yards. It was funny so.....one bonus point for Ken for tomfoolery.

Back to riding- On down 17 we rolled. There was a mechanical and 3 turned back but the rest of us pressed on. Down Seewee road, Doar, 17N,and onto Steed Creek Rd. After a pee break, I informed the group that there would be a sprint on this road for the Sprint Leader's jersey. To keep it short and fair we would sprint for the CountyLine sign. I knew the sign was on this road somewhere, but nobody knew where for sure. That was fair as there would be no ramping of the pace until we were close enough to see the sign.

After a few miles we spied a green sign. Could it be the one? As the guys at the front were debating this, an orange and blue blur shot from the back of the pack. The Holcombnator was going for it regardless of sign confirmation. I jumped too with some unknown shadows on my wheel. I punched it pretty hard ( December hard anyways) but it took awhile to capture my quarry- he had a big jump and wa committed. 50 meters before the sign I overtook him and reached the pinnacle of my trajectory. Feeling the end coming I pulled off. Chris M. and Whit came off my wheel sprinting for the sign. The sign was not the Co. Line however, that was another 75 meters up at the 2nd. green sign. A black blur exploded from 4th wheel, shot up the middle and claimed the sprint and the jersey that was waiting. Thaddeus took the sprint going away, I kicked again for 2nd, and Whit rounded it out for 3rd.

After the Huger store stop at 2 1/2 hrs in we headed back for home. Joel had the most interesting nourishment at the stop with the purchase of 2 hotdogs and a bag of chips. Yum. He ate one and took one for the road. One bonus point for moving hotdog consumption.

Long story short- the rest of the ride was uneventful and we rolled back home with 4 hrs and 76 miles completed. Hope to see everyone next week for another installment! DH

Free Water!

2009-12-13T10:51:00.001-08:00

Wet, wet WBL#5! Small group- not the smallest suprisingly, but a small group showed for a wet ride. Not raining while we were getting ready but a downpour made us run for cover and reconsider. No one else had anything to do and it was low 60's out so we decided to ride. We headed south this week hoping for a little milder downpour out toward Folly.
A good ride ensued amidst downpour and deep puddles. We all had a good time and a constructive ride despite the conditions. It was agreed that due to the extreme weather everyone was officially "hardcore" and thus deserved 2 bonus points for showing up. We decided to reschedule the sprint opening the jersey competition to next week. Should be safer, drier, and a larger turnout for a more competitive sprint. Later-DH

WBL #4

2009-12-07T14:38:00.001-08:00

Another great ride this past Sunday. 75 miles/ 4 hr, a new attendance record set. Rolled out to Francis Marion and up to Huger for a store stop. Then back on Guerin's bridge Rd to 17- back to the Shoppe.
Leader's jersey to be given out this Sunday and we'll have one short ( very short!)sprint for the sprint jersey. No more sprints till January so whoever conquers will wear the "tunic of greatness" till then! Hope to see ya there!
DH

WBL #4

2009-12-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to come to the ride tomorrow. Same time- same place but 4 hrs. now! Suppose to be good weather. Time to head up into the forest. There will be a store stop as well. We had 14 people last week. Show up and let's get more this week! There were 2 takers on the free water last week!
Later-
DH

WBL # 3

2009-11-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

Time to come ride fatties! Work off that Thanksgiving dinner(s) this Sunday. Same time, same place. Good weather this weekend so no excuses.See you there.DH

No rain

2009-11-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

We rolled out with a bigger group than last week under threatening skies. It sprinkled long enough for me to put on my rain jacket and make it stop. The rest of the ride was a steady 18-20 mph double paceline cruise on dry, low traffic roads. Solid 3 hrs-15 min , 60 mile ride with good conversation. Looking forward to to clear skies and a few more people next week!
DH

WBL #2 11/22/09

2009-11-22T05:03:00.000-08:00

Still on. Bring your rain jackets and fenders. Told ya there would be free water!
DH

WBL #2

2009-11-19T13:57:00.001-08:00

WBL #2 this Sunday. Same time, same place. Don't get a flat Brad.
We had a great ride last week- 3 hr, 18 mph, 56 miles of good roads. It may be a little less than perfect weather this Sunday but it'll do everybody good. Time to harden up.
Seriously though- come on out for another good ride- we'll be riding unless it is pouring down a deluge when the ride starts.
See ya there!
DH

2009-11-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

First ride tomorrow. Be there. Free water!
DH

November rides

2009-10-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Nov. 15th. 1st Winter Bike league ride.
Departs from the Mt. Pleasant Bicycle Shoppe @ 9:00 AM sharp. Don't get there at nine. Get there at 8:45 or however early it takes to lollygag and get ready to ride. We will roll out for a 3 hr ride. Mostly good pavement but don't get scared if we cut down some gravel roads. Endurance pace. If you are stronger, ride at the front, if you want to ride easy, stay at the back. If you want to ride hard- go up the road and we'll turn when you are not looking.
Seriously though- should be a good double paceline ride. We'll try for a new route each week to keep things fresh. We will regroup but this shouldn't become a problem due to the low pace.
Hope to see you there!
DH

Welcome to the Charleston Winter Bike League

2009-09-22T15:51:00.001-07:00

The problem around here in Charleston is that everybody is fast, but nobody ever gets any faster. Here is part of the solution. Every year people train the same- same 3 hr loop every Saturday and Sunday. No less, no more. During the winter the pace is slow, summertime- fast. This needs to change if anyone wants improvement from year to year. Improvement will never happen in a plateau like this.
Let's change it up this winter!

This is what I propose:
November: 3 hr rides every Sunday morning with an appx 200 watt ceiling. No sprints.
December: 4 hr rides every Sunday morning with an appx 200 watt ceiling. Cat 4/5 and women only sprints.
January: 5 hr rides every Sunday morning with an appx 200 watt ceiling. Cat 3-5 sprints, 1-2 can leadout sprints.
February: 6 hr rides every Sunday morning with an appx 200 watt ceiling. All sprints are open and certain sections of road are open for attacking.

All rides will have at least one store stop, 6 hr rides will have 2. Regrouping will happen at each intersection but should not be a problem due to the endurance pace of the rides.
The route will change each week.
By participating in these rides this winter you will develop the strongest base you've ever had. Start with a 3 hr easy ride and add a little time each month. For those who do all these rides, the adaptation to comfortably doing 6 hr rides will be hardly noticeable. This is a great way to build the base fitness to carry you through to your best year ever.
Stay tuned for more info!
DH