Cyclo-CLUB member Rick Stransky recently completed his first-ever century and shared an email with us that brought a smile to our face. It's the stories and experiences like the one that Rick was nice enough to share that makes us really like what we do here at Cyclo-CLUB.

Do you remember your first century and how much of an achievment it was? We're proud that we could be a part of his preparation and love his spirit and exuberance. For sure, Rick, we look forward to seeing you on the road for a long time to come!

Hi Graeme,

I'm finally getting around to saying thanks for your help in preparing me for my first century. I did post in the forum (My first Century - what worked well), but I wanted to also give you a note of appreciation. I had a terrific ride last weekend. My time does not tell the story (6:15 for 103 miles with 6200' of climbing) as the weather was freezing for most of the ride (42 degrees) and the wind was brutal for the last 11 miles (took 55 minutes to ride 11 miles in very strong headwind on flat roads - might have been the hardest I pedaled all day to fight through it). The story is that I held back... ALL day. I dragged a small group of 5 riders on my wheel from the time we left until the time we crossed the line. The only time I was alone was on the climbs as I was able to spin faster and my leg strength allowed me to pull up and away on every incline. Funny as I was riding a standard with 12-25 and everyone else had a compact.

Your little 5 minute workouts are awesome. I used them as a cornerstone in my training. As in the century plan, one long ride a week was included. In a perfect situation, I would have been able to follow the plan consistently, but like so many riders who work a lot I found that some weeks I only had time to get out on the road one day so I had to make the most of my time on the trainer. I put my focus on strength training, speed pedaling (high cadence intervals to mimic spinning up hills), and endurance. The combination worked well for me on this ride. This may not be the test plan for bigger rides, like the Death Ride, but it did allow for me to get one Century under my belt.

As I start off-season training in preparation for 2010, I have started to put to paper some training goals. I hope to use those goals to help piece together some blocks of 7-day modules. I almost hate to back off too much and lose out on the fitness I have achieved. I will attempt to register for the Death Ride when that opens up in December. God willing, I will be in touch after I get my confirmation for the 2010 July "moment of truth." Based upon what you have shared, I may look to incorporate some of your training plan for the Death Ride, but it will need to be tweaked to fit my working schedule.

Well, gotta run. Thanks again for the encouragement (love the daily podcast). Look to see you out on the road someday in the future. Of course, we will be riding single file with our heads up and our ears open.

Rick Stransky

Rick on the MTB, with adrenaline!