A little tardy but better late than never.
Took a well-deserved, week-long absence from the saddle following the Epic Mississippi River Ride. Having spent no time riding indoors the previous 3 months, rather disappointing to ride nearly half the rides in October and more than half the November rides on the trainer. As usual, most of the rides were solo but did a couple of local group rides, two New Bike Day rides (one road, one gravel), a 100K Randonneuring (Perm Route), and the unofficial end of organized charity rides: Great Pumpkin Ride. That’s a great route with awesome, pumpkin-flavored snacks at each of the rest stops. The only negative is the paltry fair available for the after-ride lunch: 1/3 of a wrap, bag of chips, and a bottle of water. Why not allocate some of the rest stop treats to after ride lunch?
Spent the first 20 days, including two travel days, in December in FL getting acclimated to my new ride – Seven XX with SRAM Red (Tiberius). Only one of the eighteen cycling days was indoors and that was focused on a system check of the Zwift set-up. Discovered a nonfunctioning front derailleur, big ring only, on the 2017 Cannondale Super Six Evo. A closer inspection also revealed the rivets fastening the derailleur mount to the seat tube were corroded and the derailleur was pulling away from the bike. Managed 1250 miles over 18 days to include several Randonneuring Perm Routes (2 x 100K, 3 x 200K, 1 x 300) that included hundreds of miles on various FL paved and unpaved (Santos Trail) trails. Great bike – the made to order tube lengths and geometry fit like a glove. Very comfortable and the titanium build absorbs much more road roughness than carbon fiber. Plus it handled single-track terrain without a problem. So yes, returning to a randonneuring focus in 2026 with sites on PBP for 2027. 2026 plans were disrupted a bit when the organizer for the Vuelta Puerto Rico developed some medical issues that required him to cancel the event. Apparently, it’s primarily a one-man show. Still good for LEJOG, Alaska, and Douro River Valley, Portugal.
All remaining rides in December after returning to NoVA were indoors. A legitimate Zwift 20-min FTP step test produced a number comparable to the estimate based on rides and structured workouts. Not a bad number but the goal is to be above 3.8 w/kg through a combination of higher power output and drop in weight. Definitely doable. Finished the year with a Garmin estimated VO2max 2 ml/kg below my age but 15 ml/kg above an actual (supposed) VO2max value. Supposed is used as protocol is wonky and only produced a max HR of 144 but Zwift FTP test elicited 164.
2025 Cycling Summary:
Total miles:14, 722 IRL: 9825 Virtual: 4897
Elevation: 678,305’ IRL: 432,100 Virtual: 246,205
Time: 796 hours IRL: 541 Virtual: 255
Total days cycled: 322 Off days: 43
27 States: VA, MD, DC, WV, FL, AZ, DE, PA, NJ, CT, NY, RI, ME, NH, MA, VT, IN, IL, MN, WI, IA, MO, KY, TN, AR, MS, LA
2 Countries: United States and Canda (Montreal).
A brief update on the various medical conditions afflicted various levels of annoyance. The third and last steroid injection wasn’t any more effective than the second one. The initial response was closer to the first injection but the increased irritation for the week after the injection wasn’t followed by a relief of the symptoms. Back to the normal: various levels of irritation ranging from manageable to sit in a chair with eyes closed near incapacitated. Will follow up with the Doc upon returning from FL in the spring. Scheduled an appointment with my PCM to pursue a prescription for Rapatha to treat the extremely elevated level of APO(a) which is primarily genetically driven. Also brought latest print-out of EKG showing Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) which have existed since my early 20s with no other symptoms. Upon seeing the EKG, her immediate response was, “You have bradycardia.” With an annual 12K base miles of cycling, certainly should have a resting heart rate below 60. Mine is typically in the low 40s with occasional dips to the high 30s not unusual. She provided a referral to cardiology for EKG follow up and Rapatha discussion as that clinic has the lead for that prescription. Also ordered an upper abdominal (liver) ultrasound to investigate recurring elevated levels of liver AST enzymes.
Cardiologist unable to accommodate Rapatha as a coronary event hasn’t occurred yet. So short sighted by insurance companies. Cover treatments before an event which may prevent one – thus saving significant resources down the road. Doc recommended increasing statin dosage to whole tablet (40 mg) from current half tablet to see if that effects LDL levels and potential re-consideration of Repatha if unsuccessful. Ordered a wearable heart rate monitor for 7 days to determine frequency of PVCs. If meaningful percentage (above 15%), an intervention normally indicated. Beta-blocker normally the first treatment suggested but that treats the symptom and not the underlying cause. No thanks – common side effect is lowering resting heart rate. Don’t need any assistance with that. Doc agreed it’s contraindicated in my case which means an ablation. That eliminates the cause but could also keep me off the bike for an extended period. Not overly keen on that option either with all the currently cycling trips planned. No feedback yet from the heart rate monitor. Within days of increasing the statin, resting heart rate increased to a new baseline of 52 bpm. Not a fan of that at all. Didn’t feel right, either. Don’t know how to explain it but just didn’t feel as calm when resting. Dropped back to the half tablet and heart rate returned to previous resting rate of 42. Will discuss with cardiologist whenever the heart rate monitor results are returned.
Ultrasound report seemed normal at first but ended with a finding of Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver). No mention of Fatty Liver Disease or any other issues. Seems weird. Referral to Hepatology now.
Made some new meals (and repeats), bread, and desserts and had a nice meal in Orlando after the 300K. Also, boy child was in charge of Thanksgiving and prepared an awesome Indian-themed meal with duck breast as the lead. The Missus (with assist from girl child) did their usual holiday cookie bonanza – cookie penance required. Have made several different recipes involving salmon but prefer pan-seared and/or grilled over all the others. Simple is better in this case. New meals included eggplant parmigiana, spinach artichoke chicken bake, tuna cacio e pepe, salmon and green beans in red pepper sauce, beef bourguignon, and homemade salmon burgers (the only use for frozen sockeye salmon from Walmart). New desserts included kitchen sink skillet cookie, pumpkin maple muffins, apple crumble cake, and crispy tiger bars. Repeat items included salmon, roasted potatoes and Brussel sprouts, rotisserie duck, carrot cake muffins, and bread. Really love the 3 lb loaf! A well-deserved meal at Turci Pasta after 10+ hours of moving time included salad, smoked duck breast with fettuccine and peanut butter cheesecake.
Happy New Year to all and may 2026 bring new adventures and appetizing morsels.
Cycling and Culinary Flavors 