For Haven’s Sake Charity Time Trial Race Report

Tom Ament organized a night time trial and fun ride at McDowell Mountain Regional Park to support a cause everyone can appreciate. More information on Haven is available here. The event was well organized and supported, and, from everything I’m hearing, it was a definite success!

The race started off well for me - all of my gear was cooperating. Lights were working, tires were holding air, (tested out a new pack on the market from Kole Gear - its a pressurized hydration pack - I’ll get thoughts on it up shortly), etc. About 15 minutes in, a mild, cool breeze started up, which was a nice offset to the hot, arid air typical of Arizona.

I was passed by a handful of riders somewhere around the completion of the first mile; but, I was maintaining a pretty decent pace in respect to my 1:00 goal. All in all, my riding was pretty good - I was taking a few descents with more speed and control than usual, and powered up every hill but two, both of which because I missed my line and slipped into a rut.

I have ridden the course before - its a great loop with a decent amount of variety and reasonable amount of climbing. Riding at night changed it completely. I could not see the “hairy” section coming up until I was too close for a material velocity change - so I just barreled into them by happenstance. It worked out well and I definitely felt that the 8 mile loop significantly improved my riding skills.

I came across a couple riders with flats, but being ill prepared myself, I didn’t have tubes, patch kits, or C02 to help. Then, after railing through the technical section on the south ridge, I came across a nice woman who was walking with no lights. As it turned out, her light had quit on her. I was riding with two bar lights and a helmet light, so I figured I had one to spare. I offered her a light and she followed me back to the finish coming in a minute or so behind me. The transfer of the light probably cost me a minute or two, and I ended up finishing in a time of 1:01. So, I felt good - my time was hit, I flew through the rock garden, the ride was fun, I wasn’t winded, and I was able to help someone and built up some good karma (not to brag…).

Little did I know that the good karma would pay off immediately. I stayed to enjoy a killer porter from SKA and the charity raffle. The grand prize - a Vassago frame and fork. And guess who’s name was drawn for that.

The frame is a Fisticuff - which is a cool bike. Unfortunately, the frame is a bit small for me - so Tom came through again and offered to switch it out for the correct size. I mentioned that I may want to build it up single speed, and he mentioned in passing that in addition to switching the size, it may be best to switch to a different frame. This is an offer I can’t pass up, and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a new frame to build into a great bike with unique geometry.

The entire race was great - and for me, it was further proof that the cycling community really is a community. I’ve been asked by numbers of riders in the past if I’ve needed help - this time I returned the favor. And while winning the frame is awesome, the main point of the event was the philanthropic side - and I think everyone was glad to help.

Race Finish (Notice Only One Light)

New Kole Gear Pack - Post Race

Photos taken by Leslie Lohn.

Almost every time I fly Southwest Airlines I get a free can of Monster Lo-Carb Energy Drink. The little black can with the blue top has become a familiar fixture in my briefcase. Maybe that’s a good thing, maybe not. I’m not a doctor (so don’t construe this as medical advice). But, here is what I know of the health impact of Monster:

Ingredients
Carbonated Water:
“as harmless as regular water…While the [potential for dental erosion] of sparkling water is greater than still water, levels remain low.”
Glucose:
“simple sugar”
Citric Acid:
“excessive consumption is capable of eroding tooth enamel”
Taurine:
“has been shown to be effective in removing fatty liver deposits in rats, preventing liver disease, and reducing cirrhosis in tested animals. There is also evidence that taurine is beneficial for adult human blood pressure…There is an indication that taurine (2 g/day) has some function in the maintenance and possibly in the induction of psoriasis.”
Sodium Citrate: (Tri, as the type is not specified)
“citrate can perform as a buffering agent, resisting changes in pH. Sodium citrate is used to control acidity in some substances, [and] can be found in the mini milk containers used with coffee machines.”
Panax Ginseng Root Extract:
“According to a Sports Nutrition FAQ published by UMass Amherst, one of P. ginseng’s most common side-effects is the inability to sleep. However, other sources state that ginseng causes no sleep difficulties Other side-effects can include nausea, diarrhea, euphoria, headaches, epistaxis, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and mastalgia.”
Caffeine:
A more thorough discussion of caffeine will come later. Suffice it to say I am not caffeine adverse, as long as it is not ingested within a few hours prior to sleep.
Sorbic Acid:
“prevent the growth of mold, yeast and fungi.”
Sucralose:
“Results from over 100 animal and clinical studies in the FDA approval process unanimously indicated a lack of risk associated with sucralose intake.[4] However, some adverse effects were seen at doses that significantly exceeded the estimated daily intake (EDI), which is 1.1 mg/kg/day.”
Benzoic Acid:
“For humans, the WHO’s International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) suggests a provisional tolerable intake would be 5 mg/kg body weight per day.”
L-Carnitine:
“L-Carnitine improved glucose disposal among 15 patients with type II diabetes and 20 healthy volunteers. The use of carnitine showed some promise in a controlled trial in selected cases of male infertility improving sperm quality. Although L-Carnitine has been marketed as a weight-loss supplement, there is no scientific evidence to date to show that it improves weight loss.”
Niacinamide:
“Nicotinamide has demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions which may be of benefit in patients with inflammatory skin conditions. Nicotinamide is a water-soluble vitamin and is part of the vitamin B group.”
Acesulfame Potassium:
“Critics of the use of acesulfame potassium say the chemical has not been studied adequately and may be carcinogenic, although these claims have been dismissed by the US FDA and by equivalent authorities in the European Union. Acesulfame K has been shown to stimulate insulin secretion in rats in a dose-dependent fashion thereby possibly aggravating reactive hypoglycemia (”low blood sugar attacks”). Rodent studies have shown no increased incidence of tumors in response to administration of acesulfame K.”
Sodium Chloride:
“table salt”
Glucuronol Actone:
“is an important structural component of nearly all connective tissues.”
Inositol:
“Some preliminary results of studies on high dose inositol supplements show promising results for people suffering from problems such as bulimia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and unipolar and bipolar depression.”
Guarana Seed Extract:
“Preliminary research has shown guarana may affect how quickly the body perceives itself to be full. One study showed an average 11.2 pound (5.1 kilogram) weight loss in a group taking a mixture of yerba mate, guarana, and damiana, compared to an average one pound loss in a placebo group after 45 days.”
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride:
“Vitamin B6″
Riboflavin:
“Vitamin B2″
Maltodextrin:
“Maltodextrin is easily digestible, being absorbed as rapidly as glucose”
Cyanocobalamin:
“one of the chemicals in the B-12 family”
(sources for all quotes: Wikipedia)

The takeaway is the same takeaway with almost any food product: “in moderation.”

I suspect that a large number of food products have studies that show both its beneficial impact on the body, and its harmful impact on the body. The general result - don’t overindulge.

Five Hour Energy regularly boasts in advertisements that the product does not contain sugar. At less than 30 calories, I’m guessing Lo-Carb Monster does not contain much either. Rather, Five Hour Energy is rumored to work on a Vitamin-B overload. Based upon the range of B vitamins, it appears that Monster is similar.

That brings up the topic of kidney stones. The grape vine indicates that Monster can cause kidney stones. This would likely be caused by excessive quantities of vitamins. Without sufficient water, the kidneys get overworked, and become unable to flush the excess material out.

Another takeaway: “Drink plenty of water.”

Seems a closed case to me. Monster Lo-Carb Energy is a reasonable alternative to coffee, assuming it is taken in moderation and that the consumer drinks appropriate amounts of water on a regular basis.