31 December 2012

Last of 2012

First, let's start with how a cyclist will be writing '2013'...

Woke up early yesterday to go out in the cold...for two reasons.  First, it was in the low 30s, and the knowledge that no one would appear for a ride was secure, and Second, the "under-the-lights" cross race from Diegem was starting @ 1130-ish.  As that fat redneck is wont to say...let "git-r-done".

Went out to grab the CX bike, and opted for the Ridley.  Didn't matter, as I did the same loop, wet dirt roads and all.  2 pretty damn solid hours on the bike, including one 25 segment at 90-ish%.  I hate chit-chat about power, and all that it encompasses, but hanging your HR at around 90%, and ending the pain on a 8km section of dirt road will, in fact, make you a bit stronger. 


And it's good for your soul!!  The downside from yesterday?  I'm all out of stuff to clean my bike...so it's still dirty, and an affront to my bicycle OCD.

No ride today, as The Boss had to go to work.  Like there's anything going on at an insurance company on NYE.  I think she really wanted to get away from Junior Management for a few hours....

Now,for some entertainment...

Loenhout CX


Namur


Diegem Women highlights


Diegem Men highlights


Full Diegem video isn't up yet...I'll post when it hits.  It's worth watching...

Anyway, see you folks next year...

Namaste





29 December 2012

Back in the saddle....

 Garneau is pushing the envelope of lighter/thinner fabrics, and I'm just fine with it!


 These are cool posters...now if I could just find the link to order the damn things....

 Another visit to the #powerstation this morning...

 Wet, damp, chilly, windy, muddy, and sunny...this mornings ride had pretty much everything, including getting right hooked by a Prius with all of the requisite Obama/Peace/Coexist/Hug a Tree stickers.  Of course, it had to have been driven by a woman...on her iPhone...turning into the farmer's market @ 701 Whaley.  Guess she was too worried about getting her organic ______________ (insert produce type), than running over a dude on a bike. 

The normally trickling stream was flowing with a touch higher volume.  No, this isn't a black and white picture...

Good solo ride yesterday.  I sort of just looped about until I ended up at Old State, then did an effort at somewhere around 90% for the length of the dirt.  And yes, the fact that I've ridden about 6 times in the month of December became abundantly clear after about 10 minutes of the 15 minute effort.  Yeouch!  I spun over to Gervais, went hard-ish from the river to Harden, and spun home thru the 'hood. 

Another solo ride today, but on the CX bike.  It was 45 and spitting rain when I rolled out of the rack, so the CX bike got the nod.  Did the normal 2 hour CX loop, and brought it back to Service Course.  Definitely felt yesterday's little dig! 

Two good rides after 3 days of dealing with extended family.  I'm almost back to level...

Now to load up and go to Harbison to return some clothes.  So much for being almost back to level....

Peace and Phil Wood grease...



27 December 2012

Is it over?

3 days in a row of Christmas "festivities".  It's all too much.  Calgon, take me away...

Here's Zolder from yesterday...



Haven't ridden...likely won't today.  Too many errands to run.  Things get neglected when you do nothing but drive to Christmas celebrations for 3 straight days.  One of the three was enjoyable.  In baseball, .333 is a solid average.  In life, it makes for long days...

I need to go down to Service Course and affect repairs to the flat/cut rear tire as well.  I plain English, I need to swap tires around on wheels, and jam new $15 latex tubes into others.  Sounds like complaining, but it's quite fun, and I don;t have to deal with my in-laws.  Of course, by that rationale, I would enjoy a falcon punch, as it doesn't involve my in-laws either...

Riding tomorrow at some point.  Saturday and Sunday are definites.  Don't know what's going on, so I'm not the person to ask...

Time to get my day rolling.  Renick, Target, Earthfare...oh my...

Hope everyone had a good Christmas! 


24 December 2012

Ho Ho Ho!!!

 I'm no mountain biker, and the "North Shore" sort of stuff scares the living crap out of me, but this little section looks like big fun!

 When Boonen stops at the cafe, the view is a little different than when we stop...

Roubaix 2001.  Can we all wish together for another muddy Sunday in Hell...PLEASE!

And we all thought the Quick Step "pillow biter" picture was bad....
Sort of how I've felt the last 3 days on the bike after 3 weeks of being sick and inactive...


The normal trio met yesterday for a little spin out thru LexCo.  The trio became a duo when TVH decided that his gloves were ill-suited for the job, and turned around to head for the house.  Il Prof and I did a leisurely circuit of the Tuesday/Thursday loop, and had a nice ride...except  for the moron who gave us the old right hook while he was PULLING INTO CHURCH!!!  Yes, I did yell that part!  Nevermind the two family men on their bicycles, he was late for service to celebrate the baby Jesus...
Then, to add insult to (nearly) injury, upon making the big sweeping right turn onto my street, I ran over a huge chuck on broken Bud bottle, and dealt a death blow to my rear Vittoria Open Corsa SC.  Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a 1cm cut.  At least I was only about 500m from Service Course...I rode that sucker home! 

JBrstl and I met this morning for another leisurely roll thru LexCo.  We sort of winged it, and ended up with a good 2 hour ride that included some Vitamin D.  Hopefully, his house will remain fire and smoke free this holiday season!

 Tres Belgique, non?

For Junk...Merry Christmas buddy!

Now, I am steeling myself for the trip to visit The Boss' family for Christmas Eve festivities.  Seriously considering putting a hydrocodone in my pocket, just in case of emergency.  If you have a spare moment, say a kind word to whomever you pray for me.  An afternoon over there could get Taliban to give up info...

Anywho, I hope everyone has a great Christmas!




22 December 2012

Funny how that works...

The title will be a two-parter...bear with me...

JBrstl and I met @ 10 this morning for a little CX bike action.  As it was below 40 @ 9, I didn't even bother to head to the road ride.  As an aside, it was 33 in Charlotte, and 50-ish showed up for the WBL ride....
Anyway, we headed out for some exploring, dirt, possible CX course recon, and as it turns out, some quality technicolor yawning.  Not me...thankfully I haven't vomited in nearly two years, and mine was a result of coming off anesthesia.  Mr. Bristol, however, did his best George Thorogood impression last night...



He claims not to have consumed a quantity of beers, but the specific gravity of each beer consumed went up as the evening progressed.  When you end the night with a 10-ish% pint of love, things the next can really suck.  (Insert post title HERE!) 

Regardless, the boy did the P&R, and we completed the ride.  It was a good 2.5 hours on the bike, on what was a breezy, but big-blue-sky day!

 Tell me again how cool it is to live in Minneapolis or Portland...

 Blue sky day..
Huh...he doesn't look bad for a guy who chummed the trail 30 minutes earlier...

I definitely feel better for going out this morning.  I needed to get the blood flowing, some fresh air, and perspective.  All things came to their fruition because I rode my bike.  (insert post title here)

We're riding Monday (Christmas Eve) morning, if anyone wants to join.  I'll send out an email shortly.  Come burn some calories before you destroy yourself with Christmas cookies...

Namaste...

21 December 2012

Recon....



So...Junior Management and I loaded up in TheBeast yesterday, and traveled out into the darkest recesses of LexCo.  Kidding...we went to Swansea. 
In all of the rides we've done out there, the myriad dirt roads have always teased me.  I think I may have to do something about it.

Anyone down for another Roubaix/dirt road ride?  I can say, with some degree of authority, that the red clay roads in this part of LexCo are smoother than some of the tarmac roads in Lower Richland.  They're definitely better maintained! 

Many of them link together, so putting a loop together will be pretty simple.  The problem will be which roads to include.  There are so many...it's like Christmas!

Road bikes with 23/25 tires will easily traverse all of them.  There's nothing that will be walk-a-bike...or even close...

I'll put a loop together in the coming days, and send out the first emails.  The last Roubaix ride was a success, and was big fun for everyone.  Hopefully we will have some guests from Charlotte and Charleston this time around.

A few of us are planning to ride Monday (Christmas Eve) morning.  I'll post time and meeting place once we figure it out.  It won't be a deathmarch, just something to get some fresh air before family sucks the life out of everyone.



20 December 2012

Hoping I remember how...

No rides all week, and I really don't care.  I'm planning on throwing a leg over at some point in the next few days, but only The Shadow knows when, or where...

I'm willing to bet that the rides will be solo though, as it supposed to be less than 40 degrees Saturday and Sunday mornings.  Good thing I put some new tires on the Salsa...

Here's something to watch :

Last 50-ish km of 2012 Flanders...



Last 85km of Hey Nieuwsblad 2012...



Roubaix 2012.  Boonen domination...



Won't be long until the Spring Classics come back, and it won' be soon enough.

Speaking of EuroDog stuff....the UCI announced that a decision on Frank Schleck's hot test/suspension will be handed down in 6 weeks.  Did the UCI relocate to Punxsatawney when no one was looking?  Guess they saw their shadow...and it was shaped like a dumbass!

Omega Pharma-Quick Step-Moe's Burritos-Ray's Shoe Repair put each individual rider's Twitter handles on their jerseys.  Yeah, that's what Twitter needs...more hammered up English.  Further proof that Twitter may have jumped the shark, because we know that OPQSMBRSR jumped it when they hired a dedicated Twitterer (Twit) who knows cycling in the same way I know Theoretical Physics. 

Tony isn't wrong....


Oh, Tard the Grumpy Cat...I love you more everyday...


Can you tell I get itchy, and hard(er) to get along with when I don't ride?  Sorry...it's the way of the sword around here...

I'm going to start working on a NYD ride loop, if anyone is interested.  It will be a social-ish (not social-ist) sort of affair.  100km or so, the group stays together.  It MAY have a dirt section or two, with routing options for those who are averse to that sort of thing.  Emails will go out shortly...

OK...get back to work...or back to sleep...or whatever it is you people do all day.  :)

I need some caffeine...



17 December 2012

What a nice Monday...

55 degrees, gray...flat light...rain on the way...pretty much Summer in Northern Europe...

Speaking of...



Is it me, or does Niels Albert always look like he's a bit constipated?

I cleaned the Helium last night.  After yesterday's little Vitamin D action, it was fOnky!

Is it any wonder that pro teams have throw away framesets for the Northern classics?

Time to go run errands.  No ridey for me Tuesday night.  I got roped into going to some 40+ year old, Junior League wannabe's Christmas drop-in.  Yeah, it'll be a drop in alright.  Drop in, and disappear out the side door 15 minutes later. 

Time to get the day going...

Namaste




16 December 2012

Well...at least I rode...

I rode three days this week after having whatever strain of cold/flu/plague that has infested my body.  All were merely rides, with the only one that was remotely interesting or fun being today.

Thursday Urban Ride...meh...should have gone out solo.  Turnout was anorexic at best, but did teach me something.  If the temps are below @ 50, there's little reason to venture over to Cayce.  It was 52 degrees, and the yelping about the cold was borderline incessant.  People...52 degrees isn't cold.
My heart really wasn't in it, so I peeled off and rolled home.  Still got almost 2 hours, and got rid of some 'stuff'.

Saturday was 48 and dreary, but a good turnout nonetheless.  It's a shame the group couldn't find it within themselves to stay together.  One good group turned into 3 mini-groups that were spread all over Lower Richland.  Dumb.  TVH and I had a good ride anyway.  

This morning was 55, damp, and threatened rain.  I showed up at the spot, waited the commensurate 5 minutes after the planned time of departure, and rolled out solo.  I thought the 15 minute grace period was over and done with since The Hive left the group.  Guess not...
I had a really nice spin ride out thru LexCo, got a bit wet, and had a really nice section of tailwind tempo on the dirt to get home.  Old State was in great shape.  I rolled thru Cayce, and up Gervais, into campus and Five Points, then home.  Got a nice 2:15 on the bike.  Speaking of, the Ridley is filthy...and I mean Flemish-speaking Belgian filthy. 

Whatever my loving children brought into the house is taking it's sweet time to make egress from my lungs.  Nothing like coughing like an aged coal miner for 2 hours of a ride! 

Picture time...

 Arenberg Forest in the fall is beautiful, if not a bit creepy. 

 And the Stelvio in Winter...brilliant.
Both shots courtesy of Jered Gruber...

One of these things is not like the other.  I'll let you guys figure out which belongs to Jose Rujano. 

Please God, let me break legs, and souls, today.  And I'm sorry folks keep saying that I'm you.

Euro CX vids tomorrow when they hit the intarwebs. 

I'm gonna go shoot guns now...

12 December 2012

Humpday time suck

2012 Strade Bianche



I think this may be the race we plan a vacation around.  I can talk the Boss into Italy.  Belgium in April doesn't hold a lot of romance for her...

Speaking of Strade Bianche, here's the end of the stage to Civitella from the 2010 Giro...

P1



P2





P3



P4



P5



I think I may go order this race on DVD, just for this finish...

And who knew the ghost of Michael Jackson was a boxing fan?


Not much happening at Service Course.  I'm feeling better, and planning to hit the Urban ride Thursday night, for no other reason than to get the legs moving around.  Two weeks off the bike has made a brother stiff, and even less cat-like than before.  My spinal adjustment this morning had more than a few parts that were audible...and shouldn't have been!

Did I mention that the Christmas tree fell over again?  Fool me once, you get set back up.  Fool me twice, and your 8+ foot tall spruce ass gets lashed to the window casing with doubled up 20 pound test fishing line.  If it falls again, it will be standing at a majestic 4 or so feet shortly thereafter!

Pro-Tip:  Screw the decorative tree stands.  Get the one that looks like it was made out of rebar that's welded to the hood of a mid-70s Buick sedan.  The skirt covers it anyway!!

OK...begin your video viewing, and complete lack of productivity!

Namaste...

10 December 2012

Or not...

Yeah, about that upswing....

Another standing 8 for the kid.  Felt fine Saturday.  Slept late, did yardwork, hung Christmas lights...no issues.
Woke up yesterday feeling like the Hammer of Thor had beaten me half to death overnight.  By 4 in the afternoon, I had a 102 fever, and was partaking in the joy that are the cold sweats.  Frozen, sweatshirt, track pants, blanket...yet sweating like a rented mule.  Fuck...
Tossed and turned all night.  Sweat thru 2 t-shirts, a pair of boxers, and two pillow cases.  So.  Much.  Fun!!
Still sweating as I sit here and type this...
Guess I'm getting a few more days off the bike...

Rumor has it that Saturday was a good ride.  Several people were missing, including me, but there was still a good turnout.  Nice.
Don't know about yesterday, as I was having some sort of Vision Quest.
Every effort will be made to be out this coming weekend.

Antwerp CX



Hey Sven, one would have thunk you learned your lesson with the XTR pedals last year...

Last lap of Druivencross from Sunday  (link only for now)

Nys came out of his pedals again n the middle of the race.  Wonder if Crank Brothers can send him a care package?

I've had these for a while...Wiggins is just such a wanker... (from 2013 Tour route presentation)



Sorry Brad, are we boring you?  Dick...

OK...enough for today...I need to go lay down on the couch...

Namaste...

07 December 2012

Upswing? Maybe...

I feel like I'm on the upswing.  Of course, the downswing was pretty freaking low.  I always have sinus issue, but then again, after breaking my nose 5 times, that shit is probably bound to happen.
Fortunately, I have good friends with "M.D" after their names, and they take care of me.  The antibiotics are on board, as well as over the counter meds, so I'm feeling marginally better.  Probably a 4/10 at this point.
I'm gonna try to show up tomorrow, even if I just ride out, and turn right when the group turns left.  I need to get my stiff legs rolling around...

Now, for your enjoyment...

2002 Zolder...better ask somebody!  Lombardi and Petacchi as final leadout men? 



2010 Zolder...same place...different discipline...waaay different weather...



Ken Block going Slideways...





Tafi bringing the pain...

Been a burn of a week.  At least I got sick now.  Usually, I have to deal with this right at Christmas, and nothing is quite as enjoyable as doing Santa duties on Christmas Eve with a ripping sinus infection...

Hopefully, your week has been better!

17 days until Christmas.


05 December 2012

Standing 8 count...

Oy...
Nothing like feeling pretty good for months on end, then having Junior Mgmt. #2 bring home something from school.
First, it went to the Boss, who is curled up in bed as we speak, then it transferred to yours truly.
Hammered shit?  Yeah, that's how I feel today.  Head is splitting open, and every muscle and joint on my already pre-maturely aged body is stiff and sore.
I'm taking everything the CVS has on the shelf, coupled with a bunch of natural stuff from Earthfare, and drinking Elderberry tea like it's going out of style. 
I'm operational, but at a very low level. 

Didn't ride last night...not gonna ride Thursday.  The effort will be made to there Saturday morning.  We'll see...

That's it for me...

Namaste...


03 December 2012

2012 Roubaix CX (update)

Women's race...



Oh, hey Euros, that's Katie Compton whippin' yo ass!

Men's race Thanks Junk!

02 December 2012

Happy Winter...it's 70!

Whooooo-Hoooooo...

Man, 70 degrees that last two days.  Now granted, it was in the 50s when the rides rolled out, but temps jumped quickly, and the gift of riding in bibs and short sleeves is not lost on any of us.
Please Portland, Minneapolis, wherever, tell me again about your bitchin' bike culture! 
And while here in Columbia, we don't have giant group rides anymore, if you want to get involved in such a thing, just point your vehicle North, and go to Charlotte on Saturday morning.
The Charlotte WBL had 115 +/- in attendance yesterday.  The ride leaves TotalCyclist @ 0930 on Saturday mornings thru the Winter.

That being said, we had a pretty damn good group Saturday morning from Rosewood.  Everyone did their work, everyone rode well, and everyone ended with a tick over 80km in 2:25. 

No drama, no whinging...A good time was had by all. 

This morning, the group rolled out into Lex/Cal, and ended up in Swansea.  We turned down Tickle Weed Rd., for no other reason than Il Prof wanted to ride down a road called "Tickle Weed", which, on a bike ride in December, is a good enough reason. 

1) The road isn't very long, and it's rough as shit.
2) We got chased by a short-legged Jack Russell who was a stealthy little bastard, very quick, and was completely undeterred in his pursuit when Il Prof swerved at him.

We rolled home together and I ended up with 97.88km.  The answer to your next question is "Yes", as I DID loop the block until the Cateye read 100.03! 

See...Tickle Weed Rd.!!

On the way thru the 'hood to get home, Corndog and I ran into Dr. LP and his cute-as-a-bug kiddo.  He thought the group rides had ended b/c certain people had moved away.  We explained that the fact they were gone was actually the reason the group rides had started back up!  Now, everyone shows up with some degree of punctuality, and we roll out pretty damn close to on time.  How novel....

And now, for your viewing pleasure...

Roubaix CX from Sunday morning...



Kind of an odd, short loop, but plenty of action...

I'll post the entire race when it hits the intarwebs...

Why does Schleck splitting wood look like someone gave a Make-A-Wish kid an axe?  Someone SURELY had to have remarked that this was a terribly bad idea.

The Boss caught a photo of me sitting down to eat when I got home today.  After last week's 6 straight, I was going to just lay low, and ride a little this week.  Well, it was 4 days in a row, and 280km.  I was hungry...!


Old School never goes out of style!

We procured a Christmas tree today.  It's 9 feet tall, and measures nearly 9 feet around.  He's not fat, he's big branched! 
I felt like the prototypical SUV driving Suburban dad bringing it home...strapped to the roof of the YukonXL.  Only thing that was missing was the pre-lit wreath attached to the grille. 

And on that note...I hope everyone turned pedals, and had a good weekend! 

Peace...