Shut up and go ride!

Nothing to see here...

2012-02-14T08:12:00.003-05:00

Well...a few things...

So, can you just call it 'Stuey Street"?

Much like road tubeless, hydraulic road brake are an answer to a question that no one asked. Have YOU ever had issues with cable operated calipers? No? Me Neither...

No, the bike that these came off wasn't chained to the Myrtle Beach Pier for 12-18 months! Yes, I wore latex surgical gloves when removing it...

Hate to see you go, but love to watch you leave!

Nothing much going on...as you can plainly see.

Time to order some spokes for a wheel build...

Peace!

Two good days

2012-02-12T16:14:00.006-05:00

Two of the three Management Trainees went to the Lexington branch office for the weekend, so the weekend was quiet around Service Course.
Saturday morning met us with chilly temps and stiff North wind. It was a good ride nonetheless. MW peeled off to finish his required 4 hours. I guess that's the price of being a Cat 1 on an elite team.
The rest off us rolled in across Double Homey to Shop. There's usually a headwind coming in that way, but it was just STIFF on Saturday morning. I was pegged coming across the bridge at 32kmh.
Good ride though. The wind makes you strong...

This morning, it was a balmy 26 degrees when I woke up. Il Prof and TVH already said they weren't showing up, and i didn't really feel like accompanying MW on his second required 4 hour sojourn of the weekend, so I broke out the CX bike and headed for the woods. It's been a long while since I'd ridden any singletrack, so I headed to the Palmetto Trail.
The trail is actually in really good shape right now, and very conducive to a CX bike***. After about a mile, I remembered why I was REALLY fit about 5 years ago. I rode the trail 2x a week on the CX unit. Sure, it sounds pretty easy, until one recalls that a CX bike has road gearing (at least mine does...), and narrow tires. It was an enjoyable grind session on a 38/25 gear, to say the least.

Hmmm...Wildcat was empty this morning...

(Sgt. Schultz voice) I know noth-ing...I see noth-ing...

The speed limit and the temp were exactly the same...

Oh, and if some of my readers think it's so easy, I'll meet you out there...and wait for you at agreed upon locations, like Starbucks. I'll have a coffee and scone waiting for you...

And here's the last lap from Middelkerke on Saturday. Stybar (pronounced Stee-bar, not Steye-bar) and Nys going at it...good stuff...

*** Conducive had I been riding other tires. While the Clement LAS file treads kick a mile of ass on virtually every surface, the aforementioned file tread wasn't designed for loose pine straw. I was sliding like Bambi. I crashed a couple of times, I just didn't hit the ground...
The casing was superb however. They are listed as 33c tires, but are a nominal 35-36c, and the casings are tall and round. I'm betting the PDX would be pretty nice out there.

My neck, my back...well, just my neck...

2012-02-10T07:59:00.008-05:00

I won't complain about getting old because, well...I'm not OLD, per se...

I will say though, that getting old(er) is a bitch. I feel good, am relatively healthy and fit, but how in the World do I tweak my neck by packing up my 6 year old's backpack? I mean JESUS!!!
I did nothing more but reach for the little fella's school folder. 3 to 5 seconds later, I couldn't move my head up, down, or to the right! Left was no issue however.
Needless to say, much of my day yesterday was spent on the floor, trying to roll out the knot in my trap, and stretch my neck.
Did it stop me from riding last night? Hells no! Rule #5 bitches! It's not until you ride with limited ability to turn your head that you realize just how MUCH you move your melon on a ride.
The 2+ hours on the bike actually helped though. The pain has largely subsided this morning, but my neck and shoulders are stiff this morning.

As for the ride, it was big fun. Different route out into WeCola. We had a dozen or so in the "A" group, but maybe 4 of us did any work. No bother though, it's still big fun riding with a bunch of guys who actually enjoy riding their bikes! Well, Dennis didn't really enjoy last night. The Gremlins seemed to be after his rear wheel. He was the unfortunate recipient of a flat, tubeless 29er tire. About 20 minutes later, a loud POP came from his rear Easton wheel. Yep, you guessed it...broken spoke. Sometimes, the Gods send you a message to put in the breeze, and take it back to the house...

If you look up 'pretentious' in the dictionary, this photo might just accompany to definition. Sachs AND Rouleur magazine...in one picture? My head assplode! All they needed to add was a Rapha wool hat, and the trifecta would have been complete.

You ride your mountain bike...I'll ride my cross bike...

The Greg Edit from Bikeparks.co.za on Vimeo.

And Cav hit the ground a TON in Qatar this morning. Give him all the stick you want, but he showed class and cojones by getting up to finish! Most of us would have waited for the Waaah-mbulance had we hit the deck at 65kmh!

Yeah, the temps are falling this weekend...way down into the 40s!
Saturday @ 0900 from Brennen
Sunday @ 0900 from Five Points

Have a good weekend!

1/2 way to the weekend

2012-02-08T08:48:00.004-05:00

After Conta's suspension, Riis announced his newly signed GC rider. Gilberto 'El Luchador' Bontalor. (photo courtesy of HandlebarMustache)

Merckx...DeVlaeminck...mud...cobbles...black and white...that is all!

Rolled around in the dark last night. Didn't have a whole lot of impetus, but it was far too nice of an evening not to ride. That, coupled with the fact that I would have likely committed some sort of "-icide" had I stayed in the house, forced me outside.

This beautiful sunset was part of the reward for kitting up and getting on the bike. And the moon was BIG and full last night. Coming home through the 'hood, I clicked the light off and traversed the streets with La Luna to guide me. Once the eyes got acclimated, it was quite nice! Of course, riding through Shandon in the dark, sans headlight, in a bit like playing "Junior League Soccer Mom Roulette".

Quick news:
Naked joggers in Columbia, now naked cycling flashers in Charlotte.

And whoever did THIS bullshit needs to spend a little time in PMITA jail.

Time to start steeling myself for the remainder of the day. #3 is at the Ped's office right now. 6 month check, and shots. He'll be a joy for the rest of the day...

Namaste!

Holy Sheeeeuuuuutttttt!

2012-02-07T16:57:00.002-05:00

And THIS is exactly why I do not own/ride/condone mountain bikes.

Kidding, of course, but DAMN...that is exactly the situation for the quote, "That's gonna leave a mark..."

Monday Funday

2012-02-06T08:13:00.004-05:00

After 18 long months, Clenbutador finally gets his ban. Should have happened 17+ months ago. Zero tolerance means zero tolerance, not "well, we'll ban you after every legal recourse has been explored and exhausted..."
Of course, the ban will likely be retro-active to the date of the positive test, so his two years will be more like 6 months.
My big question is how the whole "transfer of the win" thing goes for the 2010 Tour. Does Schleck hire repo guys to go get his jersey and trophy? They should, as part of his punishment, make Contador box everything up and hand deliver it to Andy's house. It's okay...Frank will be there to sign for it.

The new Competitive Cyclist pro team's Pina Dogmas. Is very nice...

And some bike porn from Clive @ Glory Cycles. Parlee Z5...so simple, so clean, so sexy. If you're into these sorts of things, check out Glory's Flickr photostream. If you can't find something in there that makes the blood rush, then, well...give up!

Good rides this weekend. Nice paceline work on Saturday. I felt horribly flat and tired, but could pull through, and take longer pulls with no problem...I guess that's good?
Sunday was supposed to be 60 and rain. Well, as usual, the wx guys missed the broad side of the barn with the forecast. We left in 63 and sun, and after a nice little metric century, came home in 72 and BIG sun.

I got a bit burnt on the arms...in February. I have a sneaking suspicion that we're going to pay retail for this weather down the road, but for now, I'll take it.
Not that I'm going to, or have any interest in racing anymore, but the Spring Series should be a bloodbath this year. Because of the generally warm temps in the Southeast this Winter, guys are gonna be FLYING. Might be worth driving up just to hang out and watch!

Plyos at the Statehouse tonight, if anyone if interested.

TGIF

2012-02-03T09:16:00.002-05:00

McQuaid fiddles as cycling burns?

TVH gave me a heaping ration for the day-glo DeFeet gloves last weekend. I told him that neons were coming back. I just bought new Diadora PR3 kicks, but now feel that I should have waited for the Jet Racers. So fresh...

Foundry has made something that is relevant to my interests. In a World of garish, overblown design and paintwork, simplicity shall be King! And it shows the new lever shape of SRAM Red. I gotta get this stuff in my hands. I like the Double Tap, but hate the current lever shape. If the new Red is Meathook Approved (TM pending), I may "Make the Leap".

And from the "Time Flies" File...
#3 is 6 months old today. Where the hell did that time go? As you can plainly see, he's a big, healthy, happy fella. I'm insanely lucky and blessed.

As for the TGIF title, has it been a long week for anyone else? Time has crawled this week. Like 1000fps slo-mo crawled. And of course, as it's par for the course, the weather is supposed to take a turn this weekend. A week of sun and 60s/70s will turn to cloudy and 50s for Saturday and Sunday. No matter. I'ma ride anyway...

Speaking of, it was a good ride last night, except for the fact that I was on a borderline bonk for the last hour.
Two notes to self :
(1) Don't dump shift under power in the middle of a 15+% hill. The F/D doesn't like it and WILL make you stop in the middle.
(2) Eat and drink something in the afternoon. I'm trying to lose some weight, but DAMN! I left the house feeling flat, and came home thinking about the digestibility of Deda bar tape.

Either way, two hours in the dark, in 60+ degrees doesn't suck. Especially in February!

Rides :

0900 from Brennen School 45-ish miles Paceline 20-22mph rolling. (Saturday)
0900 from Greene and Laurens 50+ miles Base pace into Lexington/Calhoun (Sunday)
Be there! You may enjoy it!

Tuesday random thoughts

2012-01-31T08:14:00.003-05:00

Little man, big focus. Somebody's getting pulled back...

Phil Gil's BMC. Sorta tight...

Eddy can still pull 'em. ''Hello ladies. Would you like to see why they call me The Greatest of All Time?"

So yesterday, Campagnolo finally released pricing for their new EPS (electronic) groups. Sit down before reading the pricing...I'll wait...

Retail pricing is as follows: (using currency rates as of 31 January 2012)

Record : 3140GBP = $4900(ish) USD
Super Record : 3800GBP = $5950-6000 USD

Add an SRM, carbon wheels, and a big name carbon frameset, and you'll quickly find yourself damaging your children's college fund.

Call me whatever you like, as I've likely heard it before, but this is just fucking stupid! Campag said the group pricing would be 'on par' with D/A Di2. They missed the mark by a LARGE margin, especially when you take Ultegra Di2 into consideration.
It just follows the idea that certain manufacturers are simply pricing things in such a way that is killing the industry.
$6000 groups? $600 shoes? $600 jackets? $400+ bibshorts?
Unless you just have 'fuck you' money, these prices are asinine, at best! Sure, some people DO have 'F you' cash, but they are the same people buy a Viking stove to heat their tea kettle.

And please don't think this is me being a hater, because it's not. Spending money on bike stuff is a hobby of mine. Spending too much money on bike stuff is just _____________ . You can fill in the blank.

Blue sky...

2012-01-29T19:27:00.003-05:00

Saturday met the group with warm temps, and little wind. It was a one of the better rides we've had for a long while. It's truly amazing how simple, easy, and quick a group can knock down 80km is everyone works together and keeps the swords sheathed. No one worked terribly hard, nor suffered. We positively crawled out of the Fort, and still came home with a faster average speed than if the normal 'attacks' had occurred.

This morning, we headed out into LexCo and did a bit of a new variation loop. Again, great roads, little traffic, and big blue skies. 90km knocked down without drama.

Yeah, riding in Fort Jackson is better...(did you sense the eye-roll?)

And I tried out my new DeFeet gloves this morning. Toasty mitts in the 40s! The color? Yeah, they're a bit garish, but if I get popped while wearing these, the cager was TRYING to hit me. DeFeet makes shoecovers this color too...

Hope your rides were as good as mine! It's doubtful, but, you know...

Now on to happy things...

2012-01-27T07:54:00.005-05:00

And as many problems as I have with the way specialized does business, or steals ideas...however you want to frame it, sometimes they pull off a completely badass bicycle.
Stybar's Crux being one...
How about the whitewall Dugasts? Play on playa...

The second example is this Shiv set up as a road unit.

Specialized claims that this is a one-off for an engineer, which only begs more questions...
What is the geometry? TT or road? The TT geo would make for a fast road unit on flat to rolling ground, but when the road tips up, forget about it!
Tube lengths and angles?
Regardless of what the answers may, or may not be, I think the general consensus is that it would likely ride like complete shit. Sure...super fast, but anything more than 2 hours would likely cause one to have traces of blood in their urine.

CX WC Course preview courtesy of JPow:

Koksijde World Championships Bar Cam Footage from Behind The Barriers on Vimeo.

Look like the Worlds course break extract the souls from some racers. Lightning fast on the 'normal' sections, and just brutal in the sand. Gonna be interesting!

Good ride last night. It got quick in a few sections, which was quite enjoyable. It's really funny how the trails are polluted with people when it's 70 degrees, but empty when it's 40.
We did a variation of the loop last night for this very reason. It was a welcome change.

>>> Our favorite felon bonded out yesterday around 2pm. Wonder who did it? Wonder if he'll stick around for Court?

Breaking News

2012-01-26T09:08:00.004-05:00

It seems our favorite thief/sociopath/all-around douchenozzle was arrested (again) for his transgressions against Cycle Center.
He was arrested and booked into the Richland County Detention Center for :

Receiving stolen goods between $1000 and $5000 (felony)*** AND
Hindering arrest (which means he resisted) (misdemeanor). Fines are between $500 and $1000 for first offense, and not more than 1 year in jail. Probation varies.

Go HERE Then type "Barnett" in the "Last Name" field.

He's still detained as of this entry with a $15k surety bond.

The victims here are numerous. Those who befriended him, and those whom he committed theft against, but the biggest victim may be his wife. She knew NOTHING of what has been going on for months. The fact that she didn't bond him out speaks volumes...

Good riddance Ted. It wasn't nice knowing you!

*** RSG Law :

Receiving Stolen Goods
S. C. Code § 16-13-180

Receiving Stolen Goods is either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the goods involved. Misdemeanor Receiving Stolen Goods involves goods under $1,000 and is prosecuted in the Magistrate Court usually by the arresting officer. Felony Receiving Stolen Goods involves goods valued at more than $1,000 and is prosecuted in the Court of General Sessions by the Solicitor's Office. Misdemeanor Receiving Stolen Goods is punishable by up to thirty days imprisonment, and Felony Receiving Stolen Goods is punishable by up to ten years imprisonment.

Do the news Lou...

2012-01-25T08:42:00.004-05:00

A lot of interesting stuff going on in the World of Cycling...

Roubaix w/o Arenberg? It's like Hooters without the...well, you know. Just more proof that pros of today are a bunch of poofs. There are no 'old cloth' riders left it seems...
no
The UCI has decided that no action will take place against Vino. I guess they are afraid they're gonna wake up in the trunk of a large, black, Russian sedan.

Emma Johannson? Yeah, she's fucking hard!

GO. AWAY. YOU!

Remember this name...Zach McDonald

40k tickets already sold for CX Worlds? Wonder if people will show up in Kentucky next year?

LOCAL NEWS:

MDro gets some love in the intarwebs...

And our favorite thief/felon/all-around snot bubble found a team to ride for...all the way up in Nashville! Wonder how long it'll be before he screws those guys? Should we take bets?
And THIS is hilarious! I think the word 'felon' was inadvertently omitted in the descriptor. And the Bible verse? Really? How about the 7th, 8th and 10th Commandments? #douche

Other stuff:

Good two hours of spinning around last night. The legs were a bit angry with me after Monday's plyo session. It was wet Monday night, so extra care had to be taken in regards to actual FORM. No faking it when tumbling down granite steps is the logical conclusion to an accidental slip.

Okay, time to go be a productive member of society...

Namaste!

Happy Monday...meh...

2012-01-23T14:50:00.003-05:00

Man, I bet Levi is pissed he left RadioShack/Leopard/Nissan or whatever the heck they're called now! They finally made a TT bike to fit him!

I told you guys it was damp yesterday. The dirt road was a bit heavy under wheels.

And here's a leaked picture of the new SRAM Red shifter. Look a bit more Shimano-esque, eh? Definitely has a longer reach and a more prominent knob on the front. I'm looking for new parts, and my only real complaint about my old SRAM stuff was the size of the levers (too small) in my meathooks. I'll need to handle it before dropping the stacks though...

Nothing else going on today. The weather was worse this morning, if that's possible. It's a bit like Portland out there today...or a Scooby Doo cartoon. Hell, we live three blocks from #1's school, and we DROVE this morning. Between the rain, fog, and darkness, visibility was about 100 yards. Couple that with the completely inept drivers/parents who are always in such a hurry to drop off their little lintheads, walking to school was a dangerous proposition this morning.

And in actual news that may affect people, Charleston, in their finite wisdom, has decided to BAN bicycles from the Connector. Ergo, there is no longer a way to get from West Ashley into Charleston. Good job guys, way to take two (or twenty steps backwards). If you remember, a cyclist was hit and killed on the bridge not too long ago. The driver got a ticket for a lane violation.
Let's do the math...

Guy gets hit killed + driver gets off with ticket = Charleston punishing cyclists for doing something that is perfectly legal. Sounds like it's time for a Critical Mass ride of epic proportions...

Plyos will be happening tonight at the Statehouse. Feel free to swing by and jump around.

Wow, the WXman really screwed the pooch...

2012-01-22T14:24:00.003-05:00

Man, I should have gone to a school that had meteorology as a Major. Being a weatherman must be the tits. Roll into work, look at what the NWS and Weather Channel have to say, formulate some sort forecast for the area, and roll back out. Did I mention that it really doesn't matter if you're right or not?!?
What a freaking gig!
Now, in the local dipshits' defense, they DID say it was going to rain this weekend. However, they missed the temps by a WIDE margin. Reminds me of the Crash Davis quote from 'Bull Durham'. These guys couldn't hit water if they fell out of a fucking boat!

So Saturday, it was supposed to be in the mid-60s with 50% chance of rain. Bzzzt! Missed it.
I rolled out @ 0900 in 52 degrees and clouds. 45 minutes into the ride, the sky opened up. It only got stronger as the ride progressed. When I hit Service Course, I had 2:05 ride time, and was wet, cold and filthy. It was 50 degrees and still raining.
The Corporation then loaded up and headed to Charlotte for an Ikea run. Rained the whole way up, the entire time there, and the length of the return trip.

Today, it was supposed to be in the mid-60s again. Bzzzt! Still your turn weatherdork! I rolled out in 44 degrees, stiff North winds, and a low cloud deck. It didn't rain, thankfully, but the ride was two hours of sheer bliss. Did I Mention that the temp DROPPED 4 degrees in the time I was out? Yeah, it was 40 when I hit the door.

I hope the weatherguys are listening to Phil Collins today! On a loop!

The weather was nicer in Belgium today! Pauwels wins with a gap, and the favorites were spread all over creation.
Laatste Ronde from Hoogerheide

Time to go to the Manhole(tm) and give the CX bike some love. The rain yesterday was not kind to the drivetrain!

That's 'MISTER Griepel" to you...

2012-01-20T09:31:00.002-05:00

Jesu Christo! If this picture doesn't scare you, just a little, then you aren't paying attention. I think I felt a drop of pee...
While Cavendish is tweeting pictures from Mallorca, El Chongo Blanco is crushing skulls in Oz.
Rumour has it, that Griepel's max in the sprint of Stage 1 of the TDU was 1940w!!! Hey Andre...how you gonna kick it?

Good 2.5 hours of rolling around last night. I felt like riding, but not like 'riding'...know what I'm sayin'? Although, I had to give a little stick to get home. I was enjoying the ride, and company, last night, then I looked at my watch. It was 8pm, and my agreed upon return to Service Course is 8pm, so I hit the gas to get home. It was possibly the ONLY time I was warm last night.

Weekend rides:

Saturday - 0900 from Brennan. 70-ish km 32-35kmh avg. pace
Sunday - 0900 from Greene and Laurens Route and length TBD, but options for 50km to 150km 30kmh avg.

Hi Hi ... LoLo...

2012-01-19T12:22:00.004-05:00

So in the new issue of Outside, there's an interesting article about Lance, Livestrong, and how the two have morphed into one being. Blah, blah, blah...

What piqued my interest when I opened the mailbox was the cover. Lolo Jones!! From now on, when I find something exciting, or incredible, I'm just going to scream, "LOLO JONES!!!"
I remember the hype surrounding her coming into Beijing in 2008, and her ultimate failure, if you want to go that far. I also remember her striking beauty. Well, as the cover of the new Outside shows us, she hasn't exactly gotten ugly over the past 4 years!

If we somehow trip over the technology to clone humans anytime soon, I'll take two!

You read the mag for your reasons, I'll read it for mine...

Weights last night...ride tonight...yoga tomorrow...HOORAY!

The more you know...

2012-01-18T08:00:00.004-05:00

Today's post will be slightly educational...

So let's begin...

Voeckler is a fucking grinder. Have you pulled on the bars so hard that you rode a wheelie? In the Tour? While in the Maillot Jaune? Gotta love that guy! More heart and balls than natural talent!

Think you make a lot of power. Think your powermeter will allow you to breed watts like so many horny bunnies? Well, please allow me to kick a hole in your sky.
Ryan Trebon raced in Lieven last weekend. Here's his Garmin/Power file from the race...

TreeFarm makes Watts

Yeah, that's no typo. 485w avg. for 1 hour and 6 minutes. Did I mention he finished 22nd? What was Stybar putting down?

And finally, Michael Barry gives us all a bit of perspective. Much could be learned from this article.

The Group Ride

Pros get it, why can juggleheaded Cat 4s?

Have a good Hump Day!

Tuesday picture post...

2012-01-17T07:48:00.002-05:00

I've batted around the idea of selling the road and CX bikes, and just having ONE bike that can do everything. This Moots is not helping the dilemma. Nothing quite like having a $10,000+ cyclocross bike....

For you "back in the day" guys. Maybe you'll learn something...

Hipsters would buy this by the thousands...and likely pay the same.

Somebody got creative, and I like it! Wonder if there's an under saddle mount for triathletes?

Day 17 of "F you 42" yesterday. Went for a nice walk in the woods with the family, then dropped them at the house, went to the Statehouse and did plyos for an hour. CX night ride tonight.

Namaste!

Something stinks at the OP-QS launch...

2012-01-16T13:24:00.003-05:00

Everything's good...everyone's happy...then...

Chav breaks wind...

...to which Boonen responds in kind. Well played BoomBoom! Check and Mate...

Brrrr...(whatevs)

2012-01-15T20:42:00.004-05:00

I love unused double track through the woods...

I hate this flyover...but it makes for good pictures.

Nothing needs to be said about this pic...

Rolling along in the sunshine...

Big blue sky out there this weekend. If you didn't go out because it was cold, well... (Rule #5) !

The CX bike was called on both days. I knew no one would show up for the morning rides because it was below 40-ish degrees, and riding the road bike solo holds little romance for me these days.
I did different loops both days, but 2.5 hours got knocked down in each instance. Every possible surface and condition was traversed over the course of each day's ride. All sorts of tarmac, gravel, dirt, singletrack, some bricks, treated wood, and some grass so soft that baby lambs would think twice about eating it.
I also had a little run in with a gentleman of Napoleonic stature (short guy in a big truck) on Saturday. Some honking, yelling, swerving on his behalf was met with me catching him in traffic on Gervais, and attempting to drag him out through the window. My hand and wrist are still a bit sore from punching his window as he rolled it up to prevent his own forced egress from the vehicle.

(Rant)

I truly hate these sorts of confrontations, but there comes a point when asshats in their steel cages have to learn that a guy on a bike is not there to harass. Laws are fine and well, but they aren't working. Letters to Government are pissing into the breeze. Letters to the editor are little more than wasted thoughts and keystrokes. Maybe a few summary beatings will get the message out there...
And I flatly refuse to be confined to riding on Ft. Jackson. That's just giving up...

(End rant)

Okay...enough from me. Time to do a little shopping for bike stuff...

Have a good weekend...

2012-01-13T08:57:00.003-05:00

Courtesy of Dr. JB. Who knew?

And yes, it's supposed to be colder this weekend. The sky will still be blue, the sun will be out, and the roads will stretch out before you. Go outside and ride!
Use the picture below as inspriation...

When in doubt, RAIL IT!

And a video...

Interesting and absolutely correct

2012-01-12T07:51:00.002-05:00

Read THIS....then read it again...

Methinks some people around here would find benefit in the above article.

And it seems Specialized may not have actually ever SEEN a Volagi...

Closing arguments have begun...

Specialized is playing to win...

2012-01-11T22:16:00.002-05:00

...but may lose if they do.

Read this article. It seems that Specialized, and their dealers, who seem to have a retail form of Stockholm Syndrome, are the only ones who think that Specialized has any sort of case.

Good, legitimate points are brought up in the Bohemian article.

The cold, hard truth is that Specialized has always "borrowed" ideas and technology. Sinyard ripped off Tom Ritchey with the first Stumpjumper, and it seems to have snowballed from there, bringing us to today. The problem with the snowball effect is that, like in cartoons, the snowball grows so large that it simply runs downs whoever gets in it's way. It's sad, and it's wrong. It runs the gamut from small business, like Mountain Cycle and Volagi, all the way down to dealers and customers.

The majority of the industry is behind Volagi in this instance whether they will admit it or not. Most cycling rags won't so much as write an article concerning this case. If they DO choose to write something, it will be ambiguous, at best. It seems ad revenue rules the day at magazines these days. I can hear the editors now, "Sure, write about the case, but don't piss off Specialized!"
If you doubt this happens, go pick up the latest Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, Bicycling, or Velosnooze. You think all of those pictures and glowing reviews of the Big S are written out of the kindness of their hearts? I'll give Paved and Peloton a pass, as they are a bit more content driven.

So I just knocked down Day 12 of "F*ck You 42". Only 100-ish days to go. I am doing stuff that I normally do, plus adding things I haven't done for a long time on the days I would normally sit on my ass. I'm stiff, sore and tired, but for some reason, I'm starting to feel better already. Sleep comes easy at night...or mid-afternoon...

After Plyos on Monday night (for the first time in about 2 years), I did the CXHoP last night. Nothing like laying down a 1x20, in the dark, on legs that are SORE from hopping up a bunch of damn steps like a crack-addled rabbit. 90 minutes solo on the CX bike will, in fact, clear your mind.

Speaking of easy sleep...

Namaste

CX Nats

2012-01-10T08:52:00.002-05:00

I suddenly feel like eating a burrito, and going to ride the CX bike...

Weekend Update

2012-01-08T16:47:00.002-05:00

Sat : 80km
Sun : 100km
Both days were warm and sunny. Good rides...
A little bird told me that 75 folks showed up for the WBL ride in Charlotte! 75!!! I'm loading up and going up there for a WBL ride very soon. Or to Charleston for their WBL...

It's a shame that the "community" in Columbia can't set aside all of their "training plans" and bullshit for 3 or 4 hours once in a while to have a ride that's 50+ people. Not EVERY ride must adhere to what your "coach" has on the plan for you, nor must a swordfight ensue. Your powermeter shouldn't dictate every ride you do. Remember what BSNYC said, ...if you aren't a pro, or have plans to be one, owning a powermeter is like hiring an accountant to tell you how poor you are..."
A 100km ride with 40-50 people would be sublime, and as much as people poo-poo stuff like this, everyone always enjoys themselves. Remember the Toby Porter NYD Lake loops? Yeah? 50+ people, riding together, and having a fun. I think that's why we all starting riding bike, isn't it?
We have better terrain, and roads, than Charlotte or Charleston...

Congrats to Jeremy Powers for winning the US CX Nats today. It was a 5 man battle for 1/2 the race until J-Pow turned on the style. And mad props to Zach McDonald. Wins the U23 race by 2:20, then finishes 4th in the Elites. Good show Zach!
Congrats to Katie F'n Compton for the W in the womens race too! She's a badass, no two ways about it!

Cool...and not so much...

2012-01-06T11:04:00.003-05:00

Cipo? Yes...cool. Doesn't matter what he's doing...

Quick-Step Omega Pharma p/b The Human Centipede? I always knew the angry bald midget was a pillow biter. This wasn't a good idea a couple of years ago, and it's still not...

I've been doing a lot of core work. I have NO idea how this girl got in the foreground of my picture!!

Good two hours on the CX bike last night. The H.O. got home late, so I had to haul two kinds of ass to make the parking lot on time. I left Service Course @ 1816, and got to the parking lot at exactly 1830. 14 minutes from door to door, including lights and traffic. That pretty much burned any matches I may, or may not, have had before the ride even began. Ergo, I just sort of spun around for two hours.
I also found out that the Jericho is in dire need of some new brake pads. There was much howling coming from the area of the cantis, but not a whole lot of stopping power. I think I heard geese following me at one point. Kool Stops were ordered about 7 minutes after I hit the door.

The SpecialEd v. Volagi saga continues...
The gag order was lifted yesterday, and the guys at Volagi put some interesting info out there.

More info from Volagi's site...

The common, and agreed upon, opinion is that SpecialEd is little more than butt-hurt over this entire thing, and simply trying to run Volagi out of business, much like they tried to do with Mountain Cycle.
Refresher? Mountain cycle had a badass CX bike called the Stumptown. SpecialEd sued them over the word "Stump"!!
They've also sued myriad people, even a shop owner, for use of the word "Epic".

Boycott Specialized...

Legspeed...he has it!

2012-01-05T12:58:00.001-05:00

Another reason I won't buy a Specialized...ever!

2012-01-04T10:37:00.006-05:00

Backstory: Two guys who worked for Specialized left the Big S. They liked a certain type of riding, and thus, a certain type of bike. They came up with a pretty nice design, and started Volagi.
They only sell this ONE bike.

Evidently, the Big S doesn't like the fact that these guys came up with a solid idea, and seem to be having a bit of success. So what does Sinyard do? He fucking SUES them.
Sure, I can see that the bike looks a bit like the Roubaix or Tarmac, but let's be honest...what company doesn't make a bike that has an archer's bow toptube/seatstay set-up?

Is Specialized gonna sue Wilier too? Maybe, as the new Zero7 looks a LOT like a Tarmac!

If I was Rick Vosper at Airborne, I'd be watching the driveway for a non-descript beige car, as that's what process servers usually drive.

I sincerely hope that the guys at Volagi fight the fight. One of two things is gonna happen...
1) Sinyard and his goons will run Volagi out of business, and then 'procure' the design.
OR
2) Volagi's sales will go thru the roof because of the backlash against Specialized.

I'm rooting for #2...

Edit: After talking to some industry friends, including one who used to work at Specialized, the specific complaint against Volagi hasn't even been mentioned by Specialized. In other words, the Big S is suing the little guy, and has yet to figure out a legitimate reason as to why.
The initial injunction against Volagi was throw out of court, yet Specialized is continuing with the suit.
"Yeah, we're suing you, but our attorneys are still trying to figure out grounds."

Oh, and here's the Volagi patent...

NYD 111k

2012-01-02T11:55:00.006-05:00

So the NYD 111k rolled out the way we'd planned, then Dean had a plan to modify the loop. Once to Swansea, we turned and headed to Pelion. I can say with zero embellishment, I've rarely ridden roads THAT good, and been passed by THAT few vehicles on a ride that long.
About 5km from Pelion, the skies darkened, and a few drops of rain began to fall. Seeing as I was riding with 3 card holding AARP members, the grumbling was considerable.
Fortunately, the rain, and the grumbling, lasted all of 2 minutes.
Store stop....
Back on the bikes and a turn onto Fish Hatchery gave us our New Years Day gift...a solid 10-15mph tailwind...for the entire trip back to Service Course. We rolled down FH at 40-50kmh without a whole lot of effort. Pretty damn brilliant.
It was a good loop, with good people, on a beautiful day. You missed it...

Here's TVH, resplendent in his new Giordana gear. Looks SoPro...

This morning, on dead, hollow meat stick legs, I rolled out on the CX bike for a little exploratin'.
No plan other than to fool around, do a little urban searching, and enjoy to sunshine. I stuck to plan...
The return trip from the North Side (throw up your gang signs now, stack them if you wish) down the Canal. It was terrible to come home this way, what with the sun and a tailwind...

Don't know who this 'Klever' dude is, but he's more than deserving of an actual space to create his art, rather than under a train trestle!

If Phil and Paul can't figure out the new SaxoBank kit from above, they need to retire...

And Phil...really man? Please just talk to Big George and Have Hincapie make you some black shorts. The red ones make you look like you're wearing BMC Superhero pajamas. Does the kit have little feet too? Or a trap door?

Oh, I nearly forgot the Dumbass of 2011 Award. The award winner snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at the very end of 2011, and it only took one act.
The LBS sold a McLaren Venge, which by itself is an act of Pimpin' at the highest level. The McVenge comes stock with 303FC tubulars, and Dura-Ace Di2. Here comes the dumbass-ness...

The Di2 was removed...and replaced the SRAM Red. No, I did not have a stroke and float a massive typo right there...

Congrats to whomever purchased this bike for simultaneously getting a badass rig, and ruining it in one fell swoop!

Anyway...Happy New Year everyone!

Later 2011...

2011-12-31T17:47:00.005-05:00

2011 was a bit up and down around here.
A pretty serious set of surgeries for me. Another bambino. A good trip to Philly. Some quality rides, and some rides that aren't worth even talking about.

I thought I'd end the year on a high note...on here at least.

Best race commentary of the year? It ain't Phil and Paul...

Now for a few pictures I like...

If you use the term 'back in the day', yet do not know who this guy is without a caption, STOP FUCKING SAYING BACK IN THE DAY!!!

If there was any more awesome in this photo, the Earth would spin off it's axis! See also : the caption for picture #1...

Yeah...not much needs to be said here, eh? Well, other than 'Douchebag'...

If you've ever wondered how they paint the roads at the Grand Tours, here is the proper technique!

She is a pro mountain biker. Her name is not important at this time.

The World according to cycling fans.

Possibly the finest piece of correspondence left at a house by a cyclist. I think I will do this the next time I get right-hooked in the neighborhood!

And finally, my resolution for 2012!

Peace and love folks! Thanks for stopping by my little pill party. See y'all next year!

M

Cool, or sacrilege?

2011-12-29T09:43:00.001-05:00

The Mavic shoes went to Canada yesterday. What a colossal pain the ass to send something to a location that's closer than most of the continental US of A. No more shipping to Canada. Shipping is a PITA. Canadian buyers are a PITA. Don't get me wrong, I have a few friends from Canuckistan who are simply wonderful folks.
Canadian Ebay buyers want the World, but only want to pay for a bag of dirt...

Oh, and it's gonna be around 50 at the start of the NYD 100(ish)K ride. Temps will ride to the low 60s, and the winds will be out of the SSW, which means a tailwind home. Ergo, you have no excuse(s) NOT to come out and ride!

New Years Day 100(ish)K

2011-12-27T20:15:00.003-05:00

When: New Years Day...duh! Sunday, January 1st @ 0900

Where: Colonial Center in Columbia

Who: Whoever. Everyone is welcome. Average speed will be 30-33kmh. That's 18-20mph for our Metric Challenged friends. :)

Why: Uh, because? Start your year off with some good miles, in the sunshine. Be careful though...you may have fun!

How: Road bikes, or CX bikes with skinnies.

Here's the loop.

Good roads/terrain, low traffic, smooth pavement...what's not to like?

Remember the old Toby Porter Lake Loop? Yeah? Let's get another ride like that going!!!

Breaking News

2011-12-26T08:25:00.003-05:00

TotalCyclist Spring Divacamp dates have been announced...

When: April 4-9, 2012
Where: Beaufort, SC
Who: Women only...sorry guys!
Why: Because it will help women become better riders.

Spread the word to ladies you know who ride. There will be a small racing component to this Spring camp as well.
It's giant fun for campers, and staff alike!!

Ho, Ho, Hoe?

2011-12-25T20:15:00.003-05:00

Looks like Mrs. Claus has been watching what she eats, and/or hitting the gym! Of course, Santa IS a rich, old dude...

I ain't saying...

I actually got some stuff that I needed/wanted this Christmas. I know it's not about what you get, but every so often it's nice to open a present and not get a fucking flannel shirt.
Junior Management was treated well by Nigel (our resident 'Elf of the Shelf") and Santa. It must be said though, that Nigel is obviously a Democrat, because his idea of good behavior is a bit more liberal than my own! :) Kidding! I have pretty good kids, and they deserved it!

We've completely three of the four stops on the Christmas Tour 2011. Last one is tomorrow, then I'm DONE! Back on the bike Tuesday...and it's supposed to rain! I guess I'll be getting wet and dirty!

Rode solo yesterday for a couple of hours. Nice little spin with a couple of efforts for fun. 65km was plenty!
We're also batting around the idea of doing a "New Years Day 100k" ride. If anyone is interested, let me know. I'll post more info in the next day or so, once we figure out specifics.

And on a serious note, please keep Justin Bristol in your thoughts. He woke up this morning, Christmas Day, to his house burning around him. Positive tip : he, his family, and pets all got out alive. Negative tip : EVERYTHING else is gone!
JB is a broke-ass college kid, a hard worker, a good rider, and a damn nice guy.
As you hit your knees tonight, say a word to whoever you choose, for Justin and his family.

Namaste...

Oh, how I love Brown Santa...

2011-12-22T15:07:00.003-05:00

Diadora ProRacer 3 kicks to replace the old Diadora ProRacers. Fit like GD slippers...
Special thanks to RealCyclist.com for the bro-deal. I don't know why I stray from brands that work for me. I've wandered from the path of Diadora a few times in the past 15 years, but always get the ship pointed in the correct direction so that I arrive back in Italy.
The PR3s did win two Grand Tours last year under Cuddles Evans and JJ Cobo, so I know it's not the shoes holding me back.
They also match the Ridley perfectly...which is always a plus...

Same thing with the MadAlchemy embro. My little brown jar was running dangerously low, so I veered off the path, attracted by the marketing dazzle of DZNuts InHeat embro. Upon using the InHeat, and coming home with cold legs more than once, I took that hard turn, and got back on the correct path. Thankfully, I found out how average the InHeat was BEFORE the aforementioned little brown jar ran completely dry.
I'll probably continue to use the InHeat, but only one warm-ish, and/or wet days, as a layer of protection. Now granted, I have only used the "medium"...maybe the "hot" is the way to go, but I'm not dropping more cash on stuff that might work.
I know the MadAlchemy WORKS, period. No need to go further...

What is beauty?

2011-12-22T08:50:00.004-05:00

THIS is beauty...

4ème Manche de CDM cyclo-cross from Petitesreines on Vimeo.

Good ride last Tuesday night. Turnout was a bit thin, but the threat of rain sometimes keep folks in the house. The fact that Christmas is looming in the distance, like an approaching train, could have had something to do with it as well.
Either way, it was big fun. I got a solid 2:15 on the bike, had a couple of little efforts, and a bunch of smiles. You know, how riding should be...

Rain is threatening again tonight, but I don't care. It's gonna be 70+ degrees today...on December 22nd. I think I can deal with being damp...

3 sleeps until Santa...

How do they ride with balls that big?

2011-12-20T08:18:00.003-05:00

I guess that's why they wear baggy shorts!
Watch the video, be impressed, share with friends....

FOR SALE:

Size 11.5 (46 Euro) Mavic Zxelliums
Can't get my cleat position set up correctly, so they gotta go. Worn ONCE on the trainer.
Ebay

Fun, part deux?

2011-12-19T09:28:00.005-05:00

Excuse me, Mr. Nys? You seem to have something stuck in your teeth! What a crazy race yesterday...
Here's the last lap...sorry, as usual, can't embed from Sporza. Wankers...

Namen Last Lap

Anybody have a wet-nap...or a Karcher?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, you simply CANNOT trust cats! First it was sucking the breath out of newborns, now this?

No attempt at humor here. Just a completely BADASS old picture of the Stelvio. Unreal!

Now onto the show...

Good rides this weekend. Big fun, and some actual work. Shocking, I know...

Saturday met us with warm temps, and there were no "invitation only" rides, so we actually had a group. The Saturday ride is a 'paceline' affair, so it was nice to have more than four people in the rotation. It's amazing just how quickly a group working together can cover distance if no one surges, or 'attacks'. Hopefully attendance will continue to be high, as I think everyone got a little bit of work in during the course of the ride. The meat of the ride averaged right at 35kmh for the better part of 90 minutes, which ain't bad for December!
80km...

Sunday, the normal bunch rolled out into LexCal. It was 10+ degrees colder, and the effects of Saturday were likely present in some legs. I know the folks in attendance on Sunday felt it. No matter, as it was a HUGE blue sky, light wind, and warm sun. 45 degrees, schmorety-five degrees.
We mixed it up by doing what has become to 'go-to' ride backwards. Normally, we end with Fish Hatchery, as it's a nice 40kmh+ run back towards Columbia. Upon rolling out the opposite way, the realization came, pretty quickly, as to just WHY we always haul ass coming back. FH is a long, 2% false-flat drag all the way out. Not a leg breaker, per se, but a leg softener for sure.
That being said, the run from Gaston to Old Pine Plain is WAAAAY easier in the opposite.
That enthusiasm was then tempered by the climb out on Pine Plain.
The loop is definitely harder counter-clockwise.
Another 90km in the books...

Once home, and sufficiently beaten down, The H.O. made me go shopping. It must have been the haze of riding, or the lack of calories, but I somehow found myself at the mall in Irmo...a week before Christmas. I think there may have been a promise of nudity involved, but I can't be sure. I was swimmy headed. Proof of this swimmy-headed-ness? I tried to go to Starbucks...in the mall...right next to where Santa was set-up. Go ahead, laugh and call me a dumbass...I'll wait...

Upon the fruition of that beating, we headed to Lexington for Round Two.
Four generations of The Corporation loaded into "The Notorious GMC", and rolled to Saluda Shoals for the Christmas lights. If you have kids, or old folks, it's well worth the $10.
PRO-TIP: It opens @ 6. Get there and lined up by 5:45 at the latest. We left the Park @ 6:45 or so, and the line to get in was easily a mile, or more, long...in EACH direction!!

Today is the first day of Christmas break for Junior Management, so you know where I'll be...

6 days until Santa hits the door...

Peace!

Fun?

2011-12-16T10:48:00.003-05:00

Rolled out with the WeCola night ride last night, including a special appearance by the local branch of the CycleSmart GR CX team, namely the two J's. J1 was worried that the ride would develop into a swordfight, but I assured him that the opportunity to simply rise above would be available. I also reinforced the ideal that those who deem it necessary to constantly whip out their swords usually carry little more than butter knives.
Anyway, we had big fun rolling around last night for a couple of hours. Plans are being made to night ride the Palmetto Trail on The Fort in the coming weeks, so if you're so inclined, please feel free to join us. CX or mountain bikes, makes little difference to me. Just be ready to enjoy yourself...

Boone-Roubaix registration opened today, for the low-low price of $25!! Yes, I said TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS!! I had my finger on the trigger, and made the mistake of calling the H.O. for the go ahead, as one with three children is sometimes wont to do. Unfortunately, the best laid plans of this man were thwarted almost immediately as I was reminded that #2 son's 5th birthday is that day. I tried to sell the trip to Boone to watch daddy race his bicycle would be a great present. As usual, she wasn't buying...dammit!!

The World according to Bikeys...

I suddenly have the need to go buy a Jamis TT bike. Don't know why....weird...

Don't forget...

Saturday 0900 @ Brennan for 45 miles, including some paceline work.
Sunday 0900 @ Laurens and Greene for a jaunt into Calhoun County.
Everyone is welcome...

Namaste...

1167

2011-12-13T21:32:00.004-05:00

Sorry...completely not cycling related, but made me laugh really hard!

Gavia? Alpe d'Huez? Yeah, you wish! That shit is SICK!

All aboard the Pain Train. Mr. Merckx will be your Conductor, while Mr. de Vlaeminck will be the Engineer. Also, check the equipment! These guys were fucking hammers, and didn't need 11 speeds, electronic shifting, or Zipps!

Screw a Garmin! I'm just gonna follow whatever vein on Hoogerland's leg that'll get me home. Let's just call it HPS...the Hoogerland Positioning System!

Good 2 hours in the dark tonight. Nothing quite like riding around, in the dark, in 55 degrees...two weeks before Christmas! It was also nice to see tonight. Funny how new contacts will do that for you. I truly need to get some clear Oakleys though, as the Tifosi glasses have the optical quality of drugstore reading glasses smeared with vaseline.

Oh, as an aside, if you felt an earthquake-like shudder today, just before lunch, it was merely my credit rating falling to Earth after Christmas shopping for the children. Two things in my life suck money out of my pocket these days...bike stuff, and my three progeny...not necessarily in that order.
Now I just need to shop for the H.O. I'm sure that'll be inexpensive...

Ride and Smile!

High speed...high drag...

2011-12-11T16:17:00.003-05:00

If idle hands are the Devil's Workshop, then I'll be sitting on a puffy cloud, maybe not IN the "Upper Room", but somewhere close.
Between riding, parenting, decorating the house, go to Lowes because the 50' strand of LED lights was 18" too short, and dealing with the acquisition of a new family hauler, I really haven't had a chance to take a breath.
First the riding...
Saturday : Nearly 3 hours with IP, TVH, and Dr. LP
Sunday: 2 hours solo, though I did leave with the group. The aforementioned decorating, Lowes trip, and family hauler precluded my doing the planned 4 to 5 hour loop. It's okay, as the 2 solo hours in the wind was just about all I wanted to deal with today anyway.

Upon my return to Service Course, I hung all the lights with care, even those I had to go buy in the middle of the job. Wouldn't be a project w/o a trip to Lowes.

I then spent a small, albeit important (to no one but me), amount of time cleaning the new family hauler. Sure, the $7/hr making dude at the stealership washed it, but it wasn't up to my spec, so my OCD took over and cleaned it properly.

And now, The Beast...

Does this angle make my butt look big?

Yeah, it's a full-size, extended wheelbase SUV. I just cannot bring myself to drive a minivan. Well, that's not true. I'll DRIVE one, but if I'm buying a vehicle, a minivan it will not be...
We've had three minivans, but they were all company cars, meaning they were FREE.

Yeah, the mileage won't be great, but then again, I have a wife, three kids under 7, a dog, a bunch of bikes, and other crap that needs to accompany us on trips, so the BIG SUV fit the bill. Can't do all of that shit in a Prius. Well, you probably could, but it would take more than one.

Gotta figure out a name for it now...

Randoms

2011-12-08T10:29:00.002-05:00

You want one...don't lie...

Great pic of shapely female triathletes...too bad they all probably crashed into a pile in the first corner.

Found this old pic of Cipo. No words...just NONE!

Good 2 hour ride Tuesday night. No great impetus, just rolled around. I did cut through The Country Club, aka The Strom. As the USC chil'rens are studying hard for exams, the fields were dark, and 'closed'...whatever...
A little CX practice was in order...not that I'm racing anytime soon. It's just nice to fart around once in a while. The problem? USC evidently put down a metric ass-ton (slightly less than the English standard) of sand to help the bermuda grass grow a bit. It was also evident that the sprinklers had been on for the better part of the day. Some of the field was blistering fast. Parts were full Euro CX sand pit, and in the dark, at speed, the sand came upon me quickly.
Turning on wet sand is no problem, if you have the proper rubber. Clement LAS file treads ain't it...

Rides-
Saturday 0900 from Brennen
Sunday 0900 from 5 Points

Come on out, you may enjoy it...

Global warming

2011-12-06T15:10:00.004-05:00

I guess the warm weather has led race organizers in California to get creative with their CX course design...

Gives a new definition for the term 'barrier'!

Yeah, dollar bill handups are good...

Quiet Monday

2011-12-05T09:56:00.003-05:00

Yeah right...
Actually, around these parts, Monday IS an enjoyable respite from the lunacy. It's only the little man and myself and these quiets mornings...

Hot links:

WTF? Kits Folks who are putting a team together should peruse this site, for no other reason than see what happens when Adobe Illustrator (or in some cases, MS Paint) goes bad. If it's a good idea in your head, sometimes, it ain't...

I like Parlees, and a really dislike Prius(es), or Prii, or whatever you call multiples of the not-so-Earth friendly car, so this video leaves me conflicted.

The video also raises questions...

If it reads your thoughts, do you ALWAYS have to be thinking about riding? Will you ride off the road if you have brain fade? Will the bike take you to the local nudie bar if you think about boobs? Inquiring minds want to know!!!

Vaughters was on @tourchats will Neil and Dan last night. He took everyone on a tour of his house. What I did NOT see was the steamer trunk where he keeps The Gimp.

Okay enough...

Saturday was a good ride, albeit a bit chilly fresh. We rolled around LR for a while, and then spun back into the Fort. Il Prof and I peeled off, while Coco stayed out for another hour. And that's why he's a CAT1, racing for TeamGlobalBike. Normally, I'd stay out for the extra hour in the sunshine, but I knew what hell awaited me upon my return to Service Course. Christmas tree shopping...and I'll leave it at that...

Later in the evening, my plan was to change out the chain on the Ridley, seeing as it had been on the bike since I built it in April. This led to the discovery that my 39 chainring was shot, so it got changed as well. Since I was swapping out half of the drivetrain, everything got cleaned as well. It's amazing how smooth a bike shifts with new, clean bits.

Sunday, our little band of merry men rolled off into Lex/Cal for a 3+ hour jaunt. I actually made the effort to stay on the front with the aforementioned CAT1 for the majority of the ride. Again, it was another beautiful day in South Cack-a-lacky. Big sun, light wind and good ride partners...

Blah, blah, blah...get on with your Monday! :)

Helloooooooo.....

2011-12-01T21:22:00.006-05:00

You know, I give Mark Cavendish a lot of stick, both here, and on the Twitters, for no other reason than he's of diminutive stature. I don't know the guy, but think that I would like him as a person. He seems pretty real and down to Earth, and is likely a good guy.

Yeah, getting the MBE is a pretty big deal....

No more night group rides for me. It seems that when the temps go down, so does the attendance. The ride was thin tonight...like runway model, can't eat more than a watercress salad and a Tic-Tac thin. Those who chose the brave the numbing 47 degree temps, stood around and yapped about the route, the length of the ride, and whatever else came up to delay throwing a leg over the top tube.
I took all I could, then rolled out solo.
I had no plans to ride remotely hard until I got to the tennis center of 12th. St. I rode around the K-Rail, and into the darkness. Note to self...DON'T EVER GO THAT WAY AGAIN!!!!

Why you ask?
A) It's very dark.
B) It's full of noises that completely mess with the inner eight year old.
C) The road is supposedly haunted. (see "B")
D) is for DEER.
E) Did I mention the haunted thing?

I was PINNED at somewhere North of 95% for the better part of ten minutes. It really stung, and I don't mean in a good way. My brain, as small and addled as it is, was in full overload. The combination of the pain, fear, and imagination gone wild was nearly more than I could handle. I didn't like it...
I'm coming down from it now, and really struggling to get my thoughts together and keep my eyes open.

Anyway, from now on, my Tuesday and Thursday rides will be solo affairs, or done with select company.

Namaste...(see below)

A quickie...

2011-11-30T10:46:00.004-05:00

Cav received the MBE from the Queen today.

Wonder what his official title will be? I think 'Sir Mark Cavendish of Short legs in Tall Socks' sounds about right...

^^^^^^^NICE!

And Team Dicky is ON IT today...gotta say, I agree with everything he said...

Get up and get rolling...

2011-11-28T07:33:00.001-05:00

This should help getting your Monday started...

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

2011-11-27T14:12:00.002-05:00

I think we need to print these off and play at the next big CX race.

Speaking of CX...

Nys shows why he's known as the "Kaanibal" this weekend. Wins at both Koksjide and Gieten. Nice!

Koksjide highlights

Gieten Highlights

They say there are 'horses for courses', but I haven't seen one give Nys trouble...ever.

Something to watch...
These dudes have bike control, period!

(break)

Yesterday was the 'rolling paceline' ride. Nice 2.5 hours with about 90 minutes of it being at SST/Tempo pace, and just rolling through the line. Well, for most of us. It seems the concept of a steady paceline is just beyond some people. I really like having to accelerate in the LEFT line to stay on a wheel. It's okay though, as the offender got shown what speed was a few times yesterday when he was chased down, and unceremoniously blown out by the one, and only, Ben Jones.

This morning, we had a nice, modified loop through LexCo. 80km, some good climbs, and a couple of sections that were fast. It's nice rolling along in the line @ 45-50kmh, being pulled by Der Kaiser at one end, and pushed by a cross/tail wind at the other.

My legs are hollow meat sticks at this point. I've ridden 7 of the last 9 days...right at 17 hours of saddle time. Friday and Saturday, I also raked, blew, and dragged leaves for a total of 6 hours, so I'll call it 23 hours of 'training' for the week. I'm just a little bit wrecked.
All of this riding HAS forced most of the "stuff" from my head, so the head cold that's been hanging around for the better part of two weeks is on it's way out.

It seems nap time is upon us...

Hope everyone had a good extended weekend!

Gobble...gobble..

2011-11-24T11:44:00.003-05:00

Happy Turkey Day everyone!

No, on to the show...

It was BALMY Tuesday night, which brought out a HUGE group for the night ride. Conservatively, there were 40 out for the fun. The funny part? As we sat at the Confederate War Memorial at the State House, it was quite easy to see that we outnumbered the Occupy Columbia dumbasses by more than 2 to 1. What does that tell you?
How about we start an Occupy A Bike movement? #occupybikeseat

Back to the ride...
If one remembers a few short weeks ago, Tipper got destroyed by a large doe down by the river. Well, it seems the old boy still has some lingering mental issues with that section of trail. After Tuesday, it seems that we all should! I led down into the trail, looked up, and saw a HUGE buck standing about 100 yards away. By HUGE, I mean a 200+ pound, 8 to 10 point, hang on the den wall, trophy. He was impressive. He ran up the hill, into the woods, towards our direction of travel. Sphincters were tight until we got out of the park and into Olympia.

Good ride though...two hours of fun in the dark.

Intermission:As if we needed proof that the whole "fixie hipster/scenester, douchebag" thing has jumped the shark, this pic was captured in WalMart! Jeez...

This morning, I woke up late, saw the family off to Chesterfield for the madness that is their "family" Thanksgiving. It's really nothing more than than an excuse for everyone to get together, be really snarky and passive/aggressive, and get a free meal. I'll pass, thanks.
Instead, I got on the CX bike and rolled out into Lexington County for a couple of hours. Definite North wind this morning, which made the ride home a bit of a slog, but Rule #5 takes precedence, I drove it home.

The family will be back @ 1600h for dinner. They better damn well better be, considering the amount of time I spent on the bird. Brined and fried baby!
Now? It's time for my pre-post turkey nap nap. Yeah, it's a thinker...

Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving! Remember, it's only a day. You should be thankful for what, and who, you have in your lives everyday!

Oy vey...and a badass dog!

2011-11-21T10:16:00.005-05:00

So last week, I had my "If I ain't sick, it ain't Thanksgiving" head cold. Thankfully, it didn't turn into a full blown sinus infection, as usually happens. A shitload of vitamins, Claritin D, fluids, and the Neti Pot ran the bitch out of town.
I also did NOT even look at the bike for 5 days.
The combination of these two things made Saturday's ride an exercise in Rule #5. I rarely leave with the group, then just turn off. I hate that shit! Anyway, halfway out of the Fort, I was ready to bail.
Once to the gate, I got off, had a stretch, a break naturel, and coughed out something that looked remarkably like a Portuguese Man O' War, then climbed back onto the bike.
We rode a rolling paceline for the better part of the next 2 hours, which I wholeheartedly believe pushed out a lot of the bad stuff in my body. I sweat, coughed, and blew snot rockets for the entire time...and felt better for it when I hit the door with 75km.
Sunday the bunch rolled out into Calhoun County. I think Il Prof was tired from Saturday, as about an hour in, he suggested a route that was shorter! In the 15+ years we've ridden together, I don't think I've ever heard such a suggestion. From him, it bordered of blasphemy.
We shortened the loop, but still ended up with almost 3 hours and right at 80km.
It was good to see Marc Williams again too. Riding with Coco is rare these days, as he's now pitching his tent in Greenville. Dude is just strong...even in November.

Once home, I raked leaves in the backyard for two hours. I should advertise leaf raking as a core workout...maybe create a DVD series, because the area between my collarbones and junk is SORE today. I'm grateful that it started to rain, and I had to come inside, or I may not be ambulatory today!

On the news tip, Contador's doping case is FINALLY going before CAS today. Yeah, that only took 16 months. At this point, who cares? Let the dude race...

Lily is cooler than your dog! Pay special attention to a few of the double jumps...

Ok, you've wasted enough time here, get back to work! Enjoy your Monday. The sun is out and it's gonna be 75...

Hmmm...I've been thinking...

2011-11-19T16:12:00.003-05:00

...and we know how dangerous that can be.

Yesterday, I called Michael Diamond the King of the Douchebags. In the ensuing hours, I have had several conversations with folks I like, and respect.
My opinion of Mr. Diamond may have softened a bit, nearly to the point of being on his side. My opinions of Masters dopers however, remains firm, but I digress.

It seems that Mr. Diamond is a 63 year old enthusiast, rider, and (very) part-time racer. He's a Cat 5. He finished 5th of 9 in the Florida State TT championship...60-65 age group.

Here's where I can agree with his refusal. If you the USADA came up to ME, in the same situation, and demanded a sample, I might just tell them to get fucked on principle. They can't show up at NRC races to do testing, where you KNOW dudes are on the AvGas, but they can spend the $ to come to BFE Florida to test ONE 63 year old guy?
Yeah, F YOU USADA and USA Cycling.

My only standing problem with Mr. Diamond is the fact that rumors are flying in Jacksonville that he had been openly bragging on group rides about his 'doping'. Now, 'doping' to a 63 year old could be Viagra or Cialis. Hey, blood flow is blood flow, right?
Of course, we all know how sorority girl-ish racers can be, so it's also not beyond the realm that someone in the group doesn't like Mr. Diamond, and called the tipline.

Who knows?

If Mr. Diamond WAS taking something, AND finished 5th, AND refused b/c he knew he was dirty, then yes, he's a douchebag.
If he refused out of principle, then good on him...and I'm sorry!

Un-fckn-believable!

2011-11-18T18:44:00.001-05:00

Douchebags, I'd like to introduce you to your new King...

Unreal! The worst part? He finished 5th...OUT OF NINE!!!!!

2 more

2011-11-17T09:11:00.003-05:00

Just two more days until I'm allowed to ride again. Mind you, this was a self-imposed time off the bike. Well, sort of...
The Boss has been working in another city for a few days, so I've been single-parenting. She took M.T. #3 with her, so it's just been me and the other two. Normally, I would drop them at school, then hit the bike. It seems that scheduling and a wonderful head cold have conspired against me this week. I think about 75% of the Southeast has this cold that's running around.
It's all good though. I'd rather be getting better through rest, forced or otherwise, than miss riding next week, when the schedule gets wide open.

Cousin Wes is hating life in this one. Notice he hasn't let go of the bars. And yes, we are related at some point down the line(age).

Play on Playa! When you have your name on your Dugasts, AND on your custom Ridley/Merckx, I'm pretty sure you've arrived. Badass...

A flow chart

2011-11-15T08:11:00.001-05:00

Right click --- "View Image"

Happy Birthday Bernard

2011-11-14T07:26:00.003-05:00

Bon 57eme Anniversaire Bernard, et merci pour le bon temps.

After Voeckler, he's the most aggressive French cyclist...and he's been retired for 2 decades!

G.O.A.T.? Perhaps...

Stuff

2011-11-13T19:33:00.004-05:00

I really want...more like NEED Stybar's Merckx CX frameset. It sort of just does it for me...

Oh, here it is in action from Hamme-Zogge today...

Saturday's ride was supposed to be 40-ish miles. I guess the "-ISH" part was enough of a gray area to add 15 miles to the ride because I had 55 when I hit the front door. Nothing really to report about the ride other than Cam and TVH's near deer experience out on MLK in Hopkins.
The first, and largest deer passed cleanly between Il Prof and the three of us. The second two were close enough for Cal to lock it down, thus causing TVH to lock it down and slide sideways at a rather acute angle to the road. The FOURTH deer chose not to cross the road and hit the brakes about 6 feet from us. It would not have been an attractive, nor inexpensive shunt with Bambi. I had the Contour HD on the bike, but did not have it running...DAMMIT!

This morning, Il Prof, Dr. LP and I met for another 55 miles out through Calhoun and Lexington. Good variation of the semi-normal loop. The big fun? A sort of stiff tailwind home. Fish Hatchery was a ripper.

Another 55 miles in the books. It's a shame people can't be bothered to come out for these rides...
Oh well, their loss...

Happy Nigel Tufnel Day

2011-11-11T07:54:00.003-05:00

11.11.11

And this is just funny...and painfully true...

This one makes my pants tighter...

Didn't ride last night, as I just didn't feel like putting on bike clothes...one of those days.
Ride tomorrow (Saturday) morning @ 0900 from Brennen Elementary. It's gonna be sunny and nice. Pull on your big girl pants and come out.

Oy...

2011-11-09T15:45:00.002-05:00

So Campagnolo has finally released, er...unveiled it's electronic groupsets. Both Record and Super Record will be available sometime in February...so they say...
Campag also says that the pricing will fall in line with Di2, which in Campy-nese means it will cost $1000 more.
As for now, it's vaporware over which the cycling cognoscenti have worked themselves into a lather.

I'm all for the electronic stuff, but the only way to go at this point is the Ultegra Di2. Same price as mechanical D/A, and better performance than D/A Di2. And it's 200-ish grams heavier, which is minimal, at best...

Good night ride last night. We hit the fields down by The Strom at one point and there were some kids...college-aged mind you, playing Quidditch!! Yeah, the made up, Harry potter game. I had to look it up...
Seriously, if my dad would have caught me playing whatever-the-fuck in college, he would have stopped payment on the check!
As for the ride itself, not a whole lot beats rolling around in 60 degree temps, in the dark, in November. Sweeeet....(Cartman voice)

Man, I'm dragging ass...where's the Keurig?

It's Wednesday...more than halfway home folks!

Weekend-y

2011-11-06T14:49:00.004-05:00

Let's start with the happenings...

GP Mario de Clercq went off this morning. It seems that if you live in Belgium, or one of the surrounding countries, and have a farm, you can host a GvA CX race. I was expecting to see them dodging cattle.

Contador got hitched. His wife's name is Macarena...the jokes, they write themselves.

-I wonder what the first dance was?
-Gives new meaning to 'doing the macarena'...
-The menu? Beef, of course...

The Amstel Curacao race went off last week. The pictures do little for the whole "cyclists are gay" thing...

I'm no expert, but I'm willing to wager some of my hard-earned American money that this guy did not hop up and skip happily away from this "incident". I think he was dressed up as 'Waldo' from the famous, "Where's Waldo" kid's books.
If you really want the answer to the question, the safe bet would probably be, "In the ER..."

The wind was HOWLING yesterday, so I did what a smart cyclist would do...I stayed in the woods. A nice CX ride through Lexington County. Even though the trees knocked down some of the gale, it was still a stiff breeze.

This morning, we set off for Calhoun County, and did the standard, old school Gaston loop. 95km later, I hit the door, changed clothes, and did 2 hours of yardwork. I love my big trees, except in November, when the leaves fall at a rate that makes clearing the yard Vietnamesque. You fight the battle, over and over, but somehow, you merely break even.

As I sit here pecking out this entry, I'm completely wrecked. Did I mention I have the privilege of schlepping out to Lexington to pick up the children? Yeah, that's gonna wait a bit. I have the beginning of the NASCAR race to sleep through...

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Life of a pro

2011-11-03T15:27:00.001-04:00

A Manual for Speed: Sam Johnson on Nutrition for Pros from manualforspeed on Vimeo.

Sounds glamorous to be a pro-dog, huh?

Once in a while

2011-11-02T12:18:00.004-04:00

I don't believe in talking politics, as everyone has their own opinions, but the above picture pretty much says it all. If the Occupy dingles want to make a REAL, substantive difference, pack up, get on a plane/train/bus, and go to DC while Congress is in session. Marching around at the SC Statehouse is going to make exactly NO difference!
Oh, and to the Occupy Columbia idjits, you really can't rage against the system while knocking on their door to see if they can plug in your extension cord! (facepalm)
Ok, enough...

Scene from Zonhoven CX last weekend had a CRAZAZY sand pit descent that turned 180 degrees into a runup that was something from Dante's Inferno. In the pic above, I cannot decide what is worse...
Crashing chest first in the sand, and all that comes with it, or....
Getting a colorectal exam from a Dugast tubular.

Highlights from VT4

Sporza

KoppenbergCross was Tuesday...a 'normal' course...

Here are some highlights from Sporza...

Last Lap

Sorry, embed of the videos isn't available from Sporza.

Good night ride last night. Nearly 2.5 hours in the dark. The new burner was outstanding, and threw plenty of light up the road.
Several in the group thought we may have had a Stephen Garcia sighting on the RiverWalk too. I have my doubts though, as the guy was jogging, and I didn't smell weed and/or booze.

Peace and chicken grease...

A sunday morning, in pictures...

2011-10-31T10:24:00.003-04:00

High security at the back of Fort Jackson.

Rolling under fall skies

This would NOT be a terrible spot to build a little house...

Jesus, when the hell did all of that gray start growing on my face?

The furrowed fields of Flanders, er...I mean Eastover.

Upon returning from 90+km in the big sunshine, the boys disemboweled their pumpkin. In hindsight, I probably should have cut the hole in the top a bit bigger...

It was a good morning...

Saturday lamentations

2011-10-29T18:48:00.005-04:00

So, after coming home from a wet/muddy-ish/slick-ish CX ride this morning, I began a cursory search for a CX bike with discs. You know, just in case...(wink, wink)
Former HMFIC of Marketing at Specialized, Rick Vosper, happens to be a principle at Airborne. We go back and forth on the Twitters, so I decided to take a gander at their wares.

The Delta CX that Airborne offers seems to tick all of the correct boxes. My inner bike snob has been quieted over the last few years, especially when it comes to bicycles that I'm going to simply beat the shit out of. $3000+ on a CX, that I'm paying for? Not bloody likely.
Road bike? Yep, still a bit snobbish, yet softening around the edges, but I digress.

A $1200 CX bike is right in the power alley. And let's remember, this would be CX bike #3 in the quiver. (n+1, right?)
I'm still batting around the idea of Southern X, so the Delta CX would be a good arrow. The Jericho would be primary, but if the weather is shit, a disc brake rig might be the correct call.

I'm also open to sponsorship arrangements (read : whoring myself out). At 6'1" and 185, there is plenty of real estate on which to plaster your corporate logo. (you listening Rick?)

If you are so inclined to visit Airborne's site, also take a look at the Goblin. A very cost effective, and well-spec'd way to get into the 29er game. AND it's a pretty badass green color...

As for the aforementioned ride this morning...
It was two hours in the wet, 46 degree, windy ass country. The tarmac roads were slick from the little bit of rain we received overnight. That rain was the first in WEEKS, so it brought every bit of the Middle East's finest to the surface. Between the rain, the wet leaves, and the mud, the close calls counted 2...at 45 minutes into the ride. I dialed back in an effort to keep my big ass ON the bike. Clement LAS tires are great, as long as it's dry...

Road ride tomorrow...Outspokin'...0900...60 miles +/-

Namaste

Pictures...pretty and not so...

2011-10-28T09:44:00.003-04:00

Theses guys are NOT fucking around with this flyover/under/through...

The guys at Firefly know how to use their CNC machines!

Zee Germans are not on zee dope! Years of careful breeding has led us to this point. The dude on the left isn't trying hard enough! You can see daylight between his thighs!

Bottom bracket standards explained. I understand the stuff, and it's confusing...

Every time the hipster/scenester/fixie DB crowd becomes annoying, I find a photo that makes me re-think my position. She should NOT re-think her position...

2 solid hours on the CX bike again last night. I was forced to use the NiteRider 400lux light to (attempt) to illuminate the dark. Yeah...just not the same as the 1000lux flamethrower. As soon as I back to Service Course, I ordered another BIG light. The plan was to pick up the 1600lux unit, but upon reading reviews, and doing some research, I chose the improved version of my old light. A new, brighter LED, and an improved battery, made the decision a bit easier.
And let's be frank, anything over 1000 lumens isn't a quantum leap forward in output. It just drains your battery that much quicker. I could explain exactly how this works, but it would likely sound like Charlie Brown's teacher after the first paragraph...

Have a good weekend...go ride!

Dark is...well...DARK!

2011-10-26T08:00:00.005-04:00

So I left Service Course last night with the plan to do the first part of my WeCola CX loop, then try to catch the night group ride.
Things went to plan...
I can say, with a reasonable amount of certainty, riding the dirt road, that's supposedly haunted, at dusk, will fuck with your inner eight year old. As soon as I got into the canopy of trees, and away from any escape routes, the hammer went down. I rode at, or a bit above, threshold for the length of Old State Rd. Proof? I had a string of drool hanging from my lower lip, a la Tony Martin, when I hit the neighborhood.
Upon making the turn, I saw headlights and blinkies. Yes, I caught the ride...

The next hour or so was spent rolling around downtown, having a good time.

At 8, I split of to go home. Upon hitting The Statehouse grounds, and laughing heartily at the 'Occupy Columbia' dopesticks***, my light died, and could not be resuscitated. I had no choice but to go ninja for the rest of the trip home. To quote the title of this post, the dark is DARK!! Especially when the 1000lumens one is used to having light the way has gone silent.
Riding through campus and 5 Points was an exercise in cat-like agility. Once into Shandon, I dialed back the sniper stare.

Other than the light taking a crap, it was a great ride. I felt good, rode well, and had a good time. Isn't that what it's all about?

*** - Yeah, the "Occupy" dummies has a laptop, hooked to a projector, streaming TV onto a movie screen. $1000+ dollars of equipment to watch the news, while they protest the inequalities of economy. Irony much?And HED wins best use of a vehicle for marketing purposes. Split window panel vans make me feel all warm and funny...

Uneventful weekend

2011-10-23T20:54:00.007-04:00

Thankfully, there were no dramatic occurences around here. No one got hit by any woodland creatures, no children had to 'meet their momma at the rocket', and I didn't have to spend any time with my in-laws. That alone is worth it's weight in fried Snickers! The State Fair was in town...seems like an apt analogy!

I did get a couple of good rides in, even though I felt pretty meh. 10-ish days off the bike will do that to a brother.

Yesterday, I slept in until 8, and was just out of sorts all flipping day. I did get a nice ride in though. 2 hours on the CX bike, including an exploration of some of the SCE&G property in WeCola. It would be pretty easy to put together a practice CX course back there...
It seems the fall sunflowers are in full bloom in Lexington County too!

I could hear Liggett in my head. It's a shame that I was riding like Liggett as well.

This morning, I got up and watched the WC CX race from Tabor. To say that Pauwels went horizon is a bit of an overstatement. He had a minute, and finished 30 seconds up. Tim Johnson fished a solid 17th, less than 2 minutes down.

Stybar seemed to have fun on one of the rhythm sections.

After the sitting on the couch was done, I got on the Ridley and did a quick two hours out in LexCo. It was borderline perfect out there today. I saw exactly no one on the roads. I did, however, get yelled at by some douche on Gervais St. He was surprised when I caught him at the next light and politely asked him where he had to be at lunchtime...on Sunday!
I also saw the OccupyColumbia dummies at The Statehouse...all 11 of them. Seriously people, your argument falls on deaf ears in a small Southern city.
I sort of felt like a 1%er though, as I was riding past their drum circle on a $5000+ bicycle!

Once home, I cleaned up the yard (fucking leaves...I hate you!), went to Lowe's to get a few things, and built a custom lift for #1's bed (so he can store stuff under it). I should have built some steps too. The poor fella can barely climb into the damn thing! Hope he doesn't fall out!

All in all, it was a pretty good weekend!

Don't forget the night ride. Tuesday @ 1830 from the bank next to Farm Bureau Insurance in Cayce. Strap on your lights and come out for big fun. Hopefully, Bambi, and her ilk, will stay away from us this week.

Oh yeah, the weasel-y little fucker Papp got of with 6 months of house arrest and probation. What a fucking mis-carriage of justice! If a "regular" drug dealer got popped on a similar charge (187 'clients', untold transactions, $80k in profits), He/she would be put under the jail, no matter who got snitched out. Papp should hit his knees every night and thank (insert the Deity of your choice here) that he doesn't have to hit his knees every night in prison.
Regardless, he's still a douche...

So...

2011-10-21T07:43:00.005-04:00

...you guys remember this video, right?

Yeah? You think, this shit could NEVER happen to me. Well, I'm here to say, it happens, and it happened to Tipper last night.

About 90 minutes into the Urban Assault ride, we hit Granby Park to bomb the River Trail. I rolled off first, and the group followed. Tipper was 4th or 5th wheel. I saw a HUGE doe (a deer, a female deer...c'mon, you sang that part...) stomping through the standing water beside the trail. It jumped into the tree line, and seeing that it was pitch black, and I was concentrating on not riding directly into the trees, I forgot about it almost immediately.
Jump forward maybe 10 seconds...
Coming around the bend, and down the hill, I saw water crossing the trail, just before the bend. I slowed, and thought that someone was going to eat it right there. Well, coming in from the right, the aforementioned doe (sing it!) emerged from the tree line at high speed and just DESTROYED poor Tipper. Think Ray Lewis hitting a receiver at full speed! The deer easily had 50 pounds on him!
It hit him, and the bike got swept out from under his scrawny ass in the blink of an eye. He spun around, and hit the lip of the cement trail, then went into the foot deep water beside the trail.
To say the collision was violent, and blindingly fast, would be an understatement. It sounded like a bomb went off!
Dragged from the water, Tipper laid on the trail, in the fetal position, for a solid 10 minutes...in soaking wet kit...in 50 degree temps. As my grandpa would say, "That boy was stoved up!"
The Cycle Center crew all stayed with him, and eventually walked him out of the park. Fortunately, there was a Park Ranger waiting. PR Brazel drove Tip up to the USC Baseball stadium (2x back to back National Champions, btw!) to wait for emergency extraction by his wife.
I'm no Doc, but IMO, nothing was broken. I CAN say though, his boney ass is gonna be SORE for a few days!!

Here's a cursory schematic of the incident...

Be aware of your surroundings, and keep your head on a swivel folks!

Other than that, it was a pretty good/fun ride!

No cyclists were harmed in the making of this video...

2011-10-19T12:51:00.002-04:00

And no, I did NOT ride last night. I'll ride in the dark. I'll ride in the rain. I will NOT ride in the dark WHILE it's raining. Too many crap drivers around here. The addition of rain to the list of distractions keeps me in the warm house.

Look for a 'riding at night' post in the coming days. Yes, there's more to it than strapping lights on your bike...

Back on my grind

2011-10-18T08:21:00.004-04:00

Il Giro 2012

The TdF 2012 presentation is today. I guess Andy Schleck will get to see exactly how he gets to finish second this year. #Schlecknd

Back on the bike today too. I rode 2x at DivaCamp. One was a ripper of a CX ride through some outstanding Jeep trails. It included a 20 minute visit to the Paincave, which resulted in a burp...that really wasn't...know what I'm sayin'?
The second was a spin with Monteleone down into town and back. Pretty nice to just roll along in the S. Virginia countryside.

As for the ride tonight, the night/urban rides have started in West Columbia. A MTB/CX/Urban Assault bike is required, as is a good attitude and sense of humor. If you feel the need to pull out your junk, stay home and ride your trainer.

And here's the laatste ronde of the WC CX race from Plzen. Looks like a fun course...

Edit: And the driver who killed Dr. Matthew Burke back in February was convicted of Felony Manslaughter. Good on South Carolina for finally growing a set of balls! Hopefully this ruling will set precedent for other States to properly try, and convict, drivers who run down cyclists.

So many things...

2011-10-17T10:37:00.006-04:00

Got back from "work" late last night. I put work in quotations, because as much running around as was done, and as little sleep as I got, it was a HUGE amount of fun.
The location, Wilderness Adventure @ Eagle Landing, was perfect. There are no words to describe how great it really was. If you are into the outdoors, regardless of pastime, take 4 or 5 days and go there. Thank me later...
The riding is perfect. It sits in a valley, so you can either follow the valley road for a 'flat' ride (read : rolling), or you can ride out of town and climb the 10k to the top of Potts Mountain. It's no alpine pass, but it'll give you what you need. Pro teams could host training camps there, without issue!
I also made nearly two dozen new friends, including pro-dogs Chris Monteleone and Kelly Benjamin. The two of them are hella cool, down to Earth, and just really nice people to be around. Congrats to Kelly on a career in cycling that most would give a finger (or more) to achieve. Big ups to Chris as well, as he climbs the ladder to the top. Remember his name, as you'll hear it in the future!

I feel proud, honored and blessed to be a part of something as wonderful and unique as TotalCyclist DivaCamp. Big thanks to Chad Andrews for allowing me the opportunity. I've made friends, and memories, through this experience that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.

Some of the iron hanging on the Lodge porch...

The views did not suck....

Kelly B.

Monteleone and Loralie (Diva) near the top of Potts Mountain.

The little face you see above belongs to "Cowgirl". She's a Aussie Cattle Dog that attached herself to us as soon as we arrived. The staff @ W.A. explained that she belonged to a real jerk-off (my words) that lived up the road about 3 miles! He just lets her run free through the countryside. She has the battle scars to prove it. In light of all this, she was the most loving, attentive, and good natured pooch. "Cowie" chased me around when I was riding my cross bike, followed us everywhere we went, slept on the couch in our cabin, and met the Divas with a giant doggie grin when they returned from rides.

I could write volumes about all of the conversation, laughs, smiles, and tears (talking to you Kelly!).

See you all at Spring DivaCamp!

Something to watch on a rainy Tuesday night...

2011-10-11T22:05:00.004-04:00

...or a rainy Wednesday.

MCipollini. Tutta la Verità - The whole Truth - 2011 - HD from Mcipollini on Vimeo.

Cipo is a badass, period. Black card all the way! I may need to start figuring out how to get my grubby little mitts on a RB1000 with Ui2. The wheels are spinning wildly right now...

I'll be gone for a few days starting tomorrow. Another stint as Technical Director for Divacamp awaits. This time, we're "camping" at Wilderness Adventure in Southern Virginia. Should be more fun than a barrel of monkeys! 500 acres chock full of trails and double track. Yes, the CX bike will be on the back of the truck for this trip! I know how I'll be spending my free time...

I'll try to post some pics and video through the end of the week and weekend.

Oh yeah, and it news that came as a shock to exactly NO ONE...

Cav announced he'd signed with Sky today. I think I may have said this a month or so ago....

Peace and chicken grease!

Things to watch on a rainy Tuesday

2011-10-11T10:56:00.004-04:00

In case you've run out of ways to cross the finish line...

"Golden Tree" by Martin Brooks from Ninian Doff on Vimeo.

Darrell Waltrip getting the ride of his life in an Aussie Supercar @ Bathurst.

Monday movie

2011-10-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

File this under 'Holy Shit'!! Dude got taken OUT!

Weekend

2011-10-09T21:23:00.003-04:00

SuperPrestige CX races have started in Euro. Ruddervoorde was today. Normal course for them...
Gotta love the rhythm section...

Saturday was a good, easy ride with the group. Everyone was jovial, and seemed to enjoy the ride. The wind was howling, so the decision was made to do the IronCross inside the Fort. I hate riding in the Fort anymore, but coming home on Dixie with a 15-20mph tailwind was nice. What started out as a simple loop ended up being a 45 mile ride.
I rode the carbon wheels, and am seriously toying with the idea of selling them. I don't (and likely won't) race anymore, ergo, there is almost no need for a set of 50mm deep carbon wheels. If anyone has interest, send me a note and I'll give you specifics.

This morning, the core group of four met on what can only be described as a 'breezy' morning. We went in the exact opposite way that the wind called on us to ride. Nothing like a tail to cross-tail for the first 2/3 of the ride, only to make the turn and drive directly into a bloc headwind for the last 20 miles.
I felt like garbage for the first 90 minutes...Gilbert for the next 60...and then TVH got a flat. Nothing like taking the engine from optimum operational temps to nil over the course of ten minutes. The 30-ish minute ride home was a stiff-legged affair, to say the least.

On the equipment tip, I rode my 3x/32 hole wheels with Vittoria Open Pave CG tires today. I'd forgotten how good a straight up, no bullshit set of wheels rides. Plenty fast, plenty stiff, plenty smooth, and comfy. I think I may source some FAT Vittoria rubber for the winter (25 or 27c) and just ride those wheels.

News:

GVA won Paris-Tours out of a two man break. Get used to seeing a BMC jersey crossing the line first. It's gonna happen a lot next year!

The weather looked nice in Ft. Collins for CX...

Horner is going to race until he gets his AARP card.

That's it for me...

Have a good Monday everyone!

Simple fucks

2011-10-07T17:47:00.003-04:00

This is Roger Hernandez. He is a simple fuck. He refused a dope test at Masters Track Nats, and got suspended for two years. Really, part 1? He posted the above picture on the intarwebs. I'm shocked that this dumbass is on the AvGas, just SHOCKED! Really, part2? Refusing the test is admitting you're a doper, and a douche. Simple fuck!

This is Joe Papp. He is a simple fuck. He's a doper. He's also a drug dealer who set up a shell company to buy/sell EPO, HgH, and (insert the Deity of your choice here) knows what else. I guess turning in everyone he knew didn't quite work out the way he planned. Begging for support on Twitter? Really? I wish I knew who to contact to ask that Papp receive MORE time on his sentence. Simple fuck!

And here's a video commentary about the Government...a legislative body FULL of simple fucks. The guy in the video? Yeah, he's probably brighter, and definitely has a better grasp of the gravity of the situation than 99.5% of those who live inside The Beltway.

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

I rode this morning. 2 hours on the CX bike. A couple of really fruitful efforts, one really freaking stung.
On the way back in, I discovered that SCANA (SCE&G) is ostensibly giving a portion of their land off of 12th. St. to the City of West Columbia. What's West Columbia doing with it? Building a public tennis center, a GIANT public park and greenspace, a canoe/kayak portage, and a paved/groomed MUT through the woods.
I will say now, with a large degree of certainty, that WeCola has their shit together when it comes to creating outdoor spaces for the public to enjoy. The Greenway is immeasurably better on that side of the river(s).
It's a damn shame that the City of Columbia, where a lot of us live, and pay an obscene amount of taxes, can't quit bickering with each other, get on the same page, and build out OUR side of the river. I know that most of the land is private property, but it's virtually unusable as commercial property because of the flood threat, and the MASSIVE sewer line that runs through it. These reasons alone should be enough to allow expansion of the Greenway, and the creation of greenspace to enjoy down by the river.
It would be cheap, easy, and maybe put some folks to work in Columbia. Instead, the City is burying powerlines, putting in sidewalks, and installing custom fabricated street lights in neighborhoods that you wouldn't walk in, much less at NIGHT!
In keeping with the theme of this post, our City Council and Mayor are ... well, you know what I'm gonna say...

Sunday ride
9am
Corner of Greene and Laurens
60-ish miles into Lex/Calhoun
C'mon out!

Some days you're the windshield...

2011-10-05T14:56:00.003-04:00

...today I was the bug. Just tired, lethargic, and my heart wasn't in it. I thought about turning around and going home when I got stopped by a train on Huger St. (I know, what a shock...a train, in Columbia!), but I invoked Rule #5, and finished the ride. 1:30 of rolling around on the Jericho...

Now to help Junior Mgmt #1 w/homework. That will suck the remaining life straight out of my body.

I need a nap...
Here's something to look at...

News

2011-10-03T17:58:00.004-04:00

Levi says Trek sucks, without really saying it...

It seems that Cav may be going to QuickStep instead of Sky...again because of the big S. Same with Tony Martin...

Todd Branham makes good...

Michael Rasmussen needs to go away

Okay enough Euro dog silly season stuff...

(breaktime)

Okay, we're back...

Good Sunday ride. First time doing Eastover in ages. It was a bit breezy out in the country, but easily more manageable than Saturday.

5 days on the bike, and 6 rides if I count the hour of quality time spent riding with #1 son on Friday afternoon. I'm tired today...

Speaking of children...#3 is making pterodactyl noises. Gotta jet...

I don't know much...

2011-10-01T12:57:00.002-04:00

...but I know these dudes have large stones!

4th day in a row on the bike for me. The local 'weather caster', and I type that with certain levels of both disdain AND sarcasm, said the wind would be out of the NW at 8-15mph this morning. I will admit that the direction of the wind was correct, so he was 50% right, but 8-15mph? Really? I'm no walking anemometer, but I'll kiss the "weather caster's" ass if that was the correct wind speed.
I knew I had chosen poorly when I was spinning out 12th St. in the big ring @ 45kmh, and my HR was still 125! The ride home from the end of Old Wire was a struggle to maintain 30kmh. Even riding my every day, 30mm wheels, I was getting blown around like the proverbial feather on the breeze, and we know I'm no feather...

Time to go outside in the back yard and enjoy this wonderful Fall day. I can hear the hammock calling me...

Stelvio

2011-09-29T12:18:00.002-04:00

The Stelvio and the Mortirolo will be in Il Giro for 2012. Best. Grand. Tour. Period.

A ride, in pictures and song

2011-09-28T13:16:00.004-04:00

I only got the sunny hours, the brightest hours of day. I never count the gloomy hours, I let them slip away...

"...swervin' like I'm George Jones..."

Train kept a rollin'...

Option 1: Hoobastank
Option 2: Mix-A-Lot

I've had a headache for 2 days, so instead of going out and riding easy, I decided to kill it with fire. Funny how 1x30 @92% will do that. As Asami so eloquently stated in 'The Audition', "Words create lies, pain can be trusted."

When I was done, I looped through the Greenway and ran into Rob, Casey, and their new addition, Ella Kate. Good eggs those two...well, three now. Seeing them this morning put a smile on my face.
Up Gervais and into campus. Once on Greene St., I stopped to help a college girl whose chain had popped off the pulley in her rear derailleur. A quick and easy fix got her rolling in less than 15 seconds, and helped my cycling karma. Two birds...

TVH, Il Prof and I are going out for a loop of the Fort @ 4:30-5:00 tomorrow. Feel free to join...

Namaste...

Cav wins the WC...and I don't mean Water Closet

2011-09-25T13:43:00.007-04:00

Yeah...you just can't take that kid to the line. Some DB on the Twitter said that it was some grand plan for Cav to win so he could be in WC stripes for the Olympics in London. Now, I'm sure the organizers may have had that thought, but 180+ riders and 260km had other plans. Another twidiot said that Cav is the Champion of sprinters, but not a true World Champion. Really? REALLY? That's funny, because I just watched the last 6km, and Cav just put them all back on the truck.
Let the haters hate, because you know they will...

As for me...
102km thru Calhoun County. It was nice to have an actual group this morning. A grand total of SIX rolled out. Cloudy, hazy and low cloud deck when we left...turned into a sunny, windless, albeit humid end of the ride. Can't ask for much more...

Another one of those terrible roads out in the country.

Yeah, it's Sunday... I went to church...

Now to sleep through the rest of the NASCAR race...Peace!

Tubies are faster you say?

2011-09-24T17:11:00.006-04:00

I'll call bullshit. Tony Martin just won the WORLD TT championship on CLINCHERS!! Yeah, you read that correctly. HED Jet 9 FR / HED Jet Stallion FR disc.

The question is, what Conti tires is he riding? Betting they weren't off the peg GP4000S...

U23 WC RR

2011-09-23T21:28:00.002-04:00

Great race and great finish!

And I'm no mountain biker, but this makes my pants a bit tighter...

The word "FLOW" comes to mind...

2011 WC TT

2011-09-21T20:59:00.003-04:00

Blistering ride by Tony Martin. And I have a question...
Did Cancellara's "Trek" look decidedly NOT like a current Speed Concept? Hmmm...

Great pics over at Cycling Tips...

Les Montagnes

2011-09-20T07:57:00.004-04:00

3 of us got up sort-of-early on Sunday, loaded into TVH's Subaru and headed to Tryon for a ride. Nothing quite like folding my 6'1", 185 pound frame into the backseat of an import wagon...more on this later.
The idea was to roll out of the park where the Fab 4th ride begins, go UP the Saluda Grade, down The Watershed, then find some loop to roll around on for 25 miles or so, then go back UP The Watershed, and bomb the descent of The Grade, back to the car. The plan was 50-55 miles. The best laid plans of mice and men you say...?

The first part of the plan was going swimmingly...then we deviated for the first time of the day...30 miles into the ride. At the store stop, the decision was made, after talking to a crusty local, to ride into Landrum, do a loop around up to Columbus and drop back into Tryon.
While the route may not have offered any BIG climbs, it was nicely rolling, through beautiful countryside. A couple of stunning valleys, and simply picturesque horse farms were well worth the deviation.
Rolling back to Tryon, Il Prof figured we'd barely have 50 miles, so I, in my finite wisdom, suggested we tack on a few by checking out Howard's Gap, just to see how full of shit folks who ride it regularly may, or may not, be. The first two sections of road went from nearly flat to 5-6%...nothing to really write home about.
A few Euro switchbacks led to the corner that would seal our collective fate. After a relatively flat right turn, the road opened up, and sucker punched all three of us squarely in the chops. To say that we struggled for the next 1.5 miles would be like saying that my Jack Russell struggles with higher math...an understatement at best. Il Prof said he saw 2.9mph on his computer at one point. I do not doubt this statement, and find that it may be optimistic!

The 1.5 mile asskicking AVERAGED 15.4%, and contained 4 portions that hovered between 25 and 30%. Not too difficult to see where those spots are on the profile.
Once at the top, the climb leveled out and we rode, for a WHILE, across the ridgeline, back to Saluda. Then, tired, soaked with sweat, and out of gas, bombed the descent of the Saluda Grade back to the car.
I then folded my 6'1", 185 pound frame BACK into the backseat of the Scooby, which made my hip flexors really happy with me. My trip to Renick yesterday bordered on Marquis de Sade treatment...
Not only did I get folded up into the back of the car, my Ridley did as well! Oh, the indignity...

I guess only the 'team' bike Colnagos go on the roof!

All told...
64.8 miles
6698ft of climbing

It was fun, and I'd do it again this coming weekend if the H.O. would let me out of the house! It was what a ride should be. Time spent outside, on the bike, with friends. There was no negativity, no complaining, but plenty of big smiles/laughs. You know, the reason you go do something like this...

You think Joey's okay?

2011-09-18T20:58:00.004-04:00

I think Joey needs a goddamn gurney! There is such a thing as carrying TOO much speed folks!

Went to the mountains this morning with Il Prof and TVH. Wonderful day on the bike. Writeup will follow once all of my synapses are properly rested and synaps-ing...

I leave you with this...

65 miles
6698ft of climbing
Rode up Howard's Gap (1200ft of vertical in 2 miles)

I'm not built for this shit people! But I LIKED it!!!

I think I just innoculated...

2011-09-17T21:01:00.002-04:00

The front one...steel...
The back one...ti

Baum Cycles Australia

Cross Vegas 2011

2011-09-15T07:56:00.000-04:00

Watch more videos on Cycling Dirt

A humpday photo dump...

2011-09-14T20:11:00.004-04:00

They're "improving" Old State Road. Yes, there is a note of cynicism in my typing...

Pimpin' is, in fact, very easy for Eddy...

Will Gilbert win Worlds'? Odds aren't posted yet, but I'm willing to throw $20 in the pot and bet that his kid finishes better than the Schlecks...

Okay, not cycling related, but how can you not like HoverDogs?

Interbike (aka "The Show") is this weekend in Vegas. Guessing Trebon commuted? That saddle to bar drop makes my back hurt as I sit here...on the couch...

Decent ride thru the dirt loop this morning. As the photo above shows, Lexington County is evidently training grader operators out on Old State. It's a bit like Michele Bachmann's head at the moment. Soft...
A good rain wouldn't be altogether bad.

Gilbert wins GpW...

We're going to Tryon to ride on Sunday. If anyone wants to go, I have an open seat in the bus. Loop will be 50-55 miles, up and back over the Watershed and the surrounding area. The weather will be in the 60s. Where'd I put the vest/baselayer/armwarmers?

Velodromo

2011-09-12T10:01:00.003-04:00

If you live with about 4 hours of Charlotte, and the idea of having a World Class velodrome/cycling facility available to you doesn't cause excitement, well...You're a dick!

Outstanding

2011-09-11T15:03:00.003-04:00

Great ride this morning with Jed, Il Prof, and TVH. We went out through Lexington County, to Swansea, across Hwy 6 to Hwy 21 to Sandy Run, then backtracked it home. 105km in the big bright sun, on smooth rolling roads. To say it didn't suck is an understatement!

Ponies!

Another one of those horrible, high traffic roads out in Calhoun County...

TVH had on enough sunscreen to protect all four of us!

I like old barns!

Former ProDog, and CX National Champeen, Jed S. continuing his quest to go from the couch to CX Nats.

One of the highlights of the ride was the red velvet Twinkies at the gas station. Who knew? I'm quite sure whatever gave them their red hue will likely, in the long run, give me cancer, but DAMN they were good!
Another highlight came from Il Prof having a flat. TWO folks in cars stopped to see if he/we were okay! Shocking and unexpected to say the least, but nice and appreciated nonetheless.

Hope everyone enjoyed their day. Remember what day it is! Forget all of the ancillary political bullshit...just think of THE DAY and why it's important.

9-11-11

Sometimes...

2011-09-10T08:41:00.003-04:00

Normally, I don't ride with a plan. Sure, I have a loop in mind, and an idea of variations to mix it up, but rarely do I go out with a "plan". Occasionally, I'll feel chipper after my little spin out, and put down a hard 30 minute "interval", but that may happen once a week.
Most rides these days fall somewhere between a ride for enjoyment, and meandering through new roads.
Yesterday, I meandered...HARD! Between school for the kids, the new bambino, and trying to get the house together to sell, I'm whipped. The ride guilt kicks in though. When it's 68 degrees and sunny with a light breeze, it becomes difficult to sit on the couch.
2 hours of rolling the CX bike through Lexington County was the call.

Smoother than tar and chip in Lower Richland...

Steel is real.

Squirrel's eye view.

Collaborate and listen...

Second ride of the day. This one was good for my soul.

I also got the Salsa 99.5% finished. I just need a longer drop cable hanger for the front so I can flip the stem. I guess a trip to Cycle Center is in order at some point today...

Enjoy your weekend!

A question...?

2011-09-07T13:17:00.004-04:00

I need some new bib knicks for the fall/winter. How do the Santini knicks fit? ;)

Good ride yesterday, even though it was a bit dark, and a bit windy. I went out into the wind, hit the heavy/wet dirt, and struggled mightily until the turn onto 12th. Once the wind was at my back, it became quite nice.

Like "taking pictures @ 40kph on 33c tires at 50psi" nice. I normally pop back into the woods, but it's just bad form to not take advantage of a ripping tailwind!

Instead of buying a new bike to ride around town/with the kids/at night, the decision has been made to turn my Salsa Las Cruces into the aforementioned beast. 1x9 with a Deore shifter and XTR rear derailleur, Syncros DH riser bars, Thomson stem/post, carbon cranks...etc.! Yeah, nothing says lovin' like a sub-20 pound townie rig. I'll post pics when the bike is done. For now, I'm less than content sitting here waiting for the parts to hit the door! Grrrrr...

Why do I need a bike like this you ask? Well, riding my custom steel Jericho, or the Ridley, up to school to pick up #1 makes me intolerably nervous. Not the riding part per se, but the 'bike getting knocked over by a spastic 10 year old' scenario. I'd hate to explain to one of the other parents that they owe me $3k for a new frame because their uncontrolled progeny. Betting that would be a thin Christmas around that kid's house!

Enough blathering...Peace! Have a good afternoon!

A holiday?

2011-09-05T09:01:00.005-04:00

I'm glad everyone thinks Labor Day is a holiday. The people who think this obviously do not have children.
It's a day off work AND school. So instead of a quiet morning, the Phineas and Ferb movie is rolling on the 50". Oh joy...
There will be little done today that resembles productivity.

Saturday, I slept in and decided to do a loop of Lower Richland. One two hour ride reminded me exactly why I stopped riding out there. The roads are shit. The terrain is shit. The drivers are shit. Nothing like getting buzzed by Methuselah's older brother, driving an ancient pickup truck, pulling a fossilized pop-up camper. Yeah, it's WAAAY safer out there...
Old State Road, which is DIRT, is smoother than about 50% of the tar and chip garbage roads out in LR.
You guys can have it...

(Let's compare)...
A stretch of the aforementioned tar and chip in LR...

Or a stretch of road out in Lexington County...
Tough choice, I know...

Sunday, 5 of us did a really nice ride out into Lexington County. It was quite nice, and the antithesis to Saturday. Nice smooth roads, rolling hills, very little traffic, and a road that had remained undiscovered until recently. We didn't get passed by a car for the first HOUR of the ride!!!
Oh, and for the naysayers, when you ride out into Lexington County, you come home with a tailwind...and it's largely downhill. Shocking, I know!
Downhill + tailwind + 52/12 + 120rpm = yesterday's top speed. As the Brits say, do the maths...

And the rumors are true, Lay-An-Egg Trek is folding itself into the Radio Smack organization. I guess Levi booked out b/c he knew that he'd be playing 3rd or 4th fiddle to the Schlecks...or whoever....
Another rumor floating around is about the custom Pinarellos that were delivered to Team Sky Service Course. They were small frames and had the initials "MC" written on them. Hmmm....rhymes with Park Spavendish...

Anyway...enough of this nonsense. Time to go ride bikes with Junior Management...

Friday Shizz

2011-09-02T15:03:00.004-04:00

An article has been going around for the last few days concerning the Lost Art of The Group Ride. It covers pretty much all of the bases that several of us have been grousing about for the last couple of YEARS.
It tickles me to no end when I think of the people who are sitting in front of their computer screens, agreeing with the aforementioned article, yet some of those same people are the very ones who the article is written about/for.
We all know these people. Doesn't take much hard thought for the names to come to mind, does it?
If you have to think about it, or grumble to whoever will listen, then the article is for/about you!

I remember the old school rides in town. The guys then were fast, hard as nails, and actually helped noobs along. Again, it doesn't take much for me to remember a few of the guys that were instrumental in me becoming a part of the group in the early 90s.
People do not remember middle of the road. They recall the positive, and the negative. Which are you?

This year, I can recall about 6 group rides I've actually enjoyed. All were fun, positive, and plenty fast in spots to get work in if one was so inclined, you know, the way rides used to be...

Not much else going on...
Good spin on the road bike this morning. First ride on the Mavic shoes. They are really nice. I just need to get all of the wedges, insoles, and various other scheisse that I require, dialed in. A few more sub-2 hour rides on them, and we'll be good to go.

Pretty nice out there this morning...

I'm sorry...

2011-09-01T21:24:00.001-04:00

...did I break your concentration?

Want to touch the hiney...

Silly season begins

2011-08-31T12:58:00.004-04:00

Radio Shack/Lay-O-Pard Trek merger?
What are they gonna call the 'Super team'? Radi-O-Pard Shack? Lay-O-Pard Schleck p/b Radio Trek?
Denials are coming fast and furious, but the fact that the angry bald midget signed with Omega Pharma-Quickstep this morning means that there won't be a place for him in the new team structure. Of course, it's a mutually beneficial situation for the team and Levi. They get his UCI points to bolster their position as a ProTour team, and he gets one final big $ contract to grow his 401k.
I think it may have been an oversight on Omega Pharma's part though. They may have believed they were actually getting a pair of denim pants...I don't know...

Type 1 going big(ger) time? Signing another Euro-Dog seems to indicate so...

GreenEdge is signing pretty much everyone! Matty Wilson, Baden Cooke, Tomas Vaitkus, Langeveld, Simon Clarke...

Goss and Eisel to Sky. Can Cavendish be far behind?

Good ride last night. Mega fast first 20 minutes. Don't let the naysayers fool you! It was as fast as ANY 2o minutes of the TNWC...ever. I dropped out of the front group to wait on Il Prof and TVH, but quickly realized my mistake, as I was trapped in no man's land. A little group of us got together and stayed together until my front derailleur took a shit on Gator. Once fixed, I was off the back of the group, and remained within 400m of them for the remainder of the ride. Just couldn't bring it back.
As for the derailleur that's been misbehaving for months, I finally traced the issue. The little bastard of a screw that holds the plates together had taken it's leave, thus the plates weren't moving when they were supposed to. Going up was a struggle, and going back down to the small ring caused all sorts of issues. One new screw and washer, and voila the 6 year old 7800 f/d works perfectly once again! I need to have a chat with my mechanic...oh wait...

Have a good humpday! Namaste!

Edit:
McEwen to GreenEdge
Tejay Van Garderen and Marco Pinotti to BMC

Weekend wrap up

2011-08-28T19:10:00.004-04:00

The Tour of Colorado ended today. Great racing in a great setting. Too bad it was won by the angry bald midget. Of course, he's loved because he an American. Nevermind the whole doping thing...
Vanilla is also the favorite flavor of ice cream, and the Toyota Camry is the best selling car in the US, so there you are...
Financing is reportedly in place for 2012 as well, so that's a good thing. Hopefully the politics that are rife in the incestuous world known as professional cycling won't strangle the race.

GP Plouay was today too. Crazy run for the finish...good stuff!

Two good rides this weekend for the kid as well. The quiet and solitude were welcome, considering the sheer number of rugrats running, and laying/crying/pooping, around the house these days.

Saturday was a dirt affair in an effort to stay in the trees, and out of the breeze caused by Irene.

Out in the country, in the open, it was stiff. In the trees, not so bad. The wind had the fauna stirred up out in the sticks though. Several does, a LARGE buck and a nasty little hog were all seen.
The plus? The wind was at my back for the run up Gervais to end the loop.

Sunday was idyllic. Very little wind, no clouds and big blue sky for a nice road ride across LR and back up into the Fort.

Once home, I set up the new Mavic kicks. They feel like slippers! The plan was to keep them sequestered until Spring, but I have a hard time believing that timeline. Call me crazy...

It's Friday, you ain't got no job...

2011-08-26T10:44:00.005-04:00

Three long weeks have passed since I'd been to the Chiro/ART Doc. I needed it this morning. My appointments are usually 15-20 minutes. This morning? 45. I was jacked up. No wonder it felt like shit to ride the bike.

On the ride tip, I did an easy 2 hours on the CX bike yesterday. Beautiful morning for it...

Big blue sky, little wind, fertile farmland...

I don't know what the British are selling here, but I'll take 17!

I DO know what Cipollini is selling here, and I'll take 17!

The Vuelta is going on...yawn...
The Tour of Colorado has drawn the big names though. Yeah, yeah, I know that's not what it's called, but I refuse to call it the USPro Cycling Challenge. Sounds like the MS150, or some other charity ride for Pete's sake!
That being said, The Angry Bald Midget is winning. Yawn. Once a doper, always a doper. #bottle
The race and scenery are brilliant though. Colorado (high elevation) in the summer is pretty close to perfect.

Okay...the newest addition to the management trainee program is raising hell...gotta go...

Ridey

2011-08-24T11:45:00.005-04:00

Funny how motivation ebbs and flows.
Two weeks ago, I was super motivated. Rode A LOT of hours. Did some quality work. Felt good.
Last week, no motivation at all. Still rode double digit hours. Felt like shit, on and off the bike.

I'm feeling ridey again this week, but I still feel like crap. Personally, I'm blaming the fact that there's a three week old fruit of my loins in the house, and school started. I slept until 8am every morning through the summer. The baby arrived at roughly the same time school started, which means sleep got shot directly in the keester. I'm just tired...mentally and physically. TGoJR made the comment that basically said if there was a reason to be tired and have bad form, a new baby is probably it.

Anyway, I thought I felt okay last night, but just had nothing. I stayed with the lead group until 302, lost a contact, and just sat up and one-eyed it back to the house. This was on top of the TWO flats I had in the parking lot BEFORE the ride started. Maybe I should have stayed home...

This morning, my spirits were buoyed a bit. No, I didn't catch sorority rush again! Junior Management #2 and I had a perfect ride down on the riverfront. Big sun, empty trail and quality time. Not much better!

We rode 5 miles. As usual, he just killed it and never complained once! Ride with your kids people!

And this is just good stuff...

I like Rahsaan. I know Rahsaan. I talk to Rahsaan regularly. I consider him a friend. Rahsaan deserves better than how he's been treated by the cycling establishment. Dopers get welcomed back with open arms, yet one of the best riders in the country can't get a ride? I'd rather have a guy that speaks his mind and raises hell once in a while than some mealy mouthed pack fill, or a 'reformed' doper.
Good on you RB. Let me know if I can help!

Shut up and go ride!

Nothing to see here...

Two good days

My neck, my back...well, just my neck...

1/2 way to the weekend

Holy Sheeeeuuuuutttttt!

Monday Funday

TGIF

Tuesday random thoughts

Blue sky...

Now on to happy things...

Breaking News

Receiving Stolen GoodsS. C. Code § 16-13-180

Do the news Lou...

Happy Monday...meh...

Wow, the WXman really screwed the pooch...

That's 'MISTER Griepel" to you...

Hi Hi ... LoLo...

The more you know...

Tuesday picture post...

Something stinks at the OP-QS launch...

Brrrr...(whatevs)

Have a good weekend...

Interesting and absolutely correct

Specialized is playing to win...

CX Nats

Weekend Update

Cool...and not so much...

Legspeed...he has it!

Another reason I won't buy a Specialized...ever!

NYD 111k

Later 2011...

Cool, or sacrilege?

New Years Day 100(ish)K

Breaking News

Ho, Ho, Hoe?

Oh, how I love Brown Santa...

What is beauty?

How do they ride with balls that big?

Fun, part deux?

Fun?

1167

High speed...high drag...

Randoms

Global warming

Quiet Monday

Helloooooooo.....

A quickie...

Get up and get rolling...

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Gobble...gobble..

Oy vey...and a badass dog!

Hmmm...I've been thinking...

Un-fckn-believable!

2 more

A flow chart

Happy Birthday Bernard

Stuff

Happy Nigel Tufnel Day

Oy...

Weekend-y

Life of a pro

Once in a while

A sunday morning, in pictures...

Saturday lamentations

Pictures...pretty and not so...

Dark is...well...DARK!

Uneventful weekend

So...

No cyclists were harmed in the making of this video...

Back on my grind

So many things...

Something to watch on a rainy Tuesday night...

Things to watch on a rainy Tuesday

Monday movie

Weekend

Simple fucks

Some days you're the windshield...

News

I don't know much...

Receiving Stolen Goods
S. C. Code § 16-13-180