10 August 2010
So much fail in this video...
A recumbent, a MUT, a bee sting, a yard sale into the greenery...
And why the hell is he wearing bike shorts on a redundent? Your taint is nowhere NEAR the seat!!
I went out and spun on the cross bike this morning and actually felt a bit better. It was foggy out in the fields this morning, making my trip a bit eerie when making blind turns in a corn field. My clean cross bike is now sullied again...
I did re-tape the bars with Lizard Skins DSP Race tape this morning, post ride. It goes on easy enough, has plenty of material for deep drop, 46cm wide bars and feels plenty grippy to the initial touch. We'll see...I'll do a review in a couple of weeks.
08 August 2010
Mmmm...resty...
6 rides in 5 days last week = no ride for the kid today. Instead, I climbing onto the roof and spent a solid hour trimming/limbing our 100+ year old Hickory tree. No stopping the constant, Kabul-esque bombardment of the harder-than-diamond nuts on the roof, but the limbs needed to go. After limbing it out, it took me another hour to drag all of the debris to the street. Cross training? Close enough...
Oh, I also spent a solid hour cleaning my cross bike. It stays dirty and it's a bit of a badge of honor, to no one in particular other than me, but it just needed some love this morning.
Here's why Horner is a bad man and deserved his top 10 @ the Tour...
See Mom! Watching TV isn't always bad for you. Stolen bike recovered in NYC...
And finally, a group we ALL need to join!!!
Oh, I also spent a solid hour cleaning my cross bike. It stays dirty and it's a bit of a badge of honor, to no one in particular other than me, but it just needed some love this morning.
Here's why Horner is a bad man and deserved his top 10 @ the Tour...
See Mom! Watching TV isn't always bad for you. Stolen bike recovered in NYC...
And finally, a group we ALL need to join!!!
05 August 2010
Friday...
I was going to write something in this space about the Lance doping investigation and how it compares to douchebag baseball players, but I really just don't feel like getting into it. If you follow this blog at all, you know my feelings about Lance and his doping issues...never failed a test BTW! You also know my feelings on baseball players (juiceheads...all of them), so I'll just turn and quietly shuffle away...
Did someone throw a grenade? Check this video...
Taylor Phinney meets the Dutch pavement...welcome to the show kid...
I've done a bit of riding this week. 5 rides as of this morning, including a double yesterday and a spin this morning. Nothing of note to write about other than the new pavement on Dixie is sublime...
I also broke a cleat last night about 30 minutes into my second ride of the day. I could still clip in and out, but the cleat itself was moving fore/aft with reckless abandon. Probably my own fault (@99%) since I modified the baseplate so it could be placed further aft on the shoe. Luckily, it didn't damage the shoe itself. Although I do need to call my lovely Anglo/Italian bird @ Diadora UK to see what she's up to...
4 years ago yesterday, our good friend Big Jonny got smashed from behind by a drunk driver while out for a spin. The big man was in bad shape for a long while. Fortunately for all of us, he back to normal (hard to determine a baseline) and nearly finished with his high falutin' Law School learnin'. Jon is a good man, a good husband and a great father. The World is better b/c he's still in it.
Speaking of good things, La Gata picked up her newest and bestest buddy this week. My pal Billy was the good do'er that got the ball rolling for the little pup.
Trying to decide what next week will hold, as I will be single parenting. The H.O. is going to Colorado for a conference. Yeah, you enjoy the front range, I'll hold it down here in the hellhole.
Did someone throw a grenade? Check this video...
Taylor Phinney meets the Dutch pavement...welcome to the show kid...
I've done a bit of riding this week. 5 rides as of this morning, including a double yesterday and a spin this morning. Nothing of note to write about other than the new pavement on Dixie is sublime...
I also broke a cleat last night about 30 minutes into my second ride of the day. I could still clip in and out, but the cleat itself was moving fore/aft with reckless abandon. Probably my own fault (@99%) since I modified the baseplate so it could be placed further aft on the shoe. Luckily, it didn't damage the shoe itself. Although I do need to call my lovely Anglo/Italian bird @ Diadora UK to see what she's up to...
4 years ago yesterday, our good friend Big Jonny got smashed from behind by a drunk driver while out for a spin. The big man was in bad shape for a long while. Fortunately for all of us, he back to normal (hard to determine a baseline) and nearly finished with his high falutin' Law School learnin'. Jon is a good man, a good husband and a great father. The World is better b/c he's still in it.
Speaking of good things, La Gata picked up her newest and bestest buddy this week. My pal Billy was the good do'er that got the ball rolling for the little pup.
Trying to decide what next week will hold, as I will be single parenting. The H.O. is going to Colorado for a conference. Yeah, you enjoy the front range, I'll hold it down here in the hellhole.
03 August 2010
I told you so...
Contadork to Sungard/Saxo Bank...
Hoste leaving Omega-Pharma Lotto to go to Katusha...
And lastly, but not leastly (?), Team Type 1 going big(ger) time. Good show boys!!!
BIG ups to Bond for throwing down at Master's Nationals and pulling off a 4th in the TT!! Fucking Beast!
Did a nice little Vitamin D ride this morning. A few really good, deep in the well efforts thrown in for good measure. The meds seem to be handling my GI issues and the throat 'procedure' has allowed me to actually get a breath. Now it's time to work on getting some fitness back.
One the plus side of this whole GERD/GI/esophagus thing, I can't eat about 50% of what I used to eat, so the weight seems to be fairly dropping off. I'm 7 days post-op and have dropped 4 pounds...
Il Prof is trying to resurrect the old Thursday ride...with a twist. 6:15 from the circle, but doing the Iron Cross instead of the old Bunky's loop. Be there...
And if anyone is interested helping me put on a cross race, let me know. I have permission to use two locations in town. Both are good spots...
Hoste leaving Omega-Pharma Lotto to go to Katusha...
And lastly, but not leastly (?), Team Type 1 going big(ger) time. Good show boys!!!
BIG ups to Bond for throwing down at Master's Nationals and pulling off a 4th in the TT!! Fucking Beast!
Did a nice little Vitamin D ride this morning. A few really good, deep in the well efforts thrown in for good measure. The meds seem to be handling my GI issues and the throat 'procedure' has allowed me to actually get a breath. Now it's time to work on getting some fitness back.
One the plus side of this whole GERD/GI/esophagus thing, I can't eat about 50% of what I used to eat, so the weight seems to be fairly dropping off. I'm 7 days post-op and have dropped 4 pounds...
Il Prof is trying to resurrect the old Thursday ride...with a twist. 6:15 from the circle, but doing the Iron Cross instead of the old Bunky's loop. Be there...
And if anyone is interested helping me put on a cross race, let me know. I have permission to use two locations in town. Both are good spots...
01 August 2010
A little bit of everything...
No ride for the kid yesterday, as it was #1's 5th birthday. I REALLY needed some sort of narcotic yesterday, legal or otherwise. A half dozen rugrats descended on our humble abode, and squealed for the better part of two hours. I haven't had an alcoholic beverage for the better part of ten years, but I was tested yesterday!
My afternoon was spent sleeping off my headache...
This morning, I went out to my double secret spot to get some Vitamin D. I ended up with a lot of Vitamin M. The rain over the last few days made it a bit damp back in the spot. I've learned that I really like riding in the slop. I also learned that Kenda Small Block 8 tires are NOT the best choice for slippy, red-clay mud. I eyeballed my line, turned to hit it and the mud just forced me where it wanted me to go. Pedal, pedal, pedal and I was out. I repeated this scenario 4 times in the course of 400 meters.
The ride was big fun though, and as the title suggests, it had a little bit of everything:
Mud- As I mentioned...
Blood- Some sort of vine jumped out and grabbed my arm and made me bleed my own blood.
Wild animals- A couple of little snakes and some BIG, fresh, bobcat prints in the mud.
Flat rear tire- I need more than 50 pounds of air in a rear 32c tire when bombing the railroad yard.
RentaCops- Some railroad jackass in a minivan hassled me while I was mid flat change. GFY man!
And here's a tip for the couple that almost got run over when they rode through the light @ S. Assembly and Rosewood. STOP AT THE FUCKING RED LIGHT!!! The woman, who was on a Roubaix, didn't even look as she crossed and caused some guy in a Saturn to lock it down to keep from killing her. She was giggling as they passed me. I'm a cyclist, through and through, but if the car would have popped her dumb ass, I would have been on the cager's side.
And we wonder why we get honked at...
Both were obviously newbs, judging by their attire (straight out of Performance) and positions on the bike, but it's no excuse for riding like a Dervin!
My afternoon was spent sleeping off my headache...
This morning, I went out to my double secret spot to get some Vitamin D. I ended up with a lot of Vitamin M. The rain over the last few days made it a bit damp back in the spot. I've learned that I really like riding in the slop. I also learned that Kenda Small Block 8 tires are NOT the best choice for slippy, red-clay mud. I eyeballed my line, turned to hit it and the mud just forced me where it wanted me to go. Pedal, pedal, pedal and I was out. I repeated this scenario 4 times in the course of 400 meters.
The ride was big fun though, and as the title suggests, it had a little bit of everything:
Mud- As I mentioned...
Blood- Some sort of vine jumped out and grabbed my arm and made me bleed my own blood.
Wild animals- A couple of little snakes and some BIG, fresh, bobcat prints in the mud.
Flat rear tire- I need more than 50 pounds of air in a rear 32c tire when bombing the railroad yard.
RentaCops- Some railroad jackass in a minivan hassled me while I was mid flat change. GFY man!
And here's a tip for the couple that almost got run over when they rode through the light @ S. Assembly and Rosewood. STOP AT THE FUCKING RED LIGHT!!! The woman, who was on a Roubaix, didn't even look as she crossed and caused some guy in a Saturn to lock it down to keep from killing her. She was giggling as they passed me. I'm a cyclist, through and through, but if the car would have popped her dumb ass, I would have been on the cager's side.
And we wonder why we get honked at...
Both were obviously newbs, judging by their attire (straight out of Performance) and positions on the bike, but it's no excuse for riding like a Dervin!
30 July 2010
Update
So as you all know, I had a little work done on the intake pipe earlier in the week. The swelling is still present, but getting better every day. The pain has subsided, but my neck is still about an inch larger than usual.
La Gata and I did a quick easy spin yesterday and I didn't feel great. The combo of a sore/stiff neck and trying to get the anesthesia out of me did not make for a fun ride. The fresh pavement on Dixie is sublime though...
This morning, we met for a longer, somewhat more quickly paced ride out into the swamp. I set the speedo @ 35-40kmh and pulled all the way to Westinghouse. Even three days after my 'procedure', I could feel that it was easier to take a full breath. La Gata climbs like a Spaniard, but on the flats, she no gots the power! Once into the swamp, we rolled @ 30-32kmh. 2:15 and 40 miles later, we were home. Good ride!
Now some random shite...
Best futbol goal celebration EVER...
My blue bag from PBK came today. It's like Christmas...
The H.O. also gave me the green light to pull down on some new bits for the Ridley. I'm thinking that D/A is just too much jack, and to be honest, is it necessary? I'm thinking Ultegra 6700 shifters and F/D, pared with a D/A rear. The weight difference is @100g, and let's face it, 100g isn't going to change my performance, or lack thereof. I even toyed with the idea of going SRAM, but figured I'd never hear the end of it, since I poo-poo it at almost every turn.
And with the help of Billy, La Gata is about to be the proud parent of Zip...a JRT/Chihuahua mix. Should be interesting...
No ride tomorrow, as it's #1's 5th b-day party. Nothing says fun like a bunch a yapping 5 year olds in the backyard. Did I mention it's pirate themed? Can't wait...
As an aside, if ANYONE reading this doesn't have the testicular fortitude to say something TO me, don't say something ABOUT me...capice?
Peace...
La Gata and I did a quick easy spin yesterday and I didn't feel great. The combo of a sore/stiff neck and trying to get the anesthesia out of me did not make for a fun ride. The fresh pavement on Dixie is sublime though...
This morning, we met for a longer, somewhat more quickly paced ride out into the swamp. I set the speedo @ 35-40kmh and pulled all the way to Westinghouse. Even three days after my 'procedure', I could feel that it was easier to take a full breath. La Gata climbs like a Spaniard, but on the flats, she no gots the power! Once into the swamp, we rolled @ 30-32kmh. 2:15 and 40 miles later, we were home. Good ride!
Now some random shite...
Best futbol goal celebration EVER...
My blue bag from PBK came today. It's like Christmas...
The H.O. also gave me the green light to pull down on some new bits for the Ridley. I'm thinking that D/A is just too much jack, and to be honest, is it necessary? I'm thinking Ultegra 6700 shifters and F/D, pared with a D/A rear. The weight difference is @100g, and let's face it, 100g isn't going to change my performance, or lack thereof. I even toyed with the idea of going SRAM, but figured I'd never hear the end of it, since I poo-poo it at almost every turn.
And with the help of Billy, La Gata is about to be the proud parent of Zip...a JRT/Chihuahua mix. Should be interesting...
No ride tomorrow, as it's #1's 5th b-day party. Nothing says fun like a bunch a yapping 5 year olds in the backyard. Did I mention it's pirate themed? Can't wait...
As an aside, if ANYONE reading this doesn't have the testicular fortitude to say something TO me, don't say something ABOUT me...capice?
Peace...
28 July 2010
News
Berto is leaving Astana and going to join Riis @ Sungard (Saxo Bank is ending it's sponsorship). Riis can thank Mike Sinyard for that one...
The UCI have their heads up their asses...nevermind the fact that others (Cipo...cough...cough...) have worn non-conforming kits in years gone by and never gotten more than a fine...in Swiss francs no less!
Dr. Ferrari gives LeMond the single finger salute...
My neck and throat are HAMMERED today...cannot swallow anything bigger than a chocolate chip.
This will likely jumpstart my new weight loss program. Mix1 and I are going to be even better friends for the foreseeable future.
Peace...
The UCI have their heads up their asses...nevermind the fact that others (Cipo...cough...cough...) have worn non-conforming kits in years gone by and never gotten more than a fine...in Swiss francs no less!
Dr. Ferrari gives LeMond the single finger salute...
My neck and throat are HAMMERED today...cannot swallow anything bigger than a chocolate chip.
This will likely jumpstart my new weight loss program. Mix1 and I are going to be even better friends for the foreseeable future.
Peace...
27 July 2010
If...
If all of the fixed gears girls rolling around looked like this...
...then I might change my opinion.
I will, however, say that if I see one of these...
...bastardized will shorty flat bars and Oury grips, I will liberate it will all due prejudice!
Haven't ridden since Sunday as I've been poked and prodded for the last two days, in an effort to figure out what the hell is wrong with me. I had an ultrasound this morning and an EGD this afternoon. Fortunately, the ultrasound was clear, but the EGD found that my years of battling reflux/GERD have lead me to be stricken with esophageal stricture. My Doc then proceeded to use a balloon stent to enlarge my throat by anywhere from 15mm to 17mm. Doesn't sound like much, but it feels like they went after my neck with an auger. Between this procedure and upping my dose of AciPhex, the hope is that the issue will be better controlled.
I go to the cardiologist next week for a stress test to rule out any additional thoracic issues. Better safe than sorry, especially at 40 years old.
Back on the bike Thursday morning...
...then I might change my opinion.
I will, however, say that if I see one of these...
...bastardized will shorty flat bars and Oury grips, I will liberate it will all due prejudice!Haven't ridden since Sunday as I've been poked and prodded for the last two days, in an effort to figure out what the hell is wrong with me. I had an ultrasound this morning and an EGD this afternoon. Fortunately, the ultrasound was clear, but the EGD found that my years of battling reflux/GERD have lead me to be stricken with esophageal stricture. My Doc then proceeded to use a balloon stent to enlarge my throat by anywhere from 15mm to 17mm. Doesn't sound like much, but it feels like they went after my neck with an auger. Between this procedure and upping my dose of AciPhex, the hope is that the issue will be better controlled.
I go to the cardiologist next week for a stress test to rule out any additional thoracic issues. Better safe than sorry, especially at 40 years old.
Back on the bike Thursday morning...
25 July 2010
So the Tour is over...
...and I need to get something off my chest.
I don't care if Lance doped...ever...and neither should you. You know why?
1) He brought more people into our sport than would have ever found it on their own. If you think this is a bad thing, then the problem is with you. With all of the extra folks entering the sport since 1999, technology has moved forward, the bike business has moved forward and awareness of cyclists on the road has moved forward. Would all of you power dorks have your precious watt meters now? Maybe...maybe not...! The guys with the $$$ that buy super high dollar shit bring pricing down, and the tech trickles down to the lower end of the spectrum, so that it's affordable for almost everyone. Yeah, that's a bad thing!
2) The playing field was, and remains, level. Cyclists have doped since the dawn of bike racing...so what? Are you pissed off that some may, or may not have, done it better than the rest and dominated? If so, then you should be pissed at Merckx, Hinault, Indurain and the martyr that is LeMond, cause they ALL did it. May have been dope of different tunes, but the song remains the same. In the late 80s, and right through until today, a big percentage of the peloton is on SOMETHING. It may not be the AvGas of days gone by, but it's still benefiting their performance.
3) Quit being so fucking self-righteous! Yeah, I called you morons out! You sit around and bitch on internet forums, and other 'bicycle-related' websites, about how you are pissed off at Lance, or whoever, and that you're pissed at the sport for allowing doping. I'm sick to death of hearing 'burn it to the ground'. If it were to all fall like a house of cards, then you very same douchebags would piss and moan that there's no Euro-Pro cycling to watch and talk about anymore. Then watch would you complain about? Masters racing? Oh, some of you already complain about that...
Funny part? Cycling has better dope control than EVERY other sport on the planet. Are football and baseball players forced to tell their respective governing bodies where they are...AT ALL TIMES? Hell, they get a 48 hour 'heads-up' that the vampires are coming for them.
4) Regardless of what you think of Lance, you cannot fault his ability to raise awareness, and cold hard cash, for cancer research. Nearly $350 million has been raised by the LAF/Livestrong since 1997. $350,000,000...that's a bunch of damn zeroes. Constantly speaking of the foundation, cancer, fund-raising and his personal want to end the epidemic that is cancer is not rhetoric, nor is it self-righteous. It's called promotion, and it's DAMNED effective. Again, if you have an issue with this, the problem lies with you.
5) STFU Floyd! STFU LeMond! You both doped and you are both liars. Neither of you are relevant anymore...
Now for some positive stuff...
Horner is a stud, period. He rode for LA and the bald midget, yet still finished 10th overall... better than both in Paris.
Cav is playing a different game than the rest of the sprinters.
Petacchi wins green, and deservedly so.
Lots o' crashes this year...being a pro doesn't always equate to handling skills.
As for me...
Saturday, La Gata and I did 80km. It was very pleasant. We left @ 8 and saw no on else out on the road. Guess it was too hot...
This morning, I was on it @ 0745, did two hours solo on the cross bike and was home for the last 100km of the Tour.
Peace...
I don't care if Lance doped...ever...and neither should you. You know why?
1) He brought more people into our sport than would have ever found it on their own. If you think this is a bad thing, then the problem is with you. With all of the extra folks entering the sport since 1999, technology has moved forward, the bike business has moved forward and awareness of cyclists on the road has moved forward. Would all of you power dorks have your precious watt meters now? Maybe...maybe not...! The guys with the $$$ that buy super high dollar shit bring pricing down, and the tech trickles down to the lower end of the spectrum, so that it's affordable for almost everyone. Yeah, that's a bad thing!
2) The playing field was, and remains, level. Cyclists have doped since the dawn of bike racing...so what? Are you pissed off that some may, or may not have, done it better than the rest and dominated? If so, then you should be pissed at Merckx, Hinault, Indurain and the martyr that is LeMond, cause they ALL did it. May have been dope of different tunes, but the song remains the same. In the late 80s, and right through until today, a big percentage of the peloton is on SOMETHING. It may not be the AvGas of days gone by, but it's still benefiting their performance.
3) Quit being so fucking self-righteous! Yeah, I called you morons out! You sit around and bitch on internet forums, and other 'bicycle-related' websites, about how you are pissed off at Lance, or whoever, and that you're pissed at the sport for allowing doping. I'm sick to death of hearing 'burn it to the ground'. If it were to all fall like a house of cards, then you very same douchebags would piss and moan that there's no Euro-Pro cycling to watch and talk about anymore. Then watch would you complain about? Masters racing? Oh, some of you already complain about that...
Funny part? Cycling has better dope control than EVERY other sport on the planet. Are football and baseball players forced to tell their respective governing bodies where they are...AT ALL TIMES? Hell, they get a 48 hour 'heads-up' that the vampires are coming for them.
4) Regardless of what you think of Lance, you cannot fault his ability to raise awareness, and cold hard cash, for cancer research. Nearly $350 million has been raised by the LAF/Livestrong since 1997. $350,000,000...that's a bunch of damn zeroes. Constantly speaking of the foundation, cancer, fund-raising and his personal want to end the epidemic that is cancer is not rhetoric, nor is it self-righteous. It's called promotion, and it's DAMNED effective. Again, if you have an issue with this, the problem lies with you.
5) STFU Floyd! STFU LeMond! You both doped and you are both liars. Neither of you are relevant anymore...
Now for some positive stuff...
Horner is a stud, period. He rode for LA and the bald midget, yet still finished 10th overall... better than both in Paris.
Cav is playing a different game than the rest of the sprinters.
Petacchi wins green, and deservedly so.
Lots o' crashes this year...being a pro doesn't always equate to handling skills.
As for me...Saturday, La Gata and I did 80km. It was very pleasant. We left @ 8 and saw no on else out on the road. Guess it was too hot...
This morning, I was on it @ 0745, did two hours solo on the cross bike and was home for the last 100km of the Tour.
Peace...
24 July 2010
Floyd
Anyone watch the 'Nightline' interview? Could Floyd have been any sketchier? That dude was twitchier than Alvin Greene!
Blah, blah, blah...I saw this happen, yet I have no proof....STFU Floyd! I heard he was talking shit about Santa too!
Hey Floty...
Blah, blah, blah...I saw this happen, yet I have no proof....STFU Floyd! I heard he was talking shit about Santa too!
Hey Floty...
23 July 2010
F*********CK!
So Kat and I met for a ride this morning. I like riding with her as it's intelligent conversation and every ride doesn't turn into a penis measuring contest, mostly because she doesn't have one. Don't be mistaken though, if she keeps her boney rear end on the saddle all winter, she'll hurt some feelings come springtime.
Anyway, out on Hartsville Guard, I had a blowout of epic proportions. Blew the sidewall clean away from the bead...no fixing that one. The H.O. was at work, so no go there. No reason to call anyone else, as they were all at work as well, so Kat's sister rolled all the way out into the base to ferry me home. Big ups to Macie for taking the time out of her day to make the save!
The 3 month old Vittoria OC CX is garbage and I wasted a spare tube and a CO2 cart...not a very cost effective 45 minutes on the bike this morning.
(4) Veloflex Corsa 22s and (4) Michelin Latex tubes are on the way from PBK.
A few links:
More Jens goodness...
Some of the pro dogs could learn some handling skills from this kid...
Cross wheels...
Off to the ManHole(tm) to get the Helium back together...
Anyway, out on Hartsville Guard, I had a blowout of epic proportions. Blew the sidewall clean away from the bead...no fixing that one. The H.O. was at work, so no go there. No reason to call anyone else, as they were all at work as well, so Kat's sister rolled all the way out into the base to ferry me home. Big ups to Macie for taking the time out of her day to make the save!
The 3 month old Vittoria OC CX is garbage and I wasted a spare tube and a CO2 cart...not a very cost effective 45 minutes on the bike this morning.
(4) Veloflex Corsa 22s and (4) Michelin Latex tubes are on the way from PBK.
A few links:
More Jens goodness...
Some of the pro dogs could learn some handling skills from this kid...
Cross wheels...
Off to the ManHole(tm) to get the Helium back together...
21 July 2010
Oh, Jens...
...why do you do the things you do? Is it to make us love you even more? Or is it to show other riders what being a Euro-Pro really is?
I know a week or so ago, I questioned your hardness, since you never do the RVV or Roubaix, but yesterday's events proved what a the you truly are a hardman.
After a crash on the descent of the Peyresourde, our hero picked himself up, got a neutral service bike from Mavic, that was AT MINIMUM two sizes too small, and continued on. Broom wagon? No thank you!
His quote at the end of the stage? "Broken ribs are over-rated". Well, no shit!
Jens is cooler than you and tougher than you. When a question with an elusive answer enters your little brain, think of 4 important letters... W.W.J.D? What would Jens do?
I know a week or so ago, I questioned your hardness, since you never do the RVV or Roubaix, but yesterday's events proved what a the you truly are a hardman.
After a crash on the descent of the Peyresourde, our hero picked himself up, got a neutral service bike from Mavic, that was AT MINIMUM two sizes too small, and continued on. Broom wagon? No thank you!
His quote at the end of the stage? "Broken ribs are over-rated". Well, no shit!
Jens is cooler than you and tougher than you. When a question with an elusive answer enters your little brain, think of 4 important letters... W.W.J.D? What would Jens do?
20 July 2010
Another reason to dislike a French rider...
...and like one of the underdogs who races like it's 1975!
And LA is off the front right now. I think Phil and Paul are naked and soaped up in the commentary booth right now....
So, so, humpable...
What losing the Tour looks like...
More Stelvio...
Floyd tempting fate...doesn't he know that Nike is HQ'd in Portland? Look for guys from Blackwater with a lot of 'Swoosh' logos on them. They said they couldn't find $ for the composite team. Did they approach Massengill? I bet Papp would have flown out to join his new hero. Of course, he probably can't leave Pennsylvania...
And LA is off the front right now. I think Phil and Paul are naked and soaped up in the commentary booth right now....
So, so, humpable...
What losing the Tour looks like...
More Stelvio...
Floyd tempting fate...doesn't he know that Nike is HQ'd in Portland? Look for guys from Blackwater with a lot of 'Swoosh' logos on them. They said they couldn't find $ for the composite team. Did they approach Massengill? I bet Papp would have flown out to join his new hero. Of course, he probably can't leave Pennsylvania...
19 July 2010
I gotta say...
Contador is a bitch. Sorry, I know it's "The Tour", but there are un-written rules of the peloton during the race. One of the biggest is not to attack in times when an opponent has a crash or mechanical. Contador broke this rule today and cemented his grasp on the title of "World's Biggest Shaft". He's not even worthy of being the entire member...
Remember when Ullrich dumped it into the ditch a few years ago? Lance could have easily just ridden away and gained time, but he waited. He then checked to see if Ullrich was okay after his shunt.
Twitter is lighting up with people who are defending Contadope's actions, yet if LA would have done the very same thing to Ullrich, they would have whinged, cried and decried Lance as someone who doesn't play well with others.
I don't wish ill will on anyone, but I sort of hope that there's some melted tar somewhere on the road in the next few days...just sayin'...
The reason Andy dropped the chain? Big/big cross chaining! It slipped off under power and sucked in the chainstay. If he'd been going faster, he would have gone over the bars.
Remember when Ullrich dumped it into the ditch a few years ago? Lance could have easily just ridden away and gained time, but he waited. He then checked to see if Ullrich was okay after his shunt.
Twitter is lighting up with people who are defending Contadope's actions, yet if LA would have done the very same thing to Ullrich, they would have whinged, cried and decried Lance as someone who doesn't play well with others.
I don't wish ill will on anyone, but I sort of hope that there's some melted tar somewhere on the road in the next few days...just sayin'...
The reason Andy dropped the chain? Big/big cross chaining! It slipped off under power and sucked in the chainstay. If he'd been going faster, he would have gone over the bars.
18 July 2010
LeMond v. Armstrong
My buddy Flahute brings up a few good points about our favorite looney-bird LeMond...
Summertime...
...and the living's easy...
Summertime is nothing, if not cyclical. Days blend into one another. The heat is always present (yeah, what a shocker! In Columbia!), and I've ridden my road bike 2x in as many weeks. That's not to say I haven't been making an effort to ride, health issues aside. It's just that most of my saddle time has been on the Salsa...in the dirt.
Considering the fact that I used to have a strong dislike of riding alone, solo time on the cross bike is rather lovely. The group rides have all but died an unceremonius death for myriad reasons, most of them weak at best, ergo, the earbud goes in and my front wheel points towards the dirt.
My only two road rides have been with Kat and been perfect. 19-20mph for a couple of hours. Pleasant conversation and nice weather. Can't ask for much more...
Riding the cross bike on the dirt does, in fact, makes the road bike seem rather efficient though!
Some observations...
-Why has LeMond been subpoenaed to testify in front of the Grand Jury? He's been out of the game so long that even HE believes that HE didn't dope! Hey Greg, F off! Nobody gives a good golly gee what you think anymore!
-The French are really animating the Tour this year. Is it proof that there's less doping?
-I've always been a Lance homer, but I think his own ego and hubris are clouding his vision. It's time to go my friend. Go race Kona and Leadville. Be an ambassador!
-I still want to punch Levi! 3rd step on the podium...not bloody likely...
-Why is Liz Hatch in the RoadID commercial? Can't be results...maybe it's because she crashes so much and her RoadID is used so often.
-I can't root for Contador. Just cannot...
-Renshaw sent home for being AWESOME! Dean hooks Renshaw, Renshaw fights back...okay. The hook on Farrar was a bit out of line, but done perfectly.
Okay, time to go to the ManHole(tm) and tear down the BB of the cross bike. Sounds like there's a seagull stuck in the shell...
Summertime is nothing, if not cyclical. Days blend into one another. The heat is always present (yeah, what a shocker! In Columbia!), and I've ridden my road bike 2x in as many weeks. That's not to say I haven't been making an effort to ride, health issues aside. It's just that most of my saddle time has been on the Salsa...in the dirt.
Considering the fact that I used to have a strong dislike of riding alone, solo time on the cross bike is rather lovely. The group rides have all but died an unceremonius death for myriad reasons, most of them weak at best, ergo, the earbud goes in and my front wheel points towards the dirt.
My only two road rides have been with Kat and been perfect. 19-20mph for a couple of hours. Pleasant conversation and nice weather. Can't ask for much more...
Riding the cross bike on the dirt does, in fact, makes the road bike seem rather efficient though!
Some observations...
-Why has LeMond been subpoenaed to testify in front of the Grand Jury? He's been out of the game so long that even HE believes that HE didn't dope! Hey Greg, F off! Nobody gives a good golly gee what you think anymore!
-The French are really animating the Tour this year. Is it proof that there's less doping?
-I've always been a Lance homer, but I think his own ego and hubris are clouding his vision. It's time to go my friend. Go race Kona and Leadville. Be an ambassador!
-I still want to punch Levi! 3rd step on the podium...not bloody likely...
-Why is Liz Hatch in the RoadID commercial? Can't be results...maybe it's because she crashes so much and her RoadID is used so often.
-I can't root for Contador. Just cannot...
-Renshaw sent home for being AWESOME! Dean hooks Renshaw, Renshaw fights back...okay. The hook on Farrar was a bit out of line, but done perfectly.
Okay, time to go to the ManHole(tm) and tear down the BB of the cross bike. Sounds like there's a seagull stuck in the shell...
15 July 2010
Quick hit/Video dump
Something is seriously wrong with Zabriskie...
Still think Oakleys are over-priced and all hype?
Go ahead, wear your cheapo brand...your significant other will like the eye patch. Remember, chicks dig scars, but not the hole wear your eye used to be!
Stewey, Andy and Jens on rest day...
Nice to see dudes that actually get along as teammates...(via this website)
You got Schlecked!
Stolen bike alert...
If you live in Utah, Colorado, etc., be on the lookout for this bike! It won't be hard to recognize, as it's the only one in existence. Of, course, that's assuming Homie-G hasn't spray painted it gold yet...
I did the HoD again this morning. The rain has turned a few spots into exercises in handling prowess. Sandy n spots and muddy in others. Had a little swap in a muddy corner this morning, but stayed upright...pucker factor!
Definitely not feeling any better, but muddling through. EGD and ultrasound scheduled for July 26th. That should be a barrel of laughs...
Peace...
Still think Oakleys are over-priced and all hype?
Go ahead, wear your cheapo brand...your significant other will like the eye patch. Remember, chicks dig scars, but not the hole wear your eye used to be!
Stewey, Andy and Jens on rest day...
Nice to see dudes that actually get along as teammates...(via this website)
You got Schlecked!
Stolen bike alert...
If you live in Utah, Colorado, etc., be on the lookout for this bike! It won't be hard to recognize, as it's the only one in existence. Of, course, that's assuming Homie-G hasn't spray painted it gold yet...
I did the HoD again this morning. The rain has turned a few spots into exercises in handling prowess. Sandy n spots and muddy in others. Had a little swap in a muddy corner this morning, but stayed upright...pucker factor!
Definitely not feeling any better, but muddling through. EGD and ultrasound scheduled for July 26th. That should be a barrel of laughs...
Peace...
14 July 2010
What I've seen in/learned from the Tour thus far...
-There is a clear gulf between the 'clean' riders and the 'not-so-clean' riders.
-The old guys are likely riding clean, as is the WC.
-My issues with Cadel are drifting away, as he lined up and raced with a broken arm yesterday!
-I want to punch Levi in his bulbous cranium every time he's on screen.
-I have serious man love for Jens Voigt.
-Some pros don't have the best bike handling skills.
-Rural France is really beautiful.
-Contador is a chode.
-There are a lot of cool bikes this year! I really want Chavanel's yellow Merckx.
I found a pic of Frank Schleck collarbone repair this morning. Look at it and decide if you really want socialized, Euro-style hospital care.
I'm sure a Doctor did the repair, but a Doctor of WHAT is the question? And did Frank's grandmother close the incision with her knitting needles?
I did the HoD+ yesterday. Legs felt good, stomach...well...not so much...but I need to keep riding for my own sanity, even if it's merely maintenance rides.
-The old guys are likely riding clean, as is the WC.
-My issues with Cadel are drifting away, as he lined up and raced with a broken arm yesterday!
-I want to punch Levi in his bulbous cranium every time he's on screen.
-I have serious man love for Jens Voigt.
-Some pros don't have the best bike handling skills.
-Rural France is really beautiful.
-Contador is a chode.
-There are a lot of cool bikes this year! I really want Chavanel's yellow Merckx.
I found a pic of Frank Schleck collarbone repair this morning. Look at it and decide if you really want socialized, Euro-style hospital care.
I'm sure a Doctor did the repair, but a Doctor of WHAT is the question? And did Frank's grandmother close the incision with her knitting needles?
I did the HoD+ yesterday. Legs felt good, stomach...well...not so much...but I need to keep riding for my own sanity, even if it's merely maintenance rides.
12 July 2010
Strategery...
Lance and Johan discuss tactics after Stg. 8
Poor Levi...he's the bald-headed step-child around the cycling World these days. Probably needs his Road ID so the other guys in the bus know who the hell he is...
Asked whether the team would now ride for Leipheimer, who is up to eighth overall, 2:14 down on Evans, Horner said, “I don’t think we ride for seventh or eighth. Do we look after him? Sure, absolutely, we always have. But do we put guys in the front for eighth place on GC? I don’t think so. We’ll just have to make a plan B or a plan Z.”
Poor Levi...he's the bald-headed step-child around the cycling World these days. Probably needs his Road ID so the other guys in the bus know who the hell he is...
Asked whether the team would now ride for Leipheimer, who is up to eighth overall, 2:14 down on Evans, Horner said, “I don’t think we ride for seventh or eighth. Do we look after him? Sure, absolutely, we always have. But do we put guys in the front for eighth place on GC? I don’t think so. We’ll just have to make a plan B or a plan Z.”
Damn...Levi should change his last name to 'Dangerfield'!!!
I'm sure everyone has seen the video of LA skipping across a French roundabout like a stone across Old Man Johnson's pond. I can tell you with a large degree of certainty...that shit hurt! People give LA a large ration of crap for myriad things, yet those same people would have packed their shit into the team car and gone to the hotel after sliding across the tarmac @ close to 60kmh. It's easy to call LA (and others) names and say stupid stuff about how he's damaged cycling, but you cannot deny that him getting back on the bike and finishing the stage took serious ball! (see what I did there?)
As for my sickly self, I'm waiting for contact from the GI Doc for my EGD test. That's the one where they force the garden-hose-sized camera down your neck and poke around your innards for 30 minutes. I'm SO looking forward to this procedure!! Murmurs are pointing to a gallbladder problem...super...
Gonna spin around tomorrow morning. I guess I'll just be doing maintenance rides for a while.
Peace...
I'm sure everyone has seen the video of LA skipping across a French roundabout like a stone across Old Man Johnson's pond. I can tell you with a large degree of certainty...that shit hurt! People give LA a large ration of crap for myriad things, yet those same people would have packed their shit into the team car and gone to the hotel after sliding across the tarmac @ close to 60kmh. It's easy to call LA (and others) names and say stupid stuff about how he's damaged cycling, but you cannot deny that him getting back on the bike and finishing the stage took serious ball! (see what I did there?)
As for my sickly self, I'm waiting for contact from the GI Doc for my EGD test. That's the one where they force the garden-hose-sized camera down your neck and poke around your innards for 30 minutes. I'm SO looking forward to this procedure!! Murmurs are pointing to a gallbladder problem...super...
Gonna spin around tomorrow morning. I guess I'll just be doing maintenance rides for a while.
Peace...
11 July 2010
Vitamin D...a pictoral
Mmmm...corn!
Tres Belgique, non?
TRAIN...!!!
I play chicken with a train...
The view from the cockpit...Usually do two complete loops of the "Double Secret Dirt", but a large rock jumped up and attacked my rear Michelin Jet. A flat about a mile from home...I rode the bitch in...
Tour news...
BOOM! I keep hearing The Doors when they show Armstrong on the screen...
10 July 2010
Une demande?
à moins que tu parles français avec la maîtrise, cessez de dire "chapeau"...d'accord?!?! Et oui, je parle francais, merci!
Chavanel showed real class in today's win...he and Voeckler are both too hard to be French!
As for me, the alarm went off and I rolled over. I'll ride tomorrow. Probably slowly....
I'm going to see the Doc Monday morning to start the process of getting my esophageal issues sorted out. The past month has been brutal and it's come to the point that I need medical intervention. Reflux/GERD has been a companion of mine for about 18 months, but for the past 30 days, the pain has become constant. Everything in my life is affected by the discomfort.
Riding has become an exercise in futility. I can ride 20-22mph, but beyond that, my breathing becomes an issue. I know, for a fact, that I'm stronger and faster than I have been in the last year, but my GI issues just shut it down.
Hopefully some sort of fix can be sorted out...
Peace...
Chavanel showed real class in today's win...he and Voeckler are both too hard to be French!
As for me, the alarm went off and I rolled over. I'll ride tomorrow. Probably slowly....
I'm going to see the Doc Monday morning to start the process of getting my esophageal issues sorted out. The past month has been brutal and it's come to the point that I need medical intervention. Reflux/GERD has been a companion of mine for about 18 months, but for the past 30 days, the pain has become constant. Everything in my life is affected by the discomfort.
Riding has become an exercise in futility. I can ride 20-22mph, but beyond that, my breathing becomes an issue. I know, for a fact, that I'm stronger and faster than I have been in the last year, but my GI issues just shut it down.
Hopefully some sort of fix can be sorted out...
Peace...
09 July 2010
Cav is back...
So Cav has shown cleans wheels to the bunch for the last two days...and I mean CLEAN wheels.
Stg5
Stg6
(real video isn't available yet...)
McEwen got taken out by a UCI official after the finish....
And there was a punch up. Euros fighting is funny! Barredo and Costa bth got fined a whopping 400 Swiss francs, which is like $9 dollars... (another angle)
I rode with JKW (aka Kat*) this morning. For a noob, she's a pretty damn good rider. Of course, being a collegiate runner lends itself to being proficient at most things that involve stamina. She's built like a runner, all bone and sinew, but goes uphill like a jackrabbit.
We did a loop of the Fort at a leisurely spin pace, which was fine with me, as I feel like crap. I skipped dinner last night and was pretty empty this morning.
It didn't matter, as going fast around the loop is nigh on impossible right now. They are paving out there and the road is JACKED! It will be nice once they finish though...
Trying to decide if I want to bother with the group ride tomorrow...probably roll that way, but if 3 people show up, I'm out...
*and for you horny dopes whose ears perk up when even the slightest sniff of a female cyclist moves into town...forget it! She's the new Pastor at the church and likely wouldn't be interested in any of the mental cases in this town...
If you are interested, you'll be fully vetted before introductions are considered.
And if you like stuff that's built with vision, talent and two hands, check out Jesse Rooke!
Stg5
Stg6
(real video isn't available yet...)
McEwen got taken out by a UCI official after the finish....
And there was a punch up. Euros fighting is funny! Barredo and Costa bth got fined a whopping 400 Swiss francs, which is like $9 dollars... (another angle)
I rode with JKW (aka Kat*) this morning. For a noob, she's a pretty damn good rider. Of course, being a collegiate runner lends itself to being proficient at most things that involve stamina. She's built like a runner, all bone and sinew, but goes uphill like a jackrabbit.
We did a loop of the Fort at a leisurely spin pace, which was fine with me, as I feel like crap. I skipped dinner last night and was pretty empty this morning.
It didn't matter, as going fast around the loop is nigh on impossible right now. They are paving out there and the road is JACKED! It will be nice once they finish though...
Trying to decide if I want to bother with the group ride tomorrow...probably roll that way, but if 3 people show up, I'm out...
*and for you horny dopes whose ears perk up when even the slightest sniff of a female cyclist moves into town...forget it! She's the new Pastor at the church and likely wouldn't be interested in any of the mental cases in this town...
If you are interested, you'll be fully vetted before introductions are considered.
And if you like stuff that's built with vision, talent and two hands, check out Jesse Rooke!
08 July 2010
Oh boo-hoo...
Cav got straight BLOWN out of the water yesterday in the sprint. Petacchi seems to have found his jets again, and seeing how we are in the same age demographic, it warms my little heart!
The best part, Cav had himself a little temper tantrum in the bus after the stage. He was so pissy that his helmet came bouncing down the steps and out of the bus...EPIC! Just remember Cav, you may think you are somebody, but Petacchi IS somebody!
Enough Tour talk, you guys are watching it!
I did a HoP loop on the cross bike yesterday that included 5 solid dirt sections in 90 minutes. I chose to go hard on the dirt parts until the 4th section. I was out in the corn fields near Heathwood Hall (say it with a clenched jaw), bombing away on the double track, when I spied what seemed to be a large tree branch on the trail. Upon closer inspection and introspection, I soon realized that it was not a branch, but a giant fucking rattlesnake. I came to an abrupt stop, to say the least. The snake's length was greater than the width of the trail, so I discreetly turned around and rode away...quickly! I'm working on the general assumption that he/she is eating well out there!
Off the bike today, as it's 917 degrees outside and I really don't like heatstroke, per se....
Looping the Fort tomorrow morning...
Peace!
The best part, Cav had himself a little temper tantrum in the bus after the stage. He was so pissy that his helmet came bouncing down the steps and out of the bus...EPIC! Just remember Cav, you may think you are somebody, but Petacchi IS somebody!
Enough Tour talk, you guys are watching it!
I did a HoP loop on the cross bike yesterday that included 5 solid dirt sections in 90 minutes. I chose to go hard on the dirt parts until the 4th section. I was out in the corn fields near Heathwood Hall (say it with a clenched jaw), bombing away on the double track, when I spied what seemed to be a large tree branch on the trail. Upon closer inspection and introspection, I soon realized that it was not a branch, but a giant fucking rattlesnake. I came to an abrupt stop, to say the least. The snake's length was greater than the width of the trail, so I discreetly turned around and rode away...quickly! I'm working on the general assumption that he/she is eating well out there!
Off the bike today, as it's 917 degrees outside and I really don't like heatstroke, per se....
Looping the Fort tomorrow morning...
Peace!
06 July 2010
Some stuff
Jesu Cristo! The Tour was fucking carnage today...and it was great. Let the pro dogs whinge all they want, the fans appreciate the effort that the organizers put forth this year to make it a good show. It seems like they are actually watching the Giro and making an effort to keep up with the Italians.
And my old buddy Robert K. said something today that bothered me at first, but then I came around to his way of thinking pretty quickly. He called out Voigt for bitching about the cobbled stage today. Like I said, at first I took umbrage, but his explanation was an almost Perry Mason-like moment in my little brain. Everyone thinks he's a true hardman, but he never does the RVV or Roubaix...hasn't since his days at Credit Agricole. Sure, he's a badass, but whinging about a few sections of cobbles almost eliminates him from consideration for the "Black Card".
Anyway, I was as excited as a puppy with two peters during the last hour of the stage today. I'm sorry that people crashed, got hurt and/or lost time, but it's the TOUR de France, not the TT and climbs de France. Guys these days are too specialized. Merckx did everything and did it all better than these poofs!
Oh, and here's how you go up a climb...
And my old buddy Robert K. said something today that bothered me at first, but then I came around to his way of thinking pretty quickly. He called out Voigt for bitching about the cobbled stage today. Like I said, at first I took umbrage, but his explanation was an almost Perry Mason-like moment in my little brain. Everyone thinks he's a true hardman, but he never does the RVV or Roubaix...hasn't since his days at Credit Agricole. Sure, he's a badass, but whinging about a few sections of cobbles almost eliminates him from consideration for the "Black Card".
Anyway, I was as excited as a puppy with two peters during the last hour of the stage today. I'm sorry that people crashed, got hurt and/or lost time, but it's the TOUR de France, not the TT and climbs de France. Guys these days are too specialized. Merckx did everything and did it all better than these poofs!Oh, and here's how you go up a climb...
Pikes Peak 2010 - Jeff Zwart In Car from Will Roegge on Vimeo.
05 July 2010
WTF?
When the hell did Euro-dogs become such pussies? I mean really...
Yeah, the weather was bad...
Yeah, there were climbs and descents...
Yeah, the roads were slick...
SO WHAT? Did any of them watch the Giro?
It's bike RACING at the highest level, not a fucking group ride! Dudes crash in races and time gets lost. You're not supposed to wait up and make sure everyone is catches back on and is okay.
Did they sit up and wait in '99 when half the field crashed into the ocean on the Passage du Gois? Nope, the top team went to the front and drove it. Not in the correct spot when the danger comes? Tough shit, you loose time! Oh, and as an aside, the Passage du Gois is IN the Tour next year. They'll probably have a ferry to get across!
The worst was Levi. What a complete California, 'everyone-gets-a-trophy', puss. He actually complained that the weather was so bad that the directors in the team car didn't have TV coverage to know what was happening. Oh, boo-fucking-hoo...
And Carmichael, that leech to the stars defended the riders and basically called out ALL OF US for questioning what the riders did today. He then said he knew more than us b/c he raced those Ardennes roads in the bad weather. Really? Did you fucking finish Chris? I only ask this because I searched for his palmares and the only one of ANY interest was a 102nd in the 1986 Milan-San Remo. Do us a favor Chris...STFU!!!
And to the riders, Chopper says...
What are gonna do tomorrow if the cobbles are wet tomorrow? Yep, that's right, there are 4, count 'em, FOUR sections of the worst that Belgium and the North of France can throw at you in the last 20km of the stage.
I'm gonna go watch the end of the Stage 7 of the Giro. The Euro-dogs should do the same...
Yeah, the weather was bad...
Yeah, there were climbs and descents...
Yeah, the roads were slick...
SO WHAT? Did any of them watch the Giro?
It's bike RACING at the highest level, not a fucking group ride! Dudes crash in races and time gets lost. You're not supposed to wait up and make sure everyone is catches back on and is okay.
Did they sit up and wait in '99 when half the field crashed into the ocean on the Passage du Gois? Nope, the top team went to the front and drove it. Not in the correct spot when the danger comes? Tough shit, you loose time! Oh, and as an aside, the Passage du Gois is IN the Tour next year. They'll probably have a ferry to get across!
The worst was Levi. What a complete California, 'everyone-gets-a-trophy', puss. He actually complained that the weather was so bad that the directors in the team car didn't have TV coverage to know what was happening. Oh, boo-fucking-hoo...
And Carmichael, that leech to the stars defended the riders and basically called out ALL OF US for questioning what the riders did today. He then said he knew more than us b/c he raced those Ardennes roads in the bad weather. Really? Did you fucking finish Chris? I only ask this because I searched for his palmares and the only one of ANY interest was a 102nd in the 1986 Milan-San Remo. Do us a favor Chris...STFU!!!
And to the riders, Chopper says...
What are gonna do tomorrow if the cobbles are wet tomorrow? Yep, that's right, there are 4, count 'em, FOUR sections of the worst that Belgium and the North of France can throw at you in the last 20km of the stage.
I'm gonna go watch the end of the Stage 7 of the Giro. The Euro-dogs should do the same...
04 July 2010
Happy 4th
Went out to Blythewood yesterday to ride with GW, MD, JH, and Bond yesterday. Just felt terrible the entire ride. Struggled mightily on a ride that really wasn't terribly fast or difficult. My esophageal issues are geting worse, especially since I had to stop taking Prevacid. I think it's time to go to a specialist and get it taken care of...greeeaaat!
Anyway, it was a good ride. 100km in 2:55. I'm just sorry that I was the albatross around the group's neck yesterday...
It was nice to have that much mileage in the books by 10am though! I can say, with some degree of certainty, that I'm just not wired for 0500 wake-up calls!
The rest of my day was spent on the couch with one of the worst bouts of GERD I've had in a few months...
I woke up this morning feeling sort of MEH, but felt guilty not riding, as it was 70 degrees. I got on the bike, spun for exactly one hour and came home to watch the crash-fest, er, I mean the Tour.
Hate to say it, but Cav is the one who missed that turn...
Going to some friend's house to laze in their pool shortly...
The H.O. has the day off tomorrow, so I'm on the bike for a couple of hours. Looks like a couple of early days next week too, as it's supposed to get balls hot again. See you when I see you...
Anyway, it was a good ride. 100km in 2:55. I'm just sorry that I was the albatross around the group's neck yesterday...
It was nice to have that much mileage in the books by 10am though! I can say, with some degree of certainty, that I'm just not wired for 0500 wake-up calls!
The rest of my day was spent on the couch with one of the worst bouts of GERD I've had in a few months...
I woke up this morning feeling sort of MEH, but felt guilty not riding, as it was 70 degrees. I got on the bike, spun for exactly one hour and came home to watch the crash-fest, er, I mean the Tour.
Hate to say it, but Cav is the one who missed that turn...
Going to some friend's house to laze in their pool shortly...
The H.O. has the day off tomorrow, so I'm on the bike for a couple of hours. Looks like a couple of early days next week too, as it's supposed to get balls hot again. See you when I see you...
02 July 2010
Twofer yesterday...
...first one in a long while. Actually felt good and I felt stronger towards the end of the second ride. I think I'll do more of it for the next few months. Total for yesterday was 3:30 and 110km.
I'm going to do my best to roll out of bed ahead of the rooster tomorrow and be in Blythewood for the 0700 ride. That means I have to be in the WarWagon(tm) @ 0615...which means wake-up call will come @ 0530 or so. FUCK! Well, I guess bedtime will roll around early tonight!
Italy 2010 RR
Belgium 2010 RR
Italian is much easier to listen to, eh?
I'm going to do my best to roll out of bed ahead of the rooster tomorrow and be in Blythewood for the 0700 ride. That means I have to be in the WarWagon(tm) @ 0615...which means wake-up call will come @ 0530 or so. FUCK! Well, I guess bedtime will roll around early tonight!
Italy 2010 RR
Belgium 2010 RR
Italian is much easier to listen to, eh?
01 July 2010
Up and at 'em...
Out of bed @ 0600
On the bike @ 0615
Bee in the helmet @ 0630
Lump on the dome @0631
Flat rear tire @ 0645
20' interval @ 0655
Done @ 0715
Threw bottle at dipshit driving a Durango @ 0716
Up through Vista and Campus and home @0735
40km with SST, tempo and an interval before breakfast. Plan is to ride again tonight, but if it rains, no worry...I got some work today!
Final KM of the 2010 French NC. Not a big fan of France, but Voeckler is a rarity, in that he's a frenchy that's willing to turn himself inside out for a win, so here you go...
More NC videos coming...
Edit: Second ride @ 1745
Warmed up through the Fort, then went into diesel mode for pretty much the rest of the ride. Finished with 2:15 and another 70.
Total today was 3:30 and 110km
My bee stung forehead is swolt and my left eye is puffy. Fucking bees!
On the bike @ 0615
Bee in the helmet @ 0630
Lump on the dome @0631
Flat rear tire @ 0645
20' interval @ 0655
Done @ 0715
Threw bottle at dipshit driving a Durango @ 0716
Up through Vista and Campus and home @0735
40km with SST, tempo and an interval before breakfast. Plan is to ride again tonight, but if it rains, no worry...I got some work today!
Final KM of the 2010 French NC. Not a big fan of France, but Voeckler is a rarity, in that he's a frenchy that's willing to turn himself inside out for a win, so here you go...
More NC videos coming...
Edit: Second ride @ 1745
Warmed up through the Fort, then went into diesel mode for pretty much the rest of the ride. Finished with 2:15 and another 70.
Total today was 3:30 and 110km
My bee stung forehead is swolt and my left eye is puffy. Fucking bees!
30 June 2010
29 June 2010
Been a few days...
My weekend wasn't as exciting as some...thankfully so. A lot of folks had big fun riding in the mountains. A few came to grief, one more than the rest. LL hit the ground, but is okay...just a bit 'skint'. Poor McSwain shellaced some dumbass' Boxer dog on the backside of Snake Mountain. His SRM data showed that he was traveling 65kmh when his World went black. His 5.9SSL Madone exploded on impact. The headtube was severed from the rest of the machine is a not-so-surgical fashion. His nearly 60 year old body then experienced Newton's First Law and augered into the ground. KTFO! Grade 3 concussion, right shoulder ostensibly destroyed, left thumb dislocated, and road rash that looks like he pissed off a cheese grater wielding ninja. Fortunately, he is alive...foggy and broken, but alive! Also on the plus side, he has a new bike coming. Unfortunately, this tete-a-tete with the pavement means we have plenty of time to get it together...
As an aside, if you read my lunatic rantings and DO NOT ride a bike, and think that crashing is no big deal, do this experiment today...
Strip down to your underwear, get going 40mph in your car, and then jump out. See how you fare! Same thing...
Anyway, I rode for a couple of hours on Saturday morning and a couple on Sunday morning. Both were merely SST/Maintenance rides, as it's too bloody hot to go out and punish one's self. I did get some Vitamin D on Sunday though, so it was all good!
I skipped yesterday as it was storming like something out of 'The Wizard of Oz'. 72kmh wind gust at the little airport near my house. Flying Monkeys baby!
Since the weather seems to be crap in the afternoons lately, I made the decision to roll my fat, lazy self out of bed this morning before the sun broke the horizon and get on the bike. Up @ 0600 and on the bike @ 0620. @ 0735, I was in the house with a solid 40km of tempo riding...NICE! I also realized that the early morning is the witching hour for dumbasses who own road bikes. I passed a group of gapers riding FOUR abreast, just yapping away, paying no attention to the World around them. And we wonder why we get harassed by cagers! Good show guys...thanks a lot! I did recognize one of them, and he's a chode of the highest magnitude, so the behavior really didn't surprise me.
No TNWC for me...turnout has been abysmal, so it's not even worth messing with anymore...
Oh, and here's a video that should, at a very minimum, bring a smile to your face.
Merckx is still cooler than anyone else...
As an aside, if you read my lunatic rantings and DO NOT ride a bike, and think that crashing is no big deal, do this experiment today...
Strip down to your underwear, get going 40mph in your car, and then jump out. See how you fare! Same thing...
Anyway, I rode for a couple of hours on Saturday morning and a couple on Sunday morning. Both were merely SST/Maintenance rides, as it's too bloody hot to go out and punish one's self. I did get some Vitamin D on Sunday though, so it was all good!
I skipped yesterday as it was storming like something out of 'The Wizard of Oz'. 72kmh wind gust at the little airport near my house. Flying Monkeys baby!
Since the weather seems to be crap in the afternoons lately, I made the decision to roll my fat, lazy self out of bed this morning before the sun broke the horizon and get on the bike. Up @ 0600 and on the bike @ 0620. @ 0735, I was in the house with a solid 40km of tempo riding...NICE! I also realized that the early morning is the witching hour for dumbasses who own road bikes. I passed a group of gapers riding FOUR abreast, just yapping away, paying no attention to the World around them. And we wonder why we get harassed by cagers! Good show guys...thanks a lot! I did recognize one of them, and he's a chode of the highest magnitude, so the behavior really didn't surprise me.
No TNWC for me...turnout has been abysmal, so it's not even worth messing with anymore...
Oh, and here's a video that should, at a very minimum, bring a smile to your face.
Merckx is still cooler than anyone else...
26 June 2010
Review time...
Okay...
I haven't done a product review for a long time, but I think that this one is necessary. I'm a Vittoria tire guy. Always have been, and won't make apologies for it! I'm not talking the low/mid level tires either. If it doesn't say Open Corsa CX on it, I won't ride it. Sure, they're more expensive than other tires, so what? I ride good, high dollar wheels, ergo, I'm going to ride good, high dollar tires. I don't understand the whole idea of riding a great set of wheels, and then putting $25 crap tires on them. Oh, I run latex tubes too...
Anyway, about 4 weeks ago, I was set to pull down on more Vitts, but PBK was out of them in black (not riding colored tires...sorry!), and I'm NEVER going to pay full metal retail for ANYTHING, so getting them at the LBS was out of the question.
I decided to get some Veloflex Master 700x22 rubber. Never heard of Veloflex? Well, here's quick primer...
When Vittoria moved it's production of tires to Thailand several years ago, they basically just left. All of the employees and equipment were left behind. The Italians, much to their credit, decided to start making tires on their own, thus Veloflex was born.
I'd ridden Veloflex Paves in the past and liked them, but didn't fall in love. Well, the new Veloflex Master tire is out, and it's a bit different animal. Sure, it's the same size at 700x22, but the fine folks at Veloflex upped the TPI count to 320.
The Masters are a mix of new school technology and old-school flavor. Kevlar anti-puncture band and kevlar bead, but cotton casing and natural rubber tread. Plus, the sidewall is a truly old-school natural blonde!
Yeah, yeah, yeah...here's the ride report!
Smooth like butter on a bald monkey! Like mentioned earlier, I run Michelin latex tubes. This pairing makes for a sublime ride. In fact, at one point this morning, I truly thought I had a rear flat because it seemed that I was floating along. They even make the sh*t tar-and-chip roads around here seem...well...less bad. Sure, they aren't Vitt Open Paves, but not many tires are...
Considering they are smaller volume (22c) than Vitt OC CX or Pave, they still deliver an outstanding ride.
As the pic shows, they are good for 7-10 bar, which is 110-145 pounds in old money. The only time I'd ride them harder than 120-ish is in the time trial, and seeing that there aren't any of those in my immediate future, 8 bar seems to be perfect.
They Masters roll extremely well. Diving into a turn is something that becomes an afterthought. Throw the bike in, and the tires just stick and track without drama. I think it may have a little to do with the fact that the profile of the tire is round, just as the Vitts always are. Between the natural rubber, the pliable 320TPI casing and that profile make for a tire that can really do no wrong.
Only ONE drawback comes with all of these positives...tire life. Let's be straight here, these are fast trianing/race tires. If you go into it knowing and actually acknowledging this fact, you'll be just fine. Too many people buy tires like these (or the Vitts) and expect them to wear like a Maxxis ReFuse. Sorry, it just ain't gonna happen!
Even taking this ONE fact into account, the positives far outweigh the negative. And @$40 shipped from England, it's hard to beat the price. At that price point, you're usually stuck with something that just cannot deliver anywhere near the same performance!
the ONLY tire that I'd ride over these is the new Vittoria 320TPI OC CX, and the only reason is the fact that they have a bit more volume, even at the 23c size. @25c, they are crazy plush!
To the new Veloflex Master, I say...
I haven't done a product review for a long time, but I think that this one is necessary. I'm a Vittoria tire guy. Always have been, and won't make apologies for it! I'm not talking the low/mid level tires either. If it doesn't say Open Corsa CX on it, I won't ride it. Sure, they're more expensive than other tires, so what? I ride good, high dollar wheels, ergo, I'm going to ride good, high dollar tires. I don't understand the whole idea of riding a great set of wheels, and then putting $25 crap tires on them. Oh, I run latex tubes too...
Anyway, about 4 weeks ago, I was set to pull down on more Vitts, but PBK was out of them in black (not riding colored tires...sorry!), and I'm NEVER going to pay full metal retail for ANYTHING, so getting them at the LBS was out of the question.
I decided to get some Veloflex Master 700x22 rubber. Never heard of Veloflex? Well, here's quick primer...
When Vittoria moved it's production of tires to Thailand several years ago, they basically just left. All of the employees and equipment were left behind. The Italians, much to their credit, decided to start making tires on their own, thus Veloflex was born.
I'd ridden Veloflex Paves in the past and liked them, but didn't fall in love. Well, the new Veloflex Master tire is out, and it's a bit different animal. Sure, it's the same size at 700x22, but the fine folks at Veloflex upped the TPI count to 320.
The Masters are a mix of new school technology and old-school flavor. Kevlar anti-puncture band and kevlar bead, but cotton casing and natural rubber tread. Plus, the sidewall is a truly old-school natural blonde!
Yeah, yeah, yeah...here's the ride report!Smooth like butter on a bald monkey! Like mentioned earlier, I run Michelin latex tubes. This pairing makes for a sublime ride. In fact, at one point this morning, I truly thought I had a rear flat because it seemed that I was floating along. They even make the sh*t tar-and-chip roads around here seem...well...less bad. Sure, they aren't Vitt Open Paves, but not many tires are...
Considering they are smaller volume (22c) than Vitt OC CX or Pave, they still deliver an outstanding ride.
As the pic shows, they are good for 7-10 bar, which is 110-145 pounds in old money. The only time I'd ride them harder than 120-ish is in the time trial, and seeing that there aren't any of those in my immediate future, 8 bar seems to be perfect.
They Masters roll extremely well. Diving into a turn is something that becomes an afterthought. Throw the bike in, and the tires just stick and track without drama. I think it may have a little to do with the fact that the profile of the tire is round, just as the Vitts always are. Between the natural rubber, the pliable 320TPI casing and that profile make for a tire that can really do no wrong.
Only ONE drawback comes with all of these positives...tire life. Let's be straight here, these are fast trianing/race tires. If you go into it knowing and actually acknowledging this fact, you'll be just fine. Too many people buy tires like these (or the Vitts) and expect them to wear like a Maxxis ReFuse. Sorry, it just ain't gonna happen!
Even taking this ONE fact into account, the positives far outweigh the negative. And @$40 shipped from England, it's hard to beat the price. At that price point, you're usually stuck with something that just cannot deliver anywhere near the same performance!
the ONLY tire that I'd ride over these is the new Vittoria 320TPI OC CX, and the only reason is the fact that they have a bit more volume, even at the 23c size. @25c, they are crazy plush!
To the new Veloflex Master, I say...
25 June 2010
It's like Quizno's around here...
...TOASTY!!!
I went out last night and did a big, convoluted loop of SE Columbia. Out through the Fort, down to Cabin Creek, across to Double Homey and all the way down Bluff into downtown, up Gervais, thru campus and home. It was 98 with a HI of 108 when I left. 93/100 when I got back...
Right at two hours and 70km. Oh, and it was freaking hot. Suffering was abundant for the first hour, but I seemed to fall into a pocket at that point. The pocket was right at 35kmh. Any slower and the legs felt heavy and slow. Any faster and the heat jumped up...right along with my HR.
Good ride though...
WTF is going on the in World? First France gets bounced from the WC, and now Italy? If anyone recalls, they were the two teams who battled it out in the finals last year! Remember the Zidane headbutt? France imploded and just quit this year. It's France though, so what more could be expected? Italy just didn't play well, but something did surprise me. When they lost to Slovakia, they just walked off. No handshakes, no jersey swaps...just tears and what looked like general disdain for everyone involved, except themselves! Keep it classy Italy!
Portugal/Brazil today @ 10am...probably the best match of the tournament!
Now Rock Racing is being included in the investigation into PEDs? Why is it that everything that brushes up against Floyd Landis gets shit on it?
Everyone have fun, if it's at all possible, @ BS&G this weekend! Rubber side down!
Friday link dump:
Milano Fixed (Some dumb fixie stuff, but also some great content!)
The Service Course
Indy Fab (I may need an Indy Fab in the future!)
Hong Fu (carbon stuff straight from Taiwan)
Bring a Trailer (car stuff, but COOL car stuff!)
Peace!
I went out last night and did a big, convoluted loop of SE Columbia. Out through the Fort, down to Cabin Creek, across to Double Homey and all the way down Bluff into downtown, up Gervais, thru campus and home. It was 98 with a HI of 108 when I left. 93/100 when I got back...
Right at two hours and 70km. Oh, and it was freaking hot. Suffering was abundant for the first hour, but I seemed to fall into a pocket at that point. The pocket was right at 35kmh. Any slower and the legs felt heavy and slow. Any faster and the heat jumped up...right along with my HR.
Good ride though...
WTF is going on the in World? First France gets bounced from the WC, and now Italy? If anyone recalls, they were the two teams who battled it out in the finals last year! Remember the Zidane headbutt? France imploded and just quit this year. It's France though, so what more could be expected? Italy just didn't play well, but something did surprise me. When they lost to Slovakia, they just walked off. No handshakes, no jersey swaps...just tears and what looked like general disdain for everyone involved, except themselves! Keep it classy Italy!
Portugal/Brazil today @ 10am...probably the best match of the tournament!
Now Rock Racing is being included in the investigation into PEDs? Why is it that everything that brushes up against Floyd Landis gets shit on it?
Everyone have fun, if it's at all possible, @ BS&G this weekend! Rubber side down!
Friday link dump:
Milano Fixed (Some dumb fixie stuff, but also some great content!)
The Service Course
Indy Fab (I may need an Indy Fab in the future!)
Hong Fu (carbon stuff straight from Taiwan)
Bring a Trailer (car stuff, but COOL car stuff!)
Peace!
23 June 2010
So...
...discussions are leaning towards the mountains. BS&G is this weekend, and the Fab 4th ride is 2 weeks out. Meaning, group rides will be anorexic at best. Of course, it's not like they've been real meaty in '10 anyway.
No matter...I'll just do my own thing and be happy. I think that the enjoyment that comes from riding has become absolutely lost on some people. I'll leave it at that! If that comment raises your ire, then it should have...
I'm also done taking care of the TNWC course. No one bothers to show up anymore, for whatever reason, so I'm not cleaning the course, calling the city to sweep, or visiting the companies out there again. Yeah, I do all that shit to make sure it's a good, and safe, time for everyone!
Moving on...or back to the mountains....
I suck at climbing, but am going to go to Italy and flog myself on the Stelvio before I hit 45!! If you don't know what it is, ask somebody...
Ans this is Debbie...she's the masseuse of choice for the local racing population. Not only is she HOTTER than your masseuse, she's an absolutely NICE person, and she's damn good at what she does!
Oh, and an open note for the pro racers than have been chosen for their respective Tour squads. Be ready for more controls, and for the general attitude of the French to be poor. France got bounced from the World Cup yesterday...after making it to the final 4 years ago. Get your microdoses right boys...or just go on Adderall, like baseball players...
No matter...I'll just do my own thing and be happy. I think that the enjoyment that comes from riding has become absolutely lost on some people. I'll leave it at that! If that comment raises your ire, then it should have...
I'm also done taking care of the TNWC course. No one bothers to show up anymore, for whatever reason, so I'm not cleaning the course, calling the city to sweep, or visiting the companies out there again. Yeah, I do all that shit to make sure it's a good, and safe, time for everyone!
Moving on...or back to the mountains....
I suck at climbing, but am going to go to Italy and flog myself on the Stelvio before I hit 45!! If you don't know what it is, ask somebody...
Ans this is Debbie...she's the masseuse of choice for the local racing population. Not only is she HOTTER than your masseuse, she's an absolutely NICE person, and she's damn good at what she does!
Oh, and an open note for the pro racers than have been chosen for their respective Tour squads. Be ready for more controls, and for the general attitude of the French to be poor. France got bounced from the World Cup yesterday...after making it to the final 4 years ago. Get your microdoses right boys...or just go on Adderall, like baseball players...
22 June 2010
Don't watch that...
...watch this...
(courtesy Michael Barry of Team Sky)
Mavic @ Roubaix
And cyclists are dopers? Really? Baseball players are douchebags!
(courtesy Michael Barry of Team Sky)
Mavic @ Roubaix
And cyclists are dopers? Really? Baseball players are douchebags!
20 June 2010
When the hell did summer get here?
I guess I got a little too used to the cool spring and winter temps. The last two Saturdays have been hot and humid affairs and have really snapped my monkey. That being said, I am still fighting off the afterglow of a sinus infection, so I guess I shouldn't expect too much.
We had a pretty good sized group yesterday, but as always happens, a good ride devolves and ends up being split all over the countryside.
Once everything settled out, the run for home began. FK hit the front a jacked the pace...again. It was hard, but not gut wrenching. Doug got scraped off and I remembered that he had mentioned that he really didn't know where he was way out in the sticks. I sat up and we rode home together. No reason at all to leave someone for dead out in Eastover on a Saturday!
3 hours and right @ 100km...pretty decent ride, but I felt like crap for the rest of the day.
And a hearty 'thanks' goes out to the H.O. for adding to my misery. On her way out of town, she decided to futz around with the bluetooth in her new car. In doing so, she drifted out of her lane and shellaced the center island of the road with her left front wheel. So like the good husband that I am, I went and saved the day. The tire is shot, the wheel is shot, the alignment is shot, and who knows what she did to the suspension!!!
In an effort to continue her trip, she switched out all of the bags, into my truck! Thanks dear...you have a good trip...I'll take care of the three-legged dog! Did I mention that her new whip only has 2200 miles on it?
I did a SLOW HoP this morning. It was hot and humid and now I sit here pecking away with a headache. I also broke one of the RULES this morning. #7 to be exact. A jersey w/o sleeves is sometimes necessary. There should be a caveat that takes heat and humidity into consideration.
Plus, if it's good enough for Cipo, it's good enough for you!
LA finished 2nd overall at the TdS today...here's the TT...
Also, Kim Kirchen had a heart attack!!! WTF??? Of course, the naysayers and know-nothings of the internet have immediately started pointing the finger at PEDs. Nevermind the facts...
It's poor form, and shows that people are nothing more than knee-jerk reactionaries. The guys has had health issues for a year or so, and seems to have some sort of heart problem.
I guess all of the teenage and early-20s folks that drop dead on the basketball court or football field are on the AVGAS too? Anyone remember Keith Iwinski's episode at the TNWC a few years ago? He went into sinus tachycardia sitting on the curb with a HR of 240!!! Fortunately, Dr. LP was there to save the day with some corotid artery massage.
Unfortunately, a lot of folks have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart). When you are sedentary, like most folks are, it's no issue. When you exercise at a high level, it can create scar tissue and be a problem.
It's sad and unfortunate that people have become so pessimistic and hateful towards the sport that they participate in as to immediately call Kirchen a doper. How very Fox News of you...!
Peace...
We had a pretty good sized group yesterday, but as always happens, a good ride devolves and ends up being split all over the countryside.
Once everything settled out, the run for home began. FK hit the front a jacked the pace...again. It was hard, but not gut wrenching. Doug got scraped off and I remembered that he had mentioned that he really didn't know where he was way out in the sticks. I sat up and we rode home together. No reason at all to leave someone for dead out in Eastover on a Saturday!
3 hours and right @ 100km...pretty decent ride, but I felt like crap for the rest of the day.
And a hearty 'thanks' goes out to the H.O. for adding to my misery. On her way out of town, she decided to futz around with the bluetooth in her new car. In doing so, she drifted out of her lane and shellaced the center island of the road with her left front wheel. So like the good husband that I am, I went and saved the day. The tire is shot, the wheel is shot, the alignment is shot, and who knows what she did to the suspension!!!
In an effort to continue her trip, she switched out all of the bags, into my truck! Thanks dear...you have a good trip...I'll take care of the three-legged dog! Did I mention that her new whip only has 2200 miles on it?
I did a SLOW HoP this morning. It was hot and humid and now I sit here pecking away with a headache. I also broke one of the RULES this morning. #7 to be exact. A jersey w/o sleeves is sometimes necessary. There should be a caveat that takes heat and humidity into consideration.
Plus, if it's good enough for Cipo, it's good enough for you!
LA finished 2nd overall at the TdS today...here's the TT...
Also, Kim Kirchen had a heart attack!!! WTF??? Of course, the naysayers and know-nothings of the internet have immediately started pointing the finger at PEDs. Nevermind the facts...
It's poor form, and shows that people are nothing more than knee-jerk reactionaries. The guys has had health issues for a year or so, and seems to have some sort of heart problem.
I guess all of the teenage and early-20s folks that drop dead on the basketball court or football field are on the AVGAS too? Anyone remember Keith Iwinski's episode at the TNWC a few years ago? He went into sinus tachycardia sitting on the curb with a HR of 240!!! Fortunately, Dr. LP was there to save the day with some corotid artery massage.
Unfortunately, a lot of folks have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart). When you are sedentary, like most folks are, it's no issue. When you exercise at a high level, it can create scar tissue and be a problem.
It's sad and unfortunate that people have become so pessimistic and hateful towards the sport that they participate in as to immediately call Kirchen a doper. How very Fox News of you...!
Peace...
18 June 2010
Back on the horse
So after 5 days of being off the bike, I decided to go out and do a slow rehab loop of the Fort last night. I felt absolutely terrible on the bike, but still finished the big, convoluted loop within 5 minutes of my 'feel good on the bike' time, so I'm not that dis-pleased!
As I headed up the two rises that lead to the descent of The Wall, an Apache AH-64, literally, popped right up over the crest of the hill and flew over me at treetop level. VERY cool! I know the air crew saw me because the 30mm chain gun that lives under the nose turned in my direction. I felt very small, very vulnerable and very Taliban-ish at that moment!
Out on the base, the Army has taken it upon themselves to pave certain sections of some roads. While the paving is welcome, one can tell that it was done the Army/Government way...lowest bid!
A section of Washington was just done, but I don't think they took the time to properly roll the asphalt. I felt like I was sinking in it and my tires were COVERED in asphalt and gravel after I cleared the section. Dixie is much better, but the two worst parts have been excavated and are merely holes in the road filled with pea gravel. Nice...
GW's Tarmac is wearing it's new SRAM Force parts. I learned two things...well, one was learned and one was a reinforcement of an earlier belief.
1) When cutting housing for SRAM, if you think it's the correct length, it isn't. Add an inch to the length if you want it to shift!
2) I'll never buy SRAM. It just doesn't feel as solid as Shimano. The levers just feel cheap in the hand...very plastic-y. Shimano forever for me!
Evidently, LA had a good ride @ the TdS yesterday...Geshink was on fire though...
And watch this clip from Wednesday...I'm guessing the roads there are slick when wet! Even the sphincter clinch couldn't keep that one upright!
Oh, and Trek sucks! If you have a Madone, check your steerer tube! After you check it, pull all of your parts and buy something else! Here's a pic of one from Athens...
Gotta jet...time to look for some rims so I can re-build my White Industries hubs...
As I headed up the two rises that lead to the descent of The Wall, an Apache AH-64, literally, popped right up over the crest of the hill and flew over me at treetop level. VERY cool! I know the air crew saw me because the 30mm chain gun that lives under the nose turned in my direction. I felt very small, very vulnerable and very Taliban-ish at that moment!
Out on the base, the Army has taken it upon themselves to pave certain sections of some roads. While the paving is welcome, one can tell that it was done the Army/Government way...lowest bid!
A section of Washington was just done, but I don't think they took the time to properly roll the asphalt. I felt like I was sinking in it and my tires were COVERED in asphalt and gravel after I cleared the section. Dixie is much better, but the two worst parts have been excavated and are merely holes in the road filled with pea gravel. Nice...
GW's Tarmac is wearing it's new SRAM Force parts. I learned two things...well, one was learned and one was a reinforcement of an earlier belief.
1) When cutting housing for SRAM, if you think it's the correct length, it isn't. Add an inch to the length if you want it to shift!
2) I'll never buy SRAM. It just doesn't feel as solid as Shimano. The levers just feel cheap in the hand...very plastic-y. Shimano forever for me!
Evidently, LA had a good ride @ the TdS yesterday...Geshink was on fire though...
And watch this clip from Wednesday...I'm guessing the roads there are slick when wet! Even the sphincter clinch couldn't keep that one upright!
Oh, and Trek sucks! If you have a Madone, check your steerer tube! After you check it, pull all of your parts and buy something else! Here's a pic of one from Athens...
Gotta jet...time to look for some rims so I can re-build my White Industries hubs...
16 June 2010
TdS carnage
Cav deviated, but a front wheel just shouldn't cave like that when touched! Big confidence booster for those who ride Zipp tubs...Fire up the motor drive...
Boonen ran over Cav's neck! (photos courtesy: Sirotti)GW's Tarmac has been striped of the Shimano bits and now has SRAM Force hanging on it. Upgrade? Maybe...maybe not...gotta go pick up the cableset and some bar tape for it. It'll be done tonight or tomorrow, depending on what the H.O. has planned for me tonight.
Back on the bike tomorrow. I'm getting hard(er) to get along with! Maybe I'll cough up some of this garbage...
15 June 2010
Things that make you say...Holy Shit!
Yeah, that was Cav's fault...
-It's supposed to be over 100 degrees today with a heat index of 110+. You guys can have the TNWC tonight! I'm feeling better, but not feeling stupid. I know a few pipe hitters are bailing along with me, but there will be others that show up to tempt the angry God that is Heatstroke.
-These guys are still making wheels? Scary! That's a lot of cheddar for a wheelset that can't be repaired.
-I cannot find a rim for my broken rear wheel. Everyone that carries the IRD Cadence VSR hoop is out of stock right now...guess it'll just sit until one becomes available. Maybe not 'Holy Shit!' worthy, but still a pisser...
-SC politics...it seems we're out-crazying Arizona, Utah and NC...
Of course, we'll always have Clyburn and Jake Knotts, so we're automatically ahead from the start...
-BP...just plug the damn thing. You have the ability! I know it's a well that will produce MILLIONS of barrels in the future, but it's time to just cut your losses and solve the problem.
-That Van Der Sloot kid...just put a bullet in his skull. Hell, I know a guy that'll do it! The World will not weep....
Off the bike until Thursday in an effort to rid myself of whatever crud that has taken hold. Thankfully I have the World Cup to keep me company and GW's Tarmac to keep me busy.
Peace!
14 June 2010
Love
I just LOVE being sick in the summer, especially when it's 111 degrees outside, and I'm being literal with the temperature!
Had a good ride Saturday, but as the day/evening progressed, I just felt worse and worse. Sunday was an up and down affair. Felt bad until about noon, then the bottom fell out. The hours of noon through about 5 were dodgy at best. I drove to the festering shit-hole that is Lexington to pick up the MTs, came home, ate a bowl of cereal, medicated and went to bed.
I'm feeling like I'm on the back side of it though. The H.O., in her finite wisdom, made the obligatory, 'go to the Doctor' comment, as wives are known do. No thanks! I don't need the Doctor to pop me for $80-ish dollars to tell me that I have a sinus infection that I'll be over by the end of the week.
That being said, at least my day of laying in bed was made more comfortable by the full day of sports on TV and the intarwebs. I watched the Dauphine, Tour de Suisse, World Cup Futbol, F1, NASCAR, LeMans, and a bit of college baseball, which is about as exciting as watching my 5 year old's t-ball games. Yeah, Carolina won, and is going to the CWS, but I really just don't care...
Oh, and my Speedplays came Saturday...broken out of the box...great...
More Futbol on tap today...not doing much else. The MTs can fend for themselves!
I'm cranky today...even more so than usual!
Had a good ride Saturday, but as the day/evening progressed, I just felt worse and worse. Sunday was an up and down affair. Felt bad until about noon, then the bottom fell out. The hours of noon through about 5 were dodgy at best. I drove to the festering shit-hole that is Lexington to pick up the MTs, came home, ate a bowl of cereal, medicated and went to bed.
I'm feeling like I'm on the back side of it though. The H.O., in her finite wisdom, made the obligatory, 'go to the Doctor' comment, as wives are known do. No thanks! I don't need the Doctor to pop me for $80-ish dollars to tell me that I have a sinus infection that I'll be over by the end of the week.
That being said, at least my day of laying in bed was made more comfortable by the full day of sports on TV and the intarwebs. I watched the Dauphine, Tour de Suisse, World Cup Futbol, F1, NASCAR, LeMans, and a bit of college baseball, which is about as exciting as watching my 5 year old's t-ball games. Yeah, Carolina won, and is going to the CWS, but I really just don't care...
Oh, and my Speedplays came Saturday...broken out of the box...great...
More Futbol on tap today...not doing much else. The MTs can fend for themselves!
I'm cranky today...even more so than usual!
12 June 2010
Saturday video dump
Dauphine Stage 6 (Alpe d'Huez)
Contadope wins, but didn't exactly light it up at the bottom and ride away...good ride by Tejay V.! Kid's a stud!
Tour de Suisse Stage 1 (Prologue)
Spartacus kicks it root down!
Did a nice 95km with the bunch this morning. No drama, just an enjoyable ride that had some pace in sections. It was bloody hot though!
USA/England now...already down 0-1...this might be bad...
Contadope wins, but didn't exactly light it up at the bottom and ride away...good ride by Tejay V.! Kid's a stud!
Tour de Suisse Stage 1 (Prologue)
Spartacus kicks it root down!
Did a nice 95km with the bunch this morning. No drama, just an enjoyable ride that had some pace in sections. It was bloody hot though!
USA/England now...already down 0-1...this might be bad...
11 June 2010
Friday
Dauphine Stage 4
Good ride last night w/Il Prof and TVH. New position is feeling better every ride, but I think I need to nose the saddle down a bit. Getting forward on the nose isn't exactly the most comfortable thing in the World.
Time to go food shopping...it's starting to smack of bad parenting around here...
Good ride last night w/Il Prof and TVH. New position is feeling better every ride, but I think I need to nose the saddle down a bit. Getting forward on the nose isn't exactly the most comfortable thing in the World.
Time to go food shopping...it's starting to smack of bad parenting around here...
10 June 2010
Talking points
-Good TNWC. Felt good. Had good legs and lungs. Stopped for luggage adjustments. New bibs pinching the junk.
-New Glass installed on truck...incorrectly. They're coming back today.
-New motion lights installed. Prisons got nothing on my yard.
-Shotgun cleaned, oiled and re-loaded. Next guy that breaks a window or walks on my porch carries home 00buckshot in his ass.
-Contadork looks beatable 4 weeks out from Le Tour. Maybe his dope regimen hasn't started yet.
-Landis hires Lemond's attorneys. With what $? It seems that particular asshole train has come full circle.
-Best. Jersey. Ever.
-Riding tonight.
-Lunchtime.
-Peace.
-New Glass installed on truck...incorrectly. They're coming back today.
-New motion lights installed. Prisons got nothing on my yard.
-Shotgun cleaned, oiled and re-loaded. Next guy that breaks a window or walks on my porch carries home 00buckshot in his ass.
-Contadork looks beatable 4 weeks out from Le Tour. Maybe his dope regimen hasn't started yet.
-Landis hires Lemond's attorneys. With what $? It seems that particular asshole train has come full circle.
-Best. Jersey. Ever.
-Riding tonight.
-Lunchtime.
-Peace.
08 June 2010
Quickie
So I rode last night. I did the HoP loop and felt great. No effort was made to go fast or get th HR up, but the cranks just spun freely...no chain ride!
I got home and took a walk with the H.O. and MTs. While sitting on a bench at the park, I took a shot to the neck by some sort of flying, stinging insect. Did I mention that I'm allergic to these types of things? We got up and walked home. About 30 minutes later, my neck was swollen and tingling and my breathing was growing more and more raspy. 3 tablespoons of liquid Benadryl, and an hour later, I was feeling better, if not a little fuzzy. The rest of my evening was a blur...
I woke up really foggy this morning...go figure! My neck is sore from the sting as well! I hope the little bastard enjoyed his last act!
The hits kept coming this morning. I'd planned on taking the MTs to the river to ride their bikes this morning, but upon the load-in, I noticed that some DICKHEAD smashed the rear window on my truck. Super...just fucking super...! And, of course, Safelite gave me a window of 12-6 for the 'technician' to show up and replace the glass.
I think the time for us to move the company HQ out of this glorified trailerpark is coming quickly.
See you guys at the TNWC tonight. Maybe some folks will show up! Contrary to the beliefs of some, 20 is not a good turnout!
Dauphine Stage 2...Haedo cleans up!
I got home and took a walk with the H.O. and MTs. While sitting on a bench at the park, I took a shot to the neck by some sort of flying, stinging insect. Did I mention that I'm allergic to these types of things? We got up and walked home. About 30 minutes later, my neck was swollen and tingling and my breathing was growing more and more raspy. 3 tablespoons of liquid Benadryl, and an hour later, I was feeling better, if not a little fuzzy. The rest of my evening was a blur...
I woke up really foggy this morning...go figure! My neck is sore from the sting as well! I hope the little bastard enjoyed his last act!
The hits kept coming this morning. I'd planned on taking the MTs to the river to ride their bikes this morning, but upon the load-in, I noticed that some DICKHEAD smashed the rear window on my truck. Super...just fucking super...! And, of course, Safelite gave me a window of 12-6 for the 'technician' to show up and replace the glass.
I think the time for us to move the company HQ out of this glorified trailerpark is coming quickly.
See you guys at the TNWC tonight. Maybe some folks will show up! Contrary to the beliefs of some, 20 is not a good turnout!
Dauphine Stage 2...Haedo cleans up!
07 June 2010
Monday dump
TdL Stage 4 recap...turned into a swim meet...
Dauphine Prologue/ITT
Contador must not be on his Tour dope regimen yet...great ride by Tejay nonetheless...
And WTF is with Millar's socks? Any higher and he'll need to cut armholes in them!
Liz Hatch crashed again, only in Europe this time. Granted, she did get run off by a car, but she seems to hit the tarmac in a spectacular fashion about once a season, and then brags about it. Frank McCormick once said to stay away from the guys who crash and then boast about the crash. Bad juju...mention it once, then let it go...
She's the Danica Patrick of cycling anyway...#titsovertalent
And if you doubt this, and take umbrage, please look at the 09 NRC points. Hatch had ZERO, yet got a Euro contract. Hell, our own little Casey Gale finished with 40...and wasn't on a big team!
SC State TT was Saturday. Nathan won 30-34. LL is 35-39 Champeen again. JayC finished 2nd in 40-44. Good rides fellas. And in looking at the Women's result, we really need to get Mrs. FK a TT bike. She could have easily podium'd in her group...maybe won it outright!
I didn't ride all weekend...it was nice. The fam came home and my solitude was destroyed, but no matter, I didn't have the urge to ride anyway. Instead, I cross-trained yesterday by power-washing the fence. My right hand/wrist/arm are jacked this morning. I have the Fred G. Sanford claw.
I think I'll do a short spin tonight to loosen things up...
Have a good Monday.
Dauphine Prologue/ITT
Contador must not be on his Tour dope regimen yet...great ride by Tejay nonetheless...
And WTF is with Millar's socks? Any higher and he'll need to cut armholes in them!
Liz Hatch crashed again, only in Europe this time. Granted, she did get run off by a car, but she seems to hit the tarmac in a spectacular fashion about once a season, and then brags about it. Frank McCormick once said to stay away from the guys who crash and then boast about the crash. Bad juju...mention it once, then let it go...
She's the Danica Patrick of cycling anyway...#titsovertalent
And if you doubt this, and take umbrage, please look at the 09 NRC points. Hatch had ZERO, yet got a Euro contract. Hell, our own little Casey Gale finished with 40...and wasn't on a big team!
SC State TT was Saturday. Nathan won 30-34. LL is 35-39 Champeen again. JayC finished 2nd in 40-44. Good rides fellas. And in looking at the Women's result, we really need to get Mrs. FK a TT bike. She could have easily podium'd in her group...maybe won it outright!
I didn't ride all weekend...it was nice. The fam came home and my solitude was destroyed, but no matter, I didn't have the urge to ride anyway. Instead, I cross-trained yesterday by power-washing the fence. My right hand/wrist/arm are jacked this morning. I have the Fred G. Sanford claw.
I think I'll do a short spin tonight to loosen things up...
Have a good Monday.
04 June 2010
24 hours
It's a very short 24 hours until my week of solitude ends and the cacophony that is my family returns from the Redneck Riviera. I've been asked nigh on a dozen times this week as to exactly WHY I didn't go to the beach. Well, here's the short answer...the H.O.'s family goes on this trip every year! I would rather have a 0530, shot-to-the-nuts, wake-up call for a solid week, than have the first thing I hear in the morning be my jack-off father-in-law. Thus, I stayed in my humble home, rode when I wanted to ride, ate when I was hungry and slept when my eyes became heavy.
Sure, I miss the H.O. and the MTs, but it's been a quiet, enjoyable week!
Yesterday, I rolled out and did a Vitamin D ride on the cross bike. It was enjoyable enough, until I decided to tangle with one of those raised white lines near the TNWC course. 700x38 tires with 50-ish pounds of air them do not like quick changes in direction. The VERY soft front tire grabbed the edge of the line and sent me directly into the grass. I fell over and just sort of rolled, much like a turtle who finds himself suddenly on his back. No harm, no foul! I do levy a part of the blame squarely @ Il Prof, as we had a conversation about the white lines on Wednesday evening, after he nearly came to grief on one of the dastardly little raised SOBs. Bad juju...
At that point, I just rolled home...
I went out this morning with the plan to just to the HoP, but really had nothing more to do today, so I made a turn and went out into WC. I added the HoP+ loop and headed home. A couple of 15 minute efforts, and a few 30/30s and a charge up Gervais Street and I was done. 6 days and 17 hours on the bike this week. I think I'm going to take a couple of days off. Or maybe just tomorrow...
Oh, and I'm not even going to comment on the whole 'engine-in-the-seat-tube' mechanical doping bullshit. So far out of the realm of any possibility that it's almost obscene. Actually,
Spartacus has two engines...IN HIS FUCKING THIGHS! The pistons are straight out of a blown big-block Chevy 572!
LA is funny!
Speaking of eyes becoming heavy...it's naptime.
Sure, I miss the H.O. and the MTs, but it's been a quiet, enjoyable week!
Yesterday, I rolled out and did a Vitamin D ride on the cross bike. It was enjoyable enough, until I decided to tangle with one of those raised white lines near the TNWC course. 700x38 tires with 50-ish pounds of air them do not like quick changes in direction. The VERY soft front tire grabbed the edge of the line and sent me directly into the grass. I fell over and just sort of rolled, much like a turtle who finds himself suddenly on his back. No harm, no foul! I do levy a part of the blame squarely @ Il Prof, as we had a conversation about the white lines on Wednesday evening, after he nearly came to grief on one of the dastardly little raised SOBs. Bad juju...
At that point, I just rolled home...
I went out this morning with the plan to just to the HoP, but really had nothing more to do today, so I made a turn and went out into WC. I added the HoP+ loop and headed home. A couple of 15 minute efforts, and a few 30/30s and a charge up Gervais Street and I was done. 6 days and 17 hours on the bike this week. I think I'm going to take a couple of days off. Or maybe just tomorrow...
Oh, and I'm not even going to comment on the whole 'engine-in-the-seat-tube' mechanical doping bullshit. So far out of the realm of any possibility that it's almost obscene. Actually,
Spartacus has two engines...IN HIS FUCKING THIGHS! The pistons are straight out of a blown big-block Chevy 572!
LA is funny!
Speaking of eyes becoming heavy...it's naptime.
02 June 2010
1998 TdF redux?
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/afld-wants-additional-controls-at-tour-de-france
I can see it coming...
Fishing through garbage cans, raiding team hotels, riders striking...stoopid!
Hey France, take a page from Italy and worry about putting on a great race!
I can see it coming...
Fishing through garbage cans, raiding team hotels, riders striking...stoopid!
Hey France, take a page from Italy and worry about putting on a great race!
Wednesday pic dump
Great Giro poster from Cyclocosm...
Yeah, track dudes aren't on the AVGAS...
When you see it, you understand...I went out early last night before the TNWC. Rode into a rainstorm, turned for the course and rode out of the rain. Did the TNWC, then rolled home with the group. It started raining again about 4 blocks from the house. I'm sure glad I cleaned my bike on Monday...
I need to start making my appointments with Renick on days other than Tuesday. He cracked and stretched me yesterday and pulled something in my ribcage. Sure, it'll feel fine a couple of days, but @ 45kmh, it hurt a bit last night.
I'm taking today off the bike to get some crap done around the house. The plan was to paint some exterior trim, but no paint = no painting. The yard is calling me...then I'll clean the bike again.
Peace!
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