Last night's ride was good. We did the whole loop for the first time. It was just about dark when we got home though. I felt okay and we never really went super hard. Just a good, fast tempo ride. It was a perfect night though. 75 degrees...little wind...clean fresh air...all good!
News:
DiLuca cleared by CONI...the Giro might be fun to watch this year.
Rock Racing into the Tour of Georgia...it might actually be fun to watch this year.
Amstel Gold kicks of the Ardennes leg of the spring classics this weekend.
Mandrus got some Zipp 303 wheels...look out!
#2 is turning one on Sunday...time for some smashed cake.
See you guys Saturday morning.
Oh, as an aside...if you make your blog invitation only, it kind of defeats the purpose of having it! The link to CG's page has been dumped for this very reason.
18 April 2008
17 April 2008
13 April 2008
Meet the new Boss...
...same as the old Boss!
George finished 9th...
The ride yesterday was a mile of suck. It was windy. I was flat. My back hurt. My allergies are peaking right now. We turned onto Shop and I just sat up. I stuck it @ 30kmh and just pedaled home.
No ride today. I did finish the fence though. Nothing like firing up the circular and reciprocating saws @ 9 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Wakey Wakey college kids....
10 April 2008
Roubaix
(Cue Monster truck announcer voice)
SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY...
...live in Compiegne, on the outskirts of the City of Lights, come see the true 'Hardmen of The North' begin their battle for supremacy over 260km of racing. This year's event features 53km of bike, bone, and spirit breaking cobbles.
Will 'Gorgeous' George Hincapie finally get the monkey off his back?
Will 'Tommeke' show who the 'Hell of The North' who's boss?
Can Devolder pull the double?
Can CSC stick a sharp finger in Quick-Step's eye...again?
These questions and more will be answered this Sunday...BE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY...
...live in Compiegne, on the outskirts of the City of Lights, come see the true 'Hardmen of The North' begin their battle for supremacy over 260km of racing. This year's event features 53km of bike, bone, and spirit breaking cobbles.
Will 'Gorgeous' George Hincapie finally get the monkey off his back?
Will 'Tommeke' show who the 'Hell of The North' who's boss?
Can Devolder pull the double?
Can CSC stick a sharp finger in Quick-Step's eye...again?
These questions and more will be answered this Sunday...BE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
09 April 2008
TNCWC
So, Doogie and I decided to go out EARLY last night, to get some extra miles before the TNCWC. We met at 4:30 and headed out through the Fort. After a short jaunt down through LR, we ended up at the course. I had 2 hours on the bike before the Crit even started. After the neutral lap, 3 folks took off. I jumped across and took Doogie with me. At this point, I was feeling froggy, so I figured WTF. The 5 of us rode a hard tempo and voila, we were away. I took my pulls, albeit short ones and quickly realized, after 15 minutes in the break, that I was the albatross. I sat up and drifted back to the group.
The break went from 5 to 4 to 3 and then RW and Doogie were left. They stayed out for 25 minutes and got swallowed up. The rest of the ride was punctuated by attacks, chases, big gaps to close and counterattacks. There was horsepower out last night, but nothing would stick.
With three to go, I really began to question the fact that my computer was telling me I had 55 miles at that point. My legs were little more than bags of meat and there were no bullets left in the gun.
I got gapped a bit on the last lap and fought to close it to get in position for the sprint. The little chase fired my last shot. I watched as the top four rolled away for the sprint. Derek won* the sprint, but RW won the Crit. I finished 6th* and was a hurt monkey on the ride home.
Overall, I didn't feel all that bad, considering..., and ended up with 60 miles for the evening.
This morning, I'm dehydrated and a bit shaky. The legs feel like I've been beaten at GITMO for a few days. As I type this, I'm getting a cramp in my calf.
Even though I feel iffy today, it was a good ride and will help me in the long run...at least that's the mantra I keep repeating.
*Derek won, but was relegated as he missed the first 20 minutes of the race. Everyone moves up a spot.
The break went from 5 to 4 to 3 and then RW and Doogie were left. They stayed out for 25 minutes and got swallowed up. The rest of the ride was punctuated by attacks, chases, big gaps to close and counterattacks. There was horsepower out last night, but nothing would stick.
With three to go, I really began to question the fact that my computer was telling me I had 55 miles at that point. My legs were little more than bags of meat and there were no bullets left in the gun.
I got gapped a bit on the last lap and fought to close it to get in position for the sprint. The little chase fired my last shot. I watched as the top four rolled away for the sprint. Derek won* the sprint, but RW won the Crit. I finished 6th* and was a hurt monkey on the ride home.
Overall, I didn't feel all that bad, considering..., and ended up with 60 miles for the evening.
This morning, I'm dehydrated and a bit shaky. The legs feel like I've been beaten at GITMO for a few days. As I type this, I'm getting a cramp in my calf.
Even though I feel iffy today, it was a good ride and will help me in the long run...at least that's the mantra I keep repeating.
*Derek won, but was relegated as he missed the first 20 minutes of the race. Everyone moves up a spot.
07 April 2008
Weekend
Saturday was an absolute POS day...so I went out and rode the cross bike in it. It was 65 degrees and barely drizzling when I left the house. About 30 minutes in, the full fenders I put on the bike were as useless as tits on a boarhog. It was raining so hard that I could feel the torrents of rain splashing against my back. It rained like this for about 30 minutes. The last thirty minutes were back to the drizzle I had departed in. 90 minutes on 38c tires and full fenders...oh, did I mention that I took the opportunity to do some intervals while I was out? If a ride is gonna suck...make it suck completely.
Sunday, most folks in town either went to Charleston for the century or to Rock Hill to race. TVH, NID and I headed out and did 45 miles in the damp, cloudy weather. My legs were HEAVY from the combo of intervals and 90 minutes of riding underwater the day before. I got home, ate lunch and crashed out hard until 4 o'clock. Sometimes, the body tells you it's time to sleep.
The new carbon wheels ride great. They are very stiff, both vertically and horizontally. They roll very well and weren't at all bothered by crosswinds. Now I'm just waiting on the Vittoria Open Corsa tires to arrive from the UK...the Michelins are great, but I loves me some Vitts.
The back is feeling pretty good, the legs are coming around and it's April already. Time to actually ride my bike again....
See you at the Crit...
Sunday, most folks in town either went to Charleston for the century or to Rock Hill to race. TVH, NID and I headed out and did 45 miles in the damp, cloudy weather. My legs were HEAVY from the combo of intervals and 90 minutes of riding underwater the day before. I got home, ate lunch and crashed out hard until 4 o'clock. Sometimes, the body tells you it's time to sleep.
The new carbon wheels ride great. They are very stiff, both vertically and horizontally. They roll very well and weren't at all bothered by crosswinds. Now I'm just waiting on the Vittoria Open Corsa tires to arrive from the UK...the Michelins are great, but I loves me some Vitts.
The back is feeling pretty good, the legs are coming around and it's April already. Time to actually ride my bike again....
See you at the Crit...
03 April 2008
Tuesday
The H.O. came home a bit early on Tuesday, so I got out earlier than usual. I was on the bike and out the door @ 5:15...shocking.
Instead of the Crit, I went out through Fort Jackson and down through the flats. The winds were blowing from the WSW, so it was a very nice headwind for the majority of the ride. All things considered, I didn't feel all that bad. I had the music in the ears and just rode tempo for 2 hours. I got to the cutoff to go home and decided to see what was happening at the Crit.
The group was pretty big and seeing as I didn't do the first 20 minutes, I jumped in at the very back. Very scary place, the very back...turn people, turn...don't square it off.
I rolled up to the middle and rode there for a few laps, then dropped back and talked to Doogie and Philip for a lap or so. I looked at my watch and turned to go home to see the management trainees off to bed. It felt good to get the legs going around that quickly. I'll be out for it next week. I don't think my fitness is close to optimal, but I can suffer through for 45 minutes. It'll probably do me some good.
I don't know about tonight. It's 48 and dismal outside right now. Saturday is looking like a crapfest as well. Sunday is supposed to be nice, so I'll definitely be out.
9am Saturday...if no rain. 9am Sunday...both at the circle. I'll send out an email @ Sunday.
Instead of the Crit, I went out through Fort Jackson and down through the flats. The winds were blowing from the WSW, so it was a very nice headwind for the majority of the ride. All things considered, I didn't feel all that bad. I had the music in the ears and just rode tempo for 2 hours. I got to the cutoff to go home and decided to see what was happening at the Crit.
The group was pretty big and seeing as I didn't do the first 20 minutes, I jumped in at the very back. Very scary place, the very back...turn people, turn...don't square it off.
I rolled up to the middle and rode there for a few laps, then dropped back and talked to Doogie and Philip for a lap or so. I looked at my watch and turned to go home to see the management trainees off to bed. It felt good to get the legs going around that quickly. I'll be out for it next week. I don't think my fitness is close to optimal, but I can suffer through for 45 minutes. It'll probably do me some good.
I don't know about tonight. It's 48 and dismal outside right now. Saturday is looking like a crapfest as well. Sunday is supposed to be nice, so I'll definitely be out.
9am Saturday...if no rain. 9am Sunday...both at the circle. I'll send out an email @ Sunday.
30 March 2008
One for two
Saturday's ride went off as it normally does, and we had a pretty good group this week. We did the usual Eastover route and everyone stayed together, even through the fast spots. My stomach is still a mess. I think it must be due to my improved diet. I've largely cut out junk and started eating actual fruits and veggies. My body isn't accustomed to being fed food that's good for it and seems to be rebelling.
I still rode reasonably well and even managed a large, hairy effort on Double Homey to chase down Reed. I ended up with 90km in 2:45. Then we went and walked around the zoo for a while. The boys seemed to love it, so it's all good with me.
This morning, I awoke to 45 degrees and pissing rain. Considering I'm not getting paid to do this, I stayed in the house. #1 and I made a trip to Target and dropped the usual $100. Then we went to the bookstore. I got an armload of cycling mags and the boy got some Dr. Seuss.
As an aside, my carbon wheels came in and are pretty flipping nice. Nice finished and hella smooth ceramic bearings! The rear has a manufacturing defect and it's going back. No worries or stress though, and I'll tell you why...
I figured out the problem when I was installed the wheel on the bike. The bead/braketrack had a bulge in it from poorly laid-up carbon. I was a bit pissed off and called Williams Cycling...repeatedly...to no avail...or so I thought. About 9 p.m., my cell phone rings...it's Keith Williams. Yep, the man what own the joint. I tell him the issue and he listens, I mean actually listens. He apologizes and means it. He's sending me a new wheel Monday, via FedEx, on his own dime...before I send the other wheel back! He's even sending a call tag for the defect wheel.
Most companies wouldn't have called back until Wednesday or so, asked you what you did wrong, claimed it wasn't a defect and then made you send the wheel back at your own expense. You might get your wheel back in 4 to 6 weeks. ...cough...Mavic...cough...
Customer service folks...learn from it.
www.williamscycling.com
Oh, and another linky you'll appreciate...
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/milano-san-remo-2008/1382311214
I still rode reasonably well and even managed a large, hairy effort on Double Homey to chase down Reed. I ended up with 90km in 2:45. Then we went and walked around the zoo for a while. The boys seemed to love it, so it's all good with me.
This morning, I awoke to 45 degrees and pissing rain. Considering I'm not getting paid to do this, I stayed in the house. #1 and I made a trip to Target and dropped the usual $100. Then we went to the bookstore. I got an armload of cycling mags and the boy got some Dr. Seuss.
As an aside, my carbon wheels came in and are pretty flipping nice. Nice finished and hella smooth ceramic bearings! The rear has a manufacturing defect and it's going back. No worries or stress though, and I'll tell you why...
I figured out the problem when I was installed the wheel on the bike. The bead/braketrack had a bulge in it from poorly laid-up carbon. I was a bit pissed off and called Williams Cycling...repeatedly...to no avail...or so I thought. About 9 p.m., my cell phone rings...it's Keith Williams. Yep, the man what own the joint. I tell him the issue and he listens, I mean actually listens. He apologizes and means it. He's sending me a new wheel Monday, via FedEx, on his own dime...before I send the other wheel back! He's even sending a call tag for the defect wheel.
Most companies wouldn't have called back until Wednesday or so, asked you what you did wrong, claimed it wasn't a defect and then made you send the wheel back at your own expense. You might get your wheel back in 4 to 6 weeks. ...cough...Mavic...cough...
Customer service folks...learn from it.
www.williamscycling.com
Oh, and another linky you'll appreciate...
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/milano-san-remo-2008/1382311214
28 March 2008
???
I can't decide if I had a good ride, or a bad ride last night. I felt horrible all day, and for most of the ride. My legs were okay, but my GI tract was angry with me. After we left the Fort, which included one of the quickest runouts on Hartsville Guard in recent memory, I had a hot, feverish, vaguely sick feeling. We rode tempo down Ridge while we waited on a few stragglers.
Horrell Hill was a quick paceline and then the pace went up.
We turned onto Airbase and Doogie jacked the pace. I slid into 5th wheel, right behind RW. I knew in my heart that he was going to nail it when he hit the front...and he did. Nothing like going 45kmh into a stiff headwind. RW is getting slight in the ass these days and his form is damn good right now, so I was forced to get as low as possible. Once I was as low as I could get, the hard effort started to pull my back, so I pulled through and sat up with CC Mark.
Everyone gathered up and rode in together. I tried to sprint on Shop, but just didn't get on top of the gear. It was a quick 55km before dark.
This morning, my legs are stiff, my back is stiff and my GI tract is still upset with me. The H.O. is coming home at lunch and we're taking the management trainees to the zoo. I'm sure that'll help my legs and back! Oh, and #1 decided he wanted to fingerpaint this morning. Normally, I'm down with whatever he wants to do, but this time, not so much. His medium this morning was his own fecal matter. Fortunately, his 'art' was contained to his little craft (crap) table. I was not amused. After a thorough cleaning with Antibacterial kitchen cleaner, everything is back to normal...well, as normal as it gets around here.
On the upside, my new carbon wheels are coming with brown Santa in a little bit.
See you fools Saturday morning.
Horrell Hill was a quick paceline and then the pace went up.
We turned onto Airbase and Doogie jacked the pace. I slid into 5th wheel, right behind RW. I knew in my heart that he was going to nail it when he hit the front...and he did. Nothing like going 45kmh into a stiff headwind. RW is getting slight in the ass these days and his form is damn good right now, so I was forced to get as low as possible. Once I was as low as I could get, the hard effort started to pull my back, so I pulled through and sat up with CC Mark.
Everyone gathered up and rode in together. I tried to sprint on Shop, but just didn't get on top of the gear. It was a quick 55km before dark.
This morning, my legs are stiff, my back is stiff and my GI tract is still upset with me. The H.O. is coming home at lunch and we're taking the management trainees to the zoo. I'm sure that'll help my legs and back! Oh, and #1 decided he wanted to fingerpaint this morning. Normally, I'm down with whatever he wants to do, but this time, not so much. His medium this morning was his own fecal matter. Fortunately, his 'art' was contained to his little craft (crap) table. I was not amused. After a thorough cleaning with Antibacterial kitchen cleaner, everything is back to normal...well, as normal as it gets around here.
On the upside, my new carbon wheels are coming with brown Santa in a little bit.
See you fools Saturday morning.
26 March 2008
When a plan...
...gets shot in the ass. I was supposed to ride 6 days in a row...only got 3!
Both kids are sick, I feel like crap, the H.O. is out of town...
I'll be out Thursday night...hopefully....
I'll definitely be out Saturday morning!
Both kids are sick, I feel like crap, the H.O. is out of town...
I'll be out Thursday night...hopefully....
I'll definitely be out Saturday morning!
23 March 2008
3 days in a row?
Crazytime around here...
I did the Thursday ride, as covered previously, and didn't feel altogether bad. Friday afternoon, Doogie and I met at 3 to do a spin ride. We rode, but it wasn't a spin ride. The wind decided it wanted to be a headwind in every direction we chose to turn. I ended up with another 60km in 2:15 and was way too tired when I got home to call it an 'easy spin'.
The normal group met at 9 on Saturday morning and did another windy loop down through Eastover. We started with a solid 10, which got whittled to 8 when Mrs, Der Kaiser and Corbett turned to do a loop. I think they both had people coming into town...or something.
It ended up being a nice tempo ride, albeit windy yet again. The sun ended up poking through the clouds enough to put a tiny bit of color on my otherwise pasty limbs. I ended with 90km in under three hours.
Considering the fact that I've taken the better part of 6 weeks off the bike due to injury, I didn't feel bad linking those days together. The only thing that really hurt was my tender bits. They just need to toughen back up.
The plan was to ride today (Sunday), but the H.O. decided that I need to go to her family Easter happening. Oh joy! I was planning to stay home and have a day to myself, but in the interest of domestic tranquility, I'm tagging along.
I did the Thursday ride, as covered previously, and didn't feel altogether bad. Friday afternoon, Doogie and I met at 3 to do a spin ride. We rode, but it wasn't a spin ride. The wind decided it wanted to be a headwind in every direction we chose to turn. I ended up with another 60km in 2:15 and was way too tired when I got home to call it an 'easy spin'.
The normal group met at 9 on Saturday morning and did another windy loop down through Eastover. We started with a solid 10, which got whittled to 8 when Mrs, Der Kaiser and Corbett turned to do a loop. I think they both had people coming into town...or something.
It ended up being a nice tempo ride, albeit windy yet again. The sun ended up poking through the clouds enough to put a tiny bit of color on my otherwise pasty limbs. I ended with 90km in under three hours.
Considering the fact that I've taken the better part of 6 weeks off the bike due to injury, I didn't feel bad linking those days together. The only thing that really hurt was my tender bits. They just need to toughen back up.
The plan was to ride today (Sunday), but the H.O. decided that I need to go to her family Easter happening. Oh joy! I was planning to stay home and have a day to myself, but in the interest of domestic tranquility, I'm tagging along.
20 March 2008
Drano ride
Tonight was my first Thursday ride of the year and it was definitely harder than I've gone for a very long time. It wasn't a ball-buster, like they are in the middle of June, but for my out-of-shape ass, it brought me to the entrance of the Pain Cave(tm).
We went out through the Fort a bit quicker than usual and then headed out to the flats. Everything was hunky-dory until about 1/2 down Airbase. I pulled through and the line got fouled up. Somehow, Nick pulled through again...hard, and caused Trez to let a gap open. Instead of trying to close it (20 meters at this point), he says, "Go ahead", as if he was being so kind as to let me in. Thanks Jub-Jub, but I just took a pull at 40kmh into a stiff headwind! Gap closing just isn't in the repetoire right now. Give me a few solid weeks of training and then I'll think about it. NewGuyRob and I got gapped out and chased for the remainder of Airbase.
We all stayed together for the remainder fo the ride. As for the Drano in the title...my pipes got cleaned out tonight!
Rumor has it that one of the shops in town is offering to give Casey a bike...bad idea Casey. Nothing comes for free, especially from those guys. There's always a caveat and it's always after the fact.
Ride @ 3pm tomorrow from the Gate...The H.O. has the day off, can you believe it?
We went out through the Fort a bit quicker than usual and then headed out to the flats. Everything was hunky-dory until about 1/2 down Airbase. I pulled through and the line got fouled up. Somehow, Nick pulled through again...hard, and caused Trez to let a gap open. Instead of trying to close it (20 meters at this point), he says, "Go ahead", as if he was being so kind as to let me in. Thanks Jub-Jub, but I just took a pull at 40kmh into a stiff headwind! Gap closing just isn't in the repetoire right now. Give me a few solid weeks of training and then I'll think about it. NewGuyRob and I got gapped out and chased for the remainder of Airbase.
We all stayed together for the remainder fo the ride. As for the Drano in the title...my pipes got cleaned out tonight!
Rumor has it that one of the shops in town is offering to give Casey a bike...bad idea Casey. Nothing comes for free, especially from those guys. There's always a caveat and it's always after the fact.
Ride @ 3pm tomorrow from the Gate...The H.O. has the day off, can you believe it?
16 March 2008
First weekend in a while
Well, I got back on the bike yesterday. I met up with the normal group for the 9 o'clock ride. We did the usual Lower Richland out through Eastover loop.
I felt good on the bike, for once. No back pain, no aches, no radiating leg pain. I could tell that I'd been injured and that I've lost a great deal of high intensity fitness, but the action of turning the pedals felt good. It did feel a bit foreign for the first hour, but it fell back into place.
I probably rode a bit harder than I should have yesterday, but one has to swim following the jump into the deeper end of the pond. I can ride 30-35kmh all day. It was when the pace wicked up to 45kmh that I saw my lack of fitness.
I ended up with 90km and 2:45 on the bike.
Doogie and I met this morning for a 2 hour spin through the flats. I felt really good...surprisingly good, until we turned to come home. The good feelings on the way out were thanks to a stiff tailwind. The last 45 minutes of the ride were a headwind slog. It was pretty damn windy out in the country this morning. Another 60km and 2 hours on the bike.
Not a bad weekend for the first one back on the bike.
The ceramic BB is working properly, the ceramic bearings in the ROL wheels are smooth and I raised the saddle by 2.5mm. Everything was as it should be this weekend...
I felt good on the bike, for once. No back pain, no aches, no radiating leg pain. I could tell that I'd been injured and that I've lost a great deal of high intensity fitness, but the action of turning the pedals felt good. It did feel a bit foreign for the first hour, but it fell back into place.
I probably rode a bit harder than I should have yesterday, but one has to swim following the jump into the deeper end of the pond. I can ride 30-35kmh all day. It was when the pace wicked up to 45kmh that I saw my lack of fitness.
I ended up with 90km and 2:45 on the bike.
Doogie and I met this morning for a 2 hour spin through the flats. I felt really good...surprisingly good, until we turned to come home. The good feelings on the way out were thanks to a stiff tailwind. The last 45 minutes of the ride were a headwind slog. It was pretty damn windy out in the country this morning. Another 60km and 2 hours on the bike.
Not a bad weekend for the first one back on the bike.
The ceramic BB is working properly, the ceramic bearings in the ROL wheels are smooth and I raised the saddle by 2.5mm. Everything was as it should be this weekend...
14 March 2008
Doug, Doug, Doug...(shaking head)
So I'm in Target this morning, doing my bi-monthly child supply run, and my phone rings. I see that it's Doug's number, which I find odd, since it's Friday morning. I answer and we exchange pleasantries.
Here's the rest of the conversation...
D: Hey man, are you riding this morning? Is there some secret ride no one told me about?
M: No, but I'll be out tomorrow morning for the group ride.
D: Was today's ride cancelled?
M: What ride today?
D: The 9 o'clock group ride
M: Um, dude, it's only Friday...
D: Oh, that could be the problem...
We exchange goodbyes and I wander through Target thinking that a whole lot of people are going to be unhappy with their audits this tax season (Doug's a bean-counter)...
Nutty, I tell ya, nutty...
I got the Ridley back together, save for the white hoods. I didn't feel like undoing the cables and housings. I'm pretty anti-Campagnolo, but it's would be much easier to replace the hoods if I was riding Record stuff. I am batting around the idea of retiring the Dura-Ace at the end of the season and putting SRAM Red on the Ridley...swank! We'll see what the new D/A looks like first...
See you guys in the morning (Saturday...Doug!) @ the gate. 9a.m.
Here's the rest of the conversation...
D: Hey man, are you riding this morning? Is there some secret ride no one told me about?
M: No, but I'll be out tomorrow morning for the group ride.
D: Was today's ride cancelled?
M: What ride today?
D: The 9 o'clock group ride
M: Um, dude, it's only Friday...
D: Oh, that could be the problem...
We exchange goodbyes and I wander through Target thinking that a whole lot of people are going to be unhappy with their audits this tax season (Doug's a bean-counter)...
Nutty, I tell ya, nutty...
I got the Ridley back together, save for the white hoods. I didn't feel like undoing the cables and housings. I'm pretty anti-Campagnolo, but it's would be much easier to replace the hoods if I was riding Record stuff. I am batting around the idea of retiring the Dura-Ace at the end of the season and putting SRAM Red on the Ridley...swank! We'll see what the new D/A looks like first...
See you guys in the morning (Saturday...Doug!) @ the gate. 9a.m.
12 March 2008
Looking good Billy Ray...
...feeling good Lewis!
Well, the back is feeling better by the day. I'll be out Saturday morning, but have no plans to get involved in the test-fest that I'm sure will ensue. My goal here is recovery and building back up. If I must do it alone, then so be it. Being hurt sucks balls, so I'm going to rehab slowly. The time off, trips to the chiro and yoga seem to be helping.
My ceramic BB came back today, slammed full of new bearings and high $ grease. It'll be installed in the morning. Big ups to the guys @ Superfly Cycles.
New BB, new chain, new white D/A hoods...too bad the same old schmuck is riding the bike!
Today is 3 years since my dad passed away. Seems like a long time ago and yesterday, all at once! Gone too soon...
I Love You Dad!!!
Well, the back is feeling better by the day. I'll be out Saturday morning, but have no plans to get involved in the test-fest that I'm sure will ensue. My goal here is recovery and building back up. If I must do it alone, then so be it. Being hurt sucks balls, so I'm going to rehab slowly. The time off, trips to the chiro and yoga seem to be helping.
My ceramic BB came back today, slammed full of new bearings and high $ grease. It'll be installed in the morning. Big ups to the guys @ Superfly Cycles.
New BB, new chain, new white D/A hoods...too bad the same old schmuck is riding the bike!
Today is 3 years since my dad passed away. Seems like a long time ago and yesterday, all at once! Gone too soon...
I Love You Dad!!!
10 March 2008
Snow? In Atlanta? In March?
Yes on all three. The H.O. and I went to Atlanta for the weekend. Her company has decided to dip it's toe into the NASCAR sponsorship water. They signed a 6 race deal with Joe Gibbs Racing to be the main sponsor of the Nationwide (Busch) Series #18 car. Yet they ran the #20 this weekend...I don't know...
We went down on Friday and the weather was beautiful. Saturday morning rolls around and it's 35 degrees and the wind is howling at 30+ mph. As we're driving to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, snow begins falling. We get there, get our swanky, we're-better-than-you credentials and head to Joe Gibbs' personal motorhome. Motorhome is a bit of a misnomer, as it's a $1 million set-up. @10 a.m., it's snowing sideways to the point that we couldn't see the suites on the front stretch...and they were 250 yards away!
We hung out in the rolling palace until lunchtime and the weather broke. We went out and watched the Sprint Cup cars practice from the wall on pit road. Did I mention our passes kicked ass?
Back to the JGR bus for lunch and then out to the grid for the start of the race. The #20 started second and quickly went to the front and was there...all day...for 153 laps...until...
On lap 175, something in the right front suspension failed, the right front tire went down and the car hit the wall in turn three @ 170 mph. Kyle Busch managed to finish, but 24th is little consolation when you kick ass all day.
We watched the entire race from the pits. I've always been a NASCAR fan, but you gain a new appreciation when you are a VIP. There's serious money involved and the guys are deadly serious about their jobs. You just can't get the experience, watching it on TV. It's too visceral to translate. The sounds are insane. You hear it and feel it. The air and ground rumble like a warzone. The smells are almost overpowering. Rubber, high octane fuel, exhaust...
The visuals are spectacular. You watch it on TV and know they're going fast, but being 100 feet from a pack of 40+ racecars sailing past at 175mph is just out of hand.
Pretty great weekend, all in all!
Google isn't letting me post pics...I'll post some later...
We went down on Friday and the weather was beautiful. Saturday morning rolls around and it's 35 degrees and the wind is howling at 30+ mph. As we're driving to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, snow begins falling. We get there, get our swanky, we're-better-than-you credentials and head to Joe Gibbs' personal motorhome. Motorhome is a bit of a misnomer, as it's a $1 million set-up. @10 a.m., it's snowing sideways to the point that we couldn't see the suites on the front stretch...and they were 250 yards away!
We hung out in the rolling palace until lunchtime and the weather broke. We went out and watched the Sprint Cup cars practice from the wall on pit road. Did I mention our passes kicked ass?
Back to the JGR bus for lunch and then out to the grid for the start of the race. The #20 started second and quickly went to the front and was there...all day...for 153 laps...until...
On lap 175, something in the right front suspension failed, the right front tire went down and the car hit the wall in turn three @ 170 mph. Kyle Busch managed to finish, but 24th is little consolation when you kick ass all day.
We watched the entire race from the pits. I've always been a NASCAR fan, but you gain a new appreciation when you are a VIP. There's serious money involved and the guys are deadly serious about their jobs. You just can't get the experience, watching it on TV. It's too visceral to translate. The sounds are insane. You hear it and feel it. The air and ground rumble like a warzone. The smells are almost overpowering. Rubber, high octane fuel, exhaust...
The visuals are spectacular. You watch it on TV and know they're going fast, but being 100 feet from a pack of 40+ racecars sailing past at 175mph is just out of hand.
Pretty great weekend, all in all!
Google isn't letting me post pics...I'll post some later...
06 March 2008
Off the bike...again!
Well, according to X-rays, my skeletal issues have been resolved. Now, all of my soreness and stiffness is muscular. It seems that I compensated for the back issues by using my hips and legs. My hip flexors, glutes and quads are achy and stiff. I feel like I have two pull groin injuries. Riding wasn't exactly helping the situation, so I'm off the bike again for a week or so.
No biggie though. The Ridley is disabled anyway and I won't be able to get to it until next week. The ugly sounds I heard on Sunday were, in fact, coming from the BB. I pulled everything apart and voila...! The driveside bearing in my high dollar ceramic BB were a bit rough, but the left side felt like someone poured kosher salt in it. I pulled the seals and the bearings inside were virtually dry. I fired off a note to the guys at Superfly and to their credit, they are replacing it! They even went so far as to hand pack it with the heavier grade ceramic Krytox grease, like they do for the pro dogs. Astana is riding Superfly bearings in their BBs and wheels this season, FWIW...
It's supposed to be here tomorrow, which is fine and well, but I'll be in Hotlanta until late Saturday night.
The crit is starting back up shortly. The first official date is April 8th @ 6:30. The time change means nothing in this case. Even with the time change, it will be too dark to run a full race and have those who rode to the course get home before it's pitch black. Safety is the utmost concern here people. The first Tuesday in April has been the start date since the beginning and will remian that way. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to email me or leave comments here...
No biggie though. The Ridley is disabled anyway and I won't be able to get to it until next week. The ugly sounds I heard on Sunday were, in fact, coming from the BB. I pulled everything apart and voila...! The driveside bearing in my high dollar ceramic BB were a bit rough, but the left side felt like someone poured kosher salt in it. I pulled the seals and the bearings inside were virtually dry. I fired off a note to the guys at Superfly and to their credit, they are replacing it! They even went so far as to hand pack it with the heavier grade ceramic Krytox grease, like they do for the pro dogs. Astana is riding Superfly bearings in their BBs and wheels this season, FWIW...
It's supposed to be here tomorrow, which is fine and well, but I'll be in Hotlanta until late Saturday night.
The crit is starting back up shortly. The first official date is April 8th @ 6:30. The time change means nothing in this case. Even with the time change, it will be too dark to run a full race and have those who rode to the course get home before it's pitch black. Safety is the utmost concern here people. The first Tuesday in April has been the start date since the beginning and will remian that way. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to email me or leave comments here...
04 March 2008
The day
Weather: rain
Bike: disabled
Back: hurts like a ....
Attitude: damn close to poor
Demeanor: general malaise
Bike: disabled
Back: hurts like a ....
Attitude: damn close to poor
Demeanor: general malaise
02 March 2008
Weekend
Saturday was another race day in Greenville, so the ride was anorexic. God forbid the people who didn't go race show up for the Saturday morning ride. I did what was tantamount to a 2.5 hour solo ride through Lower Richland. It was beautiful out, other than a bit of a stiff wind.
Doogie, NID and I met for a loop this morning. Another perfect day to ride...
We did the normal Sunday loop. The wind was the exact opposite as yesterday. It's kind of nice to have a tailwind home every once in a while.
I'm still having some back/nerve issues that are affecting my legs. Time to go back to the Doctor...
Young Casey put on a show in the Women's race yesterday in Greenville. She finished a strong second, in front of a strong field that included a past national champion. Good looking out Casey!
I think a lot of male egos are going to be bruised this summer...
As for the females, she's easily the strongest in town, bar none!
I got some good riding this weekend, even though I still feel like complete shit on the bike. A halfway decent ride is always better than getting fat, watching TV and just talking about riding...
Doogie, NID and I met for a loop this morning. Another perfect day to ride...
We did the normal Sunday loop. The wind was the exact opposite as yesterday. It's kind of nice to have a tailwind home every once in a while.
I'm still having some back/nerve issues that are affecting my legs. Time to go back to the Doctor...
Young Casey put on a show in the Women's race yesterday in Greenville. She finished a strong second, in front of a strong field that included a past national champion. Good looking out Casey!
I think a lot of male egos are going to be bruised this summer...
As for the females, she's easily the strongest in town, bar none!
I got some good riding this weekend, even though I still feel like complete shit on the bike. A halfway decent ride is always better than getting fat, watching TV and just talking about riding...
01 March 2008
A few words...
Het Volk 2008
Phillipe Gilbert
Attack w/50km to go
Rode to finish alone
Solo win
Definition of Big Ring
True Merckx style
Levi Leipheimer sucks
Phillipe Gilbert
Attack w/50km to go
Rode to finish alone
Solo win
Definition of Big Ring
True Merckx style
Levi Leipheimer sucks
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