GTS 1 & 2 went off @ Donaldson Center last weekend.
Saturday saw HUGE fields in every race. It was a really nice day...warm-ish with light wind. We took of for our little jaunt around the airport. Nothing really happened during the race other than a lot of sketchy riding and hitting brakes on the downhill...I still don't get that!
I felt pretty average for the whole race. It was never really hard and I never suffered. I really should have gone to the front more than I did and forced the issue, but it was my first actual race, other than the TNCWC in 4 years, so I figured discretion was the better part of valor.
The sprint wound up and I had HORRIBLE position...my own fault. I, literally, had to stop and start my sprint 4 or 5 times to keep from running over people in the last 200m. I finished around 15th or so. I say "or so" because the officials, in their little trailer with their 20 year old camera equipment somehow missed me on the video. Horseshit I say!!!! I was there at the finish! I know it and the guys that finished behind me know it...that's enough for me!
Sunday was a MUCH smaller field. It was cold. The wind was brutal. 20-25mph with gusts to 30+...just bad conditions. The first lap shuttled the strong to the front to fight the wind. A break got up the road on the first lap. Doog and another guy were in the middle at the start of lap 2 when myself and another rider got across to them. The four of us stood to go up the first climb and I almost took myself out. I gave the RR track a good whack on lap one and pinched the tube, cause my front tire was going down fast. Dammit!!!!! Race over for me! It was warm in the broomwagon though...
It split all to pieces in the wind for the finish. I felt better Sunday though!
Everyone in town did well this weekend. Shout out to RW for his performances this weekend in 35+! He was on the sharp end and rode well! Kudos!
Edit...
Timberlake found video on Youtube and you can plainly see my big ass crossing the line @ 15th. Hard to miss all of the white I had on...
scroll to 6:45 and watch...I cross @ 6:48...I played and paused about 6 times...
Video
23 February 2009
18 February 2009
Da loop...
Coco and I met for a loop last night. It was dark. It was cold. We didn't feel like riding hard. Doog bailed because of those sick kids again! This Doctor thing is really getting in the way of his ride schedule!
Probably riding Thursday night, but definitely riding Friday. A couple of us are going out to the crit course to spin around and do a couple leg openers. It won't be a long ride, but everyone is welcome.
Some folks have also expressed in interest in our new team kits. Unfortunately, after a bit of discussion, we've decided to keep them as team issue only. We've spent a lot of time and effort to secure sponsorships and to create the kits. We may revisit the topic after the season, but for now, sorry...
Probably riding Thursday night, but definitely riding Friday. A couple of us are going out to the crit course to spin around and do a couple leg openers. It won't be a long ride, but everyone is welcome.
Some folks have also expressed in interest in our new team kits. Unfortunately, after a bit of discussion, we've decided to keep them as team issue only. We've spent a lot of time and effort to secure sponsorships and to create the kits. We may revisit the topic after the season, but for now, sorry...
17 February 2009
From the "Gimme a Break File"...
I give you fine folks this small piece of love on a Tuesday morning...
Obama License Plates
I've already ordered one for Bond...
6:00pm @ the gate tonight...
Obama License Plates
I've already ordered one for Bond...
6:00pm @ the gate tonight...
15 February 2009
Shoulda known...(the Voice)
Saturday, I awoke to rain and a generally shitty day. I wasn't in the correct mindset to go out and get wet, dirty and cold. I opted for a far, far worse choice...the trainer. The plan was to do about 45 minutes or so, elevate the HR, get a good sweat and get off.
I decided that I really wasn't minding the drudgery, so I started doing intervals.
I started with a 20 minute SST pull @ 170-ish HR. I spun for 10 minutes and then had the brilliant idea to do another one. 20 more minutes passed at 175-ish...
Things were going along swimmingly in my little cool down, so I said to myself, "Self, you should keep going..."! Sometimes I listen and sometimes I ignore it!
I did 2 minutes on and 1 minute off, starting in the 53/17. Each successive two minutes meant a shift DOWN the cogset...all the way to the 12. Two sets of these @ 180-190 HR made me feel more than a bit sick.
Voice-1 Big Dumbass me-0
The H.O. and I go to dinner. I was still felling a bit iffy, so I thought, "get something safe, like the chicken..."! Again, I did not heed the call and ordered a heaping bowl of pasta drenched in some amalgamation of different cheeses. Felt bad eating it...felt bad when I got home...felt bad lying in bed!
Voice-2 Big Dumbass-0
Sunday met me with a sunny sky and a big feeling of malaise. My stomach was, and still is, turning inward. Instead of listening to the voice and A) staying my happy ass in the house or B)riding by myself, I chose C) go out with the group. We rolled out easy, turned on Percival and the pace shot up. I did all I could until the first bump on Screaming Eagle. My legs were heavy...my HR was just all over the place...and my stomach, well, let's say he was beyond the planning stages of a Coup d'Etat. I sat up and said ENOUGH!
Reed and I traded pulls all the way back to the Fort and I spun home slowly after we parted company.
For those keeping score at home...
Voice-3 Big Dumbass-0
Yep, I got blanked this weekend. As I sit here and type this, I'm fighting the urge to put my head down and go to sleep on the desk. I feel like complete CRAP! And the MTs will be home anytime...GREAT!!!!
I decided that I really wasn't minding the drudgery, so I started doing intervals.
I started with a 20 minute SST pull @ 170-ish HR. I spun for 10 minutes and then had the brilliant idea to do another one. 20 more minutes passed at 175-ish...
Things were going along swimmingly in my little cool down, so I said to myself, "Self, you should keep going..."! Sometimes I listen and sometimes I ignore it!
I did 2 minutes on and 1 minute off, starting in the 53/17. Each successive two minutes meant a shift DOWN the cogset...all the way to the 12. Two sets of these @ 180-190 HR made me feel more than a bit sick.
Voice-1 Big Dumbass me-0
The H.O. and I go to dinner. I was still felling a bit iffy, so I thought, "get something safe, like the chicken..."! Again, I did not heed the call and ordered a heaping bowl of pasta drenched in some amalgamation of different cheeses. Felt bad eating it...felt bad when I got home...felt bad lying in bed!
Voice-2 Big Dumbass-0
Sunday met me with a sunny sky and a big feeling of malaise. My stomach was, and still is, turning inward. Instead of listening to the voice and A) staying my happy ass in the house or B)riding by myself, I chose C) go out with the group. We rolled out easy, turned on Percival and the pace shot up. I did all I could until the first bump on Screaming Eagle. My legs were heavy...my HR was just all over the place...and my stomach, well, let's say he was beyond the planning stages of a Coup d'Etat. I sat up and said ENOUGH!
Reed and I traded pulls all the way back to the Fort and I spun home slowly after we parted company.
For those keeping score at home...
Voice-3 Big Dumbass-0
Yep, I got blanked this weekend. As I sit here and type this, I'm fighting the urge to put my head down and go to sleep on the desk. I feel like complete CRAP! And the MTs will be home anytime...GREAT!!!!
13 February 2009
Another night ride...
...only this time with different faces. Doog lamed out on us...something about sick kids at the hospital...nonsense, so Meat, Coco and I did the big loop again. We did it at a little greater clip than my last trip around, but still didn't make the effort to ride really hard. That being said, Coco and I took turns pulling out Dixie at a pretty good clip. Not enough to really suffer and have to dig, but just at the point where it was starting to sting a bit by the turn.
We kind of just rolled around at that point. The burn is still going on out there, so the smoke was plentiful and there were even a few hotspots that were still burning pretty nicely. Yes, we rode through a forest fire! We also saw a something that we believe was a coyote. It was too small and darkly colored to be a deer. Nice to know that meat-eating predators are patrolling the outer portion of the loop. If you get a flat out there, ride the bitch in!
No idea what's going on tomorrow....
We were supposed to ride in the NE @ 7am, but the fact that it's going to be 45 degrees and raining really sucks the romance out of it. A few of us may go out a bit later, unless later is noon. The MTs are going to the spa for the weekend and I'm not wasting a Saturday afternoon. I may sleep through most of it, but in my eyes, that's not waste!
It may be a cross bike kind of day...
Sunday 9am @ the normal spot for what looks like the last Il Prof ride...for the folks who plan to race at least...
That being said, I just signed up for the Spring Series and paid my money...I guess I'm committed now!
We kind of just rolled around at that point. The burn is still going on out there, so the smoke was plentiful and there were even a few hotspots that were still burning pretty nicely. Yes, we rode through a forest fire! We also saw a something that we believe was a coyote. It was too small and darkly colored to be a deer. Nice to know that meat-eating predators are patrolling the outer portion of the loop. If you get a flat out there, ride the bitch in!
No idea what's going on tomorrow....
We were supposed to ride in the NE @ 7am, but the fact that it's going to be 45 degrees and raining really sucks the romance out of it. A few of us may go out a bit later, unless later is noon. The MTs are going to the spa for the weekend and I'm not wasting a Saturday afternoon. I may sleep through most of it, but in my eyes, that's not waste!
It may be a cross bike kind of day...
Sunday 9am @ the normal spot for what looks like the last Il Prof ride...for the folks who plan to race at least...
That being said, I just signed up for the Spring Series and paid my money...I guess I'm committed now!
11 February 2009
Easy spin
Doog and I met for an easy spin around Fort Jackson last night. We did the big loop and really didn't need the lights until the top of Dixie. The days are definitely getting longer.
We rode at what could be easily be considered a 'spin' pace. I was feeling the combination of the weekend rides and my 40 minute visit with the foam roller on Monday. That thing takes no prisoners, but it works wonders. There's really no need for a $75/hour massage, other than draining your checkbook.
We'll likely do the same ride Thursday night. 6pm from the gate. Come join us...bring lights if you have them!
We rode at what could be easily be considered a 'spin' pace. I was feeling the combination of the weekend rides and my 40 minute visit with the foam roller on Monday. That thing takes no prisoners, but it works wonders. There's really no need for a $75/hour massage, other than draining your checkbook.
We'll likely do the same ride Thursday night. 6pm from the gate. Come join us...bring lights if you have them!
09 February 2009
Shout out...
Greg from www.fastsunglass.com sent me a note to check out his site...
The have all kinds of glasses, not just cycling specific stuff. Nice site...easy to navigate...check 'em out!
The have all kinds of glasses, not just cycling specific stuff. Nice site...easy to navigate...check 'em out!
08 February 2009
Weekend
Saturday was the Inaugural PalmettoVelo "Flip the Switch on Winter" ride. It was a great day for it. 65 degrees and a big warm sun. The wind didn't cooperate, but it wasn't that bad either...mostly a crosswind. The ride started with 16 and we lost some on the trip out to Sandy Run. We made the first quick stop and allowed everyone to get back on. The first climb on 21 split the group pretty evenly into climbers and non-climbers. I was, of course, in the latter. We chased and all got back together right at the turn to head back in. The run down 176 was a steady one, all the way back to the store. Shortly after the second store stop, Ward flatted and we all stopped to wait. The rest of the ride was steady...until Dixiana. Once we got on the end of Dixiana, all hell broke loose. Attacks and counters went right and left. Doog and JayC were about 100 yards up the road and didn't seem to be coming back, so I swallowed hard and ripped across the gap @ 60kmh. It kind of stung. I felt bad the entire ride and that short, but very violent, effort did nothing to help the situation. The pace stayed high and, through my own inattention, I ended up in the second group on the run down 12st extension. We chased again and caught the front right after the turn. The remnants of the group rode in together.
We ended with 105km and a 34.5kmh average. The 'meat' of the ride (the middle 80km) yielded 36kmh average, which ain't whistlin' Dixie, considering the hills and the wind.
It was a great ride with alot of familiar faces, some new faces and a couple we haven't seen for a long while. I hope everyone had a good time...I did!
Today we met for the normal Sunday ride. Coco, Doog and I felt like doing some steady effort, so we left the group and rode into Eastover, then across to the Cricket Store. The wind at the end of Bluff was BRUTAL! I was MASHING the pedals to maintain 30kmh. We passed the GMart as the rest of the group was pulling out. We figured they'd catch us before the end, but never did, even with us not really making the effort to stay away. Doog and I made a slow-motion effort at the sprint and just sat up.
We all just rolled in together from there. Another 95km and 3 hours and change in the legs. It was really windy today, but 70 and sunny.
After two long days in the sun, I have some nice new tan lines on the arms, legs and bald melon.
We ended with 105km and a 34.5kmh average. The 'meat' of the ride (the middle 80km) yielded 36kmh average, which ain't whistlin' Dixie, considering the hills and the wind.
It was a great ride with alot of familiar faces, some new faces and a couple we haven't seen for a long while. I hope everyone had a good time...I did!
Today we met for the normal Sunday ride. Coco, Doog and I felt like doing some steady effort, so we left the group and rode into Eastover, then across to the Cricket Store. The wind at the end of Bluff was BRUTAL! I was MASHING the pedals to maintain 30kmh. We passed the GMart as the rest of the group was pulling out. We figured they'd catch us before the end, but never did, even with us not really making the effort to stay away. Doog and I made a slow-motion effort at the sprint and just sat up.
We all just rolled in together from there. Another 95km and 3 hours and change in the legs. It was really windy today, but 70 and sunny.
After two long days in the sun, I have some nice new tan lines on the arms, legs and bald melon.
07 February 2009
06 February 2009
Sad day
Big Maggie retiring...
Man, I'm bummed!
Doog and I rode the road bikes in the dark last night. First hand experience tells me that 32 degrees in the sunshine and 32 degrees in the dark are not equal.
See you guys @ CC tomorrow...10am roll out.
Man, I'm bummed!
Doog and I rode the road bikes in the dark last night. First hand experience tells me that 32 degrees in the sunshine and 32 degrees in the dark are not equal.
See you guys @ CC tomorrow...10am roll out.
04 February 2009
HoP
HoP last night. Nothing exciting to report, other than another 20 minute effort at threshold on the cross bike. Oh, and I got chased by some asshole in car, through Cottontown. While I may not be a pro in terms of power or lung capacity, I do have superior handling skills on a bike.
He pulled out in front of me (I had the right of way), so I gave him a hearty 'Hello Neighbor' (haha) and a single finger salute. He, in turn, decided to make the effort to come after me. Well, it didn't work out to well for him. I bunnyhopped two traffic islands, a curb, rode through a front yard, down some steps...and was GONE!
I channeled Fabian Cancellara all the way into the park. I was feeling okay, so the effort got turned down a small bit, but was still enough to really start to sting after the 15' point. The last 5 minutes sucked. Headwind, gravel, fat tires...
Serfas followup...
The brake pads are actually getting BETTER as they have worn in. They will stop you RIGHT NOW, if need be! And they are whisper quiet, even on the old, borderline worn out Ksyriums on the Salsa.
The bibs that JT sent me have become the de facto night ride shorts. The gel pad takes the shock out of hitting the holes that the lights sometimes miss. And yes, it happens that way, usually every ride...
I'll do a review of the Hudz and Kenda Small Block 8 tires next time around...
He pulled out in front of me (I had the right of way), so I gave him a hearty 'Hello Neighbor' (haha) and a single finger salute. He, in turn, decided to make the effort to come after me. Well, it didn't work out to well for him. I bunnyhopped two traffic islands, a curb, rode through a front yard, down some steps...and was GONE!
I channeled Fabian Cancellara all the way into the park. I was feeling okay, so the effort got turned down a small bit, but was still enough to really start to sting after the 15' point. The last 5 minutes sucked. Headwind, gravel, fat tires...
Serfas followup...
The brake pads are actually getting BETTER as they have worn in. They will stop you RIGHT NOW, if need be! And they are whisper quiet, even on the old, borderline worn out Ksyriums on the Salsa.
The bibs that JT sent me have become the de facto night ride shorts. The gel pad takes the shock out of hitting the holes that the lights sometimes miss. And yes, it happens that way, usually every ride...
I'll do a review of the Hudz and Kenda Small Block 8 tires next time around...
02 February 2009
Happy Monday
Saturday- 90 km w/group...didn't make the RoP, as I had other obligations in the afternoon that required my attendance. Felt like crap on the bike, but still spent 80%+ of the ride on the sharp end. My grandmother ripped (literally!) her knee open to the bone last week and had orthopaedic surgery to fix the damage. I can tell you with a large degree of certainty that it is not something to look at before eating lasagna! I needed to go see her though...
Sunday- 100 km w/group. Felt much better, but tired. The pace was quicker than last week, but still subdued. I tried to spend as much time as possible on the front. It was a good ride that brought out faces not seen for a long while. Granted, most of them turned off and went home early, but at least they were out. Are you listening Meat?
As an aside, if you deem it beneath your 'training' to show up for the weekend rides, don't talk about them! Show up or shut up!
Came home and took the MTs outside to play before the SuperBowl started. I'm an old-school Steelers fan, so I'm as happy as a schoolgirl today. I did give my 1975 Steelers SuperBowl Champion can of Iron City Beer a rub before the game though, just for luck. Thankfully, it was a good game, regardless of the outcome.
I will say though, I was horribly disappointed by a few things.
Is it so hard to just SING the national anthem? I mean really! Jennifer Hudson, as talented as she may or may not be, butchered the song. I feel fairly certain that Francis Scott Key didn't sit @ Fort McHenry, watching the Battle of Baltimore, and write it as an R&B song!
And Bruce Springsteen...oy vey...! Could you suck any harder? It's proof that people just don't know music. The only highlight was seeing Silvio from the 'Sopranos' on guitar.
And Matt Millen as an expert commentator? Isn't he the guy the "lead" the Detriot Lions into the hole in which they currently reside? The Lions have had the worst 8 year run in NFL history!!! Yep, he's one to listen to...!
These things notwithstanding, it was a great game...physical, chippy, big plays and a great finish! The commercials were great. I really want a Hyundai Genesis Coupe now, so I guess the marketing worked!
Next Saturday is the Palmetto Velo team ride. Everyone is welcome. 100km through Calhoun County. 10am SHARP from Cycle Center. It's group ride, not a race. Read the RULES!
Peace!
Sunday- 100 km w/group. Felt much better, but tired. The pace was quicker than last week, but still subdued. I tried to spend as much time as possible on the front. It was a good ride that brought out faces not seen for a long while. Granted, most of them turned off and went home early, but at least they were out. Are you listening Meat?
As an aside, if you deem it beneath your 'training' to show up for the weekend rides, don't talk about them! Show up or shut up!
Came home and took the MTs outside to play before the SuperBowl started. I'm an old-school Steelers fan, so I'm as happy as a schoolgirl today. I did give my 1975 Steelers SuperBowl Champion can of Iron City Beer a rub before the game though, just for luck. Thankfully, it was a good game, regardless of the outcome.
I will say though, I was horribly disappointed by a few things.
Is it so hard to just SING the national anthem? I mean really! Jennifer Hudson, as talented as she may or may not be, butchered the song. I feel fairly certain that Francis Scott Key didn't sit @ Fort McHenry, watching the Battle of Baltimore, and write it as an R&B song!
And Bruce Springsteen...oy vey...! Could you suck any harder? It's proof that people just don't know music. The only highlight was seeing Silvio from the 'Sopranos' on guitar.
And Matt Millen as an expert commentator? Isn't he the guy the "lead" the Detriot Lions into the hole in which they currently reside? The Lions have had the worst 8 year run in NFL history!!! Yep, he's one to listen to...!
These things notwithstanding, it was a great game...physical, chippy, big plays and a great finish! The commercials were great. I really want a Hyundai Genesis Coupe now, so I guess the marketing worked!
Next Saturday is the Palmetto Velo team ride. Everyone is welcome. 100km through Calhoun County. 10am SHARP from Cycle Center. It's group ride, not a race. Read the RULES!
Peace!
30 January 2009
READ THIS!!!
Yes, I'm talking to YOU!
Group ride rules
And tomorrow is Mick's last ride in Columbia. He's moving to KC full-time...no more back and forth. If you aren't doing the RoP/RoG, come and and say goodbye to the old boy.
Group ride rules
And tomorrow is Mick's last ride in Columbia. He's moving to KC full-time...no more back and forth. If you aren't doing the RoP/RoG, come and and say goodbye to the old boy.
29 January 2009
Wait...what? or Bacon makes everything better!
My heart hurts looking at this, yet I'm strangely attracted...
28 January 2009
A week of Mondays thus far...
Sweet Baby Jesus...
What the hell is going on this week? I must have a misaligned Chakra, or whatever the hell the non-meat eating hippies call it this week.
Monday was just a crappy day outside and I felt like hammered shit.
Tuesday was a bit better. I rode, but was not motivated at all. I kind of just spun around...well, maybe harder than that, but it definitely wasn't a go fast ride! I was forced to go to Target @ 8 last night since the people were coming to measure for our new cabinets this morning. That was the highlight of my day. I was away from the MTs and there is a lot of ass in Target at night. Are you reading this Doog?
This morning, I took #1 to school and it seems someone painted a large, red bullseye on my truck. Every late-for-work douchebag was out this morning....running red lights, turning in front of me or sliding to a stop behind me at a light. I can avoid the assholes I can see, but I will deliver an epic beating to whomever decides to rear-end me with the boys in the car, and then I will fall on the ground with a back/neck injury. "My neck, my back...my neck and my back..."!
Of course, I'll probably get hit by some immigrant with no insurance...
Here's a tip, if it's 8:58am, and you're supposed to be at work @ 9am...YOU'RE ALREADY FUCKING LATE!!!! Slow down and pay attention! The life you save may be your own!
What the hell is going on this week? I must have a misaligned Chakra, or whatever the hell the non-meat eating hippies call it this week.
Monday was just a crappy day outside and I felt like hammered shit.
Tuesday was a bit better. I rode, but was not motivated at all. I kind of just spun around...well, maybe harder than that, but it definitely wasn't a go fast ride! I was forced to go to Target @ 8 last night since the people were coming to measure for our new cabinets this morning. That was the highlight of my day. I was away from the MTs and there is a lot of ass in Target at night. Are you reading this Doog?
This morning, I took #1 to school and it seems someone painted a large, red bullseye on my truck. Every late-for-work douchebag was out this morning....running red lights, turning in front of me or sliding to a stop behind me at a light. I can avoid the assholes I can see, but I will deliver an epic beating to whomever decides to rear-end me with the boys in the car, and then I will fall on the ground with a back/neck injury. "My neck, my back...my neck and my back..."!
Of course, I'll probably get hit by some immigrant with no insurance...
Here's a tip, if it's 8:58am, and you're supposed to be at work @ 9am...YOU'RE ALREADY FUCKING LATE!!!! Slow down and pay attention! The life you save may be your own!
26 January 2009
Quick hit
Saturday-
85km
2:25 ride time
50 degrees and rain THE ENTIRE RIDE. My clothes weighed @ 12 pounds, my white shoe covers were a very nice shade of grey and I had to take my wheels apart to allow the 4+ ounces of water to escape. Once I quit dropping glasses and solved my wheel issue (always check your QR when swapping wheels!), we had a good, steady, tempo affair! No Meat, No Mula...go figure...! Of course, they would have gotten popped off as soon as we left the Fort anyway.
Sunday-
90km with Il Prof. Felt better than Saturday, but the overcast, 41 degree skies kept everyone home. I was hoping for another ride that forced the tempo a bit. You know what they say, "Wish in one hand..."! I had little motivation to ride, but am glad I did and better for it.
It's supposed to be decent next weekend...Bond is doing the "RoP/RoG" on Saturday. 95 miles of fun...
And speaking of Bond, I had the chance to work on his Madone last night. Whoever built that bike should be banned from the work area of the shop!! EVERY bolt was loose, his Speedplays where about 3 rides from backing themselves out and killing the guy, the cable housings are A)too short and B)not Shimano, and the chain is too short and has a quick link in it! Did I mention it's a Shimano chain? I wonder why it won't shift correctly?
And the Trek 'internal, super-duper, we re-invented the wheel' BB setup is Mickey Mouse at best. It's little more than two MR2437 bearings laid in the frame. All they did was mold the cups into the bottom end of the frame. Big f'in deal! The drive side bearing doesn't even have an external seal on it! Crazy...
85km
2:25 ride time
50 degrees and rain THE ENTIRE RIDE. My clothes weighed @ 12 pounds, my white shoe covers were a very nice shade of grey and I had to take my wheels apart to allow the 4+ ounces of water to escape. Once I quit dropping glasses and solved my wheel issue (always check your QR when swapping wheels!), we had a good, steady, tempo affair! No Meat, No Mula...go figure...! Of course, they would have gotten popped off as soon as we left the Fort anyway.
Sunday-
90km with Il Prof. Felt better than Saturday, but the overcast, 41 degree skies kept everyone home. I was hoping for another ride that forced the tempo a bit. You know what they say, "Wish in one hand..."! I had little motivation to ride, but am glad I did and better for it.
It's supposed to be decent next weekend...Bond is doing the "RoP/RoG" on Saturday. 95 miles of fun...
And speaking of Bond, I had the chance to work on his Madone last night. Whoever built that bike should be banned from the work area of the shop!! EVERY bolt was loose, his Speedplays where about 3 rides from backing themselves out and killing the guy, the cable housings are A)too short and B)not Shimano, and the chain is too short and has a quick link in it! Did I mention it's a Shimano chain? I wonder why it won't shift correctly?
And the Trek 'internal, super-duper, we re-invented the wheel' BB setup is Mickey Mouse at best. It's little more than two MR2437 bearings laid in the frame. All they did was mold the cups into the bottom end of the frame. Big f'in deal! The drive side bearing doesn't even have an external seal on it! Crazy...
23 January 2009
Kinda tired
...and not from riding...
#2 has made the decision that he wants to be an early riser. The latest he's start screeching this week has been 6:15am. It's only 45 minutes sooner than I usually roll out of the rack, but I sleep hard between 5 and 7 in the morning. Oh well, I guess I'll have to watch the re-runs of Jon Stewart in the mornings.
Doog and I rode Tuesday night. HoP loop with a few garages thrown in. It was freaking cold, but bearable. People who complain about the cold here wouldn't know true cold if it bit them in the ass. When you take a deep breath in through your nose and your nostrils stay stuck to your septum...then it's cold. It was more of a screw around loop than anything.
I rode solo last night and it was really nice out. @50 degrees and a nice SW wind. I did the normal HoP loop again, only at a much greater pace. Once I hit the dirt, the pace picked up and stayed high until the end of the trail. The aforementioned SW wind was stiff and gave me a nice headwind for entire length of my interval. A headwind, crushed gravel, and 32c tires make it fun too...
I can tell I pushed harder than usual last night, as my legs are a bit stiff and my knees are sore from pushing a taller gear.
I stomped up Gervais, all the way from the bridge and then cruised through campus, harassing TVH when I passed his house.
I got home in time to see the MTs off to bed...nice!
I'm in the middle of product test as well...Kenda Small Block 8 cross tires...will write it next week. I think the reviews will become a weekly thing. JT is setting me up with some new Serfas stuff and I was given some white Hudz to try on the Dura-Ace shifters.
Saturday- 9am @ the circle
Sunday- 9am @ Outjokin'
#2 has made the decision that he wants to be an early riser. The latest he's start screeching this week has been 6:15am. It's only 45 minutes sooner than I usually roll out of the rack, but I sleep hard between 5 and 7 in the morning. Oh well, I guess I'll have to watch the re-runs of Jon Stewart in the mornings.
Doog and I rode Tuesday night. HoP loop with a few garages thrown in. It was freaking cold, but bearable. People who complain about the cold here wouldn't know true cold if it bit them in the ass. When you take a deep breath in through your nose and your nostrils stay stuck to your septum...then it's cold. It was more of a screw around loop than anything.
I rode solo last night and it was really nice out. @50 degrees and a nice SW wind. I did the normal HoP loop again, only at a much greater pace. Once I hit the dirt, the pace picked up and stayed high until the end of the trail. The aforementioned SW wind was stiff and gave me a nice headwind for entire length of my interval. A headwind, crushed gravel, and 32c tires make it fun too...
I can tell I pushed harder than usual last night, as my legs are a bit stiff and my knees are sore from pushing a taller gear.
I stomped up Gervais, all the way from the bridge and then cruised through campus, harassing TVH when I passed his house.
I got home in time to see the MTs off to bed...nice!
I'm in the middle of product test as well...Kenda Small Block 8 cross tires...will write it next week. I think the reviews will become a weekly thing. JT is setting me up with some new Serfas stuff and I was given some white Hudz to try on the Dura-Ace shifters.
Saturday- 9am @ the circle
Sunday- 9am @ Outjokin'
21 January 2009
Product review time
So, as you may know, the fine folks @ Serfas asked me to review products for them...and I quickly agreed. JT sent me a pair of their new bibshorts and a full set of brake pads for my cross rig.
The pads are a multi-compound affair. They look very nice, both in the package and on the bike. The packaging itself is superior to other brands out there. A product that is the same price, yet in a more attractive package will always sell better! Anyway, I installed the pads according to the directions, which instructs to do so with NO toe-in! Evidently, the multi-compound setup prevents the horrible howling that is often heard from poorly aligned cantilever pads.
After a few rides on them, I can say that they are all they are cracked up to be. Stopping power is superior to Kool-Stop pads and, as advertised, there is absolutely zero noise from the pads under braking. Even in wet, sloppy conditions, they slowed my big ass down with great haste. Big thumbs up for the pads...no negatives!
Now on to the bibs...
Again, Serfas seems to have actually given thought to the design and fit of a product, unlike many clothing companies. Straight out of the package, the first thing I noticed was the quality of construction. The lycra is both a bit heavier and better quality fabric than a lot of other bibs. They also feature flat-lock, double stitching, which is both more comfortable and makes the bibs last a bit longer. This is important when you are washing your bike stuff a couple of times a week.
I've never ridden a gel chamois pad before, so I was a bit leery, but so far so good. The pad is well shaped and fits very comfortably...no pinching or binding of the nether regions. Even though it's gel, it's pretty minimal and doesn't ride up into the crotch or feel like wearing a full diaper (not that I actually know what that feels like!). The silicone leg grippers do a good job of keeping the shorts where they need to be, even with knee warmers under them.
The straps are just about the perfect width, length and shape. They come up perfectly on the abdomen. Some shorts come up too far (Hincapie) and some, not far enough (Castelli). Much like the porridge in that famous story, these are 'just right'! Makes stopping for the 'break naturel' a bit easier, and since I seem to have the bladder capacity of a toddler, this is a bonus.
The inseam of the shorts is a bit shorter than some others, which is fine by me, but may be a point of contention with some folks. I never understood long inseam shorts anyway. If you want to wear knickers, buy knickers! They aren't tri-shorts by any stretch either! Granted, I have really long femurs, so they will probably fit the vast majority of folks who have normal proportions.
Overall, they are VERY true to size. I wear large bibs from most manufacturers and even XLs from a few (euro companies...skinny, musculature of a veal calf Euros....). These fit perfectly.
The only downside, and this is merely a personal observation, is the fact that they are very plain. They are straight-up, old school, black bibs. They do have two, small, reflective logos on the fronts of the thighs, but that's it. I'm sure that a lot of people LIKE simple and plain. I do too! Maybe the addition of an option to choose colored stitching (white/grey/red/etc.) or even simply sublimating the Serfas logo down the thigh panels wouldn't be a bad thing here. Offer them both ways...with logos or without...
My inner fashionista notwithstanding, these are great shorts, regardless of the cost...and they are far, far less than some brands (cough...Assos...Rapha...Pearl...cough). $90 for a pair of really good bibs is a bargain, and that's a word that usually doesn't enter into the conversation when talking about cycling clothing. Oh, and if it matters to you, they are made in the good old US of A!!! Follow the link over there >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> to get to Serfas' site. They make a bunch of stuff!
I've got some other stuff I'm trying out right now...more reviews to follow!
The pads are a multi-compound affair. They look very nice, both in the package and on the bike. The packaging itself is superior to other brands out there. A product that is the same price, yet in a more attractive package will always sell better! Anyway, I installed the pads according to the directions, which instructs to do so with NO toe-in! Evidently, the multi-compound setup prevents the horrible howling that is often heard from poorly aligned cantilever pads.
After a few rides on them, I can say that they are all they are cracked up to be. Stopping power is superior to Kool-Stop pads and, as advertised, there is absolutely zero noise from the pads under braking. Even in wet, sloppy conditions, they slowed my big ass down with great haste. Big thumbs up for the pads...no negatives!
Now on to the bibs...
Again, Serfas seems to have actually given thought to the design and fit of a product, unlike many clothing companies. Straight out of the package, the first thing I noticed was the quality of construction. The lycra is both a bit heavier and better quality fabric than a lot of other bibs. They also feature flat-lock, double stitching, which is both more comfortable and makes the bibs last a bit longer. This is important when you are washing your bike stuff a couple of times a week.
I've never ridden a gel chamois pad before, so I was a bit leery, but so far so good. The pad is well shaped and fits very comfortably...no pinching or binding of the nether regions. Even though it's gel, it's pretty minimal and doesn't ride up into the crotch or feel like wearing a full diaper (not that I actually know what that feels like!). The silicone leg grippers do a good job of keeping the shorts where they need to be, even with knee warmers under them.
The straps are just about the perfect width, length and shape. They come up perfectly on the abdomen. Some shorts come up too far (Hincapie) and some, not far enough (Castelli). Much like the porridge in that famous story, these are 'just right'! Makes stopping for the 'break naturel' a bit easier, and since I seem to have the bladder capacity of a toddler, this is a bonus.
The inseam of the shorts is a bit shorter than some others, which is fine by me, but may be a point of contention with some folks. I never understood long inseam shorts anyway. If you want to wear knickers, buy knickers! They aren't tri-shorts by any stretch either! Granted, I have really long femurs, so they will probably fit the vast majority of folks who have normal proportions.
Overall, they are VERY true to size. I wear large bibs from most manufacturers and even XLs from a few (euro companies...skinny, musculature of a veal calf Euros....). These fit perfectly.
The only downside, and this is merely a personal observation, is the fact that they are very plain. They are straight-up, old school, black bibs. They do have two, small, reflective logos on the fronts of the thighs, but that's it. I'm sure that a lot of people LIKE simple and plain. I do too! Maybe the addition of an option to choose colored stitching (white/grey/red/etc.) or even simply sublimating the Serfas logo down the thigh panels wouldn't be a bad thing here. Offer them both ways...with logos or without...
My inner fashionista notwithstanding, these are great shorts, regardless of the cost...and they are far, far less than some brands (cough...Assos...Rapha...Pearl...cough). $90 for a pair of really good bibs is a bargain, and that's a word that usually doesn't enter into the conversation when talking about cycling clothing. Oh, and if it matters to you, they are made in the good old US of A!!! Follow the link over there >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> to get to Serfas' site. They make a bunch of stuff!
I've got some other stuff I'm trying out right now...more reviews to follow!
19 January 2009
Adios, Amiga....
SoPro is leaving for Tejas tomorrow...and from there, she'll be making her way to Europe to mix it up with the EuroDogs. We may change her nickname to SoEuroPro...
Be safe, kick ass and have fun...
Don't be afraid to call or write if you need anything!
See you in the Fall!
Be safe, kick ass and have fun...
Don't be afraid to call or write if you need anything!
See you in the Fall!
18 January 2009
Saturday
No ride today as it's 38 and raining, and my contract to ride in Europe isn't on the horizon, so I stayed inside and did some much needed bike maintenance.
Yesterday was another story...
We went out @ 1pm in balmy 32 degree weather. It ended up being a PV team ride, +1...SoPro is hard, so she came out too. We meandered out of the Fort, in an effort to warm up a bit, but once we made the turn onto Old Leesburg, it was tempo time. there was no 15 or 20 minutes at SST pace. It was tempo all the way out to Willie Wilson and across 378 to Chaingang. The wind was not in our favor, so it was a nice headwind stretch down into Eastover. I tried to lead SoPro out for the sprint, but ended up leading Coco and Bond to the sign.
We stopped @ the stop in Eastover for all of two minutes and we off again. We rode steady across to Airbase and then Bond went to the front. His coach told him to do a 25' effort @ 330-360 watts...that's not a typo BTW...! We all fell in line behind him and let him pull us to the end. Sitting in wasn't difficult, but I didn't want to interrupt his workout, so we stayed in line until the sprint. I jumped in WAAAAAY too big of a gear and Coco came around me at the end.
Bond, Timberlake and Doog cut across Trotter to get home while the rest of us did the normal Double Homey. We just rode it in and no one bothered to sprint on Shop. It was a damn good ride with a damn good group. There was no complaining or whining or farting around. Everyone took their turn and stayed together.
85km rolled past quickly...2:25 ride time to be exact...
A little violence may be introduced to the program next weekend...
Yesterday was another story...
We went out @ 1pm in balmy 32 degree weather. It ended up being a PV team ride, +1...SoPro is hard, so she came out too. We meandered out of the Fort, in an effort to warm up a bit, but once we made the turn onto Old Leesburg, it was tempo time. there was no 15 or 20 minutes at SST pace. It was tempo all the way out to Willie Wilson and across 378 to Chaingang. The wind was not in our favor, so it was a nice headwind stretch down into Eastover. I tried to lead SoPro out for the sprint, but ended up leading Coco and Bond to the sign.
We stopped @ the stop in Eastover for all of two minutes and we off again. We rode steady across to Airbase and then Bond went to the front. His coach told him to do a 25' effort @ 330-360 watts...that's not a typo BTW...! We all fell in line behind him and let him pull us to the end. Sitting in wasn't difficult, but I didn't want to interrupt his workout, so we stayed in line until the sprint. I jumped in WAAAAAY too big of a gear and Coco came around me at the end.
Bond, Timberlake and Doog cut across Trotter to get home while the rest of us did the normal Double Homey. We just rode it in and no one bothered to sprint on Shop. It was a damn good ride with a damn good group. There was no complaining or whining or farting around. Everyone took their turn and stayed together.
85km rolled past quickly...2:25 ride time to be exact...
A little violence may be introduced to the program next weekend...
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