Neither Rich Nor Famous

2010-02-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

Let's see if this works - Damn, and I work in IT.

http://www.youtube.com/user/joeybadcock#p/u/1/7RvME0lCO8w

Okay so I guess it works. Blast from the past indeed. I guess I need to write up a post. The only problem, and this is a problem for "us" also, is that most of what I have to say would alienate me from most of G'ville.

A man could kill from dawn to dusk and still his work would never be done.
-Quote from CSI that I have stolen fair and square-

Cyclocross Diaries

2009-09-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Cross Practice update-

Week one of Cyclocross practice has come and gone and week two is now upon us. The first day of cross practice saw two crossers; your beloved host and one other intrepid soul, as well as one watcher who came just to see what all the ruckus was about (word- bring a bike yo). Hot Hot Hot is the only way to describe it. Friday was day two of the first week of Go Tri Sports Cycling cyclocross practice, this time at the West Side Aquatic Center. Pracitce started with four crossers, a mountain biker and a nice downpour. Ah, good times. The rain did nothing to dampen our spirits and a good time was had by all. A big thanks to all those who came out and decided to brave the heat and rain. Practice is on for both days this week and hopefully the temps will begin to fall again.

The courses could be best described thusly:

Hughes Middle short course - Short punchy climbs, some thick grass, some short but high speed pavement, a short run-up, multiple barriers and little to no rest.

Note: For parking at Hughes on Wed. - Use the first (lower) parking area away from the school.

Westside Long course - Both short and long climbs followed by a brutal run up then a higher speed section, and as always multiple barriers. Half and full course options.

For those of you who are going to Fletcher on Oct. 7th for the last of this season's- Wednesday's Gonna Make You Suffer(fest), this week will be a good chance to get in some last minute practice. Oh, and next Wed.'s practice is canceled but next Friday should be On On!

Cheers- Rob

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Bernard Hinault says- "Attack! It’s necessary to attack. There are not 36 solutions, just attack!"
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CYCLOCROSS PRACTICE

2009-09-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

CYCLOCROSS BABY!
Cold weather is coming and you know what that means - It's time for Cyclocross!

What: Cyclocross - Hup Hup Buttercup! Mountain bikes OK - No bar ends
When\Where: Starting September 21, 2009 Wednesdays -
Short Course - 5:30pm - Hughes Middle School Downtown\Augusta road area
Friday Night Lights - Long Course - 5:30pm - West Side Aquatic Center
Who: Hosted by the Go Tri Sports Cycling Team : Rob Crouch
Why: - Stay in shape through the winter
- Meet fellow cyclists
- Pratice cyclocross techniques and bike handeling
- Get your Hup Hup ON!
Other:
- We'll provide the barriers - you provide the will.
- Camaraderie is first and formost, the more the merrier
- This is practice, very low key, very low budget
- I may change the dates if there are conflicts
- Unless there is a full on boomer, I will hopefully be there
- Emphasis will be on barriers, run-ups, and portaging
- Suggestions are welcome and encouraged
- Beers at Barleys afterword is a possibility

Hup Hup Mother Truckin' Buttercup

2009-09-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hup Hup Indeed!

Cross Happenings-

2009-09-03T13:27:00.001-07:00

First things first, I have been doing exhaustive research on cross bike setup and I have been looking at running a tubeless Hutchinson’s setup. So after thinking carefully about how the Redline felt whilst racing last year I tore the Cannondale down to get some parts to make the setup as close as I wanted to my main road bike. Note to some of you locals, do your own research as no one around here seems to know dick about cross.
First up, ergo bars in, classic bend out. I am not one of those who are a fan of the classic bend and I have found this out the honest way, by riding them. So now I have the cockpit the same as the road rig with all of the same hardware but the setup is slightly different; a 1cm shorter stem, slightly higher hoods on the bars as turning the bars totally screws up the feel of the ergo drop while sprinting and cruising. The bars also ride about a half cm higher in relation to the saddle. The saddle is also a few mm shy of the road setup in relation to the BB. But in all, the setup is very close to the road bike. All of these changes were tested and tweaked to the mm for stability and control.
Next was the wheel setup. I chose the Mavic Aksium for the trial setup due to their bomb proof nature. The first setup was with the Mavic rim strips, Stan’s tape and the Stan’s rim strip, this was a no go and would not seat. The second setup was with the Mavic rim strips, velo rim strips, Stan’s tape and the Stan’s rim strip. I have heard conflicting reports of this setup but wanted to give this a try. The first tire like this seated ok, but I could tell that there might be an issue with the thicker section at the valve stem.
Note: all of this was done with a floor pump, and valve core installed.
The issue with this setup is that the increase in the bed thickness that makes a tubeless tire less likely to burp and easier to seat also inhibits the Stan’s strip from settling under the rim hook. After procuring another roll of the Stan’s yellow tape I removed everything, from the wheel and started fresh and clean. First I used the (narrow) yellow tape to build up only the center section with three plies, cutting each round of the tape at the valve hole a little shorter than the previous one and giving the tape ends a very tiny dab of glue for good measure. This was followed with two rounds of high quality electrical tape, not cut just punctured. At this point things looked very tight and clean with the center section built up nicely and the area around the valve hole not too built up and everything perfectly flat and evenly sealed. After installing the Stan’s strip and carefully pushing and pulling with an old rounded plastic tire lever, per the video on Stan’s site, the rim strip now lay perfectly around the valve hole. Remember that there is a thicker reinforcement area around the valve stem on the Stan’s rim strip, that is why (I believe) the way I did the rim taping will contribute to a safer, stronger tire bead seating area. All of this is more evident with parts in hand. After mounting the tire and giving it a quick pump I knew this was better as the tire took air on the first stroke, no seating issues, no fuss. Everything else was by the book.
Note: I did have a large hole in one tire that was missing a small chunk of rubber that would blow sealant at 45+ psi. I bought a Hutchinson tubeless patch kit but could not get the patch to sick so I just went with the glue, which seems to be just super glue. The glue seems to hold just fine on its own though.

The initial airing of this setup took 50+ psi without sealant and held air pretty well. At around twenty psi you could squeeze and twist the tire with very little air loss. The addition of sealant and the sealing procedure made this setup very tight indeed. I have been riding this setup at around 37 psi rear and 35 psi in the front with zero issues. I have also ridden the tires somewhat lower but the ride is pretty good at the higher setting. My skill level being what it is means that I have not tested very rigorously, but I am working on that.
After two weeks and about 5 rides there are still no issues. I have not done much high stress cornering but the grip level and ride quality is awesome. As my confidence and speed go up the testing will get much more serious and as I have just done my last road race of the year I am getting more focused on having fun on the cross bike. I have also been scouring the city and surrounding areas for practice cross sites and have been working on the flow of my practice course at the Caine-Halter Y. The port o’barriers are in the works and there is a chill in the morning breeze- Cross is Coming!

My oh my, the new Euro X Mag’s are out in the red and white colour combo. They would (will) look nice and tidy on the Redline. Between those brakes and the Dura Ace levers that will be on the next cross bike make-over go-round, this will save me a tick over a half pound.

I guess the TT bike will be the forgotten child for a while.

You know I HATE to do that.

It still belies the question of weather I should do the full monty, with the Dura Ace derailleurs to go with the levers and let the TT bike get the Ultegra stuff. Or stay with durability and leave the DA derailleurs to the TT bike… Hmmmm, decisions decisions.

Cross is coming!

2009-08-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

I can smell it!
**************Post coming soon!

THE EVIL TRAINING PARTNER'S PHRASEBOOK

2009-05-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Stolen from Cozy Behive:

The Evil Training Partner's Phrasebook

How to Translate Cycling's Confusing LanguageBy: Scott Martin (RoadBikeRider.Com) & Me

Cyclists are the biggest sandbags and secret evil trainers around - They'll say anything to soften you up for the kill. Don't let this trashtalking get to you.Study this handy rider's phrasebook to find out what they really mean when they say it.

"I'm out of shape."
Translation: I ride 400 miles a week and haven't missed a day since the Ford Administration. I replace my 11 tooth cog more often that you wash your shorts. My body fat percentage is lower than your mortgage rate.

"I'm not into competition. I'm just riding to stay in shape."
Translation: I will attack until you collapse in the gutter, babbling and whimpering. I will win the line sprint if I have to force you into on-coming traffic. I will crest this hill first if I have to grab your seat post and spray energy drink into your eyes.

"I'm on my beater bike."
Translation: I had this baby custom made in Tuscany using Titanium blessed by the Pope. I took it to a wind tunnel and it disappeared. It weighs less than a breath and cost more than a divorce.

"It's not that hilly."
Translation: This climb lasts longer than a presidential campaign. Be careful on the steep sections or you'll fall over - backward. You have 39x23 low gear? Here's the name of my knee surgeon.

"I rode yesterday, but it was just a charity ride."
Translation: I broke away exactly at the start point, did a 100K time trial like a mad dog, shattered all previous personal bests in the history of the event, then scrambled to the finish alone and went home...

""You're doing great."
Translation: You, lardo, I'd like to get home before midnight. This is what you get for spending the winter watching TV and eating chocolate.

"This is a no-drop ride."
Translation: I'll need an article of your clothing for the search and rescue dogs."It's not that far."Translation: Just bring your passport along."Its all downhill now!"Translation: 4000 feet of climbing later...

"I have a granny gear for the climbs today."
Translation: But I have honed my cadence to exactly 200 RPM so yes, I will be dropping you.

"All I know is to ride hard, I really don't care about weight."
Translation: The bike I'm on is currently 0.2 pounds heavier than the current lightest bike listed on the revered International Lightbikes listings. I have three other custom made all-Boron bikes stashed away in fireproof cabinets in the basement, and all their respective magnesium wheels, front and rear, are so lightweight, they have to be restrained from flying off with weights against the wall.

"I didn't do many races this season."
Translation: Instead, I did 3 double centuries all on aerobars, rode up an down Mt. Washington 4 times a week for 5 months straight, practiced time trialling till I had blood in my eyes, and frequently added a few hundred intervals on weekends as recovery rides.

"We just had a new baby, so I have lots of responsibilities getting in the way of cycling."
Translation: I ride to work and back every day, 50 miles each way so thats 100 miles per day. At night, I put the baby to sleep, help my wife go to sleep beside the baby, then take the bike out to ride all night till the morning. Next month, I plan to start my new book "Confessions of an all night rider." Oops, I'm sorry, did I just slip past your mileage goals for the month in one night?

"Its a great route, the roads are gorgeous and scenic."
Translation: 75% dirt roads with stones as big as your head, creepy houses on both your sides with ugly black barking dogs constantly on watch, two notches through the mountains that are hotspots for landslides any moment, Oh, and you can stop to rest anytime,anywhere but sorry, I'll be riding away since I can't put my training goals on hold for you for 2.5 minutes.

"C'mon , lets do an easy 1 hour spin on the bike path."
Translation: Break the speed limit, forget about brakes and scare the living shit out of poor walkers, runners and skaters on the bike path by whizzing past them at 40+ mph till your legs are numb with pain, you're foaming at the mouth like a snakebite victim, your breathing is worse than an asthmatic episode and there's a fine layer of nasal mucus all over your face.

"I'm not feeling strong today."
Translation: My cruising power output on any ride is way past what you put at red zone anaerobic threshold in your peak form, but I can hold 500 watts only for 40 minutes today as opposed to the usual 41, which could possibly make you cramp and bonk and puke before we even cross the half way point on today's ride.

"I have to take the missus out tonight and I'm not allowed to get too tired, plus I'm allowed only one hour to ride.
"Translation: Quick, what the hell are you waiting for??! Sacrifice yourself and be my lead out train for the entire ride thank you very much.

"Train hard, win easy."
Translation: You train hard, and I win easy.

Of Love and Liniment

2009-04-22T05:02:00.000-07:00

I found out something about myself lately that was rather surprising, at least it was surprising to me. The one thing that truly motivates me to train and ride is my love for the bike. When I say love for the bike I mean cycling in the most general of terms. I mean, I love the history of the sport and all of its eccentricities. I love working on and especially spec’ing and building up quality bikes. I love riding my bike far and wide, fast and slow, in all kinds of terrain and conditions. And I love racing my bikes. Racing is (for now) what I feel is my ultimate expression of my love of cycling. The thought, the planning, the investments of both time and money, all for the love of the sport of bike racing.

Herself and I went down to Charleston for some crit racing over the weekend and we sure did have good time. It was especially nice to feel included and welcome in the “scene” of Upstate racers. A big thanks to all of those we hung out with….Rock on!

Speaking of Liniment…………Who likes liniment, aka leg balm, aka embrocation, BKW – et al. I have to admit I am a sucker for a good balm for the legs, and my legs seem to like it too………If you see me at the races, or around town……..Ask me about it.

THE OFFICIAL EURO CYCLIST CODE OF CONDUCT

2009-03-20T09:20:00.001-07:00

Stolen from the Inter-Web:

THE OFFICIAL EURO CYCLIST CODE OF CONDUCT

********* -THE OFFICIAL EURO CYCLIST CODE OF CONDUCT- ********* Created by Dom Guiver and Mike Flavell 1. Image and style shall be your primary concern. When suffering, one must focus first on maintaining a cool, even composure, and second on performance. Winning races is an added talent, and only counts if said euro cyclist wins with appropriate style. 2. Training is based solely on feel, while racing is to be guided by sensations and instinct. The Euro Cyclist will never accept tried or tested scientific training methods. 3. You shall NEVER, under any circumstances, wear plain black spandex bibs (shorts, regardless of colour are BANNED) or any team kit containing non-prominent Logo's. Shorts will extend 55-60% of the way down the upper leg. IN NO CONDITION shall it extend any further. 4. Legs will be SHAVED year-round. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS. Certain hair removal creams are endorsed only on a case-by-case basis. One shall never show up to a race (large or small) with ANY AMOUNT of stubble visible on legs. 5. A prominent line where your kit ends and where your tan begins is essential to your image. Artificial tanning is BANNED. The tan SHALL reflect the level of training commitment. 6. The Socks must extend no less than 2cm below the main bulge of your calf muscle, and shall never extend further than 1cm past the primary calf muscle bulge. All socks SHALL BE WHITE in colour with prominent logo placement. 7. Cycling shoes must contain at least 80% white! The following exceptions apply… i) Colours combinations such as world cup stripes, or Olympic gold where title has been EARNED. ii) Shoes which are custom-made for specific riders by companies endorsed by this group. These shoes will be accessible to the particular cyclist only, and shall follow the preceding rules. 8. If white cycling shoes are not available where you reside, white booties with prominent logos shall always be worn. When booties are worn, socks should protrude approximately 7 centimetres above the ankle, and shall always protrude at least 1.5cm from any booties worn. 9. Your bike frame must contain 2-4 colours IN ADDITION TO WHITE. All colours are acceptable as long as they combine tastefully. In addition to this, wheel selection must also match frame and fork. 10. You shall race only on Bora’s or Lightweights. Fulcrum Racing One, Corima Aero+ or Zipp (404’s or 202’s) wheelsets are considered stylish enough to be used as training wheels ONLY. Regardless, Ceramic bearings shall be used at all times on both training and race bikes. 11. ALL wheels shall be equipped with tubulars, regardless of your ability in gluing them. 12. Ridiculously stylish eye wear (see endorsed products list) is to be worn at all time without exception. 13. Hair shall be kept neatly short, and matching helmet shall be worn (again with prominent logo placement). Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES shall a clashing helmet colour be worn with your euro kit. 14. In RARE cases, it has been deemed acceptable to have long hair. In this event, hair shall be neatly slicked back in maximum euro-styling, and helmet SHALL NOT be worn. It is IMPERATIVE rule 12 is followed in these special cases. 15. When riding, sans helmet (with short hair), a team issue cycling cap (white in colour), shall be worn. The bill shall remain in the downward position at all times. Cycling cap can be worn forwards or backwards to coincide with specifics of current hairstyle. During spring training, cycling toques WILL be worn at all time in place of caps. 16. Kits will always be freshly washed, and one shall ALWAYS have applied a subtle quantity of eau de toilette (cologne). It is, AT ALL TIMES, FORBIDDEN to ride in an unwashed kit, as it is extremely detrimental to your image. 17. Saddles shall be white in colour only and will be manufactured in Italy or France. Exceptions shall be made in the following cases… i) Saddles containing WorldCup Stripes or Olympic Gold when EARNED ii) Italian Flag colour combo when rider is ITALIAN (born in Italy) 18. Handlebar tape is required to be cork as well as being WHITE IN COLOUR. Bar tape will be kept in pristine white condition. This state shall be achieved either through daily cleansing or frequent replacement. These jobs will NEVER be performed by the cyclist as you must maintain your image. 19. All stems must be a minimum of 120mm and a rise of no higher than -10 degrees. Stems shall be positioned no more than 0.5cm above the top of the headtube. ALL stems shall ALWAYS be oversized, made out of ALUMINUM, and airbrushed in kit/frame colours. 20. A rider will ALWAYS have liniment applied to his legs before appearing in public. 21. Facial hair will be restricted to (at maximum) a goatee, and even this is discouraged. Moustaches, beards, or any combination thereof are EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED in all instances. Stubble is, however, advisable in virtually ALL euro-situations. It is important to note: this DOES NOT apply to the legs! 22. Campagnolo shall be THE ONLY acceptable componentry and is hereby deemed superior to ANY Shimano product in ALL circumstances. You are expected to have nothing less than an ENTIRE campy grouppo. Crank substitutions are NOT permitted. There is a case by case exception for SRAM RED. 23. You shall NEVER, under any circumstances, acknowledge the presence of a cyclist riding a bike costing less than €2000 in a public place. This could be severely detrimental to your image. 24. You shall NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, associate with triathletes. It is FORBIDDEN to have any number inked onto your body before a race. 25. Any physical activity, other than cycling, is STRONGLY FROWNED UPON. This includes any form of running or swimming and their derivatives (this includes walking). The ONLY TWO other sports with a recognized degree of euro are Cross Country skiing, and long track speed skating. 26. MTB gloves are FORBIDDEN in all instances. Cycling gloves will be slick, white (in accordance with kit), and have minimal padding. Padding will be beige or white in colour. Wearing NO GLOVES is entirely acceptable and encouraged. In the case where said euro cyclist is wearing a leader’s jersey, special gloves will be made to match the colour of the jersey while blending the team kit colours simultaneously. 27. In a circumstance where any cyclist (or triathlete) ever displays aggression or disrespect towards you, you are required to ride up uncomfortably close and slap them in the face with your team issue gloves. 28. In the event a motorist disturbs your ride, you shall proceed to ride up beside the car, form a clenched fist and bang the boot of the car while doing your best attempt to sound irritated in Italian. Wild arm/head movements are strongly encouraged to enhance the apparent rage. 29. you shall NEVER rearrange your package while riding. Adjustments regarding seating/hanging comfort are to be done in private in order to preserve image. 30. ABSOLUTELY NO FORM of seatbag, frame pump, mud guard or mirror shall come within 2 meters of your bike. 31. Gearing is restricted to a titanium Campy Record 11-23 cassette with a ABSOLUTE MINIMUM of 42-53 up front. You shall never be seen pedaling at a cadence over 90rpm in case it detracts from your calm/smooth factor. The use of 25t cog is acceptable in special training circumstances. 32. ALL BIKES shall feature personalized nameplates next to your home country’s flag located on the top-tube within 10 cm seat-tube ON ONE SIDE ONLY. 33. Pedals MUST be either Look or Time. No other pedals are to be considered. (as always, ANY form of Shimano product is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN). 34. Coffee is a necessity and as such must be consumed strong (ie. espresso) on a patio in Italy in full kit, it shall be drunk black. Sugar is STRONGLY FROWNED UPON. The only milk present shall appear frothed on top (if at all). 35. All podium shots (pictures) shall be taken while wearing your team kit and appropriately matching casual euro shoes (such as puma's). Socks shall remain within the guidelines above. You are expected to display an appropriate degree of bulge while receiving kisses/trophy. 36. All pre and post-race activity will be conducted under a gazebo (this includes massage, interviews, and looking fantastic) leaving you in reasonable distance of the Euro-sun to top up your enviable tanlines or pose for photo’s. 37. Post-race, you shall be tied to their mobile phone, receiving endless calls from your attractive euro-girlfriend or important ad executives concerning modeling contracts. This will be done under the protection of the post race gazebo. 38. Team bikes will be built up so that they violate the UCI weight limit, in order that weights might be attached to the frame to demonstrate its superiority and lightness. 39. Motivational music during training shall consist of late 90s house or deep-trance hard-style German techno hereby known as 'euro beats'. NO EXCEPTIONS. 40. Naked black ALL CARBON water bottle cages (manufactured by ELITE CAGES) will be used on ALL BIKES. Exceptions include…. i) Special edition 24k gold cages are acceptable in certain cases such as photo shoots, prologues or where colour coordination dictates. Ex. Gold Cage with Olympic Gold/white team kit. 41. Water Bottles shall be referred to solely as "Bidon's" and shall have a volume NOT EXCEEDING 500ml. Bidon's will always be matching of team/kit colours. It is NOT ACCEPTABLE in ANY CIRCUMSTANCE to leave bidon's on bike more than 10 minutes post ride OR while transporting bikes via bike rack. 42. A gold pendant on a very long, thin chain bearing some form of religious icon is STRONGLY recommended for mountain races. 43. While soloing in for a victory, you will ensure your jersey is FULLY ZIPPED and ALLIGNED, so all title sponsors are clearly visible. You shall then smile and flex your arms while pointing skywards. The projection of ones fatigue is EXPLICITLY FORBIDDEN IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. 44. When appearing in a photo spread for sponsor’s products, you have the option of appearing fully nude, in your team kit, or in full Brioni 3 piece suits (nothing else). Smiling is prohibited in these instances. 45. When appearing in documentaries, you must be seen walking around the hotel in your kit at all times. It is also recommended that you constantly be eating something in front of the cameras. 46. When asked "how are you?" while riding you must proceed with one of the following... -Complain about coming off a sickness. - Explain you're peaking for bigger races later in the season - Mention that this is a "recovery ride" -That you are on the tail end of your daily 6 hour training ride 47. If you feel the urge to relieve yourself during a race, you shall gracefully meander to the back of the pack, seat yourself sideways on his saddle, and pee into the sunflowers. It is your duty to ensure that no camera crew catches the act, for it could be detrimental to your image. Under no circumstances shall you dismount from his bike to urinate. 48. When climbing anything with a gradient above 20% and lasting over 8 kilometers, you are required to fully unzip your jersey and let it flutter freely in the wind. 49. When dropping out of a race, you shall avoid the embarrassment of entering the official broomwagon and will instead wait for the team vehicle. When asked the reason for dropping out, you shall cite mechanical problems or oncoming sickness as the reason to avoid any bad speculation in relation to your fitness. 50. If in doubt, the euro cyclist shall mention in an interview that his pollen allergies are acting up, and that he’s not sure that he’ll win the Giro this year. In this situation, remember to note that the sensations are otherwise good, and that eventually you’ll win a beautiful stage. 51. Team-building motivational camps will be held annually in the off-season. These are to place team members in as ridiculous a setting as possible. Photos will be widely reproduced to demonstrate team cohesion. 52. During the pre-race medical checks, star riders of each team are STRONGLY ADVISED to play doctor with each other while shirtless. Photos taken must strive to be as HOMEROTIC AS POSSIBLE. 53. In order to avoid the harsh European winter, you shall: i)flee to the warmer climes of Mallorca/South Africa/Canary Islands/etc. ii)“train the mind, body and soul” with Kreitler brand rollers 54. In the event of a crash, no matter how badly you have injured yourself, you shall proceed to mummify yourself with fishnet gauze. The act of gauzing oneself is looked upon with respect by other Euro Cyclists because it is a statement of commitment and strength of character to continue racing when injured. White Gauze is the norm, but world cup striped gauze and or national colors may be worn on select occasions depending on the rider.

What...............

2009-02-26T13:44:00.000-08:00

What is it?
I have been thinking of some of the things I read about and wondering about what they mean to me, what they mean to others, and if the two are even close.

Class – What is it, do I have it, do you have it? When I see this term bandied about, I can’t help but make comparisons as to what I can see with my own eyes. Half wheelers, those who put their wheel where they shouldn’t, and those who just don’t pay attention to the situations around them. Do they have class just because they are fast? Although class seems to mean the ability to win races, I believe that it extends to other less measurable, less quantifiable standards…………

Flow – Do I have it, am I getting it, can I get it? This one is even more subjective than the first. Last night I felt “flow”. The legs were none too fresh nor strong but they seemed not to care, the attention felt focused, but the movements fluid and the feeling sublime. This, I believe, is what will pay off for me. Time spent on the bike carving turns and balancing on the pedals. Focus on the feel, the flow…………

Race Recap - Updated!

2009-02-24T10:07:00.001-08:00

Saturday Race:

Saturday morning dawned cold and clear, twenty eight degrees was what the thermometer read at seven o’clock, but at least it was not raining. The start line brought together what I thought was an unlikely looking group for a bunch of bike racers. These were the guys that had been training all winter to whip my narrow ass? Bring it……….
The first lap was uneventful enough with only a telltale bobble here and there and my charge seemed to be enjoying him self in the pack. I was, as usual, trying to stay out of trouble and keep an eye on the half-wheelers. The top of golf course hill is its usual bitch and never fails to sift a few fatties out of the pack. Next time around I push it to the limit on the hill and I can barely hang on at the top from the effort. I did not have it in me to look back but at some point in the second lap we lost quite a few riders. Last lap of three, everyone seemed to be really solid and I was kind of hanging back getting a good look at what we had left. My teammate was also at the back, getting pinched out I am sure as everyone was jockeying for position for the upcoming finish line. I was not too concerned as things usually favour the patient, but he seemed to get agitated and was chomping at the bit to get to the front. My team mate was trying very hard to motivate the pack fodder to pick it up or let him through as most seemed to be soft pedaling, saving up I am sure. He cannot find a hole so across the yellow line he goes and everyone starts complaining and here comes the motorbike to relegate him. With the chorus of “DQ, DQ” hanging in the air I see heads lift, a bobble, and then absolute mayhem as riders slam to the ground and into each other, loudly moaning in pain. Given, I am still fairly new to bike racing but I have not seen the like of that yet, disturbing. I manage to avoid the pileup and continue towards the line, still unsure of things. I was content to soft pedal to the line but I feel someone coming in on my wheel so I stand it up a bit to hold my place 9th and my teammate took 13th.

Sunday Race:

Although I am sure people will dispute the details and make comparisons where there are none to be made, I was there. My teammate said he wanted absolution, I sad fine but wait, he said he was going from the gun, I said rock it! Or something along those lines. And so we line up and bang, off he goes. I know Al and I have seen his TT times and that boy can hammer. Behind me I hear “he will never hold that”, at least they hope. I stay towards the front and try to disrupt the chase as best I can. A lucky few go off the front in pursuit, that would be me ordinarily but not today, I have to do my job in the pack. Holy shvazoli it was windy and I was a hurting pretty bad. I sure did get the smack down for not pulling and even got the eff bomb thrown at me. So it is, I think that I did a pretty good job for my first time. I did manage a few feeble pulls on the last lap and as we were catching the race debris, the motor bike pulls up alongside me and I know what that means, a quick look back confirms, we are all that is left, four up front and six chasing. Hammering for the line I put my head down and manage to hang on for another 9th place.

2009-02-23T06:23:00.000-08:00

Race pics, comentary to follow:

Pre-Race, calm before the storm

My teamate putting the hurt on.

Sprinting for the line

Many thanks to my photographer Lynn!

Great Scott! .......The Hounds are Upon Us!

2009-02-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

How the hell did road race season get here so soon? I can only hope that some of the other Cat 5 losers (like me) have had as much fun as I have had this winter. I keep reminding myself of how long this season will be and not to get too caught up in the now of Feb., considering that I also want to do a good cross season. Saturday, all of the fruit or lack thereof will be brought to bear with the Spring Series. I have to say that I am not very ready, as I was still trying to cough up whatever is still in my lungs last night, and there is a lot of it. Tonight’s show will be Tour de Living Room brought to you by pain and suffering. Herself and I are going to be doing beyond threshold intervals…

Workout: 10 min. spin + 5 min step up + 45 min. intervals + 5 min. cool down.
Interval: Twenty second all out max with two min. rest

Let the structured workouts begin……….

An open post:

2009-02-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

In the throes:
So for further clarification, I have pulled the oh so sweet Reynolds DV46C’s off of the Look and replaced them with Shimano’s cheapest (or almost cheapest) set of wheels. This is heartbreaking for me to say the least, although I know that I should just get over it. This bike just looks so bad ass with those wheels on it. Don't you think?

But I know that in the long run I need to run the crap wheels as it will have the two fold benefit of saving the good and true wheels for race day and making my legs work a bit harder to turn the heavier wheels whilst training. They do ride fine though and I look like less of a wanker riding around town. I should count myself lucky to have the dilemma of which bike to put which wheels on, worrying about gear choices and such. Hey, I’m a gear junkie and I have the credit card bills to prove it.

On Love and Labour:
Many of the people that I have told about my recent lack of training have given me that “You’re screwed - you are screwing up” look when I say that I have been “working on the garage”. So let’s clarify- By working I mean that I have completely demolished an interior and an exterior wall of the garage, re-framed them, tied everything together structurally, drilled and screwed into concrete, and framed in for a garage door, which is now in. Talk about hard work! I now have a bike shop with a garage bay!!!
I also ordered the Ultimate Pro Classic bike stand, truing stand attachment, and all the trimmings for my shop………. So very PRO.

On Training:
Yes I have also been sick, but as far as training goes I have really gone my own way. Given the extreme length of our racing season and the burned out state that I have frequently gotten into, I have not been piling on the miles but have been trying to improve my muscular power by doing shorter (2 hour) rides involving a higher degree of power and gaining extra weight that I plan on using as a buffer to burn through as the season progresses.

On Haters:
I changed the style up…….. So let the haters hate and I’ll let the deliciousness pile up! Word.

2009-02-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

The Long Climb Back-
Yesterday I did my first ride in weeks that I would consider “hard”. Herself and I did the weekend right! On Sat. I rode an hour or so solo before we met up at the park to loosen up the legs for Sun. I still felt pretty bad and a bit feverish Sat. night so I made sure that I got my herbs before bedtime. I did manage to get the Look sorted for the crap wheels (sniff) and the BMC’s cassette changed in time for Sundays ride. Lynn has been suffering with an 11-23 and I swapped it out for a 12-25. Between the gear set change and her burgeoning fitness Ol’ Paris never stood a chance as Lynn managed to do the entire “climbing route” in style and with class to spare.

-A big Kick Ass!

Getting Back

2009-02-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

First ride back:
I told Her(self) that this is why she should keep a training log. I was suffering like a dog for no reason (except that “I had been sick”). We went to the park to do some laps, all bundled up, and boy did I feel like a pile of dirty dish rags. Round and around we go and then next thing you know, She is towing my sorry ass around like nobody’s business. Just like I told her a while back, there would come a time when the stars would align and she would stick it too me……..
-And she did!

Revenge of the Nerds:
Lo how the mighty have fallen. I guess that I am getting better as I was able to give a little bit of the business to Herself in night two of the “Living Room Grand Prix”. I setup the trainers in the living room, put my homemade bootleg DVD of euro trash cross on the tele, complete with Flemish commentary, and my Bike Rock soundtrack on the stereo.
-And a good time was had by all.

Where have all the good times gone

2009-01-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

So we are well into the “New Year” and where has my training gone……..In the crapper is where it has gone. For all of my posturing last season about how I was going to get a leg up on this season, I feel like I have done all of nil to prepare for it. Forget about all of the two hour night rides, I still feel like a looser for not doing the tons of base and wicked fast group rides that it seems everyone else is doing. I will have to say that my guitar playing showed some improvement though, at least for a short while.
So what have I accomplished? I demolished and rebuilt a few walls and framed in for a garage door on herself’s garage in anticipation of “the move”. Speaking of which I have been informed that if I don’t make some kind of announcement I may get flogged so here goes.

I am engaged to be married to my darling and betrothed'!!! …aka Herself, aka Slave Driver, Boss Lady, et. al……(Sorry Stu but I could not help but steal that one…….Imitation and flattery and all that jazz)

Back on topic: So after my brief stint as a carpenter I came down with the flu…Joy!
And I have been surly and sedentary ever since. But with the spring series and my eminent public humiliation on the horizon, the time is now to get off my drunken ass and “Get to it” as Aunt Bee would say.

See yah

2009-01-02T10:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New.................yeah yeah...........Whatever.
Just kidding. I'm happy about bringing in the new year and exited about what awesome(ness) it holds. I took Herself up what I like to refer to as the "Climbing route" of Paris Mountain on the first day of the new year. After the first "rise" I was debating the merits of doing the full monty as it were, but then thought , eff it. Nothing like a little suffering (or alot) to start the new year off right.....Right? So up we go and all was well but dropping down the other side was a bear to say the least. The temperature was dropping and we were dropping down the hill for 10 minutes, getting chilled like shrimp on ice, never to recover. I seems like often times when coming back into town after coming down the mountain and following the roads along the river, it just gets colder and colder. We did make it home though, just at dark and no worse for wear, after some hot food, hot chocolate and hot showers. Ahhhhhhhhhh..............

2008-12-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

Whoa - Big time in the old town last night. Me and Herself went on over to the Tri Store (yes, home to the GTSC team of one). I thought that I was feeling good, emphasis on thought, and that I would do the planned workout, no problemo. Guess again slacker.
Planned workout: Spin class + Ole' Paris = one big old can of whup ass.
We did an interval workout on the CompuTrainer by Jamie Church - 55 minutes of get it, with the final interval being 130% of max sustainable power. I kicked it hard for the last one and cooled down and got dressed for part two. I did notice a slight twinge in my knee whilst dressing but thought nothing of it. Ride it off.........right? And good times were had by all. Law....... did I suffer! Two and a half hours on a tuesday night, just like summertime. I have to admit that it does leave me wanting more today. I guess that all of the time off has served it's intended purpose.
Ride on.............

If you ever wanted to see a Cyclocross race : Kansas City Cross Nationals

2008-12-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

2008-12-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

I have undertaken to start up a bike racing division of the Go Tri Sports racing team. To that end I have freshened up the site a bit and included their links and logos as they have graciously allowed me to compete in the GTS livery. The kit Rocks! I guess that it is no secret that I love blue (a proper colour for a bike).
Cheers!

2008-12-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

Blog Update: I never did post a race report about the Greenwood Olympic Triathlon. Nor did I post about any of these other things; my first crit, The Greensboro Omnium, The Greenville Cycling Classic, first (and second) cross race, road riding at night with lights, et al. I should probably just give up on the whole blog thing due to a serious lack of motivation to write about crap that no one gives a rip about. Okay, except maybe two or three people at most. And the good stuff will only alienate me from the rest of the active community in and around these parts. Oh well……… EFF IT!

Greenwood Oly: Hot as a cat in a tin boot. Freakin’ hot……..Oy! Let’s just start by me saying that I can’t run for crap…Okay.............Happy now? Skinny and can’t run……How’s that. But I do have all the gear (well, except for the pair of shoes that I left there). So my race plan was simple, have fun in the swim, ride as hard as possible, and try not to blow anything out during the run. I will have to say that I executed my plan perfectly as I was having so much fun that I got passed by some of the fast girls in the swim. Good transition to the bike and it was game on. I would not say that I was ripping it up or anything but not very many passed me and I passed many….On yer left……… ON YER’ LEFT! Freakin’ triathletes cannot get out of their own way. And on to the run, I just tried to keep a nice steady pace and not overheat too much, hit all the aid stations and took one water to drink and one for the head. It did take most of my age group five miles to catch me. Good times was had.

Lexington Crit: Dark, fast, under the lights and dangerous. I was so freakin nervous! I did remember to bring my trainer and then warmed up too long, resulting in me getting to the line late, just in time to get to the back of the pack and Bang! I really did not know how my bike handling skills would be, but I found out they are just fine. We were cat 5 combined with masters racers so it was full on gas the entire time. I found a good wheel to get on and stayed there the entire time except for the one pull that I took. We were just starting to pick up some of the racers that the masters group had chewed up and spat out and then it was over. Holy crap was it a rush, barreling down the back stretch elbow to elbow, in the dark, at 20 plus mph, eyes straining to see, and then into the lights and hard over into the turns. Up the slight uphill front stretch at ten tenths then keeling hard over, clipping the apex and down the chute to the back stretch, tires chattering and skipping over the rough asphalt. Rock on!

Greenville Cycling Classic: Nothing much to say except that I suck. Oh, and I must not know much about team racing because the guy that won the Cat 5 race (my race) was “helped out” by one of his teammates by strategically getting dropped.

Hendersonville Cross Races: Not only do I suck but I also don’t really know what I am doing. Saturday’s race I just wanted to get the feel for the course and use it as an opener for Sunday’s race.
Saturday: The bike worked great, the tires were hooking up, and I found that I could catch and overtake on the technical sections but a lack of fitness prevented any real movement from the back of the pack. I did what I could and went home.
Sunday: I knew that I would have a little more snap and tried to nail the start, only to see most of the pack hammer away from me in a cloud of dust. Some hard lessons from Saturday about “the wall”, and other parts of the course let me carry more speed and conserve energy. I tried to think and strategize about the race, finding a wheel to stay on, on the long pavement stretch. I also stayed in the big ring and hammered away the entire course, attacking all the up’s and letting the bike roll through the rough stuff. The course started to get a little loose on the last lap and I watched crash after crash unfold in front of me. I even slid my wheel a few times but managed to stay upright and not loose much time. Last lap, last climb, the guy I had planned on attacking (my wheel as it were) got caught up in some fred’s and I hammered around him as he had to unclip both feet. Eyes bleeding after an all out attack, I washed out both wheels in the loose stuff and had to dab. But I thought no way would I get caught, I was all out, all in, and I never looked back. I gave it my all, only to get caught by him in the last 100 meters. I told him “Good Show!”

Side Notes:
1. Please……….If you get beat up by my pathetically tragic skinny ass, do NOT say,
”But I have been sick!” I don’t care if it’s true. Take your beating like I do and get on with it.
2. If I rode your wheel all season, I’m sorry, but again……I suck, and I hope to redeem myself next season.
3. If I say “But I have been sick”………..I really have been sick.

Beers All Round!
Cheers!

2008-06-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

Festival of Flowers Oly

This is (was) my first Olympic distance race and those of you who know me, you know that I have been having a bit of trouble with my feet. The dreaded planar faciatis in one foot and the (idiotic-evil) toe thing in the other. These issues have reduced my run training to pretty much nill. I thought of removing the toe by violent means, but decided to punish the evil toe by racing on it instead. This has seemed to be a very effective means of punishment because the evil toe has been very unhappy (Take That!).

I will update for race info later but for now, here are some pics.

Rob, Phil and Jill

Rob, Clevy and Tate

My former charge and I - ergo, the Bobsey twins

The finish chute. Yes, it is as steep as it looks.

I let (this guy) borrow a wheel. Yes, it's true........... I Rock!

The run start or The road to hell.

Wow. I had such a fantastic time. Thanks to my lovely girlfriend Lynn for being the photographer, masseuse, navigator, head scratcher and bike holder (here, hold this) behind this operation .

More pics and details to follow.

2008-06-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

The Only Thing I Ever Won

Flash back to 1997, when all the world (mine anyway) was ablaze with the fervor of cycling. After having gotten my first real (albeit too large) bike during the summer, I had commenced to training with a purpose. My goal,”Tour Terror”. Tour de Bloom, Tour de’ Paws, The Fabulous Fourth, I was tearing it up as any good poseur should, and I was culminating my season with the Cherokee Foothills Ride for Life metric century.

This ride was in October and as anyone from the upstate knows, our weather can be most unpredictable and we were having a pre-winter cold snap. So the morning of the ride I had my “race proven” breakfast of McDonalds pancakes and had donned my entire PRO race kit which consisted of Pearl mesh summer jersey, shorts and socks. Bear in mind that the temps were in the low 40’s at 8:00 a.m. but hey, it was ON. The Michelin Classic crit was being held the same day so I knew that the field would be soft and besides…………..I had a plan.

The so called "plan” was to line up at the front and launch an all out TT effort off the front and hope no one chased, so when the gun went off, I was on the gas. Kick the tires and light the fires we’re goin racin’ (well not really…but close enough). As it was, no one did chase, but I can just imagine the comments of “what’s up with the skinny dude?” Man, I was just a rippin' it going down the road but within a few miles I began to go hypothermic. But I kept the hammer down trying to build heat, knowing that it would eventually warm up but lord have mercy I was suffering like a dog! Holy human popsicle, I was having a real hard time staying focused, my eyes were watering, and I was starting to shiver uncontrollably, teeth chattering in the breeze, but still nobody was giving chase.

Twenty miles in I was really starting to get my groove on at twenty plus mph. The solo break was working! Then at mile twenty five I encountered a pack, and I mean a large, ten strong pack of wild dogs in the middle of the country. I say, bring it! Snick it into the big ring and drop the hammer! I tell you I was flying at full song, geared out, the pack of dogs howling and chasing except for the lead dog who never made a sound but who was matching my accelerations paw for pedal. I put my head down, kept that big gear a turnin’ and took the sprint with a big two handed victory salute.

At mile thirty five the route intersected with the Pumpkin Town Parade. I kid you not, the route was intertwined for a mile or so with the parade. After assessing the situation for a few minutes I see some other cyclists catching up to the parade, but I also see my chance. There is a Boy Scout troop following the tractors and when they got to me, I filed in with them, into the parade. The other cyclists see me, walking with my bike with the parade so they too enter into the fray. So here we are, the lycra clad wunderkind, in the Pumpkin Town parade, with our bicycles! The scout troupe kindly ask me what I am doing and I tell them I am in a bike race and I continue clickitty clack down the road, the other racers a few feet behind.

We soon reach the dissection point and off I go, with three other riders in tow. All is well as I keep the pace high and I can see that two of them falter every time we hit a hill. As we reach a set of rolleurs, I roll on the gas and the two lessers roll of the back. And then there were two. I discuss the hills with the other rider, Bob is his name, strong guy too. We take turns pulling and he proclaims to be much stronger than most in the hills and over long distances and I think, Vee shall Zee meester Bob. Ten miles to go, nice rolling climbs, my turn at the front and with the patented “look”, I make my move, punching it up the climb and over the top. Bob cannot hang on, not even close. No sir, today is not for you meester Bob, but for me….. I roll across the line……….. First to finish.

Note: At my first (ever) triathlon in 2007, I see this super fit looking dude milling around packet pickup and I am thinking, "I know this guy, but from where", and then it hits me in a flash. "The 1997 Cherokee Foothills Ride for Life"! I walk over to him and introduce myself and say, "Did you do the 1997 Cherokee Foothills Ride for Life? Bob thinks for a moment and with a puzzled look says "Yes I did that ride". I then relate how we met,............. he says that's pretty freaky..............I agree.

Race Rehash: Upstate Cycling Weekend, 4-12-08

2008-04-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

Race Rehash:

Upstate Cycling Weekend race report. Alright, so this was my first ever cycling road race. The weekend consisted of two days of racing, Saturday at Donaldson Center, five laps, 35 miles, and Sunday at Walnut Grove, two laps, 56 miles. For those of you not familiar with Donaldson Center (heretofore known as DC) this is an airport slash industrial complex that hosts the infamous “Donaldson Center Tuesday Night World Championships”, and is a seven mile loop with one hill and lots of wind. Walnut Grove is described as “a 23 mile loop with nine rolling hills”, however when rolling along at 20 plus miles an hour the term rolling translates to “my tongue is rolling out of my head”.

Anyone who knows me (not in the biblical sense) knows that I have a tendency toward nervous excitement and come Saturday morning I was nervous enough to poop my narrow britches. But I did manage a .001 mile warm-up after pinning my number on, and then toed the line with all of the other Cat 5’s. Holy shite, there are some squirrelly dudes in the Cat 5 pack. We (barely) manage the first lap without any crashes and after going up golf course hill for the second time this guy attacks off the front. No one seems concerned (except me) cuz’ I love to chase and BANG, off I go in pursuit. I catch him and we put our heads down and get into a nice (horrid) pace. After half of a lap of all out suffering it begins to rain and we are joined by another rider. We try to work together but by now the chase was on, and after one full lap of being off the front, we are caught. The peloton however, does not come around, they just sit on our wheels. I look over at my guy and say WTF? We just laugh and say Eff it, lets roll. We roll it for another quarter lap or so but I am getting baked like a potato so I pull off and drop in. Last lap, last hill, the pack drops the hammer, drops me, and my compatriot in pain. And even though we got shelled, we slap hands in salute of a job well done, happy that we at least tried to make something happen and not just sit in the whole race. Jolly Good Show! The rest ov’m.....Wankers the lot….Ha.

On to Sunday I say! Actually I did not plan on racing again but after a huge lunch and 2.5 gallons of sweet tea, it was on! After the Tour de’Bikeshop, I settle in at the Tri-Store, as that’s where they hang on to most of my money for me. I stroll up to Sir Randy and declare that I just might possibly have a “friend” that would gladly take those ratty old used 2007 Zipp 303’s (really….07’s……the horror!) off of his hands for him, as a favour to him of course. Sir Randy declares this to be a right and proper gesture and helps me dispose of a rather large chunk of take-home pay that had been such a bother.

Sunday morning, toeing the line with the Cat 5’s and sporting my 303’s, but sans breakaway buddy, shucks. I have decided to find a suitable wheel and see what I can do. Rolling out, I am pleasantly surprised to find that we are cooking along at a medium boil from the get go. As we hit the first climb though, the pace intensifies and I can sense that this is going to be “it” and it is full on afterburners. Gas it, up we go, and off the back goes half of the pack. Hide from that. As two small groups go up the road, we quickly form a chase at the top of the climb. The pace is at my absolute limit but I hang on and take a pull when I can, though they are short. I think that we are at mile ten at this point. As the race rolls on, it is evident that the climbs are going to make or break us, and it seems that every time we hit one of the steeper slopes, a rider gets shelled. After we hit the second lap I try to take a gu but I can only get about ¾ of it down before we hit the next roller. As we start going up, I can feel the intensity getting to me, causing me to have a moment of self doubt when I realize that they are going to drop me if I let up for one second. I knew that if this happened, my race would be over. At that point I just snapped and thought hell no, I am not going to go out like this, I am going to fight until there is nothing left. Dig a little deeper and up we go. The chase group at this point is down to six or seven riders and we continue to shell a rider here and there until there are four of us at three miles to go. Guy number four, who is taking heroic pulls at the front gets dropped on the final climb but manages to bridge backup and it is still four of us. As we hit the final stretch to the line I snap it into my big ring and give a final push to see what’s left. Not very much evidently as I am way over geared and the other three out sprint me to the line.

Official results: 11^th overall

A wicked good time if there ever was one!

Killing Time

2008-04-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

How much time can one kill in a coffee shop? A lot evidently. So a recap of yesterdays race is in order I guess right?...............right!
3 am alarm, four hours sleep, drive 2.5 hrs to race (rain) site, setup transition, put on rain jacket. Nice! Yes, it raining, thunder, etc. Race delay and hilarity ensues. So Phil and I belly up to the Hammer gel bar for a few shots of the sauce (apple cinnamon for me) and we try to make the best of it. This makes warm up kind of iffy with the thunder and lightning and such. In retrospect I think that I should have gotten to the swimming in a big kind of way because I did my patented (pending) choke on the swim. I can't exhale underwater.... WTF! I am sure that it is a combination of factors but still...WTF! On to the bike and I proceed to drop my chain in the first five minutes, which will not get back on no matter how I coax it, calmly dismount, chain on, off I go. I am ripping it pretty good as only one rider passed me. Then on to the run, which was my biggest concern, given that my feet are having a rebellion against me and my new lifestyle. Oddly enough, I set a PR on the run. I know, I know, that is a PR? And yes, for me it is. I'm skinny and slow, sue me. Take home message? I don't know...........Practice? Relax? All of the above. Take it race by race and learn.
Anyway.......A big shout out to all my peeps from Green Vegas and a big congrats to the Bean for another age group win.

Wot's this?

2008-04-27T08:55:00.001-07:00

Well well well...........My first blog ever, after reading like seven million other blogs. What? why a blog? I guess that my performance yesterday at the Langley Pond Triathlon, or lack thereof has sparked my creative juices to begat life in the form of a tri-blog.