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.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
THE OFFICIAL EURO CYCLIST CODE OF CONDUCT
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.
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.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
What...............
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…………
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…………
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Race Recap - Updated!
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.
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.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Great Scott! .......The Hounds are Upon Us!
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……….
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……….
Monday, February 9, 2009
An open post:
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.
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.
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