Sorry about the delay, I've been wicked busy. My favorite pic is the one of Mike standing up through the cemetary. I think it looks awesome!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
First race and Sunday long ride
Well now that I have done my first race and gained valuable experience, I am looking forward to the rest of the season. The first half of the race went well as I was fighting in the pack for position and sprinting out of the turns with the best of them. As the race went on and the lack of oxygen in my muscles began to affect my stellar first half performance, I fell back on the long start finigh straight. Once I had lost the pack, the head wind, and of course the debilitating lactate acid in my quads, allowed the pack to pull away bit by bit over the last few laps. I magaged to keep pushing as hard as I could and managed to pass two riders who fell off the main pack later in the race. I am looking forward to improving my performances as the season continues.
Now on to today's ride. A nice three hour ride where it snowed and sleeted for at least half of the ride, and I returned home looking like I had just finished mountain biking. Half of the salt and cinders used to defrost the PA roads for the last month were sprayed all over my bike and body. On a cool note I managed to ride for an hour with a group of Cat 2 riders I saw on the ride and asked if I could ride with them for awhile.
Now on to today's ride. A nice three hour ride where it snowed and sleeted for at least half of the ride, and I returned home looking like I had just finished mountain biking. Half of the salt and cinders used to defrost the PA roads for the last month were sprayed all over my bike and body. On a cool note I managed to ride for an hour with a group of Cat 2 riders I saw on the ride and asked if I could ride with them for awhile.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Upgraded from D to A tonight
I finally applied for my A upgrade tonight and got it within five min. of submitting it, pleasent. I'm a little nervous but excited to see if my winter training has paid off at NAVY this weekend. Should be fun...
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Goals:::Fun Event
Yes, I'm lame... I'm the last to post my goals for this year.
Yes, they're lame goals, but they are realistic goals as well.
I'm not going to sugar coat it. I havn't been riding... at all. A deadly mix of procrastination, heavy course load coupled with fact I need strait A's to maintain graduating with Magna (maybe even Summa) Cum Laude honors, and foul weather. No excuses.. I know...
Anyways, I think I've missed my training deadlines to compete in the opening ECCC races. I'm not going to go, waste my money, and embarass myself. I am going to start today and set a goal to be physically ready for the Philly Phlyer.
So here it goes:
1. Ass(ets) in the saddle: I have plenty of movies to get in at least a 45minute spin in the basement nearly every day for a month.
2. Run: Best way to build up the cardio and lose weight. And to train for the Tough Mudder Run...
3. Lift: I will be applying to multiple police agencies in the upcoming months... I need to pass their physical fitness standards.
4. Complete a full ECCC Crit race (Cat D) without getting pulled! (Set your goals low, then you won't be as dissappointed)
5. Make it to the Philly Phlyer, Princeton/Stevens Races, Bucknell, Army, and possibly Dartmouth.
6. Be in shape to compete in the Tough Mudder Race May 2nd.
This brings me to my "Fun Event" Would anyone like to go to do this Tough Mudder Race with me. It looks insanely fun. Tough, but fun. And it would be a break from cycling before Nationals.
Yes, they're lame goals, but they are realistic goals as well.
I'm not going to sugar coat it. I havn't been riding... at all. A deadly mix of procrastination, heavy course load coupled with fact I need strait A's to maintain graduating with Magna (maybe even Summa) Cum Laude honors, and foul weather. No excuses.. I know...
Anyways, I think I've missed my training deadlines to compete in the opening ECCC races. I'm not going to go, waste my money, and embarass myself. I am going to start today and set a goal to be physically ready for the Philly Phlyer.
So here it goes:
1. Ass(ets) in the saddle: I have plenty of movies to get in at least a 45minute spin in the basement nearly every day for a month.
2. Run: Best way to build up the cardio and lose weight. And to train for the Tough Mudder Run...
3. Lift: I will be applying to multiple police agencies in the upcoming months... I need to pass their physical fitness standards.
4. Complete a full ECCC Crit race (Cat D) without getting pulled! (Set your goals low, then you won't be as dissappointed)
5. Make it to the Philly Phlyer, Princeton/Stevens Races, Bucknell, Army, and possibly Dartmouth.
6. Be in shape to compete in the Tough Mudder Race May 2nd.
This brings me to my "Fun Event" Would anyone like to go to do this Tough Mudder Race with me. It looks insanely fun. Tough, but fun. And it would be a break from cycling before Nationals.
7 mile run through trees, water, obstacles, fire, and mud. AND>>>Live Music, Free t-shirt, and (root)Beer afterwards!
I guess I'm making it my ultimate goal. I know I won't do well, but for me, the challenge of getting in enough shape to run a 7 mile race will be a victory all in itself.
Ok. Run outside today and TNR tomorrow (weather pending). LET'S GO!!!Friday, February 12, 2010
Tour of Qatar
I've had way to much fun following the Tour of Qatar over the last week. I've streamed some of the races live or watched parts on youtube. Check out this amazaing sprint by the Liquigas rider Francesco Chicchi on the final stage of the event.
Just advance it to 8:25 into the clip to see the final sprint, crazy stuff!
Just advance it to 8:25 into the clip to see the final sprint, crazy stuff!
the tree and farm race is ON!
Yes, indeed. Saturday, tomorrow, February 13, 2010, marks the inaugural tree and farm race.
For an interactive, more detailed map, click here.
But, of course, the route had to be modified somewhat to accommodate the snow...which means the non-road sections have been eliminated. :-(
Hincapie disapproves...
...but what are you gonna do.
START TIME: 9:30 am, Saturday, February 13, 2010.
START PLACE: Southhampton Township Park. (See map for details. Start location indicated by green dot. Easy access from the freeway--take the Walnut Bottom Road exit. For those interested, I'll probably be rolling from my house around 9:00 am. If you'd rather meet here that's fine.)
For those not interested in the full 54.5 miles, several bailout points back to Shippensburg are available (consult the map for your favorite).
Saturday's gonna be a cold one. Wear your warm gloves!
...
TURN-BY-TURN CUE SHEET
(I suggest copying, pasting, and formatting to your liking...then zip-tying to your top tube or retaining in your back pocket for easy on-the-bike reference. I'll have a few extra day-of, but it'd be better if you printed your own. And please stare at the map a while so as to get a sense of where this thing is going down.)
START at the park.
South on Neil (1.1)
L on Cleversburg (0.2)
L on White House (0.2)
R on Walnut Dale (2.3)
R on Mountain Estates/Strohm (0.4)
R on Chestnut Grove (0.8)
R on Gutshall (1.3)
turns into Furnace Hollow (1.4)
R on Mountain View (1.9)
R on Pine (0.7)
L on Quarry Hill (1.2)
R (still Quarry Hill; 0.4)
L (still Quarry Hill; 0.9)
turns into Springfield (1.0)
R on Big Spring (3.0)
L on Fairfield/533 (2.3)
R on Bulls Head (2.7)
L on Steelstown (0.2)
R on Whiskey Run (3.6)
R on Mountain (0.2)
L on Pine Knob (0.5)
L on Woods (1.0)
R on Mountain (1.1)
L on Oak Bend (1.0)
turns into Gobbler Knob (0.8)
L on Bridgewater (1.7)
R on Gameland (0.7)
R on Mountain (1.1)
L on Zion (1.6)
L on Peebles (1.7)
L on 641 (0.1)
R on Covered Bridge (0.9)
R on E Creek (1.8)
R on 696 (0.2)
L on W Creek (1.6)
L on Burnt Mill (2.1)
L on Maclay's Mill (1.1)
L on Middle Spring (0.5)
cross 696...
turns into Gephart (1.4)
L on Mud Level (1.5)
R on Duncan (1.4)
L on Newville/533 (0.1)
R on Foltz (1.0)
turns into Kline (1.5)
R on Walnut Bottom/174 (1.0)
L on Goodhart (0.9)
L on High (0.6)
FINISH AT MPH SIGN!
For an interactive, more detailed map, click here.But, of course, the route had to be modified somewhat to accommodate the snow...which means the non-road sections have been eliminated. :-(
Hincapie disapproves...
...but what are you gonna do.
START TIME: 9:30 am, Saturday, February 13, 2010.
START PLACE: Southhampton Township Park. (See map for details. Start location indicated by green dot. Easy access from the freeway--take the Walnut Bottom Road exit. For those interested, I'll probably be rolling from my house around 9:00 am. If you'd rather meet here that's fine.)
For those not interested in the full 54.5 miles, several bailout points back to Shippensburg are available (consult the map for your favorite).
Saturday's gonna be a cold one. Wear your warm gloves!
...
TURN-BY-TURN CUE SHEET
(I suggest copying, pasting, and formatting to your liking...then zip-tying to your top tube or retaining in your back pocket for easy on-the-bike reference. I'll have a few extra day-of, but it'd be better if you printed your own. And please stare at the map a while so as to get a sense of where this thing is going down.)
START at the park.
South on Neil (1.1)
L on Cleversburg (0.2)
L on White House (0.2)
R on Walnut Dale (2.3)
R on Mountain Estates/Strohm (0.4)
R on Chestnut Grove (0.8)
R on Gutshall (1.3)
turns into Furnace Hollow (1.4)
R on Mountain View (1.9)
R on Pine (0.7)
L on Quarry Hill (1.2)
R (still Quarry Hill; 0.4)
L (still Quarry Hill; 0.9)
turns into Springfield (1.0)
R on Big Spring (3.0)
L on Fairfield/533 (2.3)
R on Bulls Head (2.7)
L on Steelstown (0.2)
R on Whiskey Run (3.6)
R on Mountain (0.2)
L on Pine Knob (0.5)
L on Woods (1.0)
R on Mountain (1.1)
L on Oak Bend (1.0)
turns into Gobbler Knob (0.8)
L on Bridgewater (1.7)
R on Gameland (0.7)
R on Mountain (1.1)
L on Zion (1.6)
L on Peebles (1.7)
L on 641 (0.1)
R on Covered Bridge (0.9)
R on E Creek (1.8)
R on 696 (0.2)
L on W Creek (1.6)
L on Burnt Mill (2.1)
L on Maclay's Mill (1.1)
L on Middle Spring (0.5)
cross 696...
turns into Gephart (1.4)
L on Mud Level (1.5)
R on Duncan (1.4)
L on Newville/533 (0.1)
R on Foltz (1.0)
turns into Kline (1.5)
R on Walnut Bottom/174 (1.0)
L on Goodhart (0.9)
L on High (0.6)
FINISH AT MPH SIGN!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
It's Official
Well, I got my racing license in the mail so now I am officially psyched to race. I am sure I am not the only one who is ready to get their competition on. Only two and a half weeks until Navy which I am down for participating in. Now if only I could get some training rides in outside instead of on the trainer. On the plus side I am getting in some good upper body workouts shoveling the driveway repeatedly. Even Lance does some upper body conditioning in the off season so I think it will only benefit my cycling performance.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Superb Snow Ride
I did a solid 1hr 45min ride today. I didn't get out the last two days due to the snow and I was in no mood to ride the trainer today. I felt really really good on the second part of the ride putting in some nice efforts. Like normal, I have some cool cell pictures of the roads and my ice covered bike. I'll put those up later today or tomorrow.
I've enjoyed reading everyone's goals and I think some people still need to share---- maybe? Mike, Cody, Kevin?
Go SAINTS!!!
I've enjoyed reading everyone's goals and I think some people still need to share---- maybe? Mike, Cody, Kevin?
Go SAINTS!!!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Only 3 Riders Brave the Snow...
Well, it was a good TNR today. Brad, Chop, and I were the only ones to show up for a snowy ride. Due to time constraints we decided to have a short and pretty hard workout... The goal was the negative split 3 laps, which we did, and was quite fun. Too bad we didn't have a photographer (Jon) to take some snow pics.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
february
If anyone is feeling down, depressed, disinterested, or discontent about the weather (and riding in this weather) I'd like to remind you of this:
Get excited. Spring is coming. And the more you ride now the more you'll enjoy your riding when it's warm.
And you've all got those awesome new jackets to wear. Which is awesome.
Yup. Awesome.
(For those that haven't picked up their jackets yet--Jimmy, Chris T. (who else?)--I've got them in my basement and they're not doing any good there. Come get yours and put it to use!)
Get excited. Spring is coming. And the more you ride now the more you'll enjoy your riding when it's warm.
And you've all got those awesome new jackets to wear. Which is awesome.
Yup. Awesome.
(For those that haven't picked up their jackets yet--Jimmy, Chris T. (who else?)--I've got them in my basement and they're not doing any good there. Come get yours and put it to use!)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
2010 Goals
Ok, here are some goals so Jon and Chop don't feel so alone in revealing their goals to all who read the blog.
1. No DFL's unless there is some sort of mechanical failure.
2. I want to be competitive in each race finishing with the main pack and competing for the win.
3. I want to win at least one race during the season.
4. I want to improve my climbing, tactics, and bike handling skills as I gain experience racing with a group.
5. I want to develop sculpted calves.
6. I want to spot and admire at least one person (preferrably female) who makes wearing spandex an art form.
7. And of course have fun.
1. No DFL's unless there is some sort of mechanical failure.
2. I want to be competitive in each race finishing with the main pack and competing for the win.
3. I want to win at least one race during the season.
4. I want to improve my climbing, tactics, and bike handling skills as I gain experience racing with a group.
5. I want to develop sculpted calves.
6. I want to spot and admire at least one person (preferrably female) who makes wearing spandex an art form.
7. And of course have fun.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Chop's 2010 Goals
So far my training is getting off to a horrific start, but I hope to iron out the wrinkles soon.
- the collegiate season last year was a lot of fun and I am just glad that I have one more opportunity to participate.
- I am probably going to enter the Navy race as a D just to feel out my legs, but I would like to be a competitive C.
- I think that if I can get my shit together I could race with the B's maybe not very competitively but it would still be fun.
- Last year I put in 7,115.3 miles and I am making it a personal goal to beat that milage, but I already have a two month handicap since I have done next to no riding at all so far this year.
- With this internship that I just started and 4-400 level courses I barely have a minute to spare for riding. I work until it is dark so going outside is not even a possibility until the time changes and I have so much freaking work to do that getting on the trainer is proving very difficult. Ill be lucky if I can get 6 hours a week on my bike and that is less than half of what I was doing at this time last year.
- So basically, my current goal is to just try and squeeze as many hours out of my schedule as I can.
- #1 goal is to have a good time and enjoy the thrill of racing while hanging out with good people.
Monday, January 25, 2010
2010 Goals - Please post your own goals now
Collegiate Season-
Be competitive in the A field
Try to get one top 5 finish
Race smart and have better positioning in crits
Qualify for Nationals!
Regular season-
Try to break my fourth place curse and score a podium spot- preferably several times
Compete in at least one stage race
Try a time trial, have to get better at these eventually
Work for someone else to secure them a victory or something close
Be competitive in the A field
Try to get one top 5 finish
Race smart and have better positioning in crits
Qualify for Nationals!
Regular season-
Try to break my fourth place curse and score a podium spot- preferably several times
Compete in at least one stage race
Try a time trial, have to get better at these eventually
Work for someone else to secure them a victory or something close
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Great Saturday Ride
Just a quick picture post right now since I need to shower. I just washed my bike off and ate a 700 calorie stir fry. The ride was sweet with a lot of new guys and the biggest group I can remember for a while now. I took these pictures after we had split up a little but I think Dr. Goates got some of the entire group when we started.
Friday, January 22, 2010
the anatomy of a sprint
I can't sprint worth beans, but that's not for lack of respect for those that can. IMO, one of the coolest things about cycling is the organic snake-like flow of the pelaton as it winds up to a climatic, chaotic bunch finish.
Youtube "sprint finish tour de france" and watch a few clips. It's the areal shots that really move me. Crazy awesome stuff.
From this year's Tour Down Under (going on now). Andre Gripel, putting on a clinic:
For you newbies that haven't yet discovered the addictive joy of following professional bicycle racing, let me introduce you to cyclingnews.com and velonews.com.
You're welcome.
Youtube "sprint finish tour de france" and watch a few clips. It's the areal shots that really move me. Crazy awesome stuff.
From this year's Tour Down Under (going on now). Andre Gripel, putting on a clinic:
For you newbies that haven't yet discovered the addictive joy of following professional bicycle racing, let me introduce you to cyclingnews.com and velonews.com.
You're welcome.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
MLK day riding
Wow. I can't believe I didn't take any pictures.
Yesterday we had a great club ride in couldn't-ask-for-better weather. Eight of us. Six of whom will be racing in Ship colors this spring.
I'm excited. Are you excited?
...
On the tail end of the loop, along Mud Level Road, Kelley and I were privy to some wonderfully picturesque landscapes. With six riders up ahead, every time you'd crest a hill or a little rise we'd see y'all--not in color, just a kind of shadow relief--against the deep blue of the southern January sky.
It was stuff worthy of Graham Watson.
I was moved.
...
Later, before heading home, I spun up the mountain towards Big Flat. It was a treat to see Cody flying down, deep in a tuck. Way to get in the tough bonus miles.
H(ing)TFU.
...
See y'all tonight.
Yesterday we had a great club ride in couldn't-ask-for-better weather. Eight of us. Six of whom will be racing in Ship colors this spring.
I'm excited. Are you excited?
...
On the tail end of the loop, along Mud Level Road, Kelley and I were privy to some wonderfully picturesque landscapes. With six riders up ahead, every time you'd crest a hill or a little rise we'd see y'all--not in color, just a kind of shadow relief--against the deep blue of the southern January sky.
It was stuff worthy of Graham Watson.
I was moved.
...
Later, before heading home, I spun up the mountain towards Big Flat. It was a treat to see Cody flying down, deep in a tuck. Way to get in the tough bonus miles.
H(ing)TFU.
...
See y'all tonight.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
caps!
So I've been super naughty in not getting these hats ordered. A combination of forgetting and not-quite-really-wanting-to-do-it. I'm sure you know the feeling.
Anyway, I'm finally doing it. Woo-hoo.
So, I remember that most of y'all, when asked, choose the traditional "euro-style"cap over the "tech" cap. But unable to commit, I asked for samples. Champion was kind enough to oblige. I'm glad I asked, because now that I've tried both on, the tech cap is clearly superior.
I took some pictures, but I'm not sure how much (about the caps) you'll be able to glean from them. But here goes...
Tech cap:
Perhaps you'll notice the major flaw--and this was true with both caps--is that when you flip up the brim it brings some of the headband with it. You see that white strip... That's pretty lame. But with the traditional cap it was actually painful to do the flipping--just a weird, tight headband design--but with the tech cap it felt fine, it just looks funny.
Euro-style:
I don't know if you can see, but the euro-style cap puffs up all funny...it's one of the most poorly designed cycling caps I've tried on (and I have a lot of these).
But the tech cap is super sweet. The fabric is great (stretchy and breathable--like a jersey). It's more form-fitting over your head. All around better. The only drawback is that it seemed a touch shallower...meaning that the euro-cap came way down atop my ears, whereas the tech cap came almost there. So those of you with deeper heads (lower ears) may prefer the euro-style.
...
So this is the deal. Based on my experience with the two, I'm ordering the tech cap. Unless I hear a strong and sustained desire for the other. You've got like two days to voice your opinion.
I'm ordering about 40 (the minimum is 25). They'll be available to you all at cost and to anyone else at a modest markup. But no one need feel obligated to buy one. What's left over I'll put in In-Gear to sell and will use for giveaways at sponsored races and such.
...
I'm also ordering socks.
I'll order fifty (because that's the minimum). Four inch cuffs (because higher is better). Black w/ red (because euro-white is retarded...though the green sample sock they sent is pretty cool).
Something like this:
(The white checkered part will be black. The white dot thing on the back is the Champion Systems logo, which has to be on there. And now that I'm looking at the picture...probably the toe and heal should be black too. The boat logo--angle corrected, of course--on just one or both sides?)
They'll also be available to club members for cost, everyone else for a modest markup. And I also plan to use these for giveaways. (Getting a $14 check for winning a race would be kind of lame, but a Ship Cycling cap and socks...awesome.)
Anyway, I'm finally doing it. Woo-hoo.
So, I remember that most of y'all, when asked, choose the traditional "euro-style"cap over the "tech" cap. But unable to commit, I asked for samples. Champion was kind enough to oblige. I'm glad I asked, because now that I've tried both on, the tech cap is clearly superior.
I took some pictures, but I'm not sure how much (about the caps) you'll be able to glean from them. But here goes...
Tech cap:
Perhaps you'll notice the major flaw--and this was true with both caps--is that when you flip up the brim it brings some of the headband with it. You see that white strip... That's pretty lame. But with the traditional cap it was actually painful to do the flipping--just a weird, tight headband design--but with the tech cap it felt fine, it just looks funny.
Euro-style:
I don't know if you can see, but the euro-style cap puffs up all funny...it's one of the most poorly designed cycling caps I've tried on (and I have a lot of these).
But the tech cap is super sweet. The fabric is great (stretchy and breathable--like a jersey). It's more form-fitting over your head. All around better. The only drawback is that it seemed a touch shallower...meaning that the euro-cap came way down atop my ears, whereas the tech cap came almost there. So those of you with deeper heads (lower ears) may prefer the euro-style.
...
So this is the deal. Based on my experience with the two, I'm ordering the tech cap. Unless I hear a strong and sustained desire for the other. You've got like two days to voice your opinion.
I'm ordering about 40 (the minimum is 25). They'll be available to you all at cost and to anyone else at a modest markup. But no one need feel obligated to buy one. What's left over I'll put in In-Gear to sell and will use for giveaways at sponsored races and such.
...
I'm also ordering socks.
I'll order fifty (because that's the minimum). Four inch cuffs (because higher is better). Black w/ red (because euro-white is retarded...though the green sample sock they sent is pretty cool).
Something like this:
(The white checkered part will be black. The white dot thing on the back is the Champion Systems logo, which has to be on there. And now that I'm looking at the picture...probably the toe and heal should be black too. The boat logo--angle corrected, of course--on just one or both sides?)
They'll also be available to club members for cost, everyone else for a modest markup. And I also plan to use these for giveaways. (Getting a $14 check for winning a race would be kind of lame, but a Ship Cycling cap and socks...awesome.)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
2010 Long term and short term GOALS
I think everyone should post their goals for the upcoming season. A decent amount of us are racing this year and I think we should all post some goals for the upcoming season. Everyone will have different hopes and expectations but I know it feels good to lay out your goals and be held accountable. I'll be posting my expectations for the 2010 season later tonight and I hope some of you other Ship racers will too. (Cody, Mike, Chop, Conroy, Jimmy, Kevin, Kelley, Pete, etc....)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A few winter riding pictures
I finally got Mike to venture out into the cold.
I've actually been cleaning my bike almost every night to keep it pretty clean and happy.
One cold shot from Johnstown
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
the blog banner
As will be obvious, I changed the blog banner. It seemed out-of-date. But I don't love it (I never did).
Here's the old:
Here's the new:
If anyone would like to come up with something better that'd be swell.
Here's the old:
Here's the new:
If anyone would like to come up with something better that'd be swell.
of coldness and hardening...
When it's oh-so-cold in January, I take some comfort in this:
Yup, January is cold, but February is, on average, five degrees warmer. And March? Well, that's not even in the same ballpark.
...
Y'all got a week and a half left before you're back in classes. Here's an assignment to finish up before you come back to school. Find a copy of The Rider and read it.
Here's a favorite excerpt:
In 1919, Brussels-Amiens was won by a rider who rode the last forty kilometers with a flat tire. Talk about suffering! He arrived at 11:30 at night, with a ninety-minute lead on the only other two riders who finished the race. That day had been like night, trees had whipped back and forth, farmers were blown back into their barns, there were hailstones, bomb craters from the war, crossroads where the gendarmes had run away and riders had to climb onto one another's shoulders to wipe clean the muddied road signs.
Oh, to have been a rider then. Because after the finish all the suffering turns to memories of pleasure, and the greater the suffering, the greater the pleasure. That is Nature's payback to riders for the homage they pay her by suffering. Velvet pillows, safari parks, sunglasses: people have become woolly mice. They still have bodies that can walk for five days and four nights through a desert of snow, without food, but they accept praise for having taken a one-hour bicycle ride. 'Good for you.' Instead of expressing their gratitude for the rain by getting wet, people walk around with umbrellas. Nature is an old lady with few suitors these days, and those who wish to make use of her charms she rewards passionately.
That's why there are riders.
Suffering you need: literature is baloney.
Harden up. Soldier on. This weather will make men of your pansy white flesh.
Yup, January is cold, but February is, on average, five degrees warmer. And March? Well, that's not even in the same ballpark.
...
Y'all got a week and a half left before you're back in classes. Here's an assignment to finish up before you come back to school. Find a copy of The Rider and read it.
Here's a favorite excerpt:
In 1919, Brussels-Amiens was won by a rider who rode the last forty kilometers with a flat tire. Talk about suffering! He arrived at 11:30 at night, with a ninety-minute lead on the only other two riders who finished the race. That day had been like night, trees had whipped back and forth, farmers were blown back into their barns, there were hailstones, bomb craters from the war, crossroads where the gendarmes had run away and riders had to climb onto one another's shoulders to wipe clean the muddied road signs.
Oh, to have been a rider then. Because after the finish all the suffering turns to memories of pleasure, and the greater the suffering, the greater the pleasure. That is Nature's payback to riders for the homage they pay her by suffering. Velvet pillows, safari parks, sunglasses: people have become woolly mice. They still have bodies that can walk for five days and four nights through a desert of snow, without food, but they accept praise for having taken a one-hour bicycle ride. 'Good for you.' Instead of expressing their gratitude for the rain by getting wet, people walk around with umbrellas. Nature is an old lady with few suitors these days, and those who wish to make use of her charms she rewards passionately.
That's why there are riders.
Suffering you need: literature is baloney.
Harden up. Soldier on. This weather will make men of your pansy white flesh.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Cold Riding... the new gear and keeping your "junk" warm
Went for a cold ride today. I avoided going outside the past two days due to the extremely harsh wind and bitter cold. I have some gear and ideas I wanted to share to all...
1. I found awesome gloves from an unlikely source. Home Depot. I have been scouring the internet trying to find a picture of these gloves but have been unsuccessful. They are intended to be used as a work glove, but they are great for riding and don't look like Dr. Goats' manly work gloves. The company is Firm Grip and the gloves are named Blizzard. They are breathable but surprisingly pretty wind proof, have well distributed padding in the palm, the palm itself is tough but soft to the touch, and they have 40 gram Thinsulate insulation. I'm pleased.
2. The Baklava. Today was the first day riding with one. I was always scared before, but it was a great success. I liked the fact you could put it over your nose and mouth for cold descents or move it under you chin to allow for easier breathing. This may sound like a "rookie" find to more experienced riders, but I had to comment. I will be using it more often.
3. Finally. The jUnK. Speaking for us males out there with junk, I never knew how to properly keep the important junk warm during cold rides. Dr. Goates pointed out one could use a small piece of felt between the junk and your spandex. I was thinking about this and decided to try something a little different. I took a (clean) wool sock, cut it just above the heel, and decided to warmly contain my junk inside the sock... all my junk. This is the best illustration I could find that was appropriate, ha ha
1. I found awesome gloves from an unlikely source. Home Depot. I have been scouring the internet trying to find a picture of these gloves but have been unsuccessful. They are intended to be used as a work glove, but they are great for riding and don't look like Dr. Goats' manly work gloves. The company is Firm Grip and the gloves are named Blizzard. They are breathable but surprisingly pretty wind proof, have well distributed padding in the palm, the palm itself is tough but soft to the touch, and they have 40 gram Thinsulate insulation. I'm pleased.
2. The Baklava. Today was the first day riding with one. I was always scared before, but it was a great success. I liked the fact you could put it over your nose and mouth for cold descents or move it under you chin to allow for easier breathing. This may sound like a "rookie" find to more experienced riders, but I had to comment. I will be using it more often.
3. Finally. The jUnK. Speaking for us males out there with junk, I never knew how to properly keep the important junk warm during cold rides. Dr. Goates pointed out one could use a small piece of felt between the junk and your spandex. I was thinking about this and decided to try something a little different. I took a (clean) wool sock, cut it just above the heel, and decided to warmly contain my junk inside the sock... all my junk. This is the best illustration I could find that was appropriate, ha ha
You laugh and my think I am an insane idiot, but it worked really well. Now, on to the physiology. As you know, the junk moves closer to warmth (aka, you) when it is cold. When I put the sock on, it must not have been cold (follow me...). I wouldn't want to prevent anything from moving when I put on the sock so I did a status check 1/2 way through the ride. The junk had moved to an appropriate position, while remaining inside the sock. Success. And it was more comfortable than I originally imagined. I may continue to do this on extremely cold rides, if anyone else tries, let me know how it works out.
That's all, hope everyone is having a good break. Time is running out to ride at home before classes start!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Winter Riding II
http://iupcycling.blogspot.com/ Here you can find some pictures of my ride today. Decided to do some mountain biking for a couple of hours with the cycling president from IUP, good fun.
Check out this video out at 2:20 in - sweet sprint http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C_4C_woYa8
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Winter Riding
My brother has a Cannondale F4 sitting wrapped in the basement and I will admit I'm pretty jealous.
Check these pictures out at velonews-
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
the new kits -- my first thoughts
I got out and rode 1:45 with Kevin and Christopher in my fabulous new kit. Well, part of it. Bibs, leg warmers, and vest...
So far, I'm feeling good about the bibs. I always feel like you need to wear and wash them half a dozen times before you really know what they're going to be like, but so far so good. And I like the "tall" option. I got the medium-tall and it seems to be just the perfect size.
I'll eat a little crow and concede that I'm digging the leg warmers. The fleecey winter fabric is really nice, actually. I wore bibs, leg warmers, and my secret fleece square today in the chilly wind and my legs were comfortably warm. And I totally dig how they sort of turn white-ish where they're being stretched the most. It's a sort of cool effect. Sizing is great. And I also love that there are no annoying ankle zippers.
The arm warmers are a different story, however. I think everyone will agree that the sizing is way off on the arm warmers. Rather unfortunate. My mediums are too big. Mike's smalls are way too big for him. So I'm going to hop on the sewing machine later and take a half inch or so out of mine. I'll let you know how the operation goes. My guess is we may all be doing that.
Few of you ordered a vest, but they're surprisingly nice. Not quite as great as the Hincapie vests (I loved the all-around stretch-ness of the Hincapie fabric, mesh back, and two-way zippers), but still much nicer than other vests I've owned and worn. The vests sport a lightweight wind-proof fabric front and back with a slick Lycra stretch panel on either side. My size small (I ordered size large jerseys, but the sizing is different) fits great. Comfortably snug. Unfortunately, no mesh on the back panel, no two-way zipper, and no rear pockets (though we may be able to order them with pockets, I'd have to check). Y'all may want to consider a vest when we do our reorder (only $40).
I haven't worn my jersey on a ride yet, but my sense is that they are made of a really great high-temperature fabric. In other words, I think the jerseys will seem better and better the hotter it gets outside. Though the collar seems a little weird...I haven't decided yet if that's an issue.
On the design, the more I see it the more I love what Mike and Chop did with the boat logo. Everyone I show loves it. I don't know how long we'll keep the "opposing hulls" design, but I think that whatever the club does in the future the modified boat logo (stripped of its oval) will be a part of it. It just looks really, really good.
I'm anxious to hear your reviews as you get out to ride...
...
FYI, I talked to Atac today and the jackets have not yet shipped. It looks like we won't have them until probably after the new year.
So far, I'm feeling good about the bibs. I always feel like you need to wear and wash them half a dozen times before you really know what they're going to be like, but so far so good. And I like the "tall" option. I got the medium-tall and it seems to be just the perfect size.
I'll eat a little crow and concede that I'm digging the leg warmers. The fleecey winter fabric is really nice, actually. I wore bibs, leg warmers, and my secret fleece square today in the chilly wind and my legs were comfortably warm. And I totally dig how they sort of turn white-ish where they're being stretched the most. It's a sort of cool effect. Sizing is great. And I also love that there are no annoying ankle zippers.
The arm warmers are a different story, however. I think everyone will agree that the sizing is way off on the arm warmers. Rather unfortunate. My mediums are too big. Mike's smalls are way too big for him. So I'm going to hop on the sewing machine later and take a half inch or so out of mine. I'll let you know how the operation goes. My guess is we may all be doing that.
Few of you ordered a vest, but they're surprisingly nice. Not quite as great as the Hincapie vests (I loved the all-around stretch-ness of the Hincapie fabric, mesh back, and two-way zippers), but still much nicer than other vests I've owned and worn. The vests sport a lightweight wind-proof fabric front and back with a slick Lycra stretch panel on either side. My size small (I ordered size large jerseys, but the sizing is different) fits great. Comfortably snug. Unfortunately, no mesh on the back panel, no two-way zipper, and no rear pockets (though we may be able to order them with pockets, I'd have to check). Y'all may want to consider a vest when we do our reorder (only $40).
I haven't worn my jersey on a ride yet, but my sense is that they are made of a really great high-temperature fabric. In other words, I think the jerseys will seem better and better the hotter it gets outside. Though the collar seems a little weird...I haven't decided yet if that's an issue.
On the design, the more I see it the more I love what Mike and Chop did with the boat logo. Everyone I show loves it. I don't know how long we'll keep the "opposing hulls" design, but I think that whatever the club does in the future the modified boat logo (stripped of its oval) will be a part of it. It just looks really, really good.
I'm anxious to hear your reviews as you get out to ride...
...
FYI, I talked to Atac today and the jackets have not yet shipped. It looks like we won't have them until probably after the new year.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Who's the leader of the club that's made for Lance and Me
I took a break from finals studying to research this new Radio Shack team Lance created for 2010
THIS article was interesting, and somewhat expected. Lance doesn't want to be the main rider of his own new team. This raises the question of WHO then??? Leipheimer? What do you think?
more info about the team can be found here...
http://www.teamradioshack.us/category/roster-profiles/
I'm going to have to admit, not a big fan a Trek, but this ride is pretty sweet.
THIS article was interesting, and somewhat expected. Lance doesn't want to be the main rider of his own new team. This raises the question of WHO then??? Leipheimer? What do you think?
more info about the team can be found here...
http://www.teamradioshack.us/category/roster-profiles/
I'm going to have to admit, not a big fan a Trek, but this ride is pretty sweet.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Dr. Goates' twin or acting career?
Does anyone else think this guy from the gamefly commercial on TV looks like Dr. Goates? Heres the commercial from you tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGHEhKo5Ils. I think he might be doing some acting on the side or has a twin brother somewhere.
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