Good Touch. Bad Touch.

Before Fitting
Stolen from BRAIN Web Site

Okay, it is probably title blocks like that which cause me to get spammed by German teenage girl porn sites, but I can't help myself. So, that is why I have changed some of the security preferences for those of you who leave replies. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Alternate Title: Normally I Don't Let Men Touch Me...

I went in for a bike fitting yesterday and it was apparently long over due. Bike Route Al took some initial measurements, checked the bike and said "Dude, it's like you are riding a Townie!" Way off. He later likened my riding geometry to a recumbent -- nice. Anyway, I should be in the proper riding position now. Seat raised over an inch, (another) new stem, seat and pedal adjustments. It does feel more comfortable and I hope to test it out tonight on the road. I need to make a little note for the stem reminding me to unlock my elbows -- probably the cause of my hands going numb.

I hope to get back to Spin Class tomorrow and then long over-due yard work. Sunday should be and attempted 65 again, but I need to get back into the office. Plus, the heat of last week kicked my butt and left me weak for the week. I think fewer is better this weekend, then I have two more to go until MM.

I am caught in Medical Records Hell now. Holter test over a week ago and my Doc keeps telling me to call the Cardio Doc and visa-versa. I just want to get some answers -- guess I will spend some quality phone time this morning.

Spin On

Waiting It Out

First, Happy Birthday, Jacamo! Congrats on the Half Century Mark! Many more, my friend.


Venice Back Alley


Venice Grand Canal

The above pics from Venice. Although the day was a bit cool and cloudy, we got in a great gondola ride. Amazing that the city was built on a marsh, supported by over a million (now petrified pilings) and consists of 118 islands with over 430 connecting bridges.

Today was the day I was to get my Holter results. It is of course the day my docs office is closed. So I wait.

Feeling a bit weary today. I upped the weights and added some new machines last night at the gym. Could be the red wine and late night TdF coverage too. I can't bare another Saab commercial. What is worse than a repetitive, repetitive ad? I'm in the business and it is killing me!

Spin On

Troll Booth Keeper

Lots of events this weekend, from July 4th to rides. But the thing that "got my goat" was the Sanibel "Troll" Booth again. I was again flagged down trying to go over the bridge. "She" insisted I use the sidewalk they put in. I told her it was too slow and dangerous to use. "I don't care" was the reply. I insisted (as I used the sidewalk) that the slowdown and position was not safe. "I don't care, complain to the County" was the reply. I stated that I thought it was ridiculous. PING! The magic words "Bikes are taking money away". Aaah, money, the root of all evil. For years -- decades actually, you could ride the bridge at no cost as a cyclist. The new bridge opened less than a year ago. Now a month ago they make us use a slow and dangerous sidewalk to go through the Troll area. I felt like shouting "Same rules, same rights" but realized I would then be subject to the $6 toll. I will be seeking some support and information from the local clubs and shops before contacting the County.

Rides: Friday was a casual neighborhood spin on the 6K. Should have been 24 but I felt lazy and tight after weights Thursday. Saturday I did 24. Felt good despite the heat. I was pretty worried about what the vet would tell us after checking Emily, she had been having a rough week. Fortunately she said she noted no more deterioration and changed from aspirin to Rimadyl. Emily seems be feeling better which, in turn gave me a little more spänk in my legs.

Sunday I set out for 65. I only managed 61+ because it was so f**king hot! I was feeling weak after the last climb home and my HR was climbing slowly. I knew it was more important to cool down then hit the mileage. I needed shade, AC and hydration. I was able to watch the end of Wimbledon, TdF and Olympic trials. It was a TV Tri-fecta!

Spin On

Dr. Holter, I Presume

Above is a picture of Florence overlooking the Arno River. Florence is a beautiful, historic city home to Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Venus. I highly recommend the trip if you can.

Yesterday I went in for my Holter monitor. I didn't really know what to expect (other than I would be getting a shave:). That was the worst part I guess, dry razor, alcohol rub down and an emery board scuffing of the afore mentioned areas. Seven paddles attached and connected to a recorder about the size of a cigarette pack. I asked if I could work out and the nurse was surprised, no one had ever asked that -- mainly because the typically see octogenarians. Anyway, it was not too bad aside from the itching!

Weather did not comply and I did an hour+ on the trainer. It felt good actually, listening to music, dry and reading bad closed-captioning on the news. I ramped it up pretty good, even did a couple sets of jumps just to ensure my Holter got a workout too. Hard not to get it wet with all the sweat -- hope I'm no buying this unit!

The rest of the night was typical, quietish, walking the girls, watching Olympic swim trials. I still get nervous when the competitions starts, a left-over from my seven years of competing I suppose.

All was well until 2:00 a.m. when the smoke alarms went off! There is something that triggers one (dust, moisture, etc) and they all synch to go off together. Why is it always in the dead of the night!? I have to do some investigating into that next. At the least, should give the cardiologist a good read.

Weights tonight, hopefully and some good rides over the 4th.

Happy Independence Day to all and enjoy the start of TdF!

Spin On

The Bike Gods Were Angry...

After my spin class HR issues I was a little anxious about attempting 60 miles on Sunday. I got up and began prepping. I was actually feeling nervous, like I was riding an event. But I felt I had to ride the distance, it needed to be accomplished and act as a turning point before Mountain Mama.

I had spent Saturday afternoon cleaning The Carbon Suppository (Trek 5200) and putting the seat bottle cages -- I knew I would be needing all the access to fluids I could get. So I was ready. I told myself not to over-do, just finish. The temps were going to be 95º plus. Add in the humidity and it had to feel over 100º. Things seemed to be moving along. I managed to slip in behind a giant motor coach at the toll booth and was able to avoid the "sidewalk" set up for bikers. Cool. On the first decent one back bottle pops out. Crap. Off the bike, hike back up the bridge, fetch and secure said bottle. Next bridge a weird rubbing sound starts. I had just gone over the entire bike. Thought it was the front brake. Stop, check it out -- nothing. Continue on. Suddenly it gets worse, way worse. I stop again and could find no problems with the bike and brakes. Then I notice the same offending bottle had slipped down out the cage and was rubbing the tire. Re-secure both bottles and head out again. Next causeway, the other bottle pops out and flies into the middle of the road. Stop, wait for traffic to clear, fetch, re-secure bottle and head out. Again.

At the four-way stop I balance and wait my turn. Unlike the guy in the rented SUV who pulls out and notices me right when I am in front of his grill. No collision. I guess it is Karma repaying me for splitting some pedestrians like an Italian scooter the other day. Of course they had right of way, but they NEVER even looked while crossing the road. Their kid never stopped texting!

As I had hopped (or more professionally "predicted" the headwinds shifted during the course of my ride. I had some good tailwind out, cross on the way back and tailwind at the finish. Sweet. Of course the Ride Gods threw down at me one more time as I was feeling week. I pass some guy, no helmet, ipod, on a balloon tire bike with a white plastic basket. I breeze by him and keep on going. I was fidgeting with my hand position and I note he is right on my tail! He drafts on me for a while. Now that's just insulting -- balloon tires and a basket riding me! That gave me a little more mojo.

I did the complete 60 with decent HR levels. I told myself if it went over 200 and stayed up I would call Nifi and bag the ride, but it was pretty good. Curious about the Holter monitor Wednesday.

Settled in for the afternoon and stayed cool inside.

Spin On

Ups and Downs

Yesterday was hopefully my last day of feeling jet-lagged. I was toast most of the afternoon at work (which is why I am back Saturday playing catch-up!) Anyway, I did have a good ride last night. 18 miles, as per my century training schedule. I didn't rock it too hard, just enough and my HR stayed very comfortable at 170 max and 138 average. I had a spike to 222, but that had to be a false read. Probably some old lady turning on Matlock just when I went by her mobile home (which, by the way,a re prevalent in my neck of town). So I felt good about things, popped a Chimay and chilled out for a while before some tastey Mexican food.

Up Saturday and off to spin class. Warmed up fine, started class and maxed at 240 bpm ( think that is my monitors max). Average was 171...WTF? I feel fine, just not sure what to think.

Tomorrow is a scheduled 60. I am going slow and resting often to beat the heat. Should be 100º + on the road.

Spin On

I'm Cranky

No, not as in Cranky Monkey, the enduro ride this weekend up north. Good luck to Jason and Travis! Hope you ride safe and swiftly and look forward to your reports.

Nope, I'm just cranky -- have been all week. Not sure really why. Could be adjusting to the jet-lag, adjusting to work, or just being maladjusted in general. I am looking forward to some riding and Spin class to level things back out. Work has caused my diet to go to H*ll too. From five course, wine ladened meals to McDonald's on the run throws one's system off.

Next Wednesday I go in for the Holter monitor. I should be able to workout that evening too so they can get accurate readings on what is going on with the rapid heart rate. My chest has felt tight the past couple days but I feel pretty certain it is just the pressure of pending presentations for work. I want to resolve these issues so I can train harder in preparation for Mountain Mama.

Back to Italy for a moment. This is about as close to that Italian frame as I could get.



I was flaberghasted when Nifi gave the frame purchase a green light! One cool wife. She said she understood that it is a dream of mine and now was the time and place to make it happen. To my surprise I did not see a single bike shop. We were of course in ancient cities and downtown areas. Guess I will just have to go back:)