Cycling Shorts

Lots of topics today, but lets start with the Decente Team Shorts. Unfortunately they just aren't working for me.Maybe it is the size L instead of a MED but all my other shorts are L. They chaff and irritate even after washing. Sorry boys (you and mine:) but they are going on sale for a good price -- guaranteed no smudgies.

Went out to the Causeway to watch a client run his first 5K. I passed a woman in a wheel chair as she managed to get to the top of the high-span. I was challenged again by the Hill Gods when my back water bottles popped out just before the summit -- almost hitting the wheel chair lady -- and I had to get off collect them. The God's were f*cking with my head not allowing me to make a complete ascent. Anyway, it was fine, not as bad as most MM climbs but a climb none the less.

I parked and watched the 1000+ runners. It was strangely emotional. Maybe it was the kinship of competition, the desire of these moms, jewelers, lawyers and plain folk to challenge themselves. Watching their faces, seeing the mix of pain and glory in their eyes as they neared the finish. Listening to their labored breaths. It was memorable. Congrats to Dan on a good, strong finish. Also to the young lady who must have had MS but ran. And the older lady who was stumbling to the end but made it across the line. File under "Can Do"

Rode 18, 22, and 55 this weekend. Did the 55 in 3:29 at an average of 15.7 mph. I think that ride was a lot like what Seagull will be like. Windy (20+ gusts), rolling with some climbs. Not sure about the new saddle. My ass felt like a virgin prisoner's after 30 or so. I'm going to try one more time with different shorts. Felt like a good ride but I was hard pressed to imagine doubling that right now. Must -- train -- more...

AC crapped out so I spent the afternoon inside, shaded and watched various sporting events until they got it fixed.

Hope all is well for the rest of my Team R2R comrades.

Back to work!

Another Tooth In The Cog

Happy Birthday to our BiS Bob who adds another tooth to the chain-ring tomorrow! I hope your year is full of hope, promise and rides.

At the risk of sounding maudlin, here are some perspectives from a Sage a few years older. I'm sure you can count a blessing for every tooth on that gear each day you wake up. First -- you woke up!!, second is family, then friends, then a job and so on and so on. You get the point. I have a tendency of not realizing that I have achieved my goals. I have to stop, look back to see that I have, just not exactly as I had expected. 40 is a good time to do that. You are at a "looking forward" point, a place to set new goals and relish in your past achievements. Old enough to know better, but not everything.

Spin-on and I'll see you at the finish, my friend.

Brotherly Advice

Hi Guys,

In talking to my bike shop "counselor" today he recommended changing to a 10 speed cassette since I am making the other changes. Looking around on ebay I found tons but many in differerent configurations 12-27 to 11-23, etc. Do you have any advice, knowledge on the subject?

Hotter 'n hell here today. Planning a long ride tomorrow.

My best

Details

Thanks for calling in and letting me enjoy some phone "Bike Porn" I appreciate the thought.

I have included a pic of the BiS logo modifications, we can all collaborate as we move forward.

Thinking of the Seagull, we should start planning meals and Belgian beverages. I have some swag I am working on and I'll stay on the jersey company to make sure we have Team R2R looking good.

Enjoy!

Recovery Drink(ing)

Went for a good "hills" ride last night 21.5/1:16. Hills here means a high gear balls-out (sorry Meegan) sprint for a couple miles at a stretch. Felt good despite the windier than normal conditions we have had lately.

My apré ride drink was a FRStini. That's a shot of Vox vodka with a splash of FRS to taste. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy your recovery:)

Thanks BiS for the ride report -- good for you guys, wish I could help keep the pace line going. I agree on the logo idea, I have been wanting to update it and the site but stealing time has been difficult. Got my "Team Shorts" yesterday -- nice, especially the baboon ass chamois. Jersey's should be here in about 3 weeks.

Keep on crankin'

Coffee Break

As I sit at my desk sipping hours old Folders Drip Grind, I hope my BiS team members will think of and toast us shakled to the office with a good coffee (or Belgian ale) after riding the NC coast. Enjoy the beverages, the riding and the time away from the cubicle.

See you at the finish.

Dogs In Heat

Training in the high temps is taking it's toll. I trained inside hard on Friday, 16/:52. It made the Saturday morning ride more like a recovery day. The heat and humidity were inching up with every mile. Add to that some yard work and outdoor chores it was obvious that the distance ride for Sunday was going to get called off. Instead I took the time to clean bikes, prepare suppliments and nutrition, sleep and stay cool. I read an article in Road Bike Weekly that said it takes 6 to 8 weeks to recover from heat exaustion. Maybe I never quite hit that point, but I never quite escape it either.

I am a "Master-Bidder" now. Thanks to some savvy bidding techniques on Ebay I have scored a carbon triple and triple front deraileur. I am waiting to see what Trek will do for the warranty work -- hopefully I can get some relief on triple shifters.

Hope all are well and your training efforts for Seagull are coming along. I will keep you posted on jerseys. KPS is all over shorts (not white).

Keep on spinnin'