Geek On

For some reason I am "getting my Geek on". Probably prompted by some home redecorating and minimizing "stuff" in every room. Note the new blog headder -- hope you like it as it speaks more to what we are about. I am dipping a toe into the Web world ever so cautiously and enjoying it. So far I have not f**ked anything up too badly yet.

Last night was spent connecting my new iPod Nano and hanging out. Tonight is Cycling Class -- less impact than Spin but a hard cardio routine -- especially the 2 second jumps! The instructor tends to put on one song and do a session the entire song. I pray she does not put on some long a** Pink Floyd. I'll take the Ramones any day.

Spin On!

Seriously

Okay, January is almost over and the training has taken a back seat. Now, I am not a pro, semi-pro or really much more than an avid rider, but I do have goals to achieve. Slogging Belgian ales and pasta on Friday nights makes for a rough spin class on Saturday...

Goal one: Diet. I have to get back to watching what I consume and consume in moderation. Lose some lbs and increase the PTW ratio.

Goal two: Ride the freakin' bike! Classes are one thing but actually riding is going to be key. Due to work, daylight and a host of other excuses I have not gotten on the bike in a long time now. It felt great when Spenghali and I rode the Captiva Coffee Cruise and that may have been the last saddle time I had. My bike is perfectly tuned now, equipped and ready to do more than collect dust. I sent the team links for a cycling camp in Alabama...? Three guys, bikes, a banjo in the deep south, could be fun.

Goal three: Plan some trips/rides 2 the rescue. I hope to get the word out via our Web sites and beef up our wearables. All the foundations are in place.

Hope to share the year with the team in good riding stead!

See you at the finish.

Bloatesque

Age and meds seemingl go hand in hand (or hand to mouth more accurately). A seeming rash of reflux is plauging the team -- at least two of us have "issues". Nothing like a big white barium swallow turd to curve the appetite. I may never eat a brat again.

Anyway, I think some of the change/lack of reflux meds have effected my power curve. I felt really bloated and slow for the past week -- job stress/requirements have not helped. I am at that point where I know I need to train to feel good, but don't feel quite good enough to train. I hope tomorrow's spin class will break that cycle (no pun intended).

The weather down here has been damp and foggy. No reason not to hit the road and I feel a little guilty not riding while my brothers are relegated to indoor training. February will spell the change I hope where obligations will smooth out and I can return to a normal training routine.

Well, it's finally Friday and a cold Chimay is calling. Thank Heaven for Belgian carbs.

Be safe and spin on.

Long Time No Blog

Hi Team,

It has been a long time since I put up a post. I read a few religiously every day but don't write mine. I will try to be more dedicated now.

It is 2008 and I hope to get some centuries and team rides in. Training should have begun in earnest but work and obligations tend to take a front burner at this stage. I still have the same demons namely PTW ratio -- can't seem to drop that last few lbs. I have had more time on a spin cylce than my bike, but they are quality workouts. Plus I have added in weights/core training. I think the teacher is an ex-columbian drill instructor. Or I am a 4 year old girl -- I struggle at times and end up shaking like Paris Hilton's chihuahua.

So, I know I can do the distances. I know I have the right equipment now (triple conversion complete and working). It is up to time, training and diet.

Team, let me know your goals for 2008 and lets work on them together!

Spin on

Ebayer Beware

Okay, getting to the root of my triple conversion problem...it is a mountain bike crank. Alvelo put on two different triples this morning with no problems. Mine -- problem. After pouring through the Bontrager site, the difference visually is obvious. Might be wrong crank length too. Dammit!

So much for "stealing" a deal on ebay.

Spin on:(

Italian Bike Porno

Lasts night was the launch event of Pinarello in Fort Myers. Wow! Sweet bikes. I wanted to take the catalog home and rub one out -- it's okay, my Mom doesn't read the blog -- I hope. The details, frame shapes and Italian styling were phenominal. The rep compared the build process versus Trek and I almost felt dirty for owning a Trek. Also got some good intel on compact and cassette combos from the shop owners. Italian beer, lasagna and Pinarello -- aside from a $3600+ bike, it is a cheap nite out. I'll have to add one to my Holiday Wish List.

Spinning more than actual riding. Early darkness and obligations have cut that short.

Spin On

Lessons Learned

First, as I predicted in my last entry, I have signed up for weekly torture, er,umm, Spin classes. I have gone a few times now and have a better understanding of what the class is like so I can better manage my efforts. I must say, I have noted some increased power already, even though Daylight Savings has put a crimp in my training routine.

That leads me to the the title, Lessons Learned. When one rides at dusk with a light attached to one's helmet, it is not wise to breath in through your mouth. Bugs are instantly attracted to the bright light on top of your head. Also, clear lens glasses are a must!

Sent off our package to Tyler Hamilton today -- let's see if we get soem acknowledgement and maybe even some support for R2R.

Spin On