tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47996909615639759352024-03-12T22:57:13.655-04:00An American Jackass in BelgiumI'm taking an epic journey to Belgium to watch the best Spring Classics in person...
Some friends put together the trip.
@10 of us in total.
Going to be INSANE.The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-27726127624188243662010-01-11T10:48:00.001-05:002010-01-11T11:08:59.942-05:00Taking a Break?<a href="http://eightplustwo.com/2010/01/07/oops/">I think I’m going to take a little break from this thing. That may upset some (all 3 of you) people but I need to. Been going at this for a while and over the course of 1+ years I’m not even really sure what this blog is about any more or what direction its going in. I need to step back and figure that out.<br />This thing started with me blogging about a job I hated and trying to train and race at the same time. Somewhere along the way it morphed into the DB police and such. Its funny, and I like to be funny…but I’m really not a bitter dude. I love this sport. And I’m not that negative in real life. Besides there’s changes (in CYCLING) on the horizon so maybe this will turn into a different vehicle. We’ll see.</a>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-89835487176661356382009-12-02T16:51:00.005-05:002009-12-02T17:19:41.255-05:00Holiday Boozin'<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sxbn3IMbC7I/AAAAAAAAATA/wOptPKNcT-I/s1600-h/makers-750mlBottle.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 81px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410766936610638770" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sxbn3IMbC7I/AAAAAAAAATA/wOptPKNcT-I/s200/makers-750mlBottle.jpg" /></a> So if you're like me, you may tip a few over the holiday season (OSU-Michigan game thru New Year's Day thru the College Bowls thru NFL Playoffs thru March Madness).<br />I was wondering how many calories *someone* would be consuming in adult beverages.<br />The math I used:<br />2 drinks per hour on a day with family/friends/football games.<br />So how many calories over the end of Nov thru New Year's Day?<br />Light estimates show 21,146 if one drank High Life Light.<br />Light estimates show 14,560 if one drank 45 proof Bourbon (Maker's Mark, of course).<br />I did an excel spreadsheet...Really.<br />Whiskey over Beer yields about a 7,000 calorie savings. If you've ever seen *someone* drink whiskey, it usually isn't pretty. Could lead to violence, theft, arson, divorce, etc.<br />Wonder how fast *someone* would be without these extra calories.<br />I care not to find out...But if you want to find out how many calories are in your fav bev <a href="http://www.calorieking.com/foods/calories-in-coolers-cocktails-shooters_c-Y2lkPTEwMg.html">check this out</a>. It even has mixed drinks.<br /><a href="http://www.beer100.com/beercalories.htm">Here's the beer one.</a><br />Happy Holidays. Drive safe.The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-6373585221463464292009-11-21T09:13:00.002-05:002009-11-21T09:14:44.911-05:00LoF.com promo videoCreated by Brad Ford:<br />President and CEO of lionofflanders.com has a conversation with bike-style-guy: Cush<br /><object width="480" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.xtranormal.com/site_media/players/jwplayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="flashvars"value="height=390&width=480&file=http://newvideos.xtranormal.com/standard/f7966c1a-d445-11de-9213-003048d69c21_2_standard_medium-flv.flv&image=http://newvideos.xtranormal.com/standard/f7966c1a-d445-11de-9213-003048d69c21_2_standard_poster.jpg&link=http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5693381&searchbar=false&autostart=false"/><embed src="http://www.xtranormal.com/site_media/players/jwplayer.swf" width="480" height="390" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=390&width=480&file=http://newvideos.xtranormal.com/standard/f7966c1a-d445-11de-9213-003048d69c21_2_standard_medium-flv.flv&image=http://newvideos.xtranormal.com/standard/f7966c1a-d445-11de-9213-003048d69c21_2_standard_poster.jpg&link=http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5693381&searchbar=false&autostart=false"></embed></object><object width="480" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.xtranormal.com/site_media/players/embedded-xnl-stats.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.xtranormal.com/site_media/players/embedded-xnl-stats.swf" width="1" height="1" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-36005174869966931502009-11-05T08:31:00.001-05:002009-11-05T08:32:25.059-05:00Cool Video on Nittany Cross<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AB3h9fyrGSI&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AB3h9fyrGSI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-32326645609556974622009-11-04T08:41:00.002-05:002009-11-04T08:44:26.476-05:00Why Cyclocross?<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pkOhzvv-4vA&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pkOhzvv-4vA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />So here is a video trailer from the movie "Pure Sweet Hell". One perspective on cyclocross.<br />It plays on the "spiritual" side of the sport...More realistically, it's just fun and for those of us who thrive on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">competing</span> in everything we do, it satisfies...The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-72367390804338575892009-10-29T09:58:00.007-04:002009-10-29T10:22:04.223-04:00Lots of stuff<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SumlAR2usCI/AAAAAAAAASY/rkA3KGGZi4g/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SumlAR2usCI/AAAAAAAAASY/rkA3KGGZi4g/s400/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398027052591788066" /></a><br />So I haven't posted in a while...I'm sure both of my followers have been disappointed.<br />Lot going on here at Jackass in Bel HQ.<br />First, my business venture, <a href="http://lionofflanders.com">LionofFlanders.com</a> is coming along. We have a small assortment of LoF items essential for all your LoF needs.<br />We aren't up and running online yet, but it looks like in the next week or two. I may have to place a second sock order as the white are almost gone. The clothing should be trickling in soon.<br />The bmschneX project began sometime in September and has taken form. The track itself is 90% complete. I just need to tweak some burms, etc. Or just leave it alone and everyone can harden the fu@k up...<br />We had a trial run on Sunday which involved High Life, PBR, Spaten Octoberfest, Hoegaarden, Chili, Hot Dogs, Buffalo dip, Fire, bikes on fire, a bmschneX Madison, among other things. One rider even did a stunt over the first berm. I think it's called a superman or something.<br />Other than that, just racing B Masters Cross races. Seem to fit my fitness right now.<br />FSX is in full swing. 70+ riders last week!!! This thing truly was the coolest cross race ever...It's still fun but is moving in the competitive direction. I'm doing my best to stop that.<br />New Bikes in my arsenel:<br />A dirt jumper from Jamis<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SumiXEpNX4I/AAAAAAAAAR4/YIkvrfEXg_c/s1600-h/Jamis_Kromo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SumiXEpNX4I/AAAAAAAAAR4/YIkvrfEXg_c/s320/Jamis_Kromo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398024145647525762" /></a><br />A Niner (not mine shown but close) trimmed with pink and white accents. It glows in the dark. I want to be more like Cush. Thanks for the *loaner* Cush!!!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SumigaQhqiI/AAAAAAAAASA/9CjymzXsr_g/s1600-h/niner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SumigaQhqiI/AAAAAAAAASA/9CjymzXsr_g/s320/niner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398024306068400674" /></a><br />And to all of you concerned folks, my Ridley I ordered in May will be here in 3 weeks...I'm not holding my breath.<br />Hope everyone is riding lots. Do it now. The snow is approaching.The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-68735002650545148792009-09-25T13:22:00.002-04:002009-09-25T13:32:27.321-04:00One down<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Srz-gC3OMPI/AAAAAAAAARw/blTs46C7ePY/s1600-h/cx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Srz-gC3OMPI/AAAAAAAAARw/blTs46C7ePY/s400/cx.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385459080906027250" /></a><br />Did my first cross race last weekend.<br />Nittany Cross at the Velo.<br />Great turnout.<br />Good course.<br />Great fun.<br />Most of the fun, however, was the day before at setup.<br />About 10 of us set out with steaks, caution tape, etc and Taus didn't have the class to get us beer?<br />I now understand why.<br />Our productivity went from about 95 to a 5 in a matter of 54 camo cans.<br />Bobby and I proudly led the charge.<br />Many others put in solid performances: Gui, Bowman, etc.<br />When Yozell saw us approaching with a stolen roller cooler he said "there goes my crew"...How right he was. He did win the 35+ race the next day and headed south to Baltimore to Charm City to roll those Bit@hes as well. All wearing LionofFlanders.com socks, mind you.<br />Racing Whrilibird CX this weekend.<br />Check out this promo video...Nice:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XZDNZySp940&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XZDNZySp940&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-13714511961116322452009-09-14T08:41:00.003-04:002009-09-14T11:43:51.327-04:00Cross Over<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sq5j9PzM5uI/AAAAAAAAARo/8tOzTlTidCk/s1600-h/cross.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sq5j9PzM5uI/AAAAAAAAARo/8tOzTlTidCk/s400/cross.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381348508618778338" /></a><br /><br />This weekend will mark the beginning of the long anticipated cross season in the Mid Atlantic.<br />The MAC Series is one of the best in the US and I'm stoked to be racing cross again.<br />It kicks off with the <a href="http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=7485">Nittany Lion Cross</a> at the Velodrome.<br />I'm pretty fried right now. A full season of racing track Tuesday and Fridays with some road racing mixed in has taken its toll.<br />That's why cross is fun. Laid back, you go as hard as you want.<br />I really don't care about the result. Quite frankly, in all the bike racing I do, I really don't care about the result.<br />Having fun is paramount.<br />The weather should be ideal. Belgian conditions: Sunny and 60s at the start. I'm gonna race the 35+ B. May also mix in the 35+ A race as well. Depends on how I feel and how many beers I have before, during, and after my race.<br />I expect the whole Fifth St. Cross crew to be out in force. Maybe even Svatek and Rich?<br />Bring a cowbell and some cans of $hitty beer and cheer for your favorite bike racer. Or just heckle them. Maybe Rusty will make an appearance? Or maybe he just quit.The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-7843549169524961232009-08-23T13:55:00.003-04:002009-08-23T15:12:13.612-04:00Derny Times<p align="left"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lnJEOABfMfk&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lnJEOABfMfk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-size:78%;color:#999999;"><em>I see myself on the infield of this thing for sure...</em></span><br />So my Kiwi mate, James, refers to the Derby as the "Derny". I can see how that mistake is made: we follow hammerheads on the front as if they were motorized...<br />That's all the real riding I've been doing of late.<br />Last Tuesday was rained out at the track.<br />The Wednesday "Derny" was one of the hardest ones on record. 30+mph up Topton.<br />I think about 15 of us made it over the rollers and about 5 of us sprinted the thing.<br />Sunday Derby was fun.<br />Rode from my house to SMC and en route got a front flat on my tubeless setup. 1st flat since putting these things on and the first one of 2009. Not bad.<br />Made it to SMC and then it blew out when I cranked up the air pressure. Taylor, Cush, B. Ford all contributed to a quick change.<br />Rolled to the Derby from there...About 80 people, give or take.<br />Torch took off from about 2k into the way out. I just don't get it.<br />Medium pace all the way. Nothing to hard. Fun.<br />Rolled home with Bobby Lea and Kyle Wamsley. They were heading out for another 2.<br />Madison cup is Friday. Likely the hardest thing I will have ever done on two wheels.<br />In motorpacing on Friday, my partner, Randy "The Eagle" ripped my wedding band clean off. I didn't even know until Bobby asked me if I had it on as he thought he heard and saw it bouncing in turn 2. Found it.<br />I've lost one wedding band in about 10 years. Don't want to make it 2. Especially explaining "I was holding this guys hand and he was really rippin' it, I came in too slow and he pulled the ring right off..."<br />Speaking of Dernys, I have a sweet line on one. Motorpacing anyone?<em></em><br /></p><br />Wamsley turned me on to this one:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dhqWwbtul_o&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dhqWwbtul_o&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-5392700824694683882009-08-11T22:35:00.002-04:002009-08-11T22:36:20.763-04:00PerformanceMy buddy sent this to me and asked if this was me...I must say, it does look a bit like me.<br />Good stuff...<br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vn29DvMITu4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vn29DvMITu4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-88302373395888400742009-08-06T09:42:00.004-04:002009-08-06T09:56:13.236-04:00Tour is over. What now?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Snrg8dZOhjI/AAAAAAAAARg/6ALD--LHiz0/s1600-h/moustache.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 97px; height: 130px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Snrg8dZOhjI/AAAAAAAAARg/6ALD--LHiz0/s400/moustache.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366849235252577842" /></a><br />The Tour is over. What will I do now to pass the "cycling time"?<br />The Vuelta? Nah. Booooooring. Even the scenery sucks.<br />Worlds? Maybe. Coverage is poor, however.<br />Track Cycling? Losing it's momentum. Getting late in the season and that buzz in the infield seems to be gone. Only 3 Fridays and 5 Tuesdays left.<br />College Football? Sure. That starts at the end of August. Some good early season games. Who to watch this year: Penn State, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, USC. Oh, and some team in Columbus. Upset: LSU at home over Florida. Florida will come in a 3 point favorite. Bet this game.<br />Cross? You know it!!! Just ordered some Challenge Tubies and need to retool the Pinarello to get it ready to rock.<br />Intend on racing the 35+ scene. Definitely the most competitive cross category outside the Elites.<br />5th St. Cross is no more...Oh well. All good things must end.<br />Thinking of building a Pump/BMX/MotoX track in my yard:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fofuwA2iOfE&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fofuwA2iOfE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />My wife thinks this, like all my ideas, is another great one!!!<br />For those of you asking, the new Ridley should be here in September...Hopefully.The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-13092101975659670972009-07-23T08:21:00.005-04:002009-07-23T09:11:08.945-04:00I was wrong<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SmhYYmhuhHI/AAAAAAAAARM/lK3IukHdTSU/s1600-h/thor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SmhYYmhuhHI/AAAAAAAAARM/lK3IukHdTSU/s320/thor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361632536066688114" /></a><br /><br />But so were you...<br />Cavs isn't in Green<br />Armstrong isn't in Yellow<br />Euskatel is not in Polka Dot<br />I would have picked, however, Schleck for White<br />Did you see Thor climbing yesterday? Uhhhhhhhh...a guy named Thor climbing mountains like that?<br />Looks like this thing is over. Contador is just to much in the mtns.<br />Prediction for Mt. Ventoux: Armstrong given a bit of a leash to win the stage by a minute.<br />Kierin racing at the velo Friday should be fun.<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MedBqoFPv-o&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MedBqoFPv-o&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />Lots of fast dudes in town should make for some exciting racing.<br />Likely gonna mix in a crit on Sunday in Malvern. The gang is gettin' back together.<br />Let's not ever forget this gem (watch to the end)<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YGnLDr6jRSI&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YGnLDr6jRSI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-14476249086836000472009-07-13T08:37:00.005-04:002009-07-13T08:47:26.707-04:00After one weak week<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SlsrkNtz2FI/AAAAAAAAARE/OCCQKgpBMMA/s1600-h/douchenut.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SlsrkNtz2FI/AAAAAAAAARE/OCCQKgpBMMA/s320/douchenut.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357924082844424274" /></a><br />...we know nothing.<br />So the tour organizers came up with a very benign route for the first week of the tour.<br />Prologue, TTT, 1 mountaintop finish.<br />Weak.<br />Time will tell.<br />Only one vote in the poll for singlenut?<br />Wow. Wanna change your answer?<br />There is clearly a power struggle at Astana. Not only with Contador and LA, but with Vino wanting to be the man. Can you imagine all those "leaders" on one team?<br />Levi, LA, Contador, Kloden, Vino...<br />We'll see when we hit the Alps.<br />I'm sticking by my early pick: Armstrong.<br /><br />I raced my bike a bit over the last week:<br />Tuesday night at the Velo<br />Thursday night training crit<br />Friday night at the Velo: Madison went better than before. I'm finally "getting it". We are still getting gapped on the sprint laps.<br />35+ JBN crit<br />1-2-3 JBN crit<br />Can't think of why my legs feel like $hit.<br />Gonna race Tuesday and Friday this week. Maybe race in NJ on Sunday. After that, I'm taking a week off.The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-42559471275463286482009-07-03T10:17:00.006-04:002009-07-03T12:21:49.772-04:00Mirrior, mirrior, on the wall....<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sk4XZhr8ElI/AAAAAAAAAQk/bQZ-dCz8BsM/s1600-h/blood.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354242734296928850" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sk4XZhr8ElI/AAAAAAAAAQk/bQZ-dCz8BsM/s400/blood.bmp" /></a><br /><div>...who's the biggest doper of them all?</div><div>Well the Tour starts tomorrow and I think this will be one of the best Tours since the retirement of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">singlenut</span>.</div><div>Who will win? Who do you think? My money (and the money of Nike, Oakley, Trek, etc) is on the "comeback kid".</div><div>Why? Science. His "body chemistry" will be worlds above any other competitor.</div><div>Sure, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schlecks</span> will attack in the mountains, but they can't <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">TT</span>.</div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sastre</span> won last year by default. He can climb and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">TT</span>, but I think the many Astana <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bullets</span> will shoot him down.</div><div>Evans just lost his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lieutenant</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dekker</span>, due to what else? Doping. Evans rides like Levi: a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">pu</span>$$y.</div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Menchov</span> won't be able to stay on the wheels in the Alps.</div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Contador</span> is the real <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">challenger</span> here. Some in the know sources think he'll make a mental mistake. I don't see it. I see him getting flat out beat in the mountains by his boss, LA.</div><div>Remember: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">theres</span> only a prologue, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">TTT</span>, and one I<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">TT</span> (40k). This levels the field against the bionic man (men) of Astana. That's why this will be an exciting one to watch.</div><div>It all comes down to <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/96th-tour-de-france-gt/stages/stage-22">Mt. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ventoux</span></a> the second to last day. If you watch one stage, this is the one to see. Every contender will think about that stage from the beginning. I've ridden Ventoux and it is truly all its hyped up to be.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sk4vmxf0Q0I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/_WQ38AqQ6U4/s1600-h/tour09profile20.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 169px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354269350158418754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sk4vmxf0Q0I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/_WQ38AqQ6U4/s320/tour09profile20.gif" /></a><br />The sprinters will bring some excitement as well:<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jxwWIhZ6kC1VbnHNkea3oWGXJonQD996URVO0"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boonen</span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sk4W1yyiLRI/AAAAAAAAAQc/GNO3d4HcHbw/s1600-h/Tom_Boonen_Nancy_TDF_2005.jpg"></a></div><div>Cavendish</div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">McEwen</span></div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Farrar</span></div><div>My pick for green: Cavendish.</div><div>Bike Jockey (climber): some dude nobody will know until he gets in 4 breaks during the first half then will "defend" for the rest of the ride. Likely a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Euskaltel</span> rider: Anton? Maybe a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schleck</span> will make it interesting...</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sk4X4_5Xv6I/AAAAAAAAAQs/LOqiak_dl0I/s1600-h/doping.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354243274982277026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/Sk4X4_5Xv6I/AAAAAAAAAQs/LOqiak_dl0I/s320/doping.jpg" /></a>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-56507419297277319122009-06-28T13:01:00.005-04:002009-06-28T13:25:02.883-04:00Go Team Go<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SkenFwdCgwI/AAAAAAAAAQM/Rrkrki8MQUE/s1600-h/Selene.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 122px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352430399501009666" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SkenFwdCgwI/AAAAAAAAAQM/Rrkrki8MQUE/s200/Selene.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SkenNmHnB8I/AAAAAAAAAQU/f0KXOTf5gYs/s1600-h/junkshow_cushionbury.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 136px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352430534165727170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SkenNmHnB8I/AAAAAAAAAQU/f0KXOTf5gYs/s200/junkshow_cushionbury.jpg" /></a><br />Selene and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cush</span> ride their bikes...Lots.<br />They have been training for this <a href="http://www.bcbikerace.com/">two-person stage race in BC</a> and I think they have a shot at it.<br />It seems like they've been training for this thing since 2008. Logging big days in virtually any conditions. I have never seen a pair of cyclists so focused for such a long period of time.<br />For those of you not in the know, Selene writes a column for Bicycling under "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fitchick</span>" and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cush</span>, well, nobody knows what he does for Bicycling but I think it involves riding a lot of bikes.<br />They are both great people and I wish them the best of luck this week. They may even be spotted with the <a href="http://lionofflanders.com/">coolest socks ever</a>!!!<br />You can follow them on their blog: <a href="http://bicycling.com/blogs/junkshow/">http://bicycling.com/blogs/junkshow/</a><br />I'm sure they'll do the Valley proud.<br />Enough about them, let's talk about the "Ryan of Flanders" (B. Ford's creation).<br />Raced Friday night at the <a href="http://thevelodrome.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">VPCC</span></a>. The rain came and went pretty fast. They used some bad-a$$ F250 to dry the track and we were off.<br />Made it halfway? in the miss-n-out.<br />Stayed on the lead lap and with the group in the 5 mile, 10lap, and 30lap points...Progress.<br />There were some sketchy moves out there. Team Barbados is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">outtacontrol</span>. A few locals made the night interesting as well.<br />I just hope to stay out of trouble and not cause problems for anyone as I don't want to have my Friday night <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">privileges</span> revoked.<br /><a href="http://www.cyclingcaptured.com/">Doesn't <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Skorochod</span> take the best pics?</a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SkemfTFEfVI/AAAAAAAAAQE/YdX44A2uqsc/s1600-h/575164193_bTYdm-M.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352429738780818770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SkemfTFEfVI/AAAAAAAAAQE/YdX44A2uqsc/s400/575164193_bTYdm-M.jpg" /></a>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-69166062923061568812009-06-15T15:35:00.004-04:002009-06-15T16:04:22.015-04:00Eye Opener<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SjaoJEYEUNI/AAAAAAAAAPs/jerMkC-Z3z8/s1600-h/Madison.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347646481296019666" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SjaoJEYEUNI/AAAAAAAAAPs/jerMkC-Z3z8/s400/Madison.jpg" /></a><br />The Madison this past Friday was a bit much for this guy.<br />I was all worked up all night in anticipation of my ass ripping.<br />I had a blast but had never felt that pain.<br />A bit chaotic at first but it settled down. My HR was jacked the entire time. Couldn't recover. We lasted 86 of the 100 laps before we got lapped by the eventual winners twice...Imagine doing 40-50 jumps one right after the next.<br />It's reminiscent of doing your first REAL P12 crit. Not some weak-ass local crit but the one where dudes you see on TV show up and lay it down.<br />Pain Cave.<br />Should fare better next time though. Learning curve.<br />Friday debut: success (no crash). Hope to progress steadily throughout the season. Only racing the track for 3 years now. Not sure if 35 year olds should take up new sports at this age but oh well.<br />Good times.<br />We had a cruiser ride as well this weekend.<br />Our boy Kuklic likes taking naps.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SjaoWHDf10I/AAAAAAAAAP0/dcZtxVjTpfk/s1600-h/Sleepy1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347646705353348930" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SjaoWHDf10I/AAAAAAAAAP0/dcZtxVjTpfk/s200/Sleepy1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SjaodCXr6cI/AAAAAAAAAP8/GDnnIDvxIKk/s1600-h/Sleepy2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347646824354933186" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SjaodCXr6cI/AAAAAAAAAP8/GDnnIDvxIKk/s200/Sleepy2.jpg" /></a>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-32363123584642176482009-06-12T11:12:00.006-04:002009-06-12T12:11:12.842-04:00Pain on the Horizon<p align="left"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PU40d5YVmYo&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PU40d5YVmYo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;color:#999999;">Hopefully this won't happen tonight...</span></em><br /></p><a href="http://www.mcall.com/sports/other/all-velodrome.6928054jun12,0,2898661.story">So I will do my first Friday night race tonight at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">VPCC</span></a>.<br />Should be really fun.<br />I have done 3 Tuesday night races with the same crowd but I think the intensity of "Fridays" should be all it's cracked up to be. High.<br />We have quite a lineup of activities tonight: 25 lap points, 10 lap scratch, flying mile heats/final, then a 100 lap <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">madison</span>. Hurt Locker.<br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">madison</span> should, no doubt, be the hardest thing I've done on a bike. We did a 40 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lapper</span> on Tuesday and I thought I wasn't gonna make it.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SjJ9-mgW81I/AAAAAAAAAPk/hse46ZxIULg/s1600-h/madison.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SjJ9-mgW81I/AAAAAAAAAPk/hse46ZxIULg/s400/madison.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346474222083830610" /></a><br />I will be riding with Randy "The Eagle" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Smargiassi</span>. We worked well on Tuesday and stayed with the lead group for the first 1/3 of the race. After a few botched exchanges, we were off them and into the second group. We were in the top half of the teams out there.<br />The key for tonight will be to stay near the front and out of trouble. The race will be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">WFO</span> the whole time.<br />The teams to watch:<br />Bobby/Pearson<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Colavita</span> Guy#1/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Colavita</span> Guy#2<br />Jackie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Simes</span>/Whomever<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Lanelle</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Epes</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Fitzie</span>/Mean Aussie Dude who threatened to punch Torch in the face<br />Teams to heckle:<br />Chopper/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kuklic</span><br />My only goal is to beat this team...Hope I can stay in contact.<br />Also, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">LionofFlanders</span>.com will be up and running soon. Got the socks in this week. 4 colors: yellow, black, white, bright-ass yellow. 4" cuff, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">DeFeet</span> Air-e-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ator</span><br />Come see me if you want to buy a pair: $5 per.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SjJzLGRBSAI/AAAAAAAAAPc/qFpcl7r_UEw/s1600-h/socks.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346462342139955202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SjJzLGRBSAI/AAAAAAAAAPc/qFpcl7r_UEw/s400/socks.bmp" border="0" /></a>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-70667312399742552222009-06-03T20:02:00.003-04:002009-06-03T20:17:45.465-04:00Support your local Velodrome<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SicSHVeM58I/AAAAAAAAAPU/gJIZYX63Ea8/s1600-h/pearson.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343259400130586562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SicSHVeM58I/AAAAAAAAAPU/gJIZYX63Ea8/s400/pearson.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So the <a href="http://thevelodrome.com/seasonoverview.php"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">VPCC</span></a> kicks off Friday night racing this week.<br />With my first eligible Friday, I will not be racing. Oh well. Next weekend will be my premiere at the 100 lap Madison. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ugggh</span>.<br />Some bad-asses are in town for the weekend as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Somerville</span>, Air Force, Philly, etc. all keep these guys in the area for about a month.<br />Go out and cheer these guys around the track.<br />There will be 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> St. Cross Legends (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kuklis</span>, Pearson), Olympian and 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> St. Cross Racer <a href="http://www.velobios.com/riders.ouch2009.lea.htm">Bobby Lea</a>, local favorite <a href="http://www.velobios.com/riders.mountainkhaki2009.simes.htm">Jackie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Simes</span> 3</a> should fare well, former Gotham Rider <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lanelle</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Rockmore</span> will surely win a race or two.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">PBR</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pounders</span> will be sold this year at the beer concession. That means less lines waiting for that beer wench to pour that wretched Sam Adams glass, by glass...<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ridley</span> update: There is no update. Belgians do business the opposite of the way they ride their bikes: slowly.The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-21133366365880926642009-05-26T18:41:00.004-04:002009-05-30T08:07:09.420-04:00Somerville<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SiEhVhhwVYI/AAAAAAAAAPM/GnC5SrVWx5k/s1600-h/Nick+Keg+Stand.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341587286699038082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SiEhVhhwVYI/AAAAAAAAAPM/GnC5SrVWx5k/s320/Nick+Keg+Stand.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Last weekend was the biggest weekend of the year for Mid-Atlantic road racing.<br />While all the tree huggers headed north to the Rapha race Sunday, some of us raced our bikes. Or at least tried.<br />Hills of Somerset: Legit road race with full run of the roads. Double wide, rolling enclosure complete with motos, support van, sag wagon, etc. Fun.<br />Tour of Somerville: Fun Cat 2 race with some crashes. Woody won, Sphon second.<br />This weekend brings some local stuff: Bethlehem and T-Town Crits.<br />Feeling like things are coming back a bit. We'll see this weekend.<br />Here is a pic from a party we were at last weekend. They had a keg of root beer.<br />Father of the year...The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-67776017164013764002009-05-22T11:29:00.002-04:002009-05-22T11:31:31.583-04:00Track CrashThis is from the <a href="http://thevelodrome.com/">Velodrome</a> site...Cat 2/3 race.<br />Some dudes got pretty banged up from this. Speedy recovery guys!<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lCZry6FRpsk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lCZry6FRpsk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-3288820531907849222009-05-22T07:39:00.003-04:002009-05-22T07:46:58.856-04:00This should feel fine<iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=f4fba2734af56cf24f277fa892b4992d&u=e&t=ride" height="700px" width="100%" frameborder="0"><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nj/somerville/453522464122">Hills of Somerset County Road Race</a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/nj/somerville">Find more Bike Rides in Somerville, New Jersey</a></iframe><!-- MMF PARTNER TOOL --><br />Racing with the big boys tomorrow.<br />Hills of Somerset. @85 miles.<br />Cool race but may be a bit hard. Really, just hoping to finish this thing.<br />On a borrowed bike. To bad that's not a legit excuse this time...<br />Then Monday, it's Tour of Somerville. A 20 mile, 28mph crit in downtown Somerville which will see some of the sketchest riders around diving into corners at speed. Should be a good course for Bonser.<br />Wish me luck.The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-20512118759405473992009-05-21T08:04:00.000-04:002009-05-21T08:05:04.738-04:00Bike Racin'......is hardThe guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-321193309610510272009-05-18T07:29:00.007-04:002009-05-18T08:13:50.289-04:00A Tough Go<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/ShFLMiYoHnI/AAAAAAAAAO0/LtRlX5ShSzU/s1600-h/wilmington.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337129712171359858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 86px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/ShFLMiYoHnI/AAAAAAAAAO0/LtRlX5ShSzU/s400/wilmington.jpg" border="0" /></a> This weekend was a big one for local(ish) racing in the MidAtlantic. <div>Saturday was Wilmington 2/3 for $2,000 and Sunday was BikeJam in Baltimore for some ca$h as well.</div><div>The fam and I packed in my sled to hit a case at Hershey Medical Center Friday afternoon then a straight shot to Wilmington.</div><div>The scheduled 1 hour drive became 2 as we hit rush hour outside West Chester on 100S. That sucked.</div><div>Rolled in to <a href="http://hoteldupont.com/">Hotel DuPont</a>, got checked in, then to dinner. At check-in they gave us an envelope for racers staying at the hotel with some wristbands to a block party. We went and drank free beer. It was niiiiiice.</div><div>The next day I warmed up a bit in the hotel room then on the course for a while.</div><div>The gun went off and I went from the front to the middle of the pack real, real quick. From there I slowly worked my way further back. It was pegged from the start. WFO, single-file with 130 dudes.</div><div>Turn 3 is an off-camber 40mph right hand turn where the hacks at the back would apply a not-so-needed handful of brake. Few crashes here but worst of all, we ground to a halt at one point and a dude put his front wheel right into my rear wheel. Snap. Spoke broke. Went to SRAM neutral support for a 404 pit wheel and right back in...to the back.</div><div>Pulled the pin about 3 laps after that. I sucked. Didn't have it. Oh well.</div><div>Sphon won. 30 of the 130 finished the damn thing.</div><div>After the race we checked out of the hotel and loaded the car. Left the loaded car with bike on top with the valets and told them we'd be back later.</div><div>Watched the Pro women (LVG won...no surprise there), then the men.</div><div>VIP block party was still a go so Kuklic, the wife, and I enjoyed free beer again. Several beers.</div><div>Came back to the car to head to Inner Harbor in Baltimore for the night and ride BikeJam the next day.</div><div>Out of the hotel and to a gas station on the highway and as I'm filling up a dude looks up at my bike and says "what happened to your bike?"</div><div>I looked up and saw a crumpled front end. They pulled my car into the parking garage with the bike on top. A$$holes didn't even tell us.</div><div>I called the manager immediately and they knew I would be calling. They told me they would take care of it...Just to send them the bill.</div><div>Damage: Shifters, cables, bars, stem, fork, frame, bartape</div><div>Nothing wrong with the car though.</div><div>I'm not chancing riding a carbon bike that has been slammed into a brick wall so they're gonna have to get me a new frame. <a href="http://ridley-bikes.com/bikes.php?category=1&bike=14">Noah</a>, here I come.</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/ShFLV_28x2I/AAAAAAAAAO8/RoP02anWbuw/s1600-h/IMG00102.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337129874701993826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/ShFLV_28x2I/AAAAAAAAAO8/RoP02anWbuw/s400/IMG00102.jpg" border="0" /></a>So no race for me Sunday...Spent the day in Inner Harbor with the family. Good times.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/ShFQ2PemZiI/AAAAAAAAAPE/ts4_mLAjJvo/s1600-h/IMG00110.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/ShFQ2PemZiI/AAAAAAAAAPE/ts4_mLAjJvo/s320/IMG00110.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337135926208783906" /></a><br />Should be on a loaner bike by the end of the day.<br />Track starts tomorrow. Oh boy.<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fpjgSPljSi4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fpjgSPljSi4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-19878217676243800472009-05-09T07:23:00.004-04:002009-05-09T07:28:23.435-04:00Boonen gets even cooler...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SgVokIWBf5I/AAAAAAAAAOs/0AtWXNvD1iw/s1600-h/cocaine_lines_on_a_mirror_1__1_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333784303614656402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 332px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bj7ohtunXwY/SgVokIWBf5I/AAAAAAAAAOs/0AtWXNvD1iw/s400/cocaine_lines_on_a_mirror_1__1_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So Belgian's golden boy got even cooler this weekend by <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2009/may09/may09news2">getting popped for Cocaine </a>again.<br />He's a party boy. They will forgive him...again.<br />Social drugs in athletes is kinda cool.<br />Performance enhancing drugs in athletes, however, is not cool.<br />It does suck a bit that we can't watch him race for a while. Looks like he may be incarcerated for some time. Do you think they'll give him a trainer in his cell?The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4799690961563975935.post-49540934334676120032009-05-06T20:29:00.008-04:002009-05-07T08:02:18.613-04:00So this is the Boonen Bus...<object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TZgZeinJAVc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TZgZeinJAVc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br />Just a taste.<br />Sound only. Gets me jacked even still.<br />Picture tailgating/drinking all day with your homies and your team winning the biggest event in that sport and getting on a bus to head home and this is playing.<br />Heard this on Boonen Bus at least 20 times...I have put the clip on the top right-side of this blog. Stop by when you need your Tommeke! fix.<br />I will tell this story when I get the pics organized. Believe u me, there's a story to tell.<br />There's also this version:<br /><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bdXJGX41mmI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bdXJGX41mmI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>The guy who just left your mom's househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06775282571648716689noreply@blogger.com0