While visiting my folks for Christmas I paid my yearly visit to church to hear my Dad preach. It's no secret that we don't exactly see that whole religion thing through the same perspective but I do enjoy watching my Dad do what he does so well. He's a great public speaker and so I generally go into my annual service looking to find something to take away from his message that is not theologically based.
I remember he said something along the lines of, "There are two types of people in the world, those that separate people into two categories and those that don't." Right away the irony of this statement and message jumped out at me and I laughed to myself, but also, if it's assumed that it's a true statement, I am very firmly in the category of people that do the separating.
I essentially see life through filters, many, many filters. There are people that plan and people that don't. There are people that eat meat and people that don't. People that shower and people that don't. These are broad, but everything, to me, breaks down into two categories.
Bike racers are no different. There are basically two types of bike racers, numbers geeks and everybody else. In this month's issue of Road Magazine there is a great interview with Floyd Landis which puts him into the "everybody else" box.
The following is the best paraphrasing of the article I can do from memory. But, the point is going to be the same.
Road Magazine: What have you been doing for training?
Floyd: You know, I go out and ride around a bit.
RM: You must have some sort of structure.
F: I get on my bike and I ride for as hard as I can for as long as I can. I know what hills I need to ride up. I know about how long it should take. I haven't had anything with numbers on my handlebars for two years.
RM: [Some sort of probing question]
F: I have a hard time convincing myself that I should ride fast up this hill for 4 minutes when it takes 5 minutes to get to the top. What do I do at the end? Turn around, go home, get in they car? I've never tried to do intervals in a race, but I'm not sure it'd work out. Am I supposed to tell the group that we're going to ride slow for the next 15 minutes so I can recover and then ride fast again? If I'm tired I go home. If I'm tired and motivated I ride some more. If I'm tired in the middle of the ride I go to In-N-Out Burger. If I'm tired and I'm home, I sleep.
This series of answers regarding training doesn't surprise me since I've read a lot about Floyd over the past few years. But, it's important for the rest of us mere mortals to keep in mind that Floyd is a naturally gifted freak. He is the proud owner of one of the highest V02max numbers of anybody ever tested. You know how all you people think Lance has the highest because he was the first person to care about such things and everybody made a big deal about it. Yeah, Floyd's is higher. So it might be possible for Floyd to go out with no real structure to his plan, ride as hard as he can for as long as he can and then race in the pro peloton, but for most of us, this just isn't really the way that we're going to get faster.
It's also important to note that Floyd hasn't always felt this way about training. He's always been laid back about the whole process, but back in 2006 when he won that little race called the Tour de France, he was the biggest athlete on the endorsement list for Cyclops, the company that makes the power tab rear hub. Floyd worked with Dr. Allen Lim, the leading coach in power training, and they posted all his numbers on his website for all of the world to see. Stage 17, where Floyd went solo over 3 mountain passes to win and put himself back in contention for the leader's jersey, the stage that eventually tested him "positive" for "abnormally high testosterone levels," wasn't left off of the website where you could go look at Floyd's power output for the day. In fact, if you know what you're looking for, it was actually a pretty shitty effort. Everybody else in the group was just feeling even more shitty than he was and so nobody followed. It wasn't a super human effort like that of Riccardo Ricco at the 2008 Tour, but, nobody seems to take that into consideration, and now this has turned into me defending Floyd, which isn't my goal.
The point is most of us need those numbers on our handlebars. We need feed back from cadence, heart rate and time at the absolutely minimum. Power numbers would be ideal but some of us are poor and every time we look at a power meter online it makes us cry a little bit and hate all the rich kids rolling around with the SRM that daddy bought them. Those numbers tell you very important things as you're riding. Sometimes you feel tired because you're over trained but sometimes it's because you're being a wuss and need to get yourself mentally into the effort at hand. The feedback from your heart rate will let you know the difference. Floyd is also working in recovery days, but like most pros they don't like to talk about those. They only talk about the fast days which makes most amateur think the way to ride your bike faster is to always get on your bike and ride it faster. Unfortunately, this method of training is going to result in a plateau that you'll hit relatively quickly.
One last point of note, I realize that my boy Floyd has been out of racing for two years but while he was training with power, a coach and a plan he won the 2006 Tour of California, 2006 Paris-Nice and the 2006 Tour de France. So far in 2009 when he, "Rides around a bit," he's finished 23rd, just over 10 minutes down on Levi. I realize he had a bit of bad luck on Stage 1 where it took him about 5 minutes to get a new wheel after he flatted because neutral support got pulled off the course and I also realize it'll take some good racing before he gets his race legs back under him. But, maybe there's something to be said about riding 4 minutes fast.
And, totally unrelated to training, is he endorsed by In-N-Out? He works it into every single interview I've ever read. He orders his fries "Animal Style." I didn't even know that was possible. Gonna have to try that sometime!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Sunday's Plan Revised
Stupid rain! I woke this morning to the weather man showing his accuracy in fortune telling. Call me soft. Call me fair weather. Call me whatever you want, but doing 5 hours in 50 degree rain just seems miserable.
So instead, I'll do this for 2-3 hours:
Um, minus the weird boxers this guy has on and I won't be falling off. I thought this was far more entertaining than watching someone competent on the rollers.
A few points of note after watching the whole thing:
1) why does he have aero booties on over his shoes indoors?
2) The front drum is too close for his wheel base. If he got to the point where he was going to try and stand up, he'd shoot off the front. That'd be funnier.
3) I think he needs a bit more drop between his saddle height and stem. There's no aerodynamic advantage to aero bars if you're sitting straight up.
So instead, I'll do this for 2-3 hours:
Um, minus the weird boxers this guy has on and I won't be falling off. I thought this was far more entertaining than watching someone competent on the rollers.
A few points of note after watching the whole thing:
1) why does he have aero booties on over his shoes indoors?
2) The front drum is too close for his wheel base. If he got to the point where he was going to try and stand up, he'd shoot off the front. That'd be funnier.
3) I think he needs a bit more drop between his saddle height and stem. There's no aerodynamic advantage to aero bars if you're sitting straight up.
Sunday's Plan
After promptly getting my ass handed to me today I decided that a nice solo trip out to, up and back from Mt. Diablo seemed like a good idea.
View Larger Map
After looking at this route it seems as though I'm not going to the most direct way. I'll have to look into that.
View Larger Map
After looking at this route it seems as though I'm not going to the most direct way. I'll have to look into that.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Spring Classics Season!
No, I'm not talking about baseball, although, spring training for that is in full swing. My beloved Oakland A's have resigned our original greasy mullet MVP Jason Giambi so here's to hoping Billy Bean's genius is back!
But, what I am talking about are the spring classic bike races. As an American most people think there is one race per year, the Tour de France, but, in reality, the cycling season is sort of broken up into two parts, The Classics and the Grand Tours.
While Grand Tours cover 3 weeks of races where your overall time determines the winner, the classics are one day races of extreme length, conditions and mostly pain. These races are not for the faint of heart and champions that win a spring classic are thrust into a whole new league of names. It's almost impossible to describe just how hard these races are. And so, instead of trying I stole a few pictures from pezcyclingnews.com's preview of this weekends, Het-Volk, no, that's what it used to be called. Now it's something else that I can neither remember, spell or pronounce. I'm sure I'm not even saying Het-Volk correctly. But here's an idea of what these guys go through:
Cobbles! What would a spring classic without cobbles? Cobbles are tough enough but if it rains, forget it, these things basically turn into an ice rink. The mud they are set in expands with the water and ends up on top. It's nasty. Best case scenario for the racers, it stays dry and they just have to deal with bouncing over them as they ride. I don't think levels had been invented when these roads were laid down. Oh, and sometimes, the cobbles go up hills. Not always big mountains, but hills so steep that some of the greatest cyclist in history have to get off an run. That's some steep shit!
This could happen too! These races are in Northern France and Belgium and other parts of the world where it is still very winter. If it snow, they race. It doesn't get canceled for anything. And no, they won't quickly switch over to their 'cross bikes. Maybe they'll run some 700x25s instead.
He looks like he's enjoying himself! That's Juan Antonio Fleche, one of the best classics riders there are. If he looks like that during the race, imagine what the guys behind him must feel like!
Arguably the biggest classic of them all, Paris-Roubaix, nicknamed, "Hell of the North," is coming up a little later in the season. Take a look at the video below to get an idea of what it can be like if the weather turns nasty!
But, what I am talking about are the spring classic bike races. As an American most people think there is one race per year, the Tour de France, but, in reality, the cycling season is sort of broken up into two parts, The Classics and the Grand Tours.
While Grand Tours cover 3 weeks of races where your overall time determines the winner, the classics are one day races of extreme length, conditions and mostly pain. These races are not for the faint of heart and champions that win a spring classic are thrust into a whole new league of names. It's almost impossible to describe just how hard these races are. And so, instead of trying I stole a few pictures from pezcyclingnews.com's preview of this weekends, Het-Volk, no, that's what it used to be called. Now it's something else that I can neither remember, spell or pronounce. I'm sure I'm not even saying Het-Volk correctly. But here's an idea of what these guys go through:
Cobbles! What would a spring classic without cobbles? Cobbles are tough enough but if it rains, forget it, these things basically turn into an ice rink. The mud they are set in expands with the water and ends up on top. It's nasty. Best case scenario for the racers, it stays dry and they just have to deal with bouncing over them as they ride. I don't think levels had been invented when these roads were laid down. Oh, and sometimes, the cobbles go up hills. Not always big mountains, but hills so steep that some of the greatest cyclist in history have to get off an run. That's some steep shit!
This could happen too! These races are in Northern France and Belgium and other parts of the world where it is still very winter. If it snow, they race. It doesn't get canceled for anything. And no, they won't quickly switch over to their 'cross bikes. Maybe they'll run some 700x25s instead.
He looks like he's enjoying himself! That's Juan Antonio Fleche, one of the best classics riders there are. If he looks like that during the race, imagine what the guys behind him must feel like!
Arguably the biggest classic of them all, Paris-Roubaix, nicknamed, "Hell of the North," is coming up a little later in the season. Take a look at the video below to get an idea of what it can be like if the weather turns nasty!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Party on Palomar
This slide show of photos shows what a circus Palomar Mountain was for the last day of the Tour of California. As I rode up that climb I remember seeing about 3/4s of the people in these pictures. Cycling fans are an interesting bunch. But you've got to admire the dedication of some of these groups who camped on the side of that mountain for 3 days to watch the guys go by in about 20 seconds.
Slide show of pictures from VeloNews.com
Slide show of pictures from VeloNews.com
Monday, February 23, 2009
Chasing the Tour of California
I don't know where to start with writing some sort of recap of my weekend. I chased the Tour of California through the last three stages to the finish.
The time trial in Solvang was pretty cool as during TTs you get a chance to see every rider. Seeing Levi flash a 3 as a crossed the line made me think that maybe he as a personality after all and I decided I liked him a little bit. But, still not a fan. I was really hoping Tom Zirbels time would stand. What an awesome ride he threw down! And, the Captain America skin suit that DZ has is pretty rad! To top it off, but nothing but sheer lucky timing I was walking by the Columbia bus as George Hincapie and Mark Cavendish were coming back from the awards tent. I got both of their signatures on my cowbell and froze up like a little girl. I couldn't think of anything to say except, "Good luck in the classics." This would have been fine had Cavendish not been the one signing the cowbell. Luckily he just looked at my funny and gave me the bell back.
The following day I rode about 2.5 hours out on the course. Waited for the group at the first little bump in the road and then booked it back to my car to drive to Pasadena for the circuits. The timing worked out great and I got to see the lead break with Frank Schleck, George Hincapie, Christian Van de Velde and a bunch of others flying around the circuits. If you look at my pictures I don’t know if you can tell how steep the section of the circuit I was on, but it’s steep, and they were not soft pedaling! Best part, I got Steve Cozza, Rahsaan Bahati and Floyd Landis to sign the cowbell. Rahsaan wasn’t in the race, I just recognized him and he seemed pretty shocked that someone wanted his autograph at this race. But, he won the first pro race I ever watched so he’s always been one of my favorite sprinters after that!
The next day the race was going over Palomar Mtn which is an HC (HC = above category = hard) climb. I wanted to climb it so the plan was to park about 10 miles from the summit and ride up and wait. I realized as I was driving that I was going to get there way too early and end up on top of this 5,000 ft mountain waiting on the race for about an hour. This did not seem appealing because there is snow up there, which means it’s cold. I altered my plans a little bit and drove to the finish instead and started riding from there and it also meant I went over a cat 3 mountain on the way to Palomar, which was sort of cool too.
If you’ve ever seen a mountain stage of a big race on Television then you’ve seen how insanely close all the fans get to the riders as they come through. Totally by accident I got to experience this first hand. About 5k from the top of Palomar I blew and was left to do nothing but slog my way up the rest of it. As I was about 1k out the first set of police motorcycles passed me indicating the riders were on their way. As the motorcycles went through a big group one guy looked back, spotted me and screams, “FIRST GUY” as loudly as he could. Everybody on both sides of the road immediately collapsed into the road, screaming, shouting, ringing cow bells as if I was really the first guy. One kid even ran the rest of the way beside me screaming so loudly in my ear that it actually made me forget that my legs had exploded about 4k down the mountain. It was insane and an experience that I’m not likely to ever get again. I wish there had been some way to get it on video or have someone take a picture of me going through this crowd. I don’t know how fast I rode that last 500m or so but it had to have been about 3xs faster than I was going heading into the group. I can’t imagine what it must be like for the riders to have that kind of energy around them for the last 5 or 10k of a big climb. By the time the race came by and I was able to descend down the mountain I was able to make it back to the finish in time to see Frank Shleck win a 1 up sprint. But, I got an awesome 4 hours of riding in with an HC climb in the middle for good measure with my own personal crazed cheering section for the last bit of the climb.
After I got back to my car I changed on the street while people were staring at me like I was a crazy person. I guess the other people who come to the races aren’t used to changing in parking lots after races themselves. I headed down to the expo to see if I could find a Tour of California t-shirt on sale but they were all boring. Instead I talked the guy at the Rock Racing booth to sell me one of their trucker hats for $10. Then, I drove back to Oakland.
If you look at the numbers it is probably the most insane thing that anyone can ever do. I drove over 1,100 miles to go watch guys race bikes. And, it’s not like they were on a track in front of me where I got to see them multiple times. I’d drive for an hour to watch them go by in less than 10 seconds. On the finishing circuit in Pasadena I got to see them 4 times before I went down the finish line and watched it on a Jumbo-Tron because I couldn’t get close enough to the finish line. All in all this was probably one of the best weekends I’ve ever had.
For pictures go here: http://community.webshots.com/user/Ridearoundamerica
Although, I’m adding captions. That seems like too much work. I might do that to the albums I put on facebook.
The time trial in Solvang was pretty cool as during TTs you get a chance to see every rider. Seeing Levi flash a 3 as a crossed the line made me think that maybe he as a personality after all and I decided I liked him a little bit. But, still not a fan. I was really hoping Tom Zirbels time would stand. What an awesome ride he threw down! And, the Captain America skin suit that DZ has is pretty rad! To top it off, but nothing but sheer lucky timing I was walking by the Columbia bus as George Hincapie and Mark Cavendish were coming back from the awards tent. I got both of their signatures on my cowbell and froze up like a little girl. I couldn't think of anything to say except, "Good luck in the classics." This would have been fine had Cavendish not been the one signing the cowbell. Luckily he just looked at my funny and gave me the bell back.
The following day I rode about 2.5 hours out on the course. Waited for the group at the first little bump in the road and then booked it back to my car to drive to Pasadena for the circuits. The timing worked out great and I got to see the lead break with Frank Schleck, George Hincapie, Christian Van de Velde and a bunch of others flying around the circuits. If you look at my pictures I don’t know if you can tell how steep the section of the circuit I was on, but it’s steep, and they were not soft pedaling! Best part, I got Steve Cozza, Rahsaan Bahati and Floyd Landis to sign the cowbell. Rahsaan wasn’t in the race, I just recognized him and he seemed pretty shocked that someone wanted his autograph at this race. But, he won the first pro race I ever watched so he’s always been one of my favorite sprinters after that!
The next day the race was going over Palomar Mtn which is an HC (HC = above category = hard) climb. I wanted to climb it so the plan was to park about 10 miles from the summit and ride up and wait. I realized as I was driving that I was going to get there way too early and end up on top of this 5,000 ft mountain waiting on the race for about an hour. This did not seem appealing because there is snow up there, which means it’s cold. I altered my plans a little bit and drove to the finish instead and started riding from there and it also meant I went over a cat 3 mountain on the way to Palomar, which was sort of cool too.
If you’ve ever seen a mountain stage of a big race on Television then you’ve seen how insanely close all the fans get to the riders as they come through. Totally by accident I got to experience this first hand. About 5k from the top of Palomar I blew and was left to do nothing but slog my way up the rest of it. As I was about 1k out the first set of police motorcycles passed me indicating the riders were on their way. As the motorcycles went through a big group one guy looked back, spotted me and screams, “FIRST GUY” as loudly as he could. Everybody on both sides of the road immediately collapsed into the road, screaming, shouting, ringing cow bells as if I was really the first guy. One kid even ran the rest of the way beside me screaming so loudly in my ear that it actually made me forget that my legs had exploded about 4k down the mountain. It was insane and an experience that I’m not likely to ever get again. I wish there had been some way to get it on video or have someone take a picture of me going through this crowd. I don’t know how fast I rode that last 500m or so but it had to have been about 3xs faster than I was going heading into the group. I can’t imagine what it must be like for the riders to have that kind of energy around them for the last 5 or 10k of a big climb. By the time the race came by and I was able to descend down the mountain I was able to make it back to the finish in time to see Frank Shleck win a 1 up sprint. But, I got an awesome 4 hours of riding in with an HC climb in the middle for good measure with my own personal crazed cheering section for the last bit of the climb.
After I got back to my car I changed on the street while people were staring at me like I was a crazy person. I guess the other people who come to the races aren’t used to changing in parking lots after races themselves. I headed down to the expo to see if I could find a Tour of California t-shirt on sale but they were all boring. Instead I talked the guy at the Rock Racing booth to sell me one of their trucker hats for $10. Then, I drove back to Oakland.
If you look at the numbers it is probably the most insane thing that anyone can ever do. I drove over 1,100 miles to go watch guys race bikes. And, it’s not like they were on a track in front of me where I got to see them multiple times. I’d drive for an hour to watch them go by in less than 10 seconds. On the finishing circuit in Pasadena I got to see them 4 times before I went down the finish line and watched it on a Jumbo-Tron because I couldn’t get close enough to the finish line. All in all this was probably one of the best weekends I’ve ever had.
For pictures go here: http://community.webshots.com/user/Ridearoundamerica
Although, I’m adding captions. That seems like too much work. I might do that to the albums I put on facebook.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
SF thieves are thoughtful!
When I opened my drivers side door this morning I noticed a lot of glass in my passenger seat. At first it didn't dawn on me what had happened because let's face it, my car isn't that nice. But, after about another second it was confirmed that some fools roaming the streets of California wanted to give me the opportunity to replace my passenger side window and take advantage of some of the deals on new cd players that I've seen on web ads. Not only that, but they were nice enough to unhook the cd player instead of just yanking it out and destroying the wires. Class acts really! My Garmin GPS was in the center console and luckily they didn't bother to look in there. But, to show just how focused they were they didn't bother to take the two boxes of jelly belly's that I had in the glove box in preparation for the long drive this weekend. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate these guys consideration!
It didn't dawn on me to take a picture with my cell phone until after I scooped 90% of the glass into the gutter. By then it seemed too late to capture the full artful-ness of the moment.
Oh well. In all reality I'm not really that upset by this. I mean it certainly sucks, but I guess when you live in the city and always park on the street it's bound to happen. I'm sort of surprised it took this long!
It didn't dawn on me to take a picture with my cell phone until after I scooped 90% of the glass into the gutter. By then it seemed too late to capture the full artful-ness of the moment.
Oh well. In all reality I'm not really that upset by this. I mean it certainly sucks, but I guess when you live in the city and always park on the street it's bound to happen. I'm sort of surprised it took this long!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Bike Geek Mode, Ready, Go!
For those of you that don't like it when I write about cycling, stop reading now. And, I should probably warn you. For the next couple days, that's more than likely all I'll be talking about.
I am killing a few minutes before I head to Sacramento for the prologue of this years Tour of California. To say I'm excited about seeing the pros I've only previously been able to watch on TV wouldn't quite cover it. I feel about the same way I did as a 4th grader when there was an awesome field trip lined up. No need to shake me twice to get me out of bed. I have been pacing around my apartment for the last hour trying to think of things to do so I don't show up at the course 4 hours early. YEAH, 4! I'm going to settle with 2 because in my brain that seems sensible.
I've been to pro bike races before. I was at the CSC Invitational when Rashaan Bahati got his first big win as a pro for Rock Racing. I've worked the feed zone of a pro race passing up bottles to my buddy's who race for Richmond Pro Cycling. But I can't think of another single sporting event that I am more excited to get to take in. Every cyclist I have looked up to for the past 4 years is in a hotel room less than 2 hours from my apartment. The list of guys I want to get a picture of, with or have them sign my big Texas cow bell are:
1) Floyd Landis
2) Lance Armstrong
3) George Hincapie
4) Chris Horner
5) Dave Zabriskie
6) Christian Van de Velde
7) Tyler Hamilton
8) Freddy Rodriguez
(those are just the Americans!)
Also in attendance, Mark Cavendish, Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara, Carlos Sastre, The Schleck brothers, Thor Hushovd!
I know I'm forgetting people. The field is so deep its hard to keep track of who all is here. Ok, I gotta go. I'm getting more antsy by the minute.
Oh yeah, and I guess it's Valentines Day. Which means you should spend it with the one you love most. For me, that's bikes, perfect!
I am killing a few minutes before I head to Sacramento for the prologue of this years Tour of California. To say I'm excited about seeing the pros I've only previously been able to watch on TV wouldn't quite cover it. I feel about the same way I did as a 4th grader when there was an awesome field trip lined up. No need to shake me twice to get me out of bed. I have been pacing around my apartment for the last hour trying to think of things to do so I don't show up at the course 4 hours early. YEAH, 4! I'm going to settle with 2 because in my brain that seems sensible.
I've been to pro bike races before. I was at the CSC Invitational when Rashaan Bahati got his first big win as a pro for Rock Racing. I've worked the feed zone of a pro race passing up bottles to my buddy's who race for Richmond Pro Cycling. But I can't think of another single sporting event that I am more excited to get to take in. Every cyclist I have looked up to for the past 4 years is in a hotel room less than 2 hours from my apartment. The list of guys I want to get a picture of, with or have them sign my big Texas cow bell are:
1) Floyd Landis
2) Lance Armstrong
3) George Hincapie
4) Chris Horner
5) Dave Zabriskie
6) Christian Van de Velde
7) Tyler Hamilton
8) Freddy Rodriguez
(those are just the Americans!)
Also in attendance, Mark Cavendish, Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara, Carlos Sastre, The Schleck brothers, Thor Hushovd!
I know I'm forgetting people. The field is so deep its hard to keep track of who all is here. Ok, I gotta go. I'm getting more antsy by the minute.
Oh yeah, and I guess it's Valentines Day. Which means you should spend it with the one you love most. For me, that's bikes, perfect!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Lance being Lance
I found this video on velonews and thought it was a great indicator that Lance is still himself. In a lot of other videos and interviews from previous races he seemed like a much nicer guy, way more laid back and the fan in me was concerned that maybe he lost that desire to crush people that try to beat him, one up him, or say bad things about him.
I was unaware of the article that he references in this clip, but I think it's safe to say that he's still got a bit of fire left in him. And, I also think it's awesome when athletes or any one for that matter take control of the situation when journalists try to be shady.
I was unaware of the article that he references in this clip, but I think it's safe to say that he's still got a bit of fire left in him. And, I also think it's awesome when athletes or any one for that matter take control of the situation when journalists try to be shady.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Why Am I Excited that Armstrong Came Back?
Because I'm hoping there's a bit of this!
Team infighting and an Armstrong vs. Contador throw down just like Hinault and Lemond had back in 1986. However, lets just hope that whoever loses the Armstrong vs. Contador battle doesn't cry about it for years like Lemond does.
Team infighting and an Armstrong vs. Contador throw down just like Hinault and Lemond had back in 1986. However, lets just hope that whoever loses the Armstrong vs. Contador battle doesn't cry about it for years like Lemond does.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Rubbing is Racing, Pt. 2
No one ever asks me how close people get in bike races. If they did, the answer would be very hard to quantify because it really depends on lots of different factors. However, it's not really that uncommon for the group to get bunched up and people start touching. This really isn't that much more dangerous than when it's lined up as long as people are comfortable and don't freak out. Some pros can't stand to be in the middle of groups like this while others are so comfortable they'll tell stories using hand gestures. I'm probably somewhere in between. I don't mind being there, but I gotta concentrate to take a drink. Note the two guys in the Skill kit (nothing like being sponsored by a power tool company!) and the red. They are probably touching a little, but not so much that they're actually holding each other up. But, that can happen too.
In general I really just thought this was a cool picture and needed some excuse to post it. Well, besides my daily prayer to Eddy Merckx (the guy standing in the car for those of you not in the know.).
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
The Grass is Always Greener
Most people would kill to be Michael Phelps. Young, insanely talented, insanely rich, immensely famous and walking example of how if you win a bunch of gold medals, actually being attractive has very little to do with how many girls want to do it to you.
However, it seems pretty obvious that Michael Phelps just wants to be a normal 20 something. After the Athens games his star seemed like it couldn't get higher and he gets pulled over for a DUI. Not really the biggest deal, except for the fact that he was now this role model for young little swimmers everywhere. He apologized publicly and after a few weeks of press attention the world spun again on it's normal axis. Now, after the Beijing games pictures have apparently surfaced of young Mr. Phelps smoking marijuana at a party. And one can only assume the saga will continue.
I can't really blame the kid for wanting some semblance of a normal life. To do the same dumb shit that every other 20 something does. But, I think in his case he needs to realize he isn't a normal 20 something. He's got millions upon millions of dollars tied up in endorsement deals that rely heavily on his ability to be a spic and span image for the company that is paying him to appear in their advertisements. He is after all just a swimmer. And, like all other athletes of sports that the masses don't care about, endorsements are really the only way to make a living out of calling a pool your office.
I'm sure this will all blow over and Mr. Phelps will show up in London to win a few more golds. These repeat episodes do lend a bit of reality to what it's probably like to be him. Living in an alternate reality that most of us think would be extremely glamorous, but he clearly just wants to exist amongst the little people. Everybody wants what they can't have. But if I were Michael Phelps I'd take a long look in the custom installed mirror in your giant penthouse bathroom and remember that you live there because all those companies want you associated with their product because so many people look up to you. There are plenty of celebrities walking out of rehab who they could pay a lot less to do what you do for them. Maybe next time smoke weed in your penthouse and pay Jeeves to drive you home from the party. Just an idea.
However, it seems pretty obvious that Michael Phelps just wants to be a normal 20 something. After the Athens games his star seemed like it couldn't get higher and he gets pulled over for a DUI. Not really the biggest deal, except for the fact that he was now this role model for young little swimmers everywhere. He apologized publicly and after a few weeks of press attention the world spun again on it's normal axis. Now, after the Beijing games pictures have apparently surfaced of young Mr. Phelps smoking marijuana at a party. And one can only assume the saga will continue.
I can't really blame the kid for wanting some semblance of a normal life. To do the same dumb shit that every other 20 something does. But, I think in his case he needs to realize he isn't a normal 20 something. He's got millions upon millions of dollars tied up in endorsement deals that rely heavily on his ability to be a spic and span image for the company that is paying him to appear in their advertisements. He is after all just a swimmer. And, like all other athletes of sports that the masses don't care about, endorsements are really the only way to make a living out of calling a pool your office.
I'm sure this will all blow over and Mr. Phelps will show up in London to win a few more golds. These repeat episodes do lend a bit of reality to what it's probably like to be him. Living in an alternate reality that most of us think would be extremely glamorous, but he clearly just wants to exist amongst the little people. Everybody wants what they can't have. But if I were Michael Phelps I'd take a long look in the custom installed mirror in your giant penthouse bathroom and remember that you live there because all those companies want you associated with their product because so many people look up to you. There are plenty of celebrities walking out of rehab who they could pay a lot less to do what you do for them. Maybe next time smoke weed in your penthouse and pay Jeeves to drive you home from the party. Just an idea.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Early Bird #5: Rubbing is Racing?
Rubbing is racing is a great quote from an even better movie, Days of Thunder. If you haven't seen it, stop reading this, go watch it, and then post a comment about how I just changed your life after.
The obvious difference between Tom Cruise and his Mountain Dew Chevy and how this quote applies to my races is that I'm not inside of a Mountain Dew Chevy. Sure rubbing is a part of racing and there are certain times in a bike race where two competent riders actually keep themselves from falling by leaning on each other. Notice the word competent used in the previous sentence.
The race was going as most 5 races due. Everybody confusing cornering on your bike to the same as in a go-kart where you try and hug the inside as closely as possible so nobody can pass you. This makes for some very interesting lines going both in and out of the corners. At one point a guy to my left was touched by someone else. He freaked out, screamed and then dove his right shifter directly into my hip. I casually gave him a polite, get the f-bomb off of me nudge back into the group. He didn't go down, but I have no idea how. This was the first of 3 times I was assaulted. And not because someone was trying to fit into a spot they couldn't, but because they wigged out and I happened to the be the closest guy for them to try and kill.
The Men's 5 race was delayed due to some crash in the Women's 4. They didn't tell us that due to this delay our race would be cut short so they could stay on schedule. We didn't learn this nifty bit of info until we came through the start finish about 20 minutes after starting and they were ringing a bell so I looked over and saw a lap card with a 1 on it. I sort of freaked out and over reacted because I was nowhere near the front. I knew I needed to be at the front because I was going to try and sprint. Instead of doing the smart thing and waiting for some wheels to follow that would deposit me at the front, I just decided to move up myself. This turned out to be genius because there was a huge pile up in turn 1, which my over reaction put me in front of. Coming out of turn three there were two more crashes. One of them was directly beside me. I still can't figure out why this guy fell down. I heard a crash a few spots behind us and then all of the sudden homeboy to my right just flails out and is sliding across the pavement. My best guess is that it was basically the equivalent of a sympathy puker; someone else crashed so he thought he had to as well.
While I wasn't behind this crash it did disrupt my ability to follow some wheels close to the front for the sprint. The front 5 guys put their heads down and drove hard. The next 3-4 guys behind them couldn't match the effort and I had to get myself around them to try and rejoin the front. I never really got myself into a good position to sprint but I did take back some spots and ended up 7th out of what started as 35-40. Who knows how many official finishers there were with all the crashing on the last lap.
Top 10 is ok I guess but what's really important is that my ass did not end up on the pavement. I made it through all the Early Birds with out a single crash. I was pretty sure that it was bound to happen at least once. Luckily I avoided them. The upgrade request is in and so next I'll be racing as a 4. I'm not sure it's really going to be that much safer, but in theory the people should have some experience.
And the only person that will be sad about this is my mom, but all the Feb. races filled up so I won't race again until a stage race the 2nd weekend in March. I'm pretty stoked about it so we'll see what happens. I'm going to use Feb to get in some good smart training and go super long on the weekends.
Here's to keeping the rubber side down!
The obvious difference between Tom Cruise and his Mountain Dew Chevy and how this quote applies to my races is that I'm not inside of a Mountain Dew Chevy. Sure rubbing is a part of racing and there are certain times in a bike race where two competent riders actually keep themselves from falling by leaning on each other. Notice the word competent used in the previous sentence.
The race was going as most 5 races due. Everybody confusing cornering on your bike to the same as in a go-kart where you try and hug the inside as closely as possible so nobody can pass you. This makes for some very interesting lines going both in and out of the corners. At one point a guy to my left was touched by someone else. He freaked out, screamed and then dove his right shifter directly into my hip. I casually gave him a polite, get the f-bomb off of me nudge back into the group. He didn't go down, but I have no idea how. This was the first of 3 times I was assaulted. And not because someone was trying to fit into a spot they couldn't, but because they wigged out and I happened to the be the closest guy for them to try and kill.
The Men's 5 race was delayed due to some crash in the Women's 4. They didn't tell us that due to this delay our race would be cut short so they could stay on schedule. We didn't learn this nifty bit of info until we came through the start finish about 20 minutes after starting and they were ringing a bell so I looked over and saw a lap card with a 1 on it. I sort of freaked out and over reacted because I was nowhere near the front. I knew I needed to be at the front because I was going to try and sprint. Instead of doing the smart thing and waiting for some wheels to follow that would deposit me at the front, I just decided to move up myself. This turned out to be genius because there was a huge pile up in turn 1, which my over reaction put me in front of. Coming out of turn three there were two more crashes. One of them was directly beside me. I still can't figure out why this guy fell down. I heard a crash a few spots behind us and then all of the sudden homeboy to my right just flails out and is sliding across the pavement. My best guess is that it was basically the equivalent of a sympathy puker; someone else crashed so he thought he had to as well.
While I wasn't behind this crash it did disrupt my ability to follow some wheels close to the front for the sprint. The front 5 guys put their heads down and drove hard. The next 3-4 guys behind them couldn't match the effort and I had to get myself around them to try and rejoin the front. I never really got myself into a good position to sprint but I did take back some spots and ended up 7th out of what started as 35-40. Who knows how many official finishers there were with all the crashing on the last lap.
Top 10 is ok I guess but what's really important is that my ass did not end up on the pavement. I made it through all the Early Birds with out a single crash. I was pretty sure that it was bound to happen at least once. Luckily I avoided them. The upgrade request is in and so next I'll be racing as a 4. I'm not sure it's really going to be that much safer, but in theory the people should have some experience.
And the only person that will be sad about this is my mom, but all the Feb. races filled up so I won't race again until a stage race the 2nd weekend in March. I'm pretty stoked about it so we'll see what happens. I'm going to use Feb to get in some good smart training and go super long on the weekends.
Here's to keeping the rubber side down!
Friday, January 30, 2009
My Friends
My core group of friends back east are not nice to each other. Nobody from the outside looking in understands this. I've tried to introduce other people to this group and they think we're either all really mean or that we really hate each other. But, nothing could be further from the truth. We all just like each other so much that saying nice things to each other just doesn't seem appropriate. Rene recently described it as our own language. Which, in reality, is probably pretty accurate.
This picture basically describes 90% of our verbal interactions:
The caption, "That's Jamar and you know the TV never lies." It was posted on facebook, now it's posted on my blog. See, it's how we show we care. Now maybe Jamar will try and lose some weight. It's pretty embarrassing in public sometimes!
This picture basically describes 90% of our verbal interactions:
The caption, "That's Jamar and you know the TV never lies." It was posted on facebook, now it's posted on my blog. See, it's how we show we care. Now maybe Jamar will try and lose some weight. It's pretty embarrassing in public sometimes!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
More Quotes
After reading the following quote I realized I might have to change my opinion on their inspirational powers. This is too much knowledge not share. You can all thank me later for changing the way you now look at life.
Let's take 'em to church: (Which is actually another quote but from a Jay-Z song, ignore that fact!)
“There are three rules that I live by: never get less than twelve hours sleep; never play cards with a guy who has the same first name as a city; and never get involved with a woman with a tattoo of a dagger on her body. Now you stick to that, and everything else is cream cheese.” – Coach Finstock, Teen Wolf
Let's take 'em to church: (Which is actually another quote but from a Jay-Z song, ignore that fact!)
“There are three rules that I live by: never get less than twelve hours sleep; never play cards with a guy who has the same first name as a city; and never get involved with a woman with a tattoo of a dagger on her body. Now you stick to that, and everything else is cream cheese.” – Coach Finstock, Teen Wolf
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Bathroom Disaster!
I've never been one of those people that loves to talk about what goes down in a bathroom. You've all met the people that do. They kick open bathroom doors with a great sense of triumph for whatever damage they just did and then speak far too loudly to the person closest to them to ensure everyone can clearly hear the tale. These are not stories that should be shared. I mean, I didn't even believe that girls pooped until I was 22 and lived with 4 of them so you can see where I think of the bathroom as a private venue.
My current office only has one bathroom on the main floor. The other bathroom requires you go down a flight of stairs, through an extra door and use a key to get in. This other bathroom has a major default in the fact that the door is always locked, but not from the inside. So anyone with a key can always roll right in. This factor drives me insane. Both bathrooms are unisex, which in theory is ok, but in practice not so great. For clarification read the last paragraph from above for a refresher.
Recently the size of our office staff has basically tripled with seasonal members. It does not take a phD in Economics to see the supply and demand curve of the bathroom availability skewing in an unfavorable direction. Still, the occasional to often waiting for someone to exit isn't that bad. What is bad is the unavoidable knowledge of what just happened in that bathroom before you entered it's domain.
People stroll out of there with the biggest smiles on their faces like it's totally normally, and maybe it is. I completely realize that I'm probably the weird one here, but nobody seems to be the slightest bit embarrassed that the next five people who walk into that bathroom aren't going to be able to breath normally for the next day or two. A few days ago I literally held my breath the entire time I was peeing because it was so bad. No I didn't wash my hands because that would have taken extra time and I was already starting to turn blue. It was that bad. I am not being dramatic.
I'm left with this problem and have no idea what to do about it. I could always go downstairs to the other bathroom, but really, it's no better. I could grow up and deal, but there are clearly some deep seeded issues that my brain can't handle. Or, I can keep doing what I currently do now. Every time I open the bathroom door I take in the biggest breath possible and hope I can hold it for the duration. It is not unlikely that someone will find me passed out on that bathroom floor. I'm considering buying a fake gas mask and hanging it next to the door to try and make the point. Let's just hope the odor doesn't stick to clothes.
My current office only has one bathroom on the main floor. The other bathroom requires you go down a flight of stairs, through an extra door and use a key to get in. This other bathroom has a major default in the fact that the door is always locked, but not from the inside. So anyone with a key can always roll right in. This factor drives me insane. Both bathrooms are unisex, which in theory is ok, but in practice not so great. For clarification read the last paragraph from above for a refresher.
Recently the size of our office staff has basically tripled with seasonal members. It does not take a phD in Economics to see the supply and demand curve of the bathroom availability skewing in an unfavorable direction. Still, the occasional to often waiting for someone to exit isn't that bad. What is bad is the unavoidable knowledge of what just happened in that bathroom before you entered it's domain.
People stroll out of there with the biggest smiles on their faces like it's totally normally, and maybe it is. I completely realize that I'm probably the weird one here, but nobody seems to be the slightest bit embarrassed that the next five people who walk into that bathroom aren't going to be able to breath normally for the next day or two. A few days ago I literally held my breath the entire time I was peeing because it was so bad. No I didn't wash my hands because that would have taken extra time and I was already starting to turn blue. It was that bad. I am not being dramatic.
I'm left with this problem and have no idea what to do about it. I could always go downstairs to the other bathroom, but really, it's no better. I could grow up and deal, but there are clearly some deep seeded issues that my brain can't handle. Or, I can keep doing what I currently do now. Every time I open the bathroom door I take in the biggest breath possible and hope I can hold it for the duration. It is not unlikely that someone will find me passed out on that bathroom floor. I'm considering buying a fake gas mask and hanging it next to the door to try and make the point. Let's just hope the odor doesn't stick to clothes.
Monday, January 26, 2009
It Does Not Suck to Be:
With readership of teamLandall on the rise (I learned of a new reader this weekend, what's up Karla? You get shout outs here at teamLandall because we're a blog of the people! Or, something like that?) I'm thinking of starting some standard segments that have been floating through my brain. I've had this idea for a long time and just haven't actually acted on it. The staff here have been absolutely swamped with things like facebook scrabble and the occasional bike ride.
So, let's start this off and see if it lasts more than 1 entry.
It does not suck to be Lance Armstrong. As the entire world knows Lance decided to come back to bike racing to spread the cause of his cancer fighting foundation. Good for Lance! I mean that. But really, you'd think by this picture that good old Lance won the Tour Down Under where he made his comeback debut. But nope, Lance finished 29th but got more publicity than anyone else at the race. Let's also not forget about his A-list celebrity pals and make out sessions with an Olsen twin in some seedy LA Club that for a while seemed like just another day in the life. Outside of that whole cancer thing which in reality probably propelled him to where he is today, it certainly does not suck to be Lance Armstrong!
So, let's start this off and see if it lasts more than 1 entry.
It does not suck to be Lance Armstrong. As the entire world knows Lance decided to come back to bike racing to spread the cause of his cancer fighting foundation. Good for Lance! I mean that. But really, you'd think by this picture that good old Lance won the Tour Down Under where he made his comeback debut. But nope, Lance finished 29th but got more publicity than anyone else at the race. Let's also not forget about his A-list celebrity pals and make out sessions with an Olsen twin in some seedy LA Club that for a while seemed like just another day in the life. Outside of that whole cancer thing which in reality probably propelled him to where he is today, it certainly does not suck to be Lance Armstrong!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Early Bird #4: blah, blah, blah.
It started to rain about 10 minutes leading up to the 5s race and that made me wonder if it was worth it to even take the chance. These races can be sort of sketchy anyway so add in rain and the increase in wind and I figured it was a disaster waiting to happen. I went to the start anyway, go figure.
I was shivering at the start line and of course there was a 15 minute lecture on the hydro-dynamic features of bots dots. I know these guys have the best intentions but I'm pretty sure it just makes the field act even more stupid. And is it just me or does everybody like to ride right down the middle of the road and over them? Seriously, we have two lanes, just because on your morning commute you aren't allowed to ride down the middle of the road doesn't mean you need to make up for lost time on Sundays.
So, like I said, it was rainy, windy and cold. I think I mentioned cold, if not, it was cold. The first 20 minutes were insanely pedestrian and there was some fat guy who confused himself for General Custer whenever someone would go up the road he'd demand that nobody chase. And, everybody listened, including me, but I at least shook my head in disapproval every time. With five laps to go I decided that I was going to give the old flyer move a try with 3 to go. The field had slowed to a crawl every single lap coming down the home stretch because of the headwind. I usually go backwards in headwinds but figured I could ride faster than 18 by myself so I'd give it a go. Coming into the start/finish with 3 to go the group did not slow down. And, like the big fat idiot that I am, ignored this factor and stuck with my original plan devised on an entirely different set of circumstances.
I jumped from about 10 back. Got a gap, sat down to try and ignore the lactic acid starting to pile up. This was about the time that I noticed my heart rate monitor telling me I was going to die soon. 199. I stayed away for about another minute and realized that even if the group wasn't chasing I burned every match I had in my book pushing through the wind to that point. I sat up, got caught and then made a half assed effort of 13mph chasing to get back on for about 10 seconds.
I soft pedaled to the start/finish where a lap later I was greeted by the grunting of fat boy General Custer winning with the least impressive sprint I've ever seen in my life. Oh well, I guess the early birds are designed to teach you lessons. The one I learned today, don't stick to plans when the scenario changes. Oh yeah, and the other one, which I really already knew, don't trick yourself into thinking you're a power guy just because the field is going slow.
I was shivering at the start line and of course there was a 15 minute lecture on the hydro-dynamic features of bots dots. I know these guys have the best intentions but I'm pretty sure it just makes the field act even more stupid. And is it just me or does everybody like to ride right down the middle of the road and over them? Seriously, we have two lanes, just because on your morning commute you aren't allowed to ride down the middle of the road doesn't mean you need to make up for lost time on Sundays.
So, like I said, it was rainy, windy and cold. I think I mentioned cold, if not, it was cold. The first 20 minutes were insanely pedestrian and there was some fat guy who confused himself for General Custer whenever someone would go up the road he'd demand that nobody chase. And, everybody listened, including me, but I at least shook my head in disapproval every time. With five laps to go I decided that I was going to give the old flyer move a try with 3 to go. The field had slowed to a crawl every single lap coming down the home stretch because of the headwind. I usually go backwards in headwinds but figured I could ride faster than 18 by myself so I'd give it a go. Coming into the start/finish with 3 to go the group did not slow down. And, like the big fat idiot that I am, ignored this factor and stuck with my original plan devised on an entirely different set of circumstances.
I jumped from about 10 back. Got a gap, sat down to try and ignore the lactic acid starting to pile up. This was about the time that I noticed my heart rate monitor telling me I was going to die soon. 199. I stayed away for about another minute and realized that even if the group wasn't chasing I burned every match I had in my book pushing through the wind to that point. I sat up, got caught and then made a half assed effort of 13mph chasing to get back on for about 10 seconds.
I soft pedaled to the start/finish where a lap later I was greeted by the grunting of fat boy General Custer winning with the least impressive sprint I've ever seen in my life. Oh well, I guess the early birds are designed to teach you lessons. The one I learned today, don't stick to plans when the scenario changes. Oh yeah, and the other one, which I really already knew, don't trick yourself into thinking you're a power guy just because the field is going slow.
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