tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69457729966595941542024-02-19T17:02:37.206-05:00IrrelevanceKeep your head upKOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-56007413562326988982010-01-22T09:57:00.002-05:002010-01-22T10:29:52.705-05:00Outdoors, Power Training, and the First raceI finally put my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">girly</span> portions away and got outside the past couple weeks. It has been refreshing and invigorating. Riding for so long on an indoor trainer can be negative, at least for me. I was starting to forget about racing, real efforts, and the feel of riding a bike.<br /><br />My first ride back on the road a few weeks back was with my new team, a bunch of much faster, much more experienced riders, specifically a pile of CAT 1, 2's. On top of that, they were revving up for Tour of Bahamas (which starts tomorrow) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">i'm</span> revving up for say....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">april</span>-may? Needless to say i got dropped a lot. After spending some time outdoors, increasing my intensity, and riding more consistently, i had a much different experience this past weekend, a much more positive one. It bodes well for me and my up coming sophomore season.<br /><br />This being my 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> year riding a bike and racing (and this is truly my 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span> year...not "oh i <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">didnt</span> race seriously as a CAT 5...blah blah blah"). I was an overweight, no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">exercise</span>, beer drinking fool, that in the winter would go hiking. July of 08 i started to commute 7 miles to work, rode a fixed gear till the week of my first race which is when i got my road bike. I guess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">i've</span> really been just riding for a year and a half. Anyway, my point is, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">i'm</span> brand new at this. One thing i have no clue about is power specific training. My team mates have me doing 15minx2 interval sets right now. That's increased recently from 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">mins</span> and will increase again pretty soon. I was talking to Jared, who pretty much runs our team and he was discussing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">TT</span> in the Bahamas and not having put in the power training for the 3 mile <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">merckx</span> style <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">TT</span>. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">didnt</span> know what he meant. I know last season i did a lot of 1min and 30sec intervals, but i <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">dont</span> know exactly why. Just like if i did 5minx5 right now, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">i'd</span> have no idea what the point was? I know a bit why my mates have me doing the long intervals (besides it being a very big weakness of mine), but developing different sets of power as the season nears closer is very foreign to me.<br /><br />I already mentioned it but members of my elite team have left to go to warmer climates to race their bikes. Jared <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Neiters</span>, Bryan Vaughn, and Steven Gordon are all down there. Bryan Vaughn has been training very hard and should see some great results. Also, they sent pictures of our new kits and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">i'm</span> very pleased.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-79188601540127414492009-12-30T10:35:00.002-05:002009-12-30T10:42:38.087-05:00stuck indoorsI'm not too big of a weenie but i haven't been on my bike outside in about 3 weeks. I got a new trainer, plopped it in front of a TV in my storage room with a big stereo, turned a fan on and the lights off, and haven't really stopped since. hours go by watching dumb action movies, i save movies i actually want to watch for when i'm off the bike. But really am desiring to get outside no matter the temperature, but the main reason for all the indoor riding is that i'm sick of looking like a short-circuiting Christmas tree and still almost getting hit by a car, truck, semi, ambulance, etc.<br /><br />This past weekend, which would be the only time i get outdoors was monopalized by Family and expectations (and a tad bit of laziness) and the weekend before i was stuck inside due to massive amounts of snow. Hopefully this weekend will be different. Right now i'm in "ride bike at all costs" mode, so shouldn't be too big a deal. Team ride on friday, planned ride with team mate on saturday, ride with buddy on sunday. Possibly ride tomorrow for an hour depending on work schedule, all of which would be outdoors. nice change of pace.<br /><br />I hope winter ends soon.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-5898436684405060232009-11-25T10:42:00.003-05:002009-11-25T10:46:22.408-05:00Slow ridingI figured out the other day why <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">i've</span> been so slow...besides out of shape.<br /><br />I put on an old set of wheels for the off season because they are heavier, cheaper($), and more durable. But, what i didn't know was that my rear wheel's axle was too tight. i had realized my rear wheel didn't spin very effectively, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">i'm</span> lazy and just kept on. My buddy at the bike shop said he'd take a look at it for me, so i brought him <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">chipotle</span> and my bike. Later he said it was all fixed and that it was spinning because it was too tight. He greased everything and got it working properly.<br /><br />Hopefully riding will be a little "easier" now. I heard a quote about mechanics saying, "if you think something is wrong, it probably is".KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-85906966729861370262009-11-16T09:22:00.003-05:002009-11-16T10:03:43.568-05:00Dishwashing Gloves...w/o finger brushesLast winter season i learned a couple very important lessons.<br /><br />1.Fenders rule (see image)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4XN0agaVbeBtB49b_8H3JrCvUif7fQTcm_653zaVs1WSW53T6fM72DBAwO1ZQ4fFUKtVdSyQBQ26phyphenhyphenL9SaxfwPAS0EpRkjXVymjKD-eM9hA8qwxtlaK_wqeAjsT69eDWJ5fR2fhyC-y/s1600/fenders.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4XN0agaVbeBtB49b_8H3JrCvUif7fQTcm_653zaVs1WSW53T6fM72DBAwO1ZQ4fFUKtVdSyQBQ26phyphenhyphenL9SaxfwPAS0EpRkjXVymjKD-eM9hA8qwxtlaK_wqeAjsT69eDWJ5fR2fhyC-y/s400/fenders.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404717259348306002" border="0" /></a>2.Riding in the rain longer than 45mins in temps below 50 is brutally painful, but fenders help.<br /><br />I learned both of these from a <a href="http://afewscars.blogspot.com/">friend's brother</a> and telling him i know better despite his riding a bike as long i've probably been alive. or at least close to it.<br />I also told my wife last winter season, "remind me to ride outdoors even in the brutally cold rain, rather than on the rollers."<br /><br />So last week, as you may know, was a very wet week. Beyond the stinging pain of very cold wetness on the body, i love the conditions...messy, wet, cold. Really, its just how cold my hands get when they are sopping wet and directly in the wind. I've seen the specialized Scuba gloves (not really scuba gloves, but its what they look like), but they are ridiculously expensive and i dont have an amazing discount anymore. So while shopping around the IKEA discount area for craft projects (yes crafts...or art if that sounds better), and i saw a basket full of black rubber dishwashing gloves for 79 cents a pair. They reminded me of the super expensive Specialized pair, but for a 150th of the price (or something like that). They are super thin but big enough to allow to fit a pair of winter gloves underneathe, keeping my hands both dry and warm. I got to try them out a few times last week, making the cold wet rides much more enjoyable, even at 6 or 7 am. light or dark.<br /><br />79 cents. yes!<br /><br />I ended up 4th in the MABRA BAR. I only had a small portion of my season as a CAT 4 so i think that's pretty good. I found out by email this morning that i missed out on a plaque. Bummer. A season of more near misses than Vee's, but i still (by my count) have 2 in the bank.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-39753206992401982582009-11-11T09:20:00.004-05:002009-11-11T09:42:52.801-05:00UpdatesThis blog is kind of pointless. a couple people i know just trashed theirs or are on their way to, which is completely understandable. I dont have anything relevant to say and i don't write very well, but yet i continue. so here goes more of irrelevant rambling.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hiking-</span><br />Recently did a sunrise hike up Old Rag. Which included not going to bed due to the early nature of our departure. The hike was fun, sun rise was nice. It was a tad cold or i was a bit under dressed for sitting on a peak as short as it may be (3291 ft). Its the best we have around here for summit type of hiking. I'm going to go trail run it a few times here in the coming weeks. a solid 9 mile loop is good for a bit of running. yes, all you cyclist(ie Bert)...running.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Music-</span><br />Missed Saul William's visit to DC (again). If anyone is into good pop check out Head Automatica's album Propaganda or their earlier album Decadence know for its single Beating Heart Baby. Its good fun, catchy music. Their earlier album is good for a bit of dancing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">House-</span><br />My basement is finally done. and i'm enjoying it. still a lot 'o' bills to pay off.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cycling-</span><br />I keep starting to put in miles only to be derailed by outside forces...Like a semi or the flu (h1n1). I have a solid commute worked out for the journey home in the dark. including a few miles of nice lightly traveled gravel roads (one of the dogs that always barks finally was loose last night and chased me...a little bit of extra fun). I'm working on a morning coffee ride, just need to find people who may be interested. Also, a once a week lunch ride; i have one taker. I'd do anything to ride in the daylight more than 30% of the week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Movies-</span><br />Best couple movies i've seen lately- The Informant and Where the Wild Things Are. The Men Who Stare at Goats was a bit overdone. It played the quirky card a little too much without any sort of positive execution. The Informant is very very good. Best movie i've seen in a while.<br /><br />What happens when you are the office prankster and ride a bike to work?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuatrUHthTBSPkDIsd81aaXSkuEtZi5wBZx2Y4Iu6gX3oh67OVIAOsxeoEdFzClun0qo5bml8q7dt21_PbBGiLpI1ceWbTLCWP03iN7X8AIuqwY_ULDxtGJxfQjpIS7skbrT5IDkfnzoG/s1600-h/lynched+bike.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuatrUHthTBSPkDIsd81aaXSkuEtZi5wBZx2Y4Iu6gX3oh67OVIAOsxeoEdFzClun0qo5bml8q7dt21_PbBGiLpI1ceWbTLCWP03iN7X8AIuqwY_ULDxtGJxfQjpIS7skbrT5IDkfnzoG/s400/lynched+bike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402856160066850594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnOb4l3dIg0WfSBOZgZnV90edd627m1MAJgJGP2niqRwHWbl4i7Io3IFSpRJ6JEBpF0i-KjbMm5s5AM2RxX8K5P0gQc5lt7-5X5hPhPqkx4UgOyLmOuZpC0AS-5BG6x6WZaj8ToOU5zM8/s1600-h/lynched+bike+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnOb4l3dIg0WfSBOZgZnV90edd627m1MAJgJGP2niqRwHWbl4i7Io3IFSpRJ6JEBpF0i-KjbMm5s5AM2RxX8K5P0gQc5lt7-5X5hPhPqkx4UgOyLmOuZpC0AS-5BG6x6WZaj8ToOU5zM8/s400/lynched+bike+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402856165979283746" border="0" /></a>Old pictures. but i just found them. they are kind of funny.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-22899237946128783682009-10-14T10:08:00.002-04:002009-10-14T10:15:26.244-04:00New TeamStarting to get things ready for next season, which includes for the majority, my mindset. It <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">doesn't</span> help that it was 43 degrees this morning and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">I've</span> got a while till <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I'm</span> feeling used to it being cold. I believe i dressed as if it was below 20, at least it would have been the case back in Jan/Feb.<br /><br />So the real news and big news (for myself) is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">I'm</span> switching teams from 540cycling to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Haymarket</span>. Everything is set in motion, and its a matter of getting new kits at this point, which thankfully my old team will buy off my old ones, despite a few being ravaged a tad by asphalt.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-37082670223330915442009-10-06T09:20:00.004-04:002009-10-06T09:48:19.845-04:00Best Night EverBest Night Ever is what i was thinking sitting in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Trocadora</span> in Philly with an old friend of mine watching the original line-up of Sunny Day Real Estate. Besides that i was receiving multiple texts about Brooks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Laich</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ovie</span> scoring 2 goals a piece in the Cap's opener against the Boston Bruins.<br />Also, right after the show i was going to south <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Philly</span> to stay with another buddy of mine.<br /><br />All in all, it was a great night. But i left my friend's place to go home at 1 am. it was a rough drive home.<br /><br />Saul Williams will be at the Black Cat Nov 1. i also will be there.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-39791915290523135722009-09-28T12:24:00.007-04:002009-09-28T13:12:56.804-04:00Marland AT-Check!First off i'll say the trip was a success, but not without a few issues. I'm breaking up the stories into 3rds not including the drive up and back.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drive-Up:</span><br />I didn't know EXACTLY where i was going, because i somehow forgot to get directions to the drop-off and pick-up point. And with my wife following us in her car it makes it bit more stressful doing multiple u-turns in the middle of nowhere. Regardless we made it to Harper's Ferry to drop off Erich's car which we were hiking to, but it just happened to take about a hour and a half longer than it needed to.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1st third (15-16 miles):</span><br />We reached the trail head at the Pen-Mar border right at 11. We packed everything up and left a few unnecessary items and then left. We started 2 hours late which turned out to be a good thing. The first third of the trip was in total darkness and went really well except for going off trail a solid 10 times. That section of the AT isn't marked well and it was dark, so no surprises. The first casualty occurred towards the end of this portion when somehow my pack came unzipped and a few things fell out including food, fire kit, and the water filter. The food we found and after double checking we found the fire kit, and checked again, but hours later i realized the water pump was not in my pack. So someone now has a brand new Katadyn Water Filter Pump. bummer...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOnIby2qw-o9-75vaDgrHhJNza0XQVjhviqQ9tvZtAkN0GLdy8JhHEl8yyTIf8Ec7e36xj0JfEQmeH8LH8LToAiTkasVfBakXVsh986-ADwTWl7QR1dID4SPtlbrCbfX27KwFDKgC1qaQ/s1600-h/IMG_2552.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOnIby2qw-o9-75vaDgrHhJNza0XQVjhviqQ9tvZtAkN0GLdy8JhHEl8yyTIf8Ec7e36xj0JfEQmeH8LH8LToAiTkasVfBakXVsh986-ADwTWl7QR1dID4SPtlbrCbfX27KwFDKgC1qaQ/s400/IMG_2552.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386555458454972898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH4mO6LXyRYkdbB2ouMacfyKE3wR_ZrOvtHvw9uYEwsrV5Cgshorw505jtx0-RKckbqaKLCVaY_T3ZHPUOOGdvX6Wnr75ZPFmkjRmsrnpBR13qCMOj_jJaCtRyld-CYmZ4_PGl6RUrzqW/s1600-h/IMG_2551.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH4mO6LXyRYkdbB2ouMacfyKE3wR_ZrOvtHvw9uYEwsrV5Cgshorw505jtx0-RKckbqaKLCVaY_T3ZHPUOOGdvX6Wnr75ZPFmkjRmsrnpBR13qCMOj_jJaCtRyld-CYmZ4_PGl6RUrzqW/s400/IMG_2551.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386555449368081026" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmk2Z39Bwyxx25huf30TR37w4stTJ7OGYdLkQCrYMbEbDqPF41Txk-FwAHCP5xK6YrhzT0kXX5m85nvfsE3eZfiQDSCNtGFoHRH8xgwsztIewSA9JRUz8VkDGeo6jrurWCdWkap7nsh_p/s1600-h/IMG_2560.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmk2Z39Bwyxx25huf30TR37w4stTJ7OGYdLkQCrYMbEbDqPF41Txk-FwAHCP5xK6YrhzT0kXX5m85nvfsE3eZfiQDSCNtGFoHRH8xgwsztIewSA9JRUz8VkDGeo6jrurWCdWkap7nsh_p/s400/IMG_2560.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386555463872376994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadUKmELkETO7UlXOSOV006Y4FxXhmN5xO0bKKuTZa-ZLfJuma-gR9yNVEvNyXSYnoix53AlWtvtaJAiL6bCXqDTf15rNe5l6twm9MF7DdqQ02uwxb06wTIu_TRAiK-VenIsruPWv1toDZ/s1600-h/IMG_2564.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadUKmELkETO7UlXOSOV006Y4FxXhmN5xO0bKKuTZa-ZLfJuma-gR9yNVEvNyXSYnoix53AlWtvtaJAiL6bCXqDTf15rNe5l6twm9MF7DdqQ02uwxb06wTIu_TRAiK-VenIsruPWv1toDZ/s400/IMG_2564.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386555480262645682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUlFfOW4WZIbuOJ57l5ngIwXppUfFWA05bS1x0ct6N5l-2QMlwqdOR1GkWoVkY2H8uxsMBjFfP_VEzBt6ebE3rJoStU8VOwFSGhRoqpuIlC1JT_33go7WkeEhcsK_9UM6Je0laPghctcR/s1600-h/IMG_2561.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUlFfOW4WZIbuOJ57l5ngIwXppUfFWA05bS1x0ct6N5l-2QMlwqdOR1GkWoVkY2H8uxsMBjFfP_VEzBt6ebE3rJoStU8VOwFSGhRoqpuIlC1JT_33go7WkeEhcsK_9UM6Je0laPghctcR/s400/IMG_2561.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386555472194897554" border="0" /></a>Around 5am i finally got wicked tired and Erich took over the lead. We were aiming for halfway at sunrise but we found some cliffs which we thought faced east and decided it would be nice to watch the sunrise and take a break. We stopped around 6:45 and completed nearly 16 miles and the next 4-5 miles were flat/slightly downhill. So far so good. We took a quick power nap, rubbed our feet, watched as the sky became lighter (there were clouds, so no sun).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR6wZhbnP3Vv8NppXUQuqcPgsbEn6PCS3AygcDkm80_ET1u_nsk-FvbIz2tl2d4uneTF_EyTzHkKX5njofxp-IfvHQHsz8KU5rfYCcLObB-NHluGbUZf-TfyQElukrYUXVA9ZwUZSeO4p/s1600-h/IMG_2568.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR6wZhbnP3Vv8NppXUQuqcPgsbEn6PCS3AygcDkm80_ET1u_nsk-FvbIz2tl2d4uneTF_EyTzHkKX5njofxp-IfvHQHsz8KU5rfYCcLObB-NHluGbUZf-TfyQElukrYUXVA9ZwUZSeO4p/s400/IMG_2568.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386559216793171138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOnVWdrI8MkH69foXa1aN_MVGmQpzleM8K8toWupVrdtgobn9caifSourFfxMSrmK1yWl63JhR5giGLvwfe_XEnahdtkBCLrSVQo6518zaedM1VYQgvsi2GZcQhfTkZ51k29ecsgR-2Th/s1600-h/IMG_2572.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOnVWdrI8MkH69foXa1aN_MVGmQpzleM8K8toWupVrdtgobn9caifSourFfxMSrmK1yWl63JhR5giGLvwfe_XEnahdtkBCLrSVQo6518zaedM1VYQgvsi2GZcQhfTkZ51k29ecsgR-2Th/s400/IMG_2572.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386559232759696290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRLDYxSX5uCAkNafaKPAmGS6x3nXi-9ZZHHy2iRWsLwCme_TJau8Ka4N1-F17CaeEBsgzRaj_ozdAEnpnCCY08XFExQcPdWGqfsG0cPyWAYJljAfOvX__W0uUahK-rNd_DB8uXa5qJGVd/s1600-h/IMG_2569.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRLDYxSX5uCAkNafaKPAmGS6x3nXi-9ZZHHy2iRWsLwCme_TJau8Ka4N1-F17CaeEBsgzRaj_ozdAEnpnCCY08XFExQcPdWGqfsG0cPyWAYJljAfOvX__W0uUahK-rNd_DB8uXa5qJGVd/s400/IMG_2569.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386559223710029314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFz5i2aR0uV3aWsBEyVHw8TfW2oY4mYma2p8cPzZ09kwENVPXkI1GoBVrKYdkaDNyh21gI-yndyZvMrHsTEb-ji3SgseWScpqdghZKEJGp6d0LqCv0rElb5q94LaNAGGhSqUCR6UOpWcM/s1600-h/IMG_2573.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFz5i2aR0uV3aWsBEyVHw8TfW2oY4mYma2p8cPzZ09kwENVPXkI1GoBVrKYdkaDNyh21gI-yndyZvMrHsTEb-ji3SgseWScpqdghZKEJGp6d0LqCv0rElb5q94LaNAGGhSqUCR6UOpWcM/s400/IMG_2573.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386559248858362690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYWKZrBx0m2173c8sKFnAcyHK0Ge0SrFPkgO6a-D_X5tzlp2NZZ37P6EaxWp0q9m16C64Tl-N0t7wFXPSbWccBFPpylVviLPzDEy0bUrkoYFRNF-3YETy6AO8L8VUuhmv4tVdlPbkBk5G/s1600-h/IMG_2575.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYWKZrBx0m2173c8sKFnAcyHK0Ge0SrFPkgO6a-D_X5tzlp2NZZ37P6EaxWp0q9m16C64Tl-N0t7wFXPSbWccBFPpylVviLPzDEy0bUrkoYFRNF-3YETy6AO8L8VUuhmv4tVdlPbkBk5G/s400/IMG_2575.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386559255266931666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">2nd third (15 miles):</span><br />This section started off terribly. I preface the next little bit with-we were sleep deprived.<br /><br />So, getting started, we reconnected with the AT from our lookout and started to hike. Thinking that the city in the distance was Fredrick and that we watched the sunrise from the east, it seemed that we were hiking the wrong direction (North). I got Erich to hike back to the cliffs and we pondered how this could be. It would take too long to detail everything out and just how confused we were, but finally we looked and Erich's compass (for the 2nd time) and it said "west", which according to the map would be correct.<br />The whole "sunrise" happened behind us, being that we were facing west and "Fredrick" happened to be Hagerstown. Bummer. To further illustrate our sleep depravity, Erich trusted me over his GPS compass, which he had checked earlier before we got terribly confused.<br /><br />It was a nice afternoon, speckled with brief showers that never were intense enough or long enough to get out the gortex until about mile 28 when the rain came down hard and was not showing signs of relenting like previous spurts. This continued the rest of the trip. Not too much else to say except every step hurt like hell until my feet finally went numb.<br /><br />Before the rain had started we were starting to really feel the effects of the trip, the lack of sleep, and the mundane section of the AT.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaojdGPWMa0e99-UKDTaLSPgfvNe1HZhfFpU8ivMXi7D_sm4JZV2AHwc06Us2MFtQ4miomlqT95-KQ_tSfunaem-XqtM0Jb7oxFK5U0GOBG_Sb-_r18qYrlVq_gS3nHsly4P4IeCKnzaT/s1600-h/IMG_2580.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaojdGPWMa0e99-UKDTaLSPgfvNe1HZhfFpU8ivMXi7D_sm4JZV2AHwc06Us2MFtQ4miomlqT95-KQ_tSfunaem-XqtM0Jb7oxFK5U0GOBG_Sb-_r18qYrlVq_gS3nHsly4P4IeCKnzaT/s400/IMG_2580.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386561955585937234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvhV_tmN3msmLbF6ctE-2ghnWczm8cFyFRlV5Mn3ucwFccZwXB23_g9DiDAPmHVlFbLv6Zy3W_dVOB9gATo6-j2AmB1PaOjq7yNl62LZqPMIOXOQGVR88IO5shYORKiE1fKCIDal8C6My/s1600-h/IMG_2584.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvhV_tmN3msmLbF6ctE-2ghnWczm8cFyFRlV5Mn3ucwFccZwXB23_g9DiDAPmHVlFbLv6Zy3W_dVOB9gATo6-j2AmB1PaOjq7yNl62LZqPMIOXOQGVR88IO5shYORKiE1fKCIDal8C6My/s400/IMG_2584.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386561966395038210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">3rd...third (14 miles):</span><br />I only have one picture from this section and it was immediately as we were starting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPusdQAYXxa4REoyW3L_dy1FriHq7g3F8727MVJHalbXOT127ysOWaYllUVtyDigR8Mr9ZQsYm7VQAY0CEyE3nF42uHjQyr5UsneZ1EKE1mOvU4jM2PW-gzyhwQzVErfXlopYZfNKjAEg/s1600-h/IMG_2586.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPusdQAYXxa4REoyW3L_dy1FriHq7g3F8727MVJHalbXOT127ysOWaYllUVtyDigR8Mr9ZQsYm7VQAY0CEyE3nF42uHjQyr5UsneZ1EKE1mOvU4jM2PW-gzyhwQzVErfXlopYZfNKjAEg/s400/IMG_2586.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386563071616907922" border="0" /></a>It was raining and raining hard the rest of the trip, so the camera stayed put inside the dry pack of mine. Plus, at this point we were too exhausted to think about being jovial. Most sentences were littered with expletives and phrases like "shut up" and "i don't care" or "you're hallucinating".<br /><br />In between the 2nd and 3rd sections, we took another power nap exactly where Erich is standing in that picture.<br /><br />Walking was immensely painful and at this point in the trip there was no pep in our step, i remember saying "we are moving slow" and not being able to lift the pace.<br /><br />The last sections of the hike was as follows- 4 humpty-humps (not big enough to be hills/climbs, but a noticeable elevation change), a 2 mile descent characterized by terribly awkward switchbacks, 3 miles along the river on the C&O Canal, and finally 2 miles of an incredible steep climb back to the car. We blazed up to the descent and then Erich cracked hard and the descent did him in. We hit the Canal road right at dark and made it to the car nearly 2 hours later. Finally arriving at 830 at the 7-11 we parked at.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drive Home:</span><br />Long and characterized by me saying "are you ok to drive?" and passing out as i was saying i should drive.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall:</span><br />45+ miles-21 hours-1 Katadyn Water Pump<br />The trail was easily the worst and most boring section of AT i've done. I'm glad to have knocked it out quickly. The ridge was littered with large rocks, making walking a tricky mess in the dark, rain, and through exhaustion.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to more but not all at once.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-1435620735191325382009-09-25T13:51:00.003-04:002009-09-25T14:02:48.085-04:00The HikeAbout 2 years ago i thought it would be a great idea to hike the Maryland section of the AT in 24 hours or less. I've heard of people trail running it, but due to my inability not to get injured running long distances (10+ miles) that option was excluded. So taking on a slower pace seemed reasonable and possible if i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">didn't</span> mind hiking 8 or 9 hours through the dark.<br /><br />This trip, i believe, will put me and my hiking buddy at about the same "completed" portions of the AT. I'd like to finish it sometime in the next decade, but this past winter's trip fell through, hiking in the summer is not an option, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">I'm</span> married, and work full time. So i take it small sections, when i can during the winter. I make exceptions during fall/spring. But winter hiking is where its at.<br /><br />Last fall instead of hiking a large portion of the AT i did 9 or 10 peaks in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Daks</span>. My wife allows 1 big trip a year. This year <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">I'm</span> trading the AT again for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Daks</span> because they are so much more fun and the conditions (during the winter) are more harsh, which i enjoy. So now the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Daks</span> are cutting into my completion rate, but its whatever...<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">I'm</span> having fun.<br /><br />Tonight-meet up with a friend.<br />hit up chipotle.<br />drop off car at end point.<br />get dropped off at trailhead.<br />hike south.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-42993607677707939952009-09-21T10:08:00.005-04:002009-09-21T10:20:52.647-04:00Warm-up HikeI did a little warm-up hike with some friends this past weekend. The reason i say "warm-up" is because i have a very extensive trip this Saturday. We left my house a bit late on Saturday afternoon and got to the parking lot around 5-515. On the trail by around 530, which is really late considering the distance and daylight.<br /><br />Long story short...we never made it to the peak. we had about 600 more ft to go but we could see it. The reason we stopped is because those last 600 ft is a rock scramble and we didn't want to descend that in the dark.<br /><br />Brad and Erich (Erich just got back form Iraq this past week.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheY3q0e2rI1Q8SOQtwqeNSbNevAkJl15Dqy_usSSl7bpAvxHP1Mdza0RuMtXIeV-93y3V6vd4Exof9sYsofxajqzeLp8TGwCfUMyj-rDjmiPldJme6XPQlqg71m8wV26VYACkEGJHjPXrF/s1600-h/IMG_2541.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheY3q0e2rI1Q8SOQtwqeNSbNevAkJl15Dqy_usSSl7bpAvxHP1Mdza0RuMtXIeV-93y3V6vd4Exof9sYsofxajqzeLp8TGwCfUMyj-rDjmiPldJme6XPQlqg71m8wV26VYACkEGJHjPXrF/s400/IMG_2541.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383924474371771010" border="0" /></a>I love hiking...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30LBQX9XMpKGTkgi5KEhUILKURRKjV3Ck_OiFVoY804oplAlH1Gn-CS6M0bjGd-H8JHVrbU5le6x8DJ4xEPH_C7i4tS29t3tbymAQLdP_WbsZHRN_Oshecs32K2rAM0Bu2jBAOeDle9tN/s1600-h/IMG_2540.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30LBQX9XMpKGTkgi5KEhUILKURRKjV3Ck_OiFVoY804oplAlH1Gn-CS6M0bjGd-H8JHVrbU5le6x8DJ4xEPH_C7i4tS29t3tbymAQLdP_WbsZHRN_Oshecs32K2rAM0Bu2jBAOeDle9tN/s400/IMG_2540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383924465113452514" border="0" /></a>Proof that Alissa went! This is where we stopped. (cell phone pic)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawbdckSBg5tYa96apZsk8cdlCKs7FvHccyIzT54gomjkK1Yw06mr5_qhwgmxnhCSVWAlbBYee2qgOBOF17x8jJzDyC4zHkuXl1EEj0cjNCzuvj2g_u0diZjJqp_C7o45J48SIxRodQfZ-/s1600-h/437193309_1520203224_0.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawbdckSBg5tYa96apZsk8cdlCKs7FvHccyIzT54gomjkK1Yw06mr5_qhwgmxnhCSVWAlbBYee2qgOBOF17x8jJzDyC4zHkuXl1EEj0cjNCzuvj2g_u0diZjJqp_C7o45J48SIxRodQfZ-/s400/437193309_1520203224_0.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383924458087389506" border="0" /></a><br />You can see the top up ahead of us, unfortunately...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWiOFl8pk7qD3muZPw00So4leL_H-HnyKQ7hfzpX_qwNF1ulfupgefBqY5g9gTnjuGlV2bxvH-a5gNOMzMSPd0ghbd5C-Dkjlu8HgXQlewNRW2pbzxdSgZuPJ6pTmphOfflqrevXnvg9M/s1600-h/IMG_2546.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWiOFl8pk7qD3muZPw00So4leL_H-HnyKQ7hfzpX_qwNF1ulfupgefBqY5g9gTnjuGlV2bxvH-a5gNOMzMSPd0ghbd5C-Dkjlu8HgXQlewNRW2pbzxdSgZuPJ6pTmphOfflqrevXnvg9M/s400/IMG_2546.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383924945516194082" border="0" /></a><br />Side note-forgot the headlamps. which made descending kind of difficult.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-13014288100769718092009-09-18T09:56:00.004-04:002009-09-18T10:12:23.629-04:00Cycling Barriersthis may ruin my next racing season...<br /><a href="http://modernwarfare2.infinityward.com/">site</a><br /><br />A little while back my wife and i bought a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">xbox</span> 360. It is my first video game system ever. I still loathe video games (partially because they are addicting). I grew up not allowed to have video game systems. So when i purchased one, i played it non stop for 4 days...literally staying up till 4 am the first night. My wife was in Alabama visiting a friend and i was on a 2 week rest period from the bike, so i gorged on wasting time (and food and beer). <br /><br />Since then, its slightly effected my motivation for cycling...go ride for a couple hours or go home and play Call of Duty? My inner self-hatred tells me most of the time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">i'm</span> fat and slow, so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">i'll</span> usually go ride, but still, its one more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">barricade</span> to overcome, specially since we are approaching the cold hard winter. Which by the way, yesterday was miserable...low 60's in the mist/rain. Fenders help immensely. Dirt roads in rain = not a great idea...i kept reminding myself "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">i'm</span> not in Paris-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Roubaix</span>, slow down, wrecking sucks".<br /><br />Hopefully i <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dont</span> have to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">permantly</span> sell anything.<br /><br />Oh, the reason we bought the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">xbox</span> is<br />1.i love call of duty<br />2.wife loves the ever annoying Rock Band/Guitar Hero<br />3.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Netflix</span> streaming!<br /><br />time to watch a doper win the vuelta...KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-34166686058939808972009-09-17T16:24:00.004-04:002009-09-17T16:33:38.388-04:00more of the samemore cold(er), more rain.<br /><br />i've lost a bunch of weight over the last week or two, 5-7lbs of real weight (opposed to water weight). wasn't too hard. swap veggies and fruit for...pretty much everything. remain healthy and not too terribly hungry.<br /><br />This next season i'd rather break the stereotype of a fat crit racer. I'm planning on honing in on as many road races as possible specifically the ones i skipped like Lost River and Page Valley. Poolesville, which was one of my favorites, will be the main goal i think of next season along with Fawn Grove Roubaix. I like Fawn Grove's course...short punchy climbs, a few gravel roads, "peleton" shattered through attrition. This year i'll have teammates to help me in poolesville though. No more- chasing a breakaway for 20 miles solo...between dragging the pack and being way off the front.<br /><br />Also, Caps 1st preseason game is tonight against the Buffalo Sabers. GO CAPS!KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-10025474721036697112009-09-16T10:21:00.008-04:002009-09-16T11:01:06.699-04:00!!! w/picsWent to see !!! (or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chik</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chik</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chik</span>) to dance for a while. awesome show, but not quite as fun as LCD <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Soundsystem</span>.<br /><br />i hate "posing" for pics, but the wife <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">doesn't</span> mind.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOnerUzBP0Pss8J-wW2hV_CddNQkG6EN-ov_rwYGfiREIkiuKblquRb1hBpce828nOMDS9cRND3oLY59yJPkF5PNgKbvv7mc5f7HK5Q53yzzZ9cW6lp950rlzCk1hFz-oATD9rMeUdBRB/s1600-h/Fall+2009+017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOnerUzBP0Pss8J-wW2hV_CddNQkG6EN-ov_rwYGfiREIkiuKblquRb1hBpce828nOMDS9cRND3oLY59yJPkF5PNgKbvv7mc5f7HK5Q53yzzZ9cW6lp950rlzCk1hFz-oATD9rMeUdBRB/s400/Fall+2009+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382078749229307042" border="0" /></a>close to matching shirts and green tea bottles (w/out green tea in it)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFOmXoB2Mni1Q5XCWbAquAVf6YDW4Ne4faggLLL1N4757iwTM-lnHYWjBuBdCK1cABg2y1Ob_XEcA1qVOjMKtnz9V7335J-Duz-h7SYB_S0txjJCIR1GffPfqWXrxlzRA3tjTBZjuZ1rv/s1600-h/Fall+2009+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFOmXoB2Mni1Q5XCWbAquAVf6YDW4Ne4faggLLL1N4757iwTM-lnHYWjBuBdCK1cABg2y1Ob_XEcA1qVOjMKtnz9V7335J-Duz-h7SYB_S0txjJCIR1GffPfqWXrxlzRA3tjTBZjuZ1rv/s400/Fall+2009+016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382078048606849698" border="0" /></a>Dave in typical form.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8G_JD8Lfm2mBdl6y9E-OuXERvw8j1FPqDPNrkyyLkMMEJqsYRwFRWfXiyjRg4Z207oDSY5TUyEuvFg0xu4jQ0sWBVW7TbaKDVj75pm2Q5T-pESOhdNUtasQgLQtUtjWnwTdEnAIUnN4u/s1600-h/Fall+2009+015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8G_JD8Lfm2mBdl6y9E-OuXERvw8j1FPqDPNrkyyLkMMEJqsYRwFRWfXiyjRg4Z207oDSY5TUyEuvFg0xu4jQ0sWBVW7TbaKDVj75pm2Q5T-pESOhdNUtasQgLQtUtjWnwTdEnAIUnN4u/s400/Fall+2009+015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382078039532980658" border="0" /></a>Warming up before the show.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS4MASoH9GYDc2wkF5-pnApiuSCjVUvxyjtW3u7CdP5RmJA4Gb0wnu_oECqmH-MEwKZJFqCnGpbuvi3TYcSjwadwTVAMibuKYhQK8WMEjhulaIR30xoOh5D-drWCpk2-x6rB8kzo0q_Na/s1600-h/Fall+2009+018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS4MASoH9GYDc2wkF5-pnApiuSCjVUvxyjtW3u7CdP5RmJA4Gb0wnu_oECqmH-MEwKZJFqCnGpbuvi3TYcSjwadwTVAMibuKYhQK8WMEjhulaIR30xoOh5D-drWCpk2-x6rB8kzo0q_Na/s400/Fall+2009+018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382075669863457682" border="0" /></a>Funny-Darryl=drunk Me=not. looks are deceiving<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimd1TURpes2zgQoY8QjwjGqZBp0xeBUfOJVBrIHaCmSqzhVEfoVQxwXu37ac3G0ci55_Skaq48NSb-eCdc2w7ER4WgbdL8DpUAZwqgVVe4TYcY_JrYyJhsexKtJlOja9AWng943ebYp3_C/s1600-h/Fall+2009+026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimd1TURpes2zgQoY8QjwjGqZBp0xeBUfOJVBrIHaCmSqzhVEfoVQxwXu37ac3G0ci55_Skaq48NSb-eCdc2w7ER4WgbdL8DpUAZwqgVVe4TYcY_JrYyJhsexKtJlOja9AWng943ebYp3_C/s400/Fall+2009+026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382078058248476194" border="0" /></a><br />The sisters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCSXRmmNi5e7b1qjpWdD5Yh1nRVnWvrprlLBFyYWmX9yh4tATnTDz0JFAq7A8v47bgVCOoSl_4EnIqx4JVSwbAeKGsencm8Gq-FR_xYEH0YgHs1NveB7Ovzhzn826vrVp9qxW4Mcaff9E/s1600-h/Fall+2009+023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCSXRmmNi5e7b1qjpWdD5Yh1nRVnWvrprlLBFyYWmX9yh4tATnTDz0JFAq7A8v47bgVCOoSl_4EnIqx4JVSwbAeKGsencm8Gq-FR_xYEH0YgHs1NveB7Ovzhzn826vrVp9qxW4Mcaff9E/s400/Fall+2009+023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382075679732901218" border="0" /></a>Zach and Darryl's plan to hook up with chicks...hand them a note. 1-0. good results so far.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFebo277RVdAh-wOby25exQhXy5GDFSN1kjJQyaKTNkCD0tjqrRKufn0-0x5F2poRB-p1dy_1lLOuFk9bCTgvmshlIko1w5zB6xS6VIv1atj2eF4Km1V50TzdGM7j5hvZtaP90jQvKt6pN/s1600-h/Fall+2009+024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFebo277RVdAh-wOby25exQhXy5GDFSN1kjJQyaKTNkCD0tjqrRKufn0-0x5F2poRB-p1dy_1lLOuFk9bCTgvmshlIko1w5zB6xS6VIv1atj2eF4Km1V50TzdGM7j5hvZtaP90jQvKt6pN/s400/Fall+2009+024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382075687829285938" border="0" /></a><br />"you seem cool. hit me up on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">facebook</span>. ******@yahoo.com"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhA1t-fScfaJv9bMZUKWucN-6RBALxiTRU7mth9ChubL75sDb3X6jrls0_xVPGan9ZUZnyKOE8DtbfU8kKu1GcPn2Mm-uQLOvGgPm2z3TJ6GHXsX4AIlilBQXgEDj0EjmxsxIh8siX4qqN/s1600-h/Fall+2009+025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhA1t-fScfaJv9bMZUKWucN-6RBALxiTRU7mth9ChubL75sDb3X6jrls0_xVPGan9ZUZnyKOE8DtbfU8kKu1GcPn2Mm-uQLOvGgPm2z3TJ6GHXsX4AIlilBQXgEDj0EjmxsxIh8siX4qqN/s400/Fall+2009+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382075691093931970" border="0" /></a>And the show <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">hasn't</span> even started yet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8HOYJtMSdb6g1w3FK5iKPBatRCmBLl5fhoz3EznDbyz72Dmf_clNZ-J7AsU2wOyZfpTlbOSYdSw1r1i4VUWJVNSLJInL6_CPA3lodBSI0hrI6D-zv9XXkccovlo8OQNU9VikW-Z3zLoJ/s1600-h/Fall+2009+035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8HOYJtMSdb6g1w3FK5iKPBatRCmBLl5fhoz3EznDbyz72Dmf_clNZ-J7AsU2wOyZfpTlbOSYdSw1r1i4VUWJVNSLJInL6_CPA3lodBSI0hrI6D-zv9XXkccovlo8OQNU9VikW-Z3zLoJ/s400/Fall+2009+035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382076338835700546" border="0" /></a>And...how sweaty everyone is after dancing for a couple of hours<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGfth2vI9Gwjhwb_WQrRhefOPEb7CZJ7Zn5DbfnuRIXKmf6gyjtp2luE8g1KY0B1_ZLeEJnyWlLWYneH1ZnvENBrjv0ZSJ-V-y_mRwAe3KErMPhAFYZMY7te6vRSPqUtkSeqYGdENU1x2/s1600-h/Fall+2009+040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGfth2vI9Gwjhwb_WQrRhefOPEb7CZJ7Zn5DbfnuRIXKmf6gyjtp2luE8g1KY0B1_ZLeEJnyWlLWYneH1ZnvENBrjv0ZSJ-V-y_mRwAe3KErMPhAFYZMY7te6vRSPqUtkSeqYGdENU1x2/s400/Fall+2009+040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382076349547516754" border="0" /></a>KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-23616044897673306662009-09-14T09:53:00.002-04:002009-09-14T10:11:21.920-04:00Every morning is painfulLiterally every single day my boss is at work he listens to two annoying talk show hosts. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dont</span> know the earlier one, but regardless they are both extremely irritating.<br /><br />The "show" that's currently on now is the Glen Beck talk show. I've never loathed someone so much. If i didn't have headphones with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Radiohead</span> and Saul Williams on, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">i'd</span> probably box my own ears just to numb the pain.<br /><br />Glen Beck has hijacked Christianity and posed himself has the republican savior.<br /><br />In other news one of my best friends is back from Iraq. He's coming over <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Thursday</span>. Looks like screwdrivers all around. There will be one more missing liter bottle of vodka. shhh!KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-62423334223405540242009-09-11T09:07:00.004-04:002009-09-11T12:17:58.239-04:00not againYes it is raining and in the 50's...given the high 50's, but regardless this isn't a good sign. I had planned on not riding today, so it works out well for me. I did plan on swimming and/or running to continue to try and get a bit more fit, but i flaked on swimming this morning and i'm pretty sure i wont go again. I hate chlorine that much. As for running, my legs are still kind of sore (hence the no riding...plus the taint needs a break), so i'd rather not waste my legs running and ruin any upcoming good cycling days.<br /><br />In other (cycling) news. Ryder Hesjedal is doing awesome. great season.<br /><br />**UPDATE** what did i say about Hesjedal!? yes...amazing. a stage win a couple hours after i posted that...KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-24162611497957129212009-09-09T09:32:00.002-04:002009-09-09T09:39:29.352-04:00finallySo i'm officially a CAT 3. no email notification or anything. i randomly logged into my usacycling account and saw my new status.<br /><br />I dont know what took so long. i sent probably 5 emails with the correct format and then submitted via usacycling.org website. Then i got denied because i didn't list everything on the usacycling submission, so sent ANOTHER email saying "i've sent 5 emails with what you asked for" blah blah blah. and still no response. only to randomly log on and see everything is finally done.<br /><br />i know they have to deal with the entire MABRA region but sending a quick email saying "processing" or something at least acknowledging my email would be nice, not to mention easy.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-30721762258551731752009-08-28T14:15:00.002-04:002009-08-28T14:36:19.378-04:00shaken not stirredI got on the bike again today.<br /><br />My neck is still killing me, as a sprained neck would. And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">im</span> having continual headaches. If it keeps up i may get it checked out. I slammed my head pretty good. S-works helmets are getting expensive to keep on my head in proper condition.<br /><br />In other news i had planned on switching teams for 2010 to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Haymarket</span> Bikes with the intentions of moving onto their elite team either at the end of next season or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">beginning</span> of 2011. I even quit working at A-1 cycling, emailed my team, etc. But after more discussion with my teammates i decided to stay. I really like everyone on my team despite all being nearly twice my age. Which also makes for a lot of quick learning if i pay attention.<br /><br />540 it isKOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-50506309124132736382009-08-26T17:32:00.003-04:002009-08-26T17:53:30.588-04:00up and downi was going to post about how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">i've</span> been riding hard the past few days and how great it feels. also, about how my basement is now mold free (which it is). But the more interesting story happened this morning on my commute into work and is why i spent all day at home on my couch like a potato.<br /><br />Cruising into work this morning, about 2 miles from home, a semi turns slowly in front of me, which i think is awesome. he starts to get up to speed and inadvertently starts to pull away from me. Now, i have no computer on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fixie</span> but i know with my gearing(46x15) when i start to max out my cadence <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">i'm</span> going at or around 40mph, which i was approaching max out, so for the story's sake we'll settle for being solid over 30mph. Anyhow, as he starts to pull away i thought, "no way is this dude getting away from me, there are train tracks ahead plus an intersection shortly after", both of which will keep his speed relatively slower. I glance down to dig deep to shorten the decent gap between myself and the tractor trailer and when i look up, it reminded me of a dream where you are falling fast towards the ground. The wall for a truck was approaching (or was i approaching it?) at mach speed (roughly over 30mph). I had maybe a split second to grab my sketchy brakes which did nothing as my front wheel immediately hit him, catapulting me head first into his truck doors.<br /><br />Within a second i was on my feet dragging my bike out of the road and i lay immediately back down and close my eyes in pain. I lay there as a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hispanic</span> fellow jumps out of his pickup and looks at me like my guts were falling out "dude, are you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ok</span>?". I told him i was. Another lady comes running over "i got his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">license</span> plate! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">I'm</span> on the phone with 911!". Both of which were of no consequence to me since A). it was mostly my fault and B) <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">I'm</span> relatively <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ok</span>. Regardless it was nice to know that someone would care to stop and take charge of the situation had it been a real hit and run..<br /><br />Apparently as the story goes, the truck had quickly realized he missed his turn and jammed on the brakes, followed by "oh <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">I'll</span> just go up here and turn around". All the while <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">I'm</span> slamming into the back of him.<br /><br />While i know it must sound weird that a semi could suddenly stop, but to go from pulling away from me to me flying into him, its the only way possible.<br /><br />Anyhow, results are as follows-sprained neck, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">concussion</span>, road rash, slightly untrue front wheel (the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">fixie</span> is a tank!).KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-64212082253066215952009-08-12T16:18:00.002-04:002009-08-12T16:40:17.537-04:00The Bad, Unlucky and the EndThe past few weeks have been a string of negative events.<br /><br />Besides the usual of my house being F-ed up,<br /><ul><li>Car #2 broke down...</li><li>i tried to fix it and it got worse</li><li>Car #1 (2 years old) check engine light came on...failed ECM</li></ul>So when looking at it, that's just 4 things, house, car#2 (x2), and car #1. But those are 3 very expensive things. We were getting by with the one car for a while, until i could figure the time to do something about car #2.<br /><br />Yesterday seemed to peak my bad luck and turn over to the positive side. I found my SRAM chain on my primary form of transportation(the bike) was a recall. I only checked further into what chain i bought because my chain exploded when sprinting down a heavy traveled road during rush hour. I f-ed up my knee, but stayed up-right thankfully.<br /><br />the positive turn of events followed shortly after<br /><ul><li>Car#2 was fixed by a friend for free. (easy fix. i made a simple mistake when i worked on it..)</li><li>Car #1 is still under a 80k miles or 8 year warranty (YES!)</li><li>House-so many issues but are slowly coming together thankfully.</li></ul><br />I'm ready to get back on the bike and excited about it.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-14838915300280278562009-08-09T18:57:00.006-04:002009-08-11T09:49:56.160-04:00Silly meArrogance got the best of me on Saturday. We had out last 540 series race @ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Vint</span> Hill. And since my wife left on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wednesday</span>(till <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sunday</span>) to go visit a friend, my life has been a little less organized, typically consisting of not going to bed till 2 am at the earliest, being late for work, eating crap, etc. So with that said i hadn't planned on racing, mostly because <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">I'm</span> fried and partly because i applied for my CAT 3 (but its taking a year to get back?).<br /><br />So after being up till 230 am on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Friday</span> and then getting up Saturday at 545, i decided what the hell, i might as well race. I've realized the silly mistakes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">I've</span> been making that cause 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nd</span> and 3rd places vs. 1st, so there is a grand chance i could get a win.<br /><br />Silly me.<br /><br />I also have yet to mention i stopped riding my bike earlier this week because i can't seem to go very far or very long and enjoy it at all. The plan was to not ride for 2 weeks and then hop back on very lightly till <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">october</span>.<br /><br />Not riding + no sleep + slow legs = <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DNF</span><br /><br />in a race that i shouldn't have a problem in. granted a breakaway went, and i got up to the front and burnt all my matches destroying myself only to flick the elbow...look back and see 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">NCVC</span> guys waiting for me to burst so they can continue to soft pedal the pack for their 2 teammates in the break. F! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">that's</span> depressing. i was later explained how to help counter this tactic which would have been good to know during the race.<br /><br />Example:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJXxnWaQ_7pfSTW6Qxw8Sm5Hz7WzdaymH8FI7EZCdai64vCxZcju2cDWB3w8RiXCDbwwh1R07vennpR_Yfc5g_FLV0V6-1NgAHzPet8If7yvAr4DPAy_qy4_CXMVLXz5wWe3Jds6tWZbc/s1600-h/leading.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJXxnWaQ_7pfSTW6Qxw8Sm5Hz7WzdaymH8FI7EZCdai64vCxZcju2cDWB3w8RiXCDbwwh1R07vennpR_Yfc5g_FLV0V6-1NgAHzPet8If7yvAr4DPAy_qy4_CXMVLXz5wWe3Jds6tWZbc/s400/leading.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368702735215333234" border="0" /></a><br />All that to say, this is what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">i'm</span> looking forward to next-<br /><br />Aug 14-18 - Beach with Alissa<br />Sept 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">th</span>- !!! @ the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">blackcat</span> in DC (Dance party!)<br />Sept ? - Hiking Pen-Mar to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Harper's</span> Ferry (42+ miles) in less than 24 hours.<br />Oct 1- Sunny Day Real Estate in Philly<br />Nov weekend- Hike AT through PA<br />Some cold weekend in Dec - hiking the AT in NOVA<br />1 week in Jan - Winter hiking trip in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Daks</span> (via snowshoes...scratch the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">XC</span>-ski idea)KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-14486333357710269032009-08-07T08:42:00.002-04:002009-08-07T08:54:49.344-04:00Dance Party Anyone?!!!, also known as Chik Chik Chik, will be playing at the Black Cat in DC on Sept 5th. Tickets go on sale this evening at 5. Count me in.<br /><br />After repeated attempts to mount the bike and ride fast only to feel an unbearable burn and tiredness in my legs, i've decided to take an extended period of rest, which includes beer, pizza, dairy products, etc. Also to help curb the unavoidable weight gain, i've jumped back into the pool. Which so far has just been painful.<br /><br />In other news, my wife left the state on wednesday to go visit a friend till sunday. So far my life has been a little unorganized and messy. But like my rest from the bike, the time has been filled with pizza and beer.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-7585640231223655982009-07-31T08:45:00.003-04:002009-07-31T11:30:23.514-04:00"Kettle you're black!"In response to Ricco's extension of his suspension he says,<br />"It's better I don't talk to avoid saying something bad. The rules almost don't exist in cycling."<br /><br />A doper complaining about the "rules" not being followed? I hate pricks.<br /><br />more idiocy from....<a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-stage-winner-astarloza-suspended-after-failed-doping-test">Astarloza</a>KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-1914194870439572522009-07-30T09:36:00.003-04:002009-07-30T10:11:28.290-04:00Welcome backYesterday i was planning on skipping the Wednesday "worlds" ride out of Haymarket, i'm so glad i didnt. It started raining on my way home and my legs were feeling decent so i changed routes and headed over to the shop to suffer. I love riding in the rain, at least when it doesnt include hard fast corners. On top of that i knew that one of the heavy hitters is currently in Bend, OR at u23 nationals (and doing pretty well mind you).<br /><br />The usual nonsense happened, Jared, Ryan, and Joe attacked on the hill. i try in vain to make it up to them, only to get stuck in no mans land. Soon after i'm joined by my 2 teammates having dropped the rest of the riders (kind of surprising when i noticed only 2 made it up to me). Kept rotating through. There is one hill that makes it appear you're gaining on who ever is ahead, but its very deceiving. I thought we were rotating through on the hill and i ended up gapping Larry off the back from Zach and i. Soon after Zach picks up the pace, having towed him up the climb and i'm gapped. then i realize he's trying to gap me. I pass him to roll through the sprint. We all regroup after waiting a bit before the loop.<br /><br />On the loop, the pace is super high and leading into the town for the sprint, Larry was keeping the pace high with me on his wheel and then he popped a bit too early leaving me out in the wind with too far to sprint. Ryan pulls through to give Jared a perfect drop off spot and i try in vain to charge for the line but i just didnt have the pop last night and Jared's hard to over come like that.<br /><br />Round two on the loop, Jared and Ryan get away midway, and i make in it for the group sprint. <br /><br />Heading back to the shop, Chris some how got way up the road. Jared launched up to catch up to him and Larry tried to go too. I never saw Jared again that night. We eventually caught Larry on the uphill, before the long drag race down antioch rd. <br /><br />**Note** Dont watch Jens Voight's wreck a few times and his hospital video and then go ride down fast descents on wet roads. It's all i could think of descending Waterfall road...hitting the deck at 40-45mph.<br /><br />Zach sat up on the climb over waterfall, i presume to just go home since he lives out that way. So we were trucking down antioch and after Bryan put in a huge pull, i blow through really hard and once i'm cooked i pull off to see we were down to 3 riders (larry, ryan, and myself), which was kind of my plan. i wanted to shed Bryan for the sprint. With about 1k to go i skipped a pull to let Larry in. Ryan pulled off and sat behind me. Larry kept the pace nice and high. Once the sprint line was about 300m-400m to go i let out my sprint, which was way too far against someone like Ryan who can hold power for a bit. Luckily, he started to gain on me and that last internal gear clicked over and I held him off.<br /><br /><br />I'm glad i'm feeling a bit better. Its taking me longer to recover from races/hard rides. Sunday we are going out to skyline. should be fun.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-3351870982745186842009-07-29T08:38:00.004-04:002009-07-29T09:05:45.338-04:00My growing teamDespite the fact that 3 of my teammates are a few years shy from being twice my age, we are a pretty close group. Actually, even the age difference between the remaining teammate (Zach) is around a decade older than myself and another decade to the eldest 3 (we have a small team and yes i said "eldest").<br /><br />Regardless, we all have fun.<br /><br />After our first event 540 Development Race, which is geared towards Juniors, Women's 3/4, and Men's 4/5, we had some interest in Juniors racing under the 540 name. Reason being, is we had 2 juniors racing with 540 kits. Larry's and John's sons were both in the 11-14 Junior's race. Monday morning, i got an email saying that Larry's older son (13?) had been out on his bike training, doing about 15 miles each day.<br /><br />Yesterday i got an email saying-<br />"Luke made himself a "disc" wheel so he can practice Time trials!!!!"<br />I believe Luke is 11? So that's pretty sick.<br /><br />w/pictures-<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T5Yf-q4dBWl2xfdS2sGwAEUltj4xYbKBlvKUdWTSUiEN6mmS1QgwkTA0uVG6nxZu6wCW0N-VQ-HPx8boUEyMy76K7TwWuIHfgyn9R_4BcnyzOjzU6s12E9D6gKF66FgnD2JnjACZQ8mP/s1600-h/Lukes+Disc+wheel+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T5Yf-q4dBWl2xfdS2sGwAEUltj4xYbKBlvKUdWTSUiEN6mmS1QgwkTA0uVG6nxZu6wCW0N-VQ-HPx8boUEyMy76K7TwWuIHfgyn9R_4BcnyzOjzU6s12E9D6gKF66FgnD2JnjACZQ8mP/s400/Lukes+Disc+wheel+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363864428991921922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp7pEIxIvj7Qe3lT3jwg46I02Q9mr_8cyTTmJ5CqNHm6q457ZU_000A4FsCeefRM_YIoOJboPTC0pMaTHPIxBJ69FaeCDjg0-jt15-ZyUDeW3DEr404fvYM0H8OI7PL975imgyIGAXQlm/s1600-h/Lukes+Disc+wheel+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp7pEIxIvj7Qe3lT3jwg46I02Q9mr_8cyTTmJ5CqNHm6q457ZU_000A4FsCeefRM_YIoOJboPTC0pMaTHPIxBJ69FaeCDjg0-jt15-ZyUDeW3DEr404fvYM0H8OI7PL975imgyIGAXQlm/s400/Lukes+Disc+wheel+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363864419771226706" border="0" /></a><br />Also, a quick look at Wes Anderson's new film <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-07-23-mr-fox_N.htm">The Fantastic Mr Fox</a>. Yeah i'm pretty excited, even though its stop motion type film. I see no possible loss in quality despite the different medium.<br />And since we're on the topic of movies Terrence Malick's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tree_of_Life_%28film%29">Tree of Life</a> is slated for release sometime in 2010, despite already going through post-production...whatever, it will be worth the wait.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945772996659594154.post-57167115295297817862009-07-28T09:20:00.006-04:002009-07-28T09:31:43.586-04:00NOVA Track RacingSomething that has been developing this year and looks to start in the spring full swing is a track series. Ben Williams from A-1 Cycling (Manassas) has been wanting to get things running but lacked the support to jump start it, despite having the OK from the speedway. Right now (nothing confirmed) 540 cycling may lend a hand. It would be in Manassas @ the Old Dominion Speedway, probably being run in a similar fashion to the series in Richmond. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuBBFUzPUvUeXvUcr5hVbjMx2iGEu1ANv7vtuwpTg6ExKZmZDe-g5Wr9oNdqFCcrvAFNqN4iqPl9HiikOMMh_ztqTeTT4uMzPvmB3WiF_CcXzCcbQGIrmvQiqLchzp_SQse7pwgpeFIvz/s1600-h/aerial.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuBBFUzPUvUeXvUcr5hVbjMx2iGEu1ANv7vtuwpTg6ExKZmZDe-g5Wr9oNdqFCcrvAFNqN4iqPl9HiikOMMh_ztqTeTT4uMzPvmB3WiF_CcXzCcbQGIrmvQiqLchzp_SQse7pwgpeFIvz/s400/aerial.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363501949048380578" border="0" /></a>Regardless if 540 is involved, i'll keep encouraging Ben and for certain if and when it starts, i'll guarantee i'll be racing too. If you aren't interested in Track for competition, then maybe a good way to get a sprint workout in each week to help with the cornicopia of flat, open, industrial park crits that MABRA has so many of.KOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766151155741541007noreply@blogger.com5