Friday, July 30, 2010
Good times
I had an incredible ride tonight. Really liking the new cx bike. Rode to work this morning in Mt. P. Got off at 7 pm. I was more than ready to roll out of work. Looking forward to a headwind on the way home, I was less than enthused. However, by the time I got to Patriot's Point I was feeling pretty good and really digging the Solo CXR and the 38 X 14T gear. So.. I hit up the trails by the golf course for a bit. I ended up out on the marsh overlooking Sullivan's Island and the downtown peninsula just in time for a pretty cool sunset. A surprisingly cool breeze was blowing despite the hellish weather we've had lately. I soaked it in for awhile then rolled out. By the time I got over the bridge and downtown I didn't want to stop riding. Liza was out at a baby shower and Alex was out with some friends for awhile. I had some time so I rode. And rode. And rode. I got home a little after 10pm. I ended up riding all over the Metro Charleston area. I rode for no reason other than I liked it and I didn't feel like stopping. Usually I have a purpose for riding, but not tonight. Tonight was about enjoying riding the bike. I may end up worn out tomorrow morning but so what. Go out and ride folks. Nothing beats it! DH
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
New Toy
I just recieved my new cross bike. This summer has been so terrible that I'm doing everything I can to hurry up and get to fall. Even if it's all in my head. Fired up for cyclocross already, and long mountain rides. Anyways- got the bike in, stripped it down, and now it is rolling just the way I like it. Some deep carbon tubular wheels would be nice. Fortunately ( or unfortunately) I've still got awhile till I need race wheels. Anyways- Here's some pics, I'll write a review after I get it dirty. Later-
DH
Monday, July 26, 2010
ORAMM "Race" Report
ORAMM: Ran too small a gear, got behind a ton of people on the flat road out of town, passed 25% 0f the field on Kitsuma, crashed with a spectacular cartwheel, got up and passed another 25% of the field, drive side bottom bracket bearing seized and stopped turning, went home. From the looks of the people I saw DNFing and finishing over the next 5 hrs, I got off easy. The heat was pretty spectacular, even in my picturesque lounging spot by the creek. I got to see some pretty rough looking people on bikes. Hope it's not as hot next year, cause now I have to come back. Wasn't planning on it but I can't leave it hanging with a big fat DNF.
Later-DH
Later-DH
Friday, July 23, 2010
The Second Half of Summer
Not much going on here, trying to get some sort of momentum going for the 2nd half of the year. Finally getting some solid training in with a couple of big weeks now I've lost 11 lbs. Feeling better all around! It's a good thing with the upcoming race schedule. I've got what appears to be an epic battle at ORAMM shaping up this weekend, Fool's Gold 100 next month, then the monster Trans North Georgia on Sept 4th. Cyclocross starts 2 weeks later. I did get my new cross bike in last week. I'm in the process of building it up. I am racing on a Rocky Mountain CXR Team bike. It's all white so it must be fast! I'll post pictures and a review when I get some miles on it.
Back to TNGA. The process of preparing for this race occupies some of every day. There is so much to do before Sept. I am trying to sort my gear and figure what to carry. I am studying maps and cue sheets. I am also trying to decide on racing the singlespeed or gears. Rigid or suspension? Tarp, tent, or hammock? The list never ends. I have a shakedown weekend planned early in August to help me figure things out.
Changing the subject a bit- here's a retail story from work yesterday:
Customer: I need to pay off the balance on a bike.
Me: Sure! Which bike?
Customer: blah blah
Me: Here's the paperwork, Kevin will grab the bike and I'll meet you at the register to settle up.
Customer: How much is it? ( preparing to write a check)
Me: I'm sorry sir, we don't take checks. Do you have another form of payment?
Customer: This is the only way I can pay.
Me: Doesn't that check come from a bank account?
Customer: Yes but I don't have a debit card.
Me: That's fine, why don't you go to the bank where you deposited the money into that account and withdraw some to come pay me?
At this point I see the wheels are not turning anymore as the customer looks very confused. I am staring to think we are at an impass when the customer speaks again.
Customer: Can I use your phone? I need to call my mother. ( and I'm 30 years old.)
Me: Sure, no problem, here you go.
Long story short- Mom gives me her credit card info, bike is paid, and off he goes. Checks. The only reason checks should be used is between businesses and payroll.
Anyways- I need to go work on my bike now. I have to change to a 24 X 23 T setup for ORAMM if I don't want to walk on Curtis Creek Sunday. Just kidding. However, I may( for the first time ever) drop the 34T for a 32T. I feel like a wimp thinking about it though. The lowest I've ever run is a 34 X 21. That was fine out west last summer and I think the 19 was the 2nd lowest gear I used all year. Nah- I'll stick with the 34X 21. I shouldn't have a problem in NC.
Later-
DH
Back to TNGA. The process of preparing for this race occupies some of every day. There is so much to do before Sept. I am trying to sort my gear and figure what to carry. I am studying maps and cue sheets. I am also trying to decide on racing the singlespeed or gears. Rigid or suspension? Tarp, tent, or hammock? The list never ends. I have a shakedown weekend planned early in August to help me figure things out.
Changing the subject a bit- here's a retail story from work yesterday:
Customer: I need to pay off the balance on a bike.
Me: Sure! Which bike?
Customer: blah blah
Me: Here's the paperwork, Kevin will grab the bike and I'll meet you at the register to settle up.
Customer: How much is it? ( preparing to write a check)
Me: I'm sorry sir, we don't take checks. Do you have another form of payment?
Customer: This is the only way I can pay.
Me: Doesn't that check come from a bank account?
Customer: Yes but I don't have a debit card.
Me: That's fine, why don't you go to the bank where you deposited the money into that account and withdraw some to come pay me?
At this point I see the wheels are not turning anymore as the customer looks very confused. I am staring to think we are at an impass when the customer speaks again.
Customer: Can I use your phone? I need to call my mother. ( and I'm 30 years old.)
Me: Sure, no problem, here you go.
Long story short- Mom gives me her credit card info, bike is paid, and off he goes. Checks. The only reason checks should be used is between businesses and payroll.
Anyways- I need to go work on my bike now. I have to change to a 24 X 23 T setup for ORAMM if I don't want to walk on Curtis Creek Sunday. Just kidding. However, I may( for the first time ever) drop the 34T for a 32T. I feel like a wimp thinking about it though. The lowest I've ever run is a 34 X 21. That was fine out west last summer and I think the 19 was the 2nd lowest gear I used all year. Nah- I'll stick with the 34X 21. I shouldn't have a problem in NC.
Later-
DH
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