tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13192205445087337352024-03-05T08:26:17.946-08:00It's a Steep Ride to SufferingPreparing for 2008's STP, RSVP, and the original Tour de Mukilteo.Dynohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436238043183278108noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-994690793736373812011-07-05T13:31:00.000-07:002011-07-05T13:44:37.690-07:00Harbor SEals Challenges<a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/5/4907487_05cb54ba8b_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/5/4907487_05cb54ba8b_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I's is Harbor SEals Challenges... Ask mes about it in 62 days when I's is dones. Yup. It's a spiritual challenge...<div><br /></div><div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Elmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08605287221874878334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-40751346067734405842008-03-18T21:56:00.000-07:002008-12-11T11:03:35.707-08:00FlubSunday provided a short weather window for another great weekend ride. Spiz showed up at my doorstep and we departed shortly after 8am, Chugg and The Furnace ready for a nice, fairly flat, 60 mi day. We churned through the miles, save for the two flat tire workshops (front and rear, for good measure) and as many potty stops. During the return we ran into a strong headwind, 15 knots or so, and we passed another cyclist struggling against the gusts just south of Lake Stevens. He quickly tucked a wheel in behind me and so we three formed a paceline. We held it strong for about 5 miles, until we reached Machias Station and the old guy dropped off with a "Thanks for the Pull," shoutout. Spiz and I took turns up front, switching every mile or so, and were holding 17.5-18mph the whole time. We all need to work on our pack riding skills, but it's certainly easy to measure the benefits in a short situation like that. Continuing our journey south we moved back to riding abreast, sacrificing aerodynamics and speed for conversation.<br /><br />And that was my literal downfall.<br /><br />Nearing our destination, on Homeacres Road just shy of Ebey Island, we were chatting about something. I don't remember exactly what happened, and I think I was talking with one hand off my bars, when they twisted around in front of me with a CLANG. Then I went THUD and SCRAAAPE across the chip sealed asphalt. Then The Furnace CRASHED into Chugg, then my front tire went PPOPP (still not sure what caused that).<br /><br />Damage list (still not totally assessed):<br />The Furnace's front tire is out of true and rear brake needs a realignment, also some paint chips.<br />Chugg's front tire shredded, bartape shredded, scrapes and scratches in shifter levers and rubber hood. Rear blinkly light exploded too.<br />My jacket has a new ventilation hole (see 3 foot day-glow orange streak on the pavement).<br />My jersey also breathes better than ever.<br />My shoulder also breathes better than ever.<br />So does my elbow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjZOjEVs6bAEhrV1dYqVJbw9J4wcLDr3LDFBR_t8G31HKOOcFdb55QxyU0IKICfDC-dKBnp7XZPFB9DSbuUWYn89pGuzoQzdiRGJjVba2JEYrFABZKKrBRjn698_muEZZrkowjrmsxp3h/s1600-h/P1030553.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjZOjEVs6bAEhrV1dYqVJbw9J4wcLDr3LDFBR_t8G31HKOOcFdb55QxyU0IKICfDC-dKBnp7XZPFB9DSbuUWYn89pGuzoQzdiRGJjVba2JEYrFABZKKrBRjn698_muEZZrkowjrmsxp3h/s320/P1030553.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179318450529128130" border="0" /></a>I need to thank 'Mike the Samaritan' who stopped and drove us other two shaken-up-Mikes the rest of the way home in his truck. We were in no shape to make the rest of the trip home.Dynohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436238043183278108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-76021279140873946162008-03-13T08:31:00.000-07:002008-12-11T11:03:35.963-08:00Swimming with Jay<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GAChcR7duFhshJ_5hFyL2l6BSYqVR7Mnq-HIQxInEezhhZQtyPX2nMDv5XKpgVJYsfxBZBsChczS8pI5vjzVjJ16mZSrwZlgwaOudClCdTIPRfzup-ZuzYgPKOJTWNqSEp5xITU4qzw/s1600-h/Pool_Sign_Dont_Pee.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GAChcR7duFhshJ_5hFyL2l6BSYqVR7Mnq-HIQxInEezhhZQtyPX2nMDv5XKpgVJYsfxBZBsChczS8pI5vjzVjJ16mZSrwZlgwaOudClCdTIPRfzup-ZuzYgPKOJTWNqSEp5xITU4qzw/s320/Pool_Sign_Dont_Pee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177251225924279202" border="0" /></a><br />Swimming laps for the first time in years went much better than I thought it would. Mostly because Jay had the facility and training plan wired. It was a little embarrassing when the life guard caught me peeing in the pool. Maybe I should have gotten in first. Or been wearing a swimsuit. Next time the plan is to steel the water polo team's varsity jackets for kicks. Shelden High Water Polo Rules!Papa Ventouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416694357476186941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-83206838212386852862008-03-12T07:25:00.000-07:002008-12-11T11:03:36.127-08:00Spiritual Well - BeingYesterday's ride was great, a fast time up Harbour Heights and a sunny ascent on the Goat Trail.<br />But easily eclipsing the well-being to my body was the spiritual boost I got from the 4-0 trouncing we gave to the 'Blueberries' in yesterday's foosball matches. That felt good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIRgVodLOjpE14dr0gsViz0VdUvLI_mh1NHNTT2OXWDrC5sX6DNi4-jdzOjNKMmczrTv-X5gEzqmuwwIp4U95J9mw8Z0uZXR9uYbdi4qs-wsO_Uy-P-OiMdJDTLSQvQ7xqfXRGi3grRSP/s1600-h/foos.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIRgVodLOjpE14dr0gsViz0VdUvLI_mh1NHNTT2OXWDrC5sX6DNi4-jdzOjNKMmczrTv-X5gEzqmuwwIp4U95J9mw8Z0uZXR9uYbdi4qs-wsO_Uy-P-OiMdJDTLSQvQ7xqfXRGi3grRSP/s320/foos.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176863850949660226" border="0" /></a>Dynohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436238043183278108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-58904406311910460162008-03-03T19:09:00.000-08:002008-03-03T19:16:21.202-08:00sign it. do it.The folks at<a href="http://googlemapsbikethere.org/"> Bike There</a> have an <a href="http://www.petitiononline.com/bikether/petition.html">online petition</a> to Google to add some cool new cycling related features to their online mapping tools. Different than many other cycling related g-maps <a href="http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/2008/03/bike-routes-in-google-maps.html">mashups</a>, they envision actual route finding features catered to the non-road-law-abiding cycling community.<br /><br />Sign it.Dynohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436238043183278108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-39874384888031586932008-03-02T19:58:00.000-08:002008-03-03T05:17:29.669-08:00juss sayinso. anyways. i'm a bit drunk right now. two scotches (three fingers) and mor than a few glasses a wine.<br /><br />but you know what?! I met somebody with their own wikipedia entry. right now I'm watching American Dad, but for the last few hours Kinnard & I (& half of the QT, but mostly Kinnard & I) have been down in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pump_Room%2C_Chicago">Pump Room</a>. And we've been hanging out with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Weismann"></a><a href="http://www.rushmore.edu/Portals/0/Images/distinguished_professors/weisman_max.jpg">this</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Weismann">guy</a>. When we told him we were some heavy hitters from Seattle he tells us he pretty much built the Space Needle (you might have heard of it). He comes in every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday (for the last 48 years). He hangs right at the corner of the bar and drinks a Grey Goose and Orange, Up. He introduced us to this other cat that owns Wilson's (the busiest restaurant in the Windy City, third busiest in the World, according to Max).<br /><br />As full of his own retired self as he is, this guy is awesome. If there's anything I can drink, or smoke, so that I wind up sounding like this guy, just tell me. I'm willing.Dynohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436238043183278108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-80324927145434373502008-02-23T17:35:00.000-08:002008-02-23T19:34:29.269-08:00Epic Week ended with an Epic Ride...and all I got were these wasted legs.<br /><br />Bri and I took Monday off, but started training properly Tuesday. After all, off-season is now over, it's officially pre-season now. Whatever that means. I blasted up Harbour Heights (aka Houston) in my best time yet, well under 4 minutes, stop sign to stop sign. We then explored a new lunchtime route, a nice long flat one where one can really turn on the speed. It felt good to shuffle loose from the last remaining D.C. aches and leave them on the Boeing Freeway. Ah man, I love those stretches. Yes climbing is fun and rewarding, but I bought my road bike and haven't turned back to my x-country for one reason. Sheer speed. I love it.<br /><br />But Wed was back to the hills.<br /><br />Houston of course, can't get around that. But then we followed that up with two trips up and down St. Andrews Blvd. You know, for kicks. All in all a pleasant ride though, shedding some of those winter layers really helps and both ascents on St Andy were quick, I was able to keep my cadence up well enough and had some kick left for the last push.<br /><br />Thursday we rode down the Goat Trail. And up the Goat Trail. But another great ride (and another day of leaving Bri in the dust). I rode this route in my best time yet, too.<br /><br />Friday (yesterday) we retired the bikes and and made it a run day. A relatively slow 5 mi slog to the park at 92nd St. Also, I went out with some friends to an $8 show down at the Tractor Tavern after work. And after the bottom half of a bottle of wine. 4 beers and 3 bands later it's 1am and I'm not even home yet. Yikes, Brian is going to be knocking on my front door in just a few hours.<br /><br />Which happens at about 7am. Bleary and bloodshot, I roll out with Brian for our 'Hilly Forty.' A quick lap around north Everett, including a 1.5 minute lap through the arboretum at Legion Park, then on to Mukilteo. A long climb up from the ferry (we opted out of the Goat Trail, thank gawd). Flat Tire. Brian's house for a quick pump. A call (while still riding) from my hair stylist, setting up an appt to tame the mane makes me feel ridiculous, no one else would field such a call apart from the <a href="http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/images/05cipo/$file/2.jpg">overly</a>-<a href="http://www.bikenews.it/2002/giro/presentazione/foto/cipollini2.JPG">coiffed</a> <a href="http://www.bikecal.com/tdf99/cipo-caesar.jpg">Italian </a>himself. Back to Everett, but only momentarily as we quickly head east out along the Sno River. We get passed by a club ride (my legs are complaining today). Another Flat Tire and another 20 minutes down the tube (is that a pun? I can't tell). Hunger pangs pining for pho. Loop through Snohomish, then back home across the Ebey Isle flats.<br /><br />Bid Brian goodbye and good luck at the airport, his mom flies in today from IL (where I'm headed in a week, coincidentally). But that's not the end of my Ride. My buddy Mike shows up and we head out to help him break in his brand-new ProjectOne Madone. This guy is green on his bike I'm expecting a leisurely 20 to finish my day with. But no, this kid has legs! I follow him for most of the ride and suck wind whenever I can get close enough. He can't climb yet, but I think we have more than an honorary contender for this year's TdM.<br /><br />68 miles on my 'puter later we get back, I realize my pho dreams and bask in the sunshine with the kids for the last remainder of the afternoon.<br /><br />My legs are toast. Shaky and achy I'm so looking forward to a day off tomorrow. Good night all.Dynohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436238043183278108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-54363796745317730882008-02-23T16:11:00.000-08:002008-02-23T16:15:02.352-08:00Eugene OpenToday Jay and I did 75 suicides at the tennis court to warm up for our 15 set match. Jay won the last set in a tie break 30-28. We played left handed with these cool wooden rackets endorsed by Jimmy Conners (We like to call him "Coach"). We're in talks right now for an endorsement deal with Head and Shoulders shampoo and Old Spice aftershave. Andy Roddick is our new ball boy, but Jay has already threatened to fire him if he doesn't win a Major this season.Papa Ventouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416694357476186941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-15310261495909224602008-02-15T09:12:00.001-08:002008-12-11T11:03:36.322-08:00Its On Like...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfpZcksKaprSodZd-Bj2kJxbL6dT4jxwc63tfhT6aS57QBzUmlpoY77UfRYsTEVuesXsEw0JA0p0kJ7polh-HaTLEOacdkGepWuPUhkh2NRUX4Xc8VtLgP_FMgA89S32sqmVstAT22ZQ/s1600-h/Donkey_Kong.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfpZcksKaprSodZd-Bj2kJxbL6dT4jxwc63tfhT6aS57QBzUmlpoY77UfRYsTEVuesXsEw0JA0p0kJ7polh-HaTLEOacdkGepWuPUhkh2NRUX4Xc8VtLgP_FMgA89S32sqmVstAT22ZQ/s320/Donkey_Kong.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167256242004798658" border="0" /></a>See you in ManzanitaPapa Ventouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416694357476186941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-3855766278986957132008-02-07T08:33:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:03:36.500-08:00ShenanigansSome dude named B. McNamee just dropped off a bunch of bloody syringes labeled "B. Davis". He said they would prove Brian was lying when he told the Mukilteo City Council he had never injected Estrogen in order to gain an unfair advantage in qualifying for the Ms. Mukilteo Lighthouse Grand Parade contest. Considering who won the last several Ms. Mukilteo Lghthouse Grand Parade Contests, it might have been necesarry:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuObDQDGb5fmI8hQu6bDPkXsrlZFbqjqwaU2OYHnjNJKAoGalUrnrny2a32ozcz95y_DLfx7kzhEAF824Ox_g18LFS6fD5uWJmL5xsg_U6p0OUUY38_tnL7dePGcVeOn2oTvE2MzqPeA/s1600-h/MsMukilteo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuObDQDGb5fmI8hQu6bDPkXsrlZFbqjqwaU2OYHnjNJKAoGalUrnrny2a32ozcz95y_DLfx7kzhEAF824Ox_g18LFS6fD5uWJmL5xsg_U6p0OUUY38_tnL7dePGcVeOn2oTvE2MzqPeA/s320/MsMukilteo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164280441932036898" border="0" /></a>The point is, be careful about beating him too badly in the Davis Challenge. He's got a lot of strange hormones coursing through his body and he's prone to tears.Papa Ventouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416694357476186941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-15788505696501010682008-02-02T18:37:00.000-08:002008-02-03T17:12:14.926-08:00Green RiverThey say that during strenuous exercise you can lose up to two quarts of water per hour. What I didn't realize was from where all this fluid was exiting my body.<br /><br />It comes out my nose.<br /><br />In the form of snot. Lots and lots of it.<br /><br />Brian and I rode a nice fast hilly 40 today (40.02 actually). We chewed plenty of scenery. Including my own little "Phlegm Falls." Dribbling down my face all morning long and drip-splattering off my top tube was three hours of free flowing mucus. It wasn't to be stopped. And terry-thumbed gloves only absorb so much. If only I was <a href="http://mycrimespace.com/wp-content/uploads/beavis.jpg">drawn </a>to recycle the flow better I would have little need for supplementary fluid intake.<br /><br />Also, I should mention that since I've started daily blasting my pecs in prep for the Davis Challenge I've been feeling much healthier, much stronger. But I'm not the only one noticing, I'm also turning more heads. I've even started modeling a little. You can catch some my latest work <a href="http://horhaus.com/abominable/2007/07/11/03/">here</a>.Dynohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436238043183278108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-88432389877854036952008-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:03:36.692-08:00Chris Andrejko Commuter Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lSRAewNvsvc/R54jok3bOxI/AAAAAAAAAAo/W3WXAzI1hic/s1600-h/snow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lSRAewNvsvc/R54jok3bOxI/AAAAAAAAAAo/W3WXAzI1hic/s320/snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160601403011054354" border="0" /></a><br />Description: Ride to work in 4 to 5 inches of snow and ice. Points are deducted for crashing due to icey conditions or using knobby tires. This years winner: Chris Andrejko. Second place: the girl in the down vest with horn rimmed glasses (though she had no idea the conditions waiting for her on the bike path when I passed her going the other way. It made the iced over roads seem downright navigable. Still the only other person I saw hard body enough to get on their bike this morning, so props to her.) This years MVP (<a href="http://kissmesuzy.blogspot.com/2007/06/koolaid-maroney-wants-u-to-wash-u-ass.html">AKA the Laurence Maroney Realest Bike Ever Award</a>) is Candy who looked good doing it while flossing her rebuilt rear wheal (Sittin on Deuce-6's for real). This years losers: People with heated car seats and/or all wheel drive.Papa Ventouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416694357476186941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-67892161684396230022008-01-27T21:10:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:03:37.549-08:00B Shower Announcement - 5 months<div>Fellow STPers,<br /></div><div><div><br /><div> </div><div>I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I may be inviting y'all to a B-Shower in five months. That's right, a shower for a new bicycle sometime in June. It all depends on Bush's Economic Stimulus Package, but according to the News, it looks really promising. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>If our government approves the tax breaks, I will not be un-American and save the money or put it towards Weiss' college education. I've already informed Mi Yong that saving money would be irresponsible and unpatriotic. Finally, I plan to register at Gregg's Cycles in Alderwood. So far my Registry includes:</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpRq-ve3OFojHd-U21gfgvIa0SyfY_PFBt3qpWkLg4r0HlhTOy9HMUuP_LlRjbp-4BLaC7k0y4At-8MtuaGu_YTB638X-AabW_z8CAbcxc_XdPHd7j5u0l0Qyh-3kMHyyehOMrVMpRNo/s200/20-2485-NCL-FRONT.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160401710188448786" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fESMXhhn8bbGAy5Ic6XC6kirgKF4iA_bdp-DchI-SUszBqcsS9dBgHmRzEyAyh7WEUG_EJKwd907-RY5Yf3NxJYqQwJkv8rUbnuXsgH3yYnC9aoIXwUYl2Gr7UU06UvkWogUZXzloZ0/s200/accBaskPlastic.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160401499735051250" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ihg72vo3ij9a2j9HnftiJfz-oIVBFRHruQnMzPEtdC2EVraFobrCIUEDAxlwre8khU75_7H8A19xsnR7Jw5PdQFxZGwcBXI7eDrXj9sVNAO6vImkoqtHwGG_871oKVgA5zbXgUIWEBc/s200/21sNPmsgmbL._AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160401632879037442" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5wEqTVh26iHge8Q0mdjUPqf5r5q50n1dqntXUlZ53K2S3mZq38ZEAD_SplJEpnHYjz7tzTtX4_uVTnleDq8tLGq61jS9YIVdK1PwKUxZMm0Bxu82_7HI7dxq83mN5LxkXMCdBL1rD8I/s200/JJ_Haedo_Team_CSC_Cervelo_Soloist_Carbon_full_view.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160402229879491618" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTNwl1zZ1lQqO-UQuVwyNNICvNuzTw_Xx30_a3BSqBuBv04zOhBKoi4hn7Bl13SG-s8aBZlCkhVMq8e5YBfocO6ovnNI5CRkS7zwOP3cDDG5jVpWMoBUM2AyVbcxlx6YPJjmUB0IL_hM/s200/header.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160401306461522914" /><br /></div></div></div>Elmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08605287221874878334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-59373040991222119812008-01-19T16:35:00.000-08:002008-01-19T17:00:46.127-08:00First HillAnd I don't mean Pill Hill. Harbour Heights in Mukilteo. After being out of commission last week from a herniated disk and leg injury and subsequent psycho roid rage, I am somehow talked into doing an army PT training session followed by Harbour Heights Hill in the rain. Had not been with Gerald since the 61 miler but had to admit, instant joy on getting back on the saddle. You feel like flying. Brian a.k.a. "the Sheepdog" would hear none of my whining and gives slightly annoying though still encouraging chatter without a hint of panting throughout the climb, throughout which I felt on the verge of coming to a standstill before plowing backwards, unable to clip out. My obituary would say, found wearing neon, spandex, and lobster claws on Harbour Heights Rd. And that is the "easy" leg of the Tour de Mukilteo. A few minutes of coughing up the other lung, then a trip to Gregg's Cycle shop in Alderwood (mmmm GEAR) to get a fender and new tubes. That is a good day. You cannot pay enough for the privilege of coughing up a lung in such fashion.<br /> <br />Watched American Flyer again. What happened to David Grant? Can you imagine working at Home Depot for 4 years, then the government boycotts the Olympics. It beats having to blame yourself. Nothing like a good battle against burly bearded Soviets with '80's music beating in the background. Res firma mitescere nescit (hope I got that right).Gerald Rizzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00693843904587646796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-7202509250235293082008-01-18T09:01:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:03:37.759-08:00Wu-Tang is for the childrenForgot to include this in the last post for the Wu-Tang fans:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP0Q_4nTnGXRnkjch53_X1tiQGpDQDr8d4KO65mpoG2SAraowBQtWLnqMcj2PpjBdml3LphpjBu4jN4beEhyNZ6Cyz_59Wy6KHC-nz9UusXbY9hvDXY6kDdGFkvbMRXEDcnA5HMoIGFo/s1600-h/Wu.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP0Q_4nTnGXRnkjch53_X1tiQGpDQDr8d4KO65mpoG2SAraowBQtWLnqMcj2PpjBdml3LphpjBu4jN4beEhyNZ6Cyz_59Wy6KHC-nz9UusXbY9hvDXY6kDdGFkvbMRXEDcnA5HMoIGFo/s320/Wu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156863059972730562" border="0" /></a>Papa Ventouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416694357476186941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-47600057659633902072008-01-18T08:50:00.000-08:002008-01-18T10:18:05.349-08:00Candy wants new shoes damnitI'm trying to alternate lunch runs and bike rides up the nearest butte so that I don't dissapoint <span style=""><s>Sgt Hulka</span><span style=""></s> </span>Brian too badly (This is in between the literally dozens of sit ups and push ups I'm doing). I went to grab the single speed commuter this morning and heard a funny rattle, so I think I'll look for a loose spoke. It was pretty easy to spot the one that had snapped and was sticking out to the side. I'm guessing it was the Jan Ullrich like amounts of force I applied mashing up the hill and had nothing to do with metal fatigue. I've been promising her new shoes for a while, so I guess we'll head to the bike store this weekend and get a new rear wheel built up. I hope they have the pink hubs in stock. Or maybe Isabella cut the spoke so she could get out this morning.Papa Ventouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416694357476186941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-38404236832527587302008-01-17T12:57:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:03:38.159-08:00But when does it get Easy?So Bri and I took Crash and Chugg out for a 68 mi trip on Sunday and it was great. We were mighty hungry by the end, but it was an overall very enjoyable ride. Can't wait to do more LSD trips. We took it easy Monday (apart from the hundreds of pushups/situps I'm doing daily to prep for the upcoming Davis Challenge, naturally). On Tues Bri made me run again (ugh). On Wed I rode in to work with Chugg.<br /><br />But now I'm confused.<br /><br />When is this going to get easy?<br /><br />I was struggling, the long climb up the speedway was achy, and I was nearly at the top when I realized I was in a gear two clicks up from where I thought I was. Demoralizing. Then, at lunchtime we took Crash and Chugg out for the ol' D2D-1 route, and it was painful. I granny-geared up Picnic Point, granny-geared up the switchback and it took everything I had to granny-gear it up St. Andy's, and I turned in a terrible time to boot. I won't even bother logging in the time (I forgot to keep very accurate times anyhoo).<br /><br />We've been cycling casually a few times a week, with longer rides every other weekend or so: shouldn't we be Lance by now? Or at least a Hincapie? What are we doing wrong?<br /><br />I have a theory:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Asus4101Ymduv2Uu5UP0JCTa160dnk8TDQvCpUVt8q7d0p-xtlSC7QjX7cNwZw79nDT06jAuKko8nUqAU0jq5c_rKgcqNzFcMN7pA0m3MEkTNK2fqSV4MD9oVk7rwodiUlvPB09FGphA/s1600-h/P1030292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Asus4101Ymduv2Uu5UP0JCTa160dnk8TDQvCpUVt8q7d0p-xtlSC7QjX7cNwZw79nDT06jAuKko8nUqAU0jq5c_rKgcqNzFcMN7pA0m3MEkTNK2fqSV4MD9oVk7rwodiUlvPB09FGphA/s320/P1030292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156555104407765906" border="0" /></a>--<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA98-NuJIBhmZe431C2Z11XaepnOMA26UXGI5t91quJIm55vo-rnNdnySWMLvAycK-iOA2AjpAUI1GtMBIp5fvsmSAB_cPx_jKj19jaiqm7YmsGeZf5TwUIqAK5dSvps-0UdCZEgw-z4qZ/s1600-h/P1030293.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA98-NuJIBhmZe431C2Z11XaepnOMA26UXGI5t91quJIm55vo-rnNdnySWMLvAycK-iOA2AjpAUI1GtMBIp5fvsmSAB_cPx_jKj19jaiqm7YmsGeZf5TwUIqAK5dSvps-0UdCZEgw-z4qZ/s320/P1030293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156555108702733218" border="0" /></a>--<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrtBJ1f-kMfVr4u7hn2UaxKQqeGWHUER_q6SxFTdUkl_0OP5niwCjtuR6hX2P_pK5fKL23Cg8K75MMVemRr7XdVzKdTW0LMsah9ssGtOahJrJ2__z4QX4kUPu1k66jl2RqPL8_EXpQHUM/s1600-h/P1030296.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrtBJ1f-kMfVr4u7hn2UaxKQqeGWHUER_q6SxFTdUkl_0OP5niwCjtuR6hX2P_pK5fKL23Cg8K75MMVemRr7XdVzKdTW0LMsah9ssGtOahJrJ2__z4QX4kUPu1k66jl2RqPL8_EXpQHUM/s320/P1030296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156555117292667826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />--[whispered: I think St. Andrew's Blvd is actually <span style="font-style: italic;">evil</span>.]<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It must be. There's just no other explanation. Somebody must have rustled the bones of an old Team ONCE rider or something. And now the hill itself is conspiring to bring down any rider that dare attempt the fool ascent.<br /><br />Either that, or all the pro riders are doping. Which I'm sure isn't the case.<br /><br />On the way home though, I did have a more pleasant ride. The fell spirits left me alone and I felt fast for once in the day. Course I did have some help. Someone was buzzing in my ear the whole way and urging me forward.<br /><br />hint: It was the Wu-Tang Clan.Dynohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436238043183278108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-56499032336913356182008-01-14T13:58:00.000-08:002008-01-14T13:59:10.209-08:00Carmex HaikuishDirection: Apply freely to affected areas.<br />Warning: Use only as directed.Papa Ventouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416694357476186941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-34228377595804682652008-01-13T20:17:00.000-08:002008-01-13T21:08:27.950-08:00PropsWhen Weiss was just a little rugrat, whenever he said "T", that meant "Thank You". I will do the same...<div> </div><div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div>T Jennifer Methany. T for enrolling at the Univ. of Oregon in Eugene, to pursue your PhD. By doing so, lazy Chris discovered the world of cycling and then introduced me to the cycling bug.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>T Michael Guthrie. T for convincing me to buy beer after our ride today, when you said incredulously, "I can't believe you aren't going to drink any beer tonight"!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>T German lawmakers. T for enacting such strict water purity laws for your beer makers that makes St. Pauli Girl beer taste so delicious.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>T Mi Yong. T for having a big pot of chili on the stove, waiting for me when I got home.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>T Snohomish Park & Recreation Committee. T for allowing horses on the Centennial Trail. Today I saw a horse trotting for the very first time. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>T Puget Sound Area. T for being absolutely gorgeous today. From the Puget Sound, to the sunlit Cascades, to the raging Snohomish river. Unbelievably scenic.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>T Chris Andrejko. T for being my biking Muse. I am training so very hard to beat you in the 2008 Tour de Mukilteo. Again.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>T Crash. T for taking me 68 miles. That's approximately riding from Mukilteo to Olympia. You only had one unlucky puncture, with that stoopid piece of metal. At least it happened near a bench overlooking the river. T for giving me the most enjoyable ride I've had so far on a bike! </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Elmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08605287221874878334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-24347857779905129422008-01-11T21:54:00.000-08:002008-01-11T22:35:35.985-08:00Pain ThresholdSo I'm learning how to deal with pain. This past week, I stopped drinking alcohol, coffee, and I've cut out fast food. I also picked up some Crest white-strips at Target the other day, since my teeth have browned a lot ever since I started drinking Venti drips every morning. These strips make my teeth quite sensitive. <div><br /></div><div>So where am I going with all this? Hunger headaches + achy teeth + alcohol withdraw = an uncomfortable Brian. However, I now compare all my pain with pain felt on Crash. That is my new standard. Ow, my head aches. Aw, that's nothing compared to climbing Goat Loop Trail. Damn, hot tea makes my teeth hurt. Suck it up, St. Andrews is so much worse. That is my new way to manage pain. Try it sometime, it really works! I am training hard for the Davis Challenge. By doing so, I will be in great shape this upcoming cycling season. If I'm in great shape, I can win the 2008 Tour de Mukilteo...<br /><br />Sunday morning, Chugg & Crash have a tour date. Planning on a 60+ miler, at LSD pace, with some hills thrown in in the beginning of the ride. So I headed out to Greggs Cycles again after work to get my flat repaired. Three flats in four rides. That's a 75% puncture rate. At that rate, I doubt CPS, (Cycling Protection Services) would allow me to continue to ride Crash. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I walk IN to get the tube replaced, and I walk OUT with two new tires, a new tube, and fenders! That's right, Crash has fenders!!! I am so proud. So now I'm really excited to report back on my upcoming Sunday ride. (A short side note; I bought cheap tires. My reasoning is tires are Crash's shoes. Just like running, I buy mid-level running shoes because I always replace them every 4 months. That's what I plan to do with tires). Well, great customer service once again. No charge for the tube, or labor to put on the new tires. Why? They changed my last tire, and felt responsible for not insisting that I get new tires. So, Sat am, another PT Test, Sat pm, watch the Seahawks, and eat for Sunday's ride. Sunday, a 60 miler, and I wouldn't even mind seeing a few raindrops.<br /><br /><br /></div>Elmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08605287221874878334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-37237462632965110112008-01-09T20:32:00.000-08:002008-01-09T21:00:11.265-08:00North Everett crimewave?So Chugg's rear tire was flat yesterday. Odd, because i hadn't ridden in several days. Regardless, needs changing. So I find the culprit, a very small little leak on the sidewall of the tube. I don't know what caused it, the tire was fine and it should have been pumped up enough to prevent a pinch flat. I didn't dwell though, I sanded and patched the wound and fed the tube back into the tire. I put the wheel back on the bike (my tires are fat enough that i cannot easily fit them through my brake pads when pumped up). I'm pumping pumping pumping, keeping an eye on the pressure gauge. Then you wouldn't believe it:<br /><br />Somebody shot my tire!<br /><br />A stray gunshot went right through tube!<br /><br />Well, it was loud enough at any rate; I was certainly rattled. While it wasn't really a gunshot both my wife's and my ears were ringing. a lot. I'm not sure exactly what happened. I was still 20 psi away from the 150 i usually keep my tires at (i love my Vredstein Tricomps, and their recommended 160 psi). But boy did that that tube explode. The concussion kicked half the tire back off the rim (which normally takes me five minutes and two skinned knuckles to do) and tore a three inch gash in the side of the tube (far away from my patch job, incidentally).<br /><br />Maybe this is common for all you seasoned roadies, but I havn't ever had flat that wasn't just a fast hisSSSsss.sssSSSsss. (that's the sounds of the tire spinning) sssSSSsss. Scared the bejeezus outa me.<br /><br />So much for the patch, I had to use my last spare. Guess that means a trip to the shop for more, I don't like to ride without a spare tube. Otherwise Murphy pretty much guarantees a gauntlet of broken beer bottles, metal springs and windshield debris fields.Dynohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436238043183278108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-19200450676747333762008-01-07T16:47:00.000-08:002008-01-07T16:48:52.149-08:00Einstein had a formula, Team Joe Camel has a formula...:I noticed Team Ro/Davis has a Mission Statement for the upcoming Davis challenge. I believe it was "Lead the Way!", which is clever, because neither Davis nor Ro were Army Rangers, though I think Davis used to towel off their weight lifting equipment for them. Plus it has an exclamation point!! (Nice eh? I'm learning from you Davis!).<br />This has led me to believe team Joe Camel also needs a mission statement. I considered several. Early favorites included "Hey little kids, smoking is cool!", "The only Team that Matters!", personal favorite "You've come a long way baby!", and of course "What we're dealing with here is a complete lack of respect for the law!"<br />However, given the increasing militarization and jingoism present in modern American culture, following the lead of Davis / Ro, and as Schwarz has recently returned from a tour of duty as a special forces "Shooter" in operation "Photograph a High School Dance Squad Competition" (He can't talk about it, so don't ask), our new mission statement is "He who dares, wins!" (Note: this is in no way implying that the afore-mentioned "He" is in fact an Andrejko or a Schwarz, or that either man has ever served in the SAS, those guys are sissies).Papa Ventouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416694357476186941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-28746106738699020482008-01-02T16:47:00.000-08:002008-01-02T17:09:56.174-08:00RevelationsK. Yesterday's Century Ride? No dice. Y? Widowmaker Hubris? Perhaps, a litte bit. Scapegoat would be Crash Davis, and Crash's puncture around mile 19, but this is 2008, so no excuses. After Saturday's 61 miler, I felt like I could conquer the world on the bike. Me & Crash. However, while my buddy Michael was busy changing my rear inner tube, I could feel my motivation for the 100 mile ride gradually slip away. <br /><br />I believe the answer lies within my buddy Chris' last post. Why even attempt the 100 mile ride? Why bother? The answer to my whys become apparent pretty quick on New Year's Day. The answer is I'm not sure. Ultimately, TheGuth & I completed a 35 mile ride after the flat. Going out, we were averaging around 16 mph. Coming back, we were averaging well over 18 mph. (20-21 for awhile and believe you me, I felt every pedal stroke). <br /><br />So now I'm at the point where I desire a mixture of hills, distance, and speed. That is my cup of tea. Maybe I'll reach the point where that will be encompassed in a 100 miler, but honestly I think that won't happen until I am retired and have all day long to hang out with Crash. So... My disappoint with Crash was short lived. I scolded him with a swift "Fuck" at the point of puncture. I'm sorry Crash. Now, I believe he was doing me a favor. Also, punctures don't bother me much anymore. What is 20 min, in the big picture in life? Not that much. I learned I need to slow down a bit. Thanks Crash for that lesson.<br /><br />I will conclude this post with what everyone really wants to hear. My product reviews. The padded undies were outstanding. Walking around though, to and from the car, makes me respect women and their maxi-pads. My toe covers worked, but sucked because they keep falling off. Probably because I have recessed mt. bike shoes. Padded gloves rock, but I exchanged them at Gregg's today because there was a loose stitch. Great customer service. Finally, my Gel taste test? Sorry, but I only had one vanilla Gel. Yummy & easy to eat while riding...<br /><br />TO: Chris & Jay<br />RE: Davis Challenge 2008<br /><br />Please don't hurt the bunnies. Instead of the rabbits, take my stoopid Pearl Izumi toe covers and have your way with them!!!Elmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08605287221874878334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-49569986495365865202008-01-01T10:34:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:03:38.406-08:00Ice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNeBEntZ8DGsJUrYZsOs5Q5TSV_wIeoy8btpDzFw8gSEGcPICMDJOX2mt08YaIKG38HGLRF6LnX94PBq4nmujtBvcdmefABhpVBIG4RH2GxfKFsuD_bb0K4tk6UsXJEq8pFHtCW0tRGo/s1600-h/BunnyDeathSquad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNeBEntZ8DGsJUrYZsOs5Q5TSV_wIeoy8btpDzFw8gSEGcPICMDJOX2mt08YaIKG38HGLRF6LnX94PBq4nmujtBvcdmefABhpVBIG4RH2GxfKFsuD_bb0K4tk6UsXJEq8pFHtCW0tRGo/s320/BunnyDeathSquad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150583925160160914" border="0" /></a><br />No hundred miler for me today (or any day really). I thought about putting on some tight pants and a bright jacket, calling up my buddies and getting really sweaty with them, but then I just decided to just go to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_bathhouse">bath house</a> instead. It seemed more macho. And thats what I'm about really.<br />Commuting in the Ice has been fun. The best part is when you stand up to peddle as the red light changes and your rear wheel just starts turning without you going anywhere. I feel like Brian in the first Tour De Mukilteo when that happens, seeing everyone else pull away while I seem not to move, even though I am peddling. LOL!<br />Enjoy the century ride, just know that Jay and I will win or the rabbits will die.Papa Ventouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04416694357476186941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319220544508733735.post-25588775972808947802007-12-31T16:41:00.000-08:002007-12-31T17:09:48.845-08:00New Year's Eve 2007Tonight, I am more excited than I've ever been on Christmas Eve growing up as a kid. Why? Michael, Crash, Chugg, and I are going to attempt our very first century ride tomorrow on New Year's Day! The weather forecast is very promising. So right after work today I headed straight to Gregg's Cycles: 1 extra H20 bottle & cage = $11. 1 warm headliner = $15. 1 set biking gloves = $30 (Goodbye old running gloves). 1 set toe covers = $20 (lost left cover last Sat). 1 pair bad-ass padded underwear = $25 (size XXXL). Price of properly gearing out for 100 miles? Priceless...<br /><br />While at the bike shop, I came up with an amazing training tip for Chris from Ventoux. Normally I would never, ever volunteer such valuable information to the competition, but seeing that I didn't get him anything for Christmas, and that he probably didn't take advantage of the training lead I gave him yesterday, I will reveal my training secret. Chris, you need to march down to your local bike shop, and purchase a kiddie trailer. Next, you need to take your 115 lb dog, Sammy Metheny-Andrejko, and place him in the trailer. Finally, you need to ride around Eugene pulling Sammy. You do that, and you will be competitive on the flat stages of the Tour de Mukilteo. In fact, you could cross train with Jay, and take turns riding in the trailer. Hey, the secrets out, now it's up to you to take advantage...<br /><br />How does one prepare for a century ride? I dunno, but you'd better believe I am already documenting my preparations now. Appetizers: 2 Grolsch 16 oz beers (the ones with the cool caps). Ore Ida Crispy Crowns and onion rings, and a bacon burger. Let's see how far that takes me. Actually, I'm more anxious for my post-ride meal. Chili Dogs!!! I believe behind every great marathon training run or long bike ride, a post-meal is at the core of the motivation. It's a long-standing Davis Family tradition to have chili on New Years Day, and Crash and I are NOT about to break tradition. In fact, Crash gets to spend the night inside the house tonight. Finally, I will be conducting a taste test tomorrow of my gels. I have GU, PowerBar Gel, Hammer Gel, and old reliable Promax bars. Don't worry, I'll report back after tomorrow's ride. Wish us luck!Elmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08605287221874878334noreply@blogger.com2