No intro needed....
Smart guy and a good book.
Diggin' the number plate, so very pro.
Sweet Quick Step bikes.
Bobke!
Nice passel of bikes.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
ATOC San Jose
No intro needed.... Smart guy and a good book. Diggin' the number plate, so very pro.Sweet Quick Step bikes.
Bobke!Nice passel of bikes.
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Beautiful People
Cantua/ Dinuba- with a Valentines break in there.Some T-shirts grabbed
Some good hard riding
Great dinner
And a dance party?
Lotsa fun!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
The Snowflake
I got him a nice townie and brought the thoroughbred out of the glue factory.
This used to be my only bike and I trained for two Ironmans on this baby.
She has some white nail polish covering up the chips in the finish, and has a newer fork to replace the cracked alloy one( that was a haaaard ride back then!), but the basic bike is the same.
Position is key and me and the Flake go way way back.
26 even on the Calaveras course today at sub- threshold heart rate.
I heart my Flake!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Monday, February 02, 2009
Monday morning housekeeping
Hopefully no one misses the turnaround now :-)
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Welcome to the desert of my soul, theres' room for one more.
First long ride since August.
MP3 player on shuffle
pockets full of payday bars and two bottles
fenders and 32 spoke 8 lb wheels.
echelons over the centerline on a training ride- sigh.
refusal to create a second line- sigh.
Oh well,
all good.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Season ending thoughts
Just some random stuffins'......
For a guy like me that has to train in blocks somewhat due to a hectic schedule, the WKO software and especially the PMC and TSS components were a great way to see if I was gaining fitness and not just guessing at things. I went from 70 CTL in January 08 to a peak of about 122 in September.
I held onto quite a bit of fitness through cross season and tried to spend my bank account wisely and rest only for bigger events on the NCNCA Cup.
One thing I noticed was with too much rest and a big positive TSB I sucked on race day but excelled about two days later with less positive TSB- my best races and best power numbers were generally with a TSB of 5-10.
Had the events been longer than a hour I think I would have killed it- I never really got tired , just didn't have a whole lot of hops.
I tapered down the last couple weeks to 90 and definitely lost a bit- I lengthened my season by a month trying to stretch for those last CCCX and NCNCA races and couldn't do it- my best races were in Mid December around Natz- definitely going next year.
I can hold good fitness in a race period for 6-8 weeks max, so just spending it in a more focused way will be on the agenda for next year.
One more powermeter thought- several times this season my races were marred by crashes and mechanical and driver error- if I only judged my performance on that of my competitors I would be awful down on myself- doing some tests and seeing some PB power numbers in December kept my head in the game.
My best race was one where my rear wheel went sideways in the drops at the start and I had to run for the B bike, then get going a half lap down.
I chased through the field with full mouth dribble a-goin' and got within 30 seconds of the leaders before rolling my back tubie- not a stellar result with hands in the air at the end but one I'll be proud of for a long time.
The SS A field was good hard racin all year- the best racers came out on top over the season, I think we raced each other hard all year but also rode with some class, not easy to do when you put a bunch of competitive fellows together on a little dirt path.
I got a bunch of kids out racing this year in a positive environment, several of them the LARPD was their first race, some of them have bigger fish to fry on the road, but I think going wheel to wheel at least a little bit all winter is good for you.
08 will be a complete success if a quarter of the kids take the lessons of sport and use them in their lives somehow...
A big shout out to all the compadres and my family- we went to tons of races this year, much to the dismay of the 12 year old, but loading up the barge and heading out every Sunday was fantastic.
For a guy like me that has to train in blocks somewhat due to a hectic schedule, the WKO software and especially the PMC and TSS components were a great way to see if I was gaining fitness and not just guessing at things. I went from 70 CTL in January 08 to a peak of about 122 in September.
I held onto quite a bit of fitness through cross season and tried to spend my bank account wisely and rest only for bigger events on the NCNCA Cup.
One thing I noticed was with too much rest and a big positive TSB I sucked on race day but excelled about two days later with less positive TSB- my best races and best power numbers were generally with a TSB of 5-10.
Had the events been longer than a hour I think I would have killed it- I never really got tired , just didn't have a whole lot of hops.
I tapered down the last couple weeks to 90 and definitely lost a bit- I lengthened my season by a month trying to stretch for those last CCCX and NCNCA races and couldn't do it- my best races were in Mid December around Natz- definitely going next year.
I can hold good fitness in a race period for 6-8 weeks max, so just spending it in a more focused way will be on the agenda for next year.
One more powermeter thought- several times this season my races were marred by crashes and mechanical and driver error- if I only judged my performance on that of my competitors I would be awful down on myself- doing some tests and seeing some PB power numbers in December kept my head in the game.
My best race was one where my rear wheel went sideways in the drops at the start and I had to run for the B bike, then get going a half lap down.
I chased through the field with full mouth dribble a-goin' and got within 30 seconds of the leaders before rolling my back tubie- not a stellar result with hands in the air at the end but one I'll be proud of for a long time.
The SS A field was good hard racin all year- the best racers came out on top over the season, I think we raced each other hard all year but also rode with some class, not easy to do when you put a bunch of competitive fellows together on a little dirt path.
I got a bunch of kids out racing this year in a positive environment, several of them the LARPD was their first race, some of them have bigger fish to fry on the road, but I think going wheel to wheel at least a little bit all winter is good for you.
08 will be a complete success if a quarter of the kids take the lessons of sport and use them in their lives somehow...
A big shout out to all the compadres and my family- we went to tons of races this year, much to the dismay of the 12 year old, but loading up the barge and heading out every Sunday was fantastic.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
IMG00095.jpg
Congrats Jasmin on a long series!
And congrats to Lainey for a great ride today, these girls are tuff stuff!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Friday, January 09, 2009
Bear Creek Spire 05
Nice trip and nice rocks- just found this pic while looking for something else. Sunrise on the ridge- always wear your helmet even if you look like your growing mushrooms on top - you may want your brain.
My two favorite things I got for Christmas this year- some Qoleum Mild embro from the wife and this hat from the Vickerator.The first cap that doesn't squeeze my jughead.
Gracias.
I keep tallying up the training for 08 and boring myself writing about it, perhaps How I Spent 648 Perfectly Good Sunny Hours would be a good title........
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Whew.
The short- no excuses report on the last NCNCA race in Watsonville today-
Great course
Great people
I missed the dollar primes 3 times!
And got shot in the lip by a nerfy dart, just to add insult to injury.
Moving targets are probably harder to hit, no?
Hitting the barn kinda smarts.
I think I left my legs in 2008 somewheres.
One more to go in the CCCX finals next week, then a glorious 2 week off season.
Time to re-up
Go to the training cave
Pull out some old VHS
Put on some reindeer antlers
The legs and fitness are fading but the motivation is all there.
Great course
Great people
I missed the dollar primes 3 times!
And got shot in the lip by a nerfy dart, just to add insult to injury.
Moving targets are probably harder to hit, no?
Hitting the barn kinda smarts.
I think I left my legs in 2008 somewheres.
One more to go in the CCCX finals next week, then a glorious 2 week off season.
Time to re-up
Go to the training cave
Pull out some old VHS
Put on some reindeer antlers
The legs and fitness are fading but the motivation is all there.
Friday, January 02, 2009
LA- a few photos and no bike stuff.
The Getty Museum in W LA- we have been wanting to make it here for several years and finally got the chance- a couple easy days at my sisters' were just what the doctor ordered.74 degrees all weekend.
Mmmmmmmmmm
The gardens are spectacular even in winter.
Stunning architecture, the landscape architecture complements the buildings perfectly.
Lots of different textures in front of all that white travertine.
Nice stuff inside as well- I don't really like paintings so much but a fantastic exhibit of early photos from Yosemite and other california spots.
Little C digging the view and the photo opportunities.
Round two was the parade, I haven't been in 30 years( damn I'm old!), it was way fun.
Badass Texas Band.
The Rainbird Float- pretty nice!
Recognize this actress? Hint- S......
The SC band.
Nice stuff inside as well- I don't really like paintings so much but a fantastic exhibit of early photos from Yosemite and other california spots.
Little C digging the view and the photo opportunities.
Round two was the parade, I haven't been in 30 years( damn I'm old!), it was way fun.
Great floats, great seats, and hot dogs afterwards.
This is Julie Foudy on this float. It was full of Olympians with Greg Louganis as well.
Badass Texas Band.
The Rainbird Float- pretty nice!Recognize this actress? Hint- S......The SC band.Penn States' cheerleaders were waaay hotter.
Guess they left it all at the parade.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Cupcakes And Nerf Darts
Cracked my noggin on a barrier, gave myself a two day headache.Dodged the nerf dart machine gunners on the top deck
Wanted a cupcake feed but could not see...
Stayed on the gruppo while wigglin and swervin'
till I could see again.
The LARPD was lotsa fun this year, a definite change from the MTB courses I also like but don't really do well at, some tactics and some luck came into play as well as some fitness- those last two races with the back steps added in were hard and wasted me for the Sunday effort, but who cares.
Shane and his posse really worked hard this year to improve the racing experience and with some small sponsors and some more attendance this thing could hop.
If you haven't been since the VeloBob days with 3 small cones, one piece of caution tape and a old 2 x 8 staked up with concrete stakes, you should check it next year.
P.S.-
Oh yeah, I'm gonna pop the jersey a bit, first one I ever won with all the stud and studette athletes running around these parts, It may "only" be the LARP, but I'm still stoked.
Congrats to all the series champys!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
At The LARP.......
There were cupcake feeds....
Elves racin'
Even the dawg was in the spirit....
Hecklers and racers alike were decked out....
Troy passing the grownups on his new bike.....
Kenny rolling up the line and channeling Cancellara a bit here, passing about five guys in this corral section, suuuhweeet!Fun Fun Times.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Houses of pain II
Time to hunker down and torture myself a bit indoors..... All used other peoples' junk in this HOP, a old TACX set up ,just for me, a Craigslist track bike jumbled together, and a hand-me-down TV in the corner.The weights and Concept 2 I got in a blind auction when a company down the street closed.
Turn up the tunes, move some laundry to the side, and get down.
Coach Troy killing me with a oldie but goodie VHS tape today- yessss.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sufferface
Kenny getting that shoulder into it- yes, the steps are back at the LARP.Kenny has improved soooo much this year, I think his road season will be a blast!
Troy and his new cross bike! Much improved from the old ginormous full suspension beasty-bike!I never took my camera out today at CCCX, with the nasty rain , but Jasmin and Lainey had another great battle on two wheels today, trading the 2 spot back and forth, a classic battle between solid climbing fitness and awesome technical skills on the downs.
Classy stuff.
Both the LARP and CCCX were filled with mechanicals snafus for me, rolled tires, loose bolts, and crappy pedals.
A super bunch of buddies helped me out both days, though, and I was able to finish both races.
It takes a large helping of suck to appreciate the good sometimes great days where everything goes right, the holeshot comes to you without effort and the Heed tastes like champagne....
Enjoy the rain, peoples!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Houses of Pain
.
Finally after a month layoff with the latest weird graybeard injury where I popped a few ribs out , I was able to get in a light workout with no pain later-
Very grateful to be back.
Dr. Rich always seems to put me back together again,
Thanks,
Rich!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Roll Them Miles
Took a break from the racing this weekend, instead we caught up on things, actually hung the Christmas lights before December 24th, did some riding with a couple of talented teens on a cold but clear Diablo, hosted a great houseguest, and hit a team ride today for some more miles.
All good.
All relaxing
Recharged and ready to go.
All good.
All relaxing
Recharged and ready to go.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Sporting Some New Duds
Picture by Andrew Yee at GGP- I stunk it up bad in many ways but had lots of fun battling for 19th place.
Putting on the new duds still feels kind of like dressing up in fancy clothes, fun and I like it a lot but a bit unsure of how to act in these new situations.
Change is constant whether we admit it or not and challenging myself to be a better teammate and better racer is good stuff for the soul.
Five years and my first cycling team, I'm gonna miss the red ones and wish them the best of luck.
.
Putting on the new duds still feels kind of like dressing up in fancy clothes, fun and I like it a lot but a bit unsure of how to act in these new situations.
Change is constant whether we admit it or not and challenging myself to be a better teammate and better racer is good stuff for the soul.
Five years and my first cycling team, I'm gonna miss the red ones and wish them the best of luck.
.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Weekend Fun Section Two
photo credit- Rick Rasmussen
After a great day Saturday, both my whole brood and the Parsons Clan piled into the barge and headed south to Manzanita at the crack'o;ass.
Papa P raced first and had mechanicals from hell, ended up finishing on my SS mountain bike while dodging several bad crashes in the B field.
Jas raced one of her best races ever and sold it out on the hill after doing a long day on Saturday, having fun all the way with no pressure. I came across a woman laying in the trail after the first lap woozy as all get out from cracking her helmet in the loose sand, she wanted her bike back to continue, but the old rule goes if you can't stand up straight- no bikey.
Medics were summoned- more work on Sunday than I think they have ever had before at one of those races, and props to Keith and Rod for having them on site every race-
She gathered herself ok and all was well, several people helped out with her and it was very nice to see.
I raced the SS A as usual and didn't feel great in the legs- a two week solid block and a race the day before made things a little slow- but made the front group behind Rich Maile who was ON FIRE, two jerseys for the day, very nice.
Cesar and Julian took off and I should have went too, but contented myself with being in the group with number 2 and 3 in the points, hoping things would go my way.
The hill wasn't that big of a problem and often I chased back on the climb, but I didn't stay focused enough on the turns and descents, and kept getting gapped and needing to chase back on, not good and after 7 laps the elastic popped for good, realistically I doubt the end result would have been different had I stayed on a bit more, but you never know if you don't suffer through it.
Held on for 7th and stayed on the lead lap, no small feat with Justin coming on like a freight train.
Definitely mentally worked from a late night/ early morning wakeup before I even got there and was a bit bitchy about bottle handups and such, really it was my tired mind and a soft bottle that played the biggest part in dropping it two times, must suck up to the feeding crew a bit now...:-)
All in all some fantastic racing at a very high level all day to watch, very sweet!
See you all at GG park and I have a suprise for you all, well, some of you.
After a great day Saturday, both my whole brood and the Parsons Clan piled into the barge and headed south to Manzanita at the crack'o;ass.Papa P raced first and had mechanicals from hell, ended up finishing on my SS mountain bike while dodging several bad crashes in the B field.
Jas raced one of her best races ever and sold it out on the hill after doing a long day on Saturday, having fun all the way with no pressure. I came across a woman laying in the trail after the first lap woozy as all get out from cracking her helmet in the loose sand, she wanted her bike back to continue, but the old rule goes if you can't stand up straight- no bikey.
Medics were summoned- more work on Sunday than I think they have ever had before at one of those races, and props to Keith and Rod for having them on site every race-
She gathered herself ok and all was well, several people helped out with her and it was very nice to see.
I raced the SS A as usual and didn't feel great in the legs- a two week solid block and a race the day before made things a little slow- but made the front group behind Rich Maile who was ON FIRE, two jerseys for the day, very nice.
Cesar and Julian took off and I should have went too, but contented myself with being in the group with number 2 and 3 in the points, hoping things would go my way.
The hill wasn't that big of a problem and often I chased back on the climb, but I didn't stay focused enough on the turns and descents, and kept getting gapped and needing to chase back on, not good and after 7 laps the elastic popped for good, realistically I doubt the end result would have been different had I stayed on a bit more, but you never know if you don't suffer through it.
Held on for 7th and stayed on the lead lap, no small feat with Justin coming on like a freight train.
Definitely mentally worked from a late night/ early morning wakeup before I even got there and was a bit bitchy about bottle handups and such, really it was my tired mind and a soft bottle that played the biggest part in dropping it two times, must suck up to the feeding crew a bit now...:-)
All in all some fantastic racing at a very high level all day to watch, very sweet!
See you all at GG park and I have a suprise for you all, well, some of you.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Weekend Fun Section One.
Saturday Gruppo at LARPD. Picture by Shane Huntoon.
As Russell says, the best little series no one does.
More Single Speed than geared in the A race, good to see the world is finally coming around to a simple life .........
This race suits me well, very fast with sweeping turns and some breeze from time to time. The sand was tricky in the AM but race-tracked out for the 11:30 ride.
As Russell says, the best little series no one does.
More Single Speed than geared in the A race, good to see the world is finally coming around to a simple life .........
This race suits me well, very fast with sweeping turns and some breeze from time to time. The sand was tricky in the AM but race-tracked out for the 11:30 ride.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A good reason to get up early
Kenny and his younger brother Troy racing Saturday in Livermore- getting the hang of things and dealing with those darn barriers- way to go!
Jasmin and Lainey in a great battle at Manzanita on Sunday- both of them rode oh-so-hard.
Fun times and I always learn something myself along the way.
The other guy in the top photo is Jimbo the heckler lover, sweet seeing my buddy suffer like that- the corral at Livermore was loose as hell for the first couple races!
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