This past year I have been on the Board of Directors of one of the local race teams. We have been spending an enormous amount of time discussing the issue of new clothing. Trying to make sure we get good, quality clothing that everyone will like.
I have been amazed at the amount of time we have spent (wasted in my opinion) talking about shorts. It's amazing what people on a race team think about shorts. Even more amazing is what they think they want to wear.
With that in mind, I have decided to write a short mini-series on my opinions concerning bicycling shorts. I will cover 3 different areas. 1. Style of short, 2. Sizing and 3. the Chamois.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Chase'n my shadow
Beautiful day! No cold weather gear! Days like this are numbered, so I had to get out there. Glad I did. Put a map of the ride below, pretty cool little tool. I will have to try it for some of my longer rides.
Forgot my towel, had to dry off after a shower with a pair of sweat pants. At least they were (mostly) clean.
Tomorrow I see 30% chance of precipitation in the forecast. You know what that means, I wonder what is going to happen? At least the weather man has admitted he doesn't know.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
What a day...
Wow, the weather was amazing! Is it really January? 70's?I am pulled by my training plan calling for a recovery week (and my legs feeling like they need one) and my desire to get out in the weather. Sadly it was not in the cards today. Too many things going on at work right now.
Speaking of work, the temperature in my office is crazy as well. Since it's January and the air conditioners are off, my south west facing office gets pretty warm in the afternoon. Perhaps I will have to shut some of the blinds.... after working in a cube not that long ago, I have a hard time doing that.
I don't think I will be able to pass up tomorrow. They are saying it will be as nice as it was today. I will have to make a break for it and get out during lunch.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
On This Inaugural Day
I heard on the radio there was some big event in Washington.
I don't want to get too political, left vs right, but perhaps a better discussion is smart vs stupid. I believe the average American IQ went up by a couple of points today. At least we can travel the world and say "we are trying to fix it," instead of "I am sorry, I don't know what they were thinking." It's about time this day came. The village idiot has been returned. Now he can get back to doing what, I hear, he does well.... ride his bike.
Lets hope things workout for the new President. Expectations are really high and he has a lot of work to do.
On a lighter note, the birthday celebrations continue. Today, on this Inaugural day is my Wife's birthday. Unfortunately I had to work. We will be having cake and dinner this evening (hopefully in that order). I am looking forward to it.
Happy Birthday sweetie..... You are the best. Thanks for everything you do (which for the record is a crazy amount) I love you.
I don't want to get too political, left vs right, but perhaps a better discussion is smart vs stupid. I believe the average American IQ went up by a couple of points today. At least we can travel the world and say "we are trying to fix it," instead of "I am sorry, I don't know what they were thinking." It's about time this day came. The village idiot has been returned. Now he can get back to doing what, I hear, he does well.... ride his bike.
Lets hope things workout for the new President. Expectations are really high and he has a lot of work to do.
On a lighter note, the birthday celebrations continue. Today, on this Inaugural day is my Wife's birthday. Unfortunately I had to work. We will be having cake and dinner this evening (hopefully in that order). I am looking forward to it.
Happy Birthday sweetie..... You are the best. Thanks for everything you do (which for the record is a crazy amount) I love you.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Nice
My wife completed her marathon. When she made it home I rushed out to
catch some of this great weather we are having. Got in 46 miles. Road down through Golden to Morrison then around Red Rocks. Beautiful!
Had a great weekend with the kids. They did great and we all had a good time.
However it was nice to ride on my own today.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Super Cake
That is some Birthday cake for a 4 year old!
The cake looks amazing. It will be sad to cut it! It is such a piece of art!
Marci makes amazing cakes. If you are looking for some Birthday art I would recommend her!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Yoga
It wasn't until recently that I started using Yoga to help improve my flexablility and strength. I was a yoga skeptic, wondering how you get a workout standing on your head like that. Where I have found it to be advantagous is finetuneing and muscle release.
Weights in the gym are great to improve your strength in major muscle groups. Yoga has many balance and strecthing moves that challange the muscles in multiple directions. For example, the leg press is a great way to build strength but how often are you lifting like that in the world. Yoga helps prepare your body for using that strength in different orientations and directions. Improving your overall physical capabilities.
The stretching aspect of yoga helps open up muscles. It warms them up to get blood flowing while stretching and flushing them out. The deep, nose, breathing also helps release and relax the muscles.
Next time you have a chance, try a yoga class or video.
Weights in the gym are great to improve your strength in major muscle groups. Yoga has many balance and strecthing moves that challange the muscles in multiple directions. For example, the leg press is a great way to build strength but how often are you lifting like that in the world. Yoga helps prepare your body for using that strength in different orientations and directions. Improving your overall physical capabilities.
The stretching aspect of yoga helps open up muscles. It warms them up to get blood flowing while stretching and flushing them out. The deep, nose, breathing also helps release and relax the muscles.
Next time you have a chance, try a yoga class or video.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Spin Class
It has been about 4 years since I last took a spin class. Generally my impression has been that instructors fall into three groups. 1. Gymnast, that use the bike as a pommel horse. Up, down, up, down ... put in a pushup. 2. Old female instructors, playing music from their high school days .... with a headband on. Trying to relive the glory days, and 3. Cyclist riding indoors because the weather is bad outside.
Today I had instructor number 2. She was complete with headband and all. We were rockin it to some hot 80's tunes and U2 techno remix. Right on queue, she was sprinting at the guitar solo.
Today I had instructor number 2. She was complete with headband and all. We were rockin it to some hot 80's tunes and U2 techno remix. Right on queue, she was sprinting at the guitar solo.It would have been sweet if we had Guitar Hero Spinning. "Alright everyone..... Star Power!"
I did my workout.
The other thing I noticed was that all the music was from when I was in Jr High. Oh man... I think I better get a headband!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A few short updates
Racing - Looks like the ACA has approved the new categories, SM35+/3 and SM45+/4. I fully supported this change. The racers I saw upgrade, most of them struggled and I didn't see them at races anymore. They would also stay in the SM35+/4 group until they receive a letter from the ACA saying they had to upgrade. And as for the 45+ crew, they will have a place to start racing with their peers.
Family - Kailee's arm is improving. She had swimming lessons on Tuesday and did great. She appears to have an issue when her arm is not covered. We took a cotton sock and cut it so it was a "cast"/placebo. As long as her arm was covered while she was swimming, she was fine. Much to the relief of her parents.
Training - Things have been proceeding as planned. I have mostly been indoors and able to find the time. Getting up earlier.
Life - I am missing all the time off I had during the holidays. I could play, play, play with the kids. Now.... I get maybe an hour in the morning then off to work. Come home and get another hour and a half before they go to bed. And that hour and a half always seems to be the witching hour when they are tired. Got the movie "Mary Poppins," we watched most of it last night. Kids were dancing all over..... it was hilarious..... I think they were dilerious.
Family - Kailee's arm is improving. She had swimming lessons on Tuesday and did great. She appears to have an issue when her arm is not covered. We took a cotton sock and cut it so it was a "cast"/placebo. As long as her arm was covered while she was swimming, she was fine. Much to the relief of her parents.
Training - Things have been proceeding as planned. I have mostly been indoors and able to find the time. Getting up earlier.
Life - I am missing all the time off I had during the holidays. I could play, play, play with the kids. Now.... I get maybe an hour in the morning then off to work. Come home and get another hour and a half before they go to bed. And that hour and a half always seems to be the witching hour when they are tired. Got the movie "Mary Poppins," we watched most of it last night. Kids were dancing all over..... it was hilarious..... I think they were dilerious.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Missed that one, didn't you
I don't want my blog to be about the weather, I imagine it's tuff to predict the weather. In Colorado a good guess is an annual average temperature and sunny.
But I checked the weather forecasts last night before I went to bed. 30% chance of precipitation. Now just to be clear, it says 30% chance of precipitation a lot for the Denver weather forecast. Typically nothing happens. When I lived in Oregon that meant it was going to rain 30% of the time. In Colorado it means.... "we have no idea what is going to happen." We went from 30% chance of snow to 6 inches of snow on my driveway. Come on weather people, you went to school, shouldn't you have guessed more like X>50% chance of snow? At least I would believe you thought something might happen.
Everyone else must have been caught with their pants down too. Traffic was stupid. I drive a small car, and the roads were not that bad. A couple of the folks on the roads just lost their minds! screwed it up for everyone else.
But I checked the weather forecasts last night before I went to bed. 30% chance of precipitation. Now just to be clear, it says 30% chance of precipitation a lot for the Denver weather forecast. Typically nothing happens. When I lived in Oregon that meant it was going to rain 30% of the time. In Colorado it means.... "we have no idea what is going to happen." We went from 30% chance of snow to 6 inches of snow on my driveway. Come on weather people, you went to school, shouldn't you have guessed more like X>50% chance of snow? At least I would believe you thought something might happen.
Everyone else must have been caught with their pants down too. Traffic was stupid. I drive a small car, and the roads were not that bad. A couple of the folks on the roads just lost their minds! screwed it up for everyone else.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sound of Music
sing. "Liven the Dream"
Hall Pass
Got permission to ride for a couple of hours today. Weather wasn't perfect but I was able to get out with and ride with my friend Rick.
It is important to have friends to ride with. Rick is a solid rider and can go up hill like the wind. If it wasn't for him, today I would have been wining about how cold my toes were and wouldn't have made it. Thanks for showing me some new routes out north.
Shoe covers are on their way!
It is important to have friends to ride with. Rick is a solid rider and can go up hill like the wind. If it wasn't for him, today I would have been wining about how cold my toes were and wouldn't have made it. Thanks for showing me some new routes out north.
Shoe covers are on their way!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
2009 BAR/BAT Summit
I went to the ACA meeting this afternoon, concerning BAR/BAT and masters racing.
Interesting. This was not a voting meeting but a meeting to give the board information and feedback about moving the ACA forward. It was interesting, I basically just listened so I could get a feel for were they are going and to make sure it was right for my team.
Although it was never stated, I believe the problem statement(s) are as follows:
1: ACA does not have enough chief judges that can handle the fast pace, closed coarse, crits. Only a few (3) chief judges are available to handle this work.
2: The only growing group(increasing number of annual license holders) are SM 35-44 cat 3 and 4 and SM 45-54 4's. Based on the number of new memberships from 2001 - 2008 this group has 45% of the ACA's growth. There is NEED for new categories for these racers. Specifically SM35+/3 and SM45+/4
3: The new categories will increase the racing day, making it too long and putting too much strain on the (3) chief judges and other race staff.
Solution:
Appears to be creating the SM35+/3 and SM45+/4 categories and splitting all the categories into three. Only one group of categories will be BAR/BAT and the others will have to wait until the next race. The ACA board will begin working on this starting tomorrow.
My opinion:
God for bid something happen to these three chief judges. No business I have been associated with would allow its future to be controlled by so few. This has got to be a reason to test other timing technologies (timing chips). I know the ACA knows about them. This approach to solving the problem will reduce the number of races people have available for their categories. Perhaps that will mean better turnout at the races we have, pushing up demand. As demand goes up, I believe the price I have to pay at each race will to. 2009 is going to be interesting.
I think I will just have to be a good consumer, check the races I am interested in and determining what will work best for me.
Interesting. This was not a voting meeting but a meeting to give the board information and feedback about moving the ACA forward. It was interesting, I basically just listened so I could get a feel for were they are going and to make sure it was right for my team.
Although it was never stated, I believe the problem statement(s) are as follows:
1: ACA does not have enough chief judges that can handle the fast pace, closed coarse, crits. Only a few (3) chief judges are available to handle this work.
2: The only growing group(increasing number of annual license holders) are SM 35-44 cat 3 and 4 and SM 45-54 4's. Based on the number of new memberships from 2001 - 2008 this group has 45% of the ACA's growth. There is NEED for new categories for these racers. Specifically SM35+/3 and SM45+/4
3: The new categories will increase the racing day, making it too long and putting too much strain on the (3) chief judges and other race staff.
Solution:
Appears to be creating the SM35+/3 and SM45+/4 categories and splitting all the categories into three. Only one group of categories will be BAR/BAT and the others will have to wait until the next race. The ACA board will begin working on this starting tomorrow.
My opinion:
God for bid something happen to these three chief judges. No business I have been associated with would allow its future to be controlled by so few. This has got to be a reason to test other timing technologies (timing chips). I know the ACA knows about them. This approach to solving the problem will reduce the number of races people have available for their categories. Perhaps that will mean better turnout at the races we have, pushing up demand. As demand goes up, I believe the price I have to pay at each race will to. 2009 is going to be interesting.
I think I will just have to be a good consumer, check the races I am interested in and determining what will work best for me.
Friday, January 9, 2009
It's not over
wearing her cast. The doctor says two more weeks in a splint and
light duty.
She broke it at grandma's after a fall while sledding during the first
snow this year.
I feel bad for her. We have all been so excited for her to get it
off. Doctor says she will be fine.... Once it heals.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Busy Day
Yesterday just got away from me..
I was planning to ride outside. The warm temperatures were calling my name. But the hurricane force winds changed my mind. When I looked outside all I could see was 2008 Deer Trail RR. That race was epic. Why was it epic, because you would only ride in those conditions because it was a race or you were caught in it. It is not something you would look outside and say "sweet, a cow just blew by... I am going for a ride."
So, I hit the gym yesterday evening. I have never seen this place so full. Of coarse, I've only been at this gym for about 2 months. It is the new year... what was your resolution? Out of the 15 or so treadmills, I was the only one running. ......Are you kidding me? I only ran for 10 minutes to warm-up, there were people walking for 30 minutes or more. Why would you get a gym membership to walk on a treadmill? And as for the machine weights... they need to make them without any seats! It becomes a social hour camp ground. I wanted to say.... "Pull on the thing or get out of the way!" I am glad I spent most of my time in the free weights. Things seemed to be moving in there.
Thankfully the family was tolerant after I made it home a little late. After dinner we watched one of the kids favorite shows... "Planet Earth." They love the one about the Deep Blue Ocean. You would think they would like some good ole cartoons but no, they like watching fish eat each other. Maybe that's why my daughter won't eat meat?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Rollers
This past Christmas (08) my folks go me a pair of rollers. Training on rollers really can improve your bike handling skills. Giving every road rider what they need... The ability to ride in a straight line. Especially if reaching for a water bottle or looking around. I've ridden on a pair of rollers in the past, however it has been a couple of years.
This morning I was doing some high spin intervals. My legs actually felt really good. I was getting my cadence up over 150 rpm. My peddle stroke was pretty smooth. After down loading my power meter I noticed my legs weren't just feeling good, I was actually getting some power out. I was thinking I was just breaking in the rollers or something. Maybe the power readings are off but this last Saturday I did a similar workout. Today however, I was stronger. Nice.
I included a short clip from the training video I have been using. Check it out.
This morning I was doing some high spin intervals. My legs actually felt really good. I was getting my cadence up over 150 rpm. My peddle stroke was pretty smooth. After down loading my power meter I noticed my legs weren't just feeling good, I was actually getting some power out. I was thinking I was just breaking in the rollers or something. Maybe the power readings are off but this last Saturday I did a similar workout. Today however, I was stronger. Nice.
I included a short clip from the training video I have been using. Check it out.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Weights
I hit the gym this morning for a little weight lifting. Coach says I need to move into lifting heavier weights. So today dropped the number of reps and increased the weight. I felt pretty good. Didn't want to hurt myself so I didn't max out or anything. But I was working. To be honest, I was worried about how much I would be able to lift. This phase is not going to last long so I was happy with the amount of weight I could lift. I will be working to push that number higher in the next couple of weeks.Hopefully with the extra strength I am getting, I'll be flying come spring!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Addiction ... Its not so bad, is it?
I was back at the velodrome today. I took another class. This one was so much better than earlier this week. On Tuesday the class was too big and I didn't get enough laps in. This time, our instructer Paul had it all dialed in. We were riding lots of laps and working on paceline drills. In addtion to the drills he had planned I was able to work on the skills I felt like I needed. I was feeling very confortable on the track by the end of the hour.
After words, I hung out and passed my track certification. That means I can show up and ride when the track is open or sign up for a race series. I will be keeping my eyes open at what is happening.
The family showed up to cheer on Dad. They took a couple of photos and a movie. Enjoy.
Dude leading the pack.
Just warming up, getting ready to jump on the track.
A couple of laps on my own, got in a good workout.
After words, I hung out and passed my track certification. That means I can show up and ride when the track is open or sign up for a race series. I will be keeping my eyes open at what is happening.
The family showed up to cheer on Dad. They took a couple of photos and a movie. Enjoy.
Dude leading the pack.
Just warming up, getting ready to jump on the track.
A couple of laps on my own, got in a good workout.Cute things kids say....
Last night while the family was going into the store, Kailee noticed a "star" by the moon. I explained to her that it was not a start it was a planet. She said "Mom, that's a planet, like earth." I said "Yes, I think it's Venus." Kaliee said "Mommy, that's were Karen lives, in Veniox."
How was your trip home Karen.
How was your trip home Karen.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Back to the Grind
Went back to work today. Needed to get a head start catching up on the few developments during the holidays. Also wanted to get away from the family as I have not been feeling very good. Another gift from Christmas activities.
I rented The Sound of Music for my daughter. She has not been into movies lately, but she is eating up all the singing. Dancing all over the living room. It is fun to watch...her.
I am heading back to the Velodrome tomorrow to get my track certification. I will miss the CX race. I was pretty cooked at the end of the season. I hit a race every weekend this last season. So I am going to take a pass this time. Hope everyone has fun. The weather looks like it will be getting more crossy as the day progresses.
I rented The Sound of Music for my daughter. She has not been into movies lately, but she is eating up all the singing. Dancing all over the living room. It is fun to watch...her.
I am heading back to the Velodrome tomorrow to get my track certification. I will miss the CX race. I was pretty cooked at the end of the season. I hit a race every weekend this last season. So I am going to take a pass this time. Hope everyone has fun. The weather looks like it will be getting more crossy as the day progresses.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year
Well, it's hear. 2009. It is always an exciting time to look forward.
Today was great. I pedaled on some roads I have never ridden. They've been there but I have missed them. It was a super ride. Riding around early when the streets were still empty was fun, relaxing and satisfying.
All of the in-laws got together for a super lunch at my wife's brothers house. All the kids had a super fun time. Four of them are separated by one year. It gets exciting. They are all finally reaching and age were they interact and play with each other. I am always happy when they get together, I was never able to be with my extended family as often as we can. Nate was asleep before we got out of the cul-de-sac. Lunch was awesome! It was nice to get together and I enjoyed the conversation.
Happy New Year Karen.... I hope your travels to your new family went well.
Today was great. I pedaled on some roads I have never ridden. They've been there but I have missed them. It was a super ride. Riding around early when the streets were still empty was fun, relaxing and satisfying.
All of the in-laws got together for a super lunch at my wife's brothers house. All the kids had a super fun time. Four of them are separated by one year. It gets exciting. They are all finally reaching and age were they interact and play with each other. I am always happy when they get together, I was never able to be with my extended family as often as we can. Nate was asleep before we got out of the cul-de-sac. Lunch was awesome! It was nice to get together and I enjoyed the conversation.
Happy New Year Karen.... I hope your travels to your new family went well.
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