Monday, September 28, 2009

All My Matches


I inadvertently burned all the matches in the book of my daily allotment on Sunday's group ride, unfortunately I was as far away from home as the ride was to take me when it happened... Sometimes the group dynamic fairly bristles with macho-psychotic energy and by gaw, last Sunday, those guys were nuts! We were heading out Quartz Hill Rd at a good clip after a horrible-rude-awakening-climb from Benton Dr. up River Park Dr. At the top, I got on the back of an eight man line and stayed nicely out of the wind going out Quartz Hill. Fueled by a group of people at the Hornbeck Trail parking lot who yelled out something about vive le tour, the pace went ballistic through a narrow twisty section, so I let them go at it. I figured we'd regroup up at the Lake Blvd. intersection. But as I approached the turn, I saw those fools hammering on without us. Allen Kost was with me and he yelled to me to get on his wheel and tuck in. But then my own inner macho-psychotic ego kicked in and I felt like Allen was riding too slow. (Mind you, Allen is a man who regularly logs 300miles a week on a $5,000.00 bike!) I exploded away from Allen like I was on a motor bike, fiercely determined to catch that pace line. I was making up the gap very rapidly when I suddenly realized that the Odwalla Bar had eaten just prior to the launch was turning my mouth into a cotton candy paste of horror (chocolate/mocha). I felt as if I had ridden the last 400 meters without breathing as I finally, caught the back wheel of the pace line at the Pine Grove Ave. intersection. Blown, I simply could not regain my composure and could only watch in desperation as Allen calmly joined us and then they began to ease away from me. Like a ship steaming off into the sunset, I watched the pace line disappear over the horizon. Blowing like a bellows my lungs on fire! I'll be back next week!

Looking For...


Will the man who left this coffee cup at my pirate coffee shop this weekend, please come back and pick it up. I think you wore a large western hat and had a fly-fishing vest on. I saw you ride off on a Soma bicycle.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Riders Ready...


In Springfield, the temperature difference was even more extreme. Springfield was at 80 °F (27 °C) before the cold front moved through. Two hours later, the temperature was at 40 °F (4 °C) with winds blasting out of the northwest at 40 mph (65 km/h). By 7:00 P.M. Central Standard Time (01:00 UTC 12 November) the temperature had dropped a further 7 °F (12.6 °C), and by midnight, a record low of 13 °F (−11 °C) was established. It was the first time since records had been kept for Springfield when the record high and record low were broken in the same day. The freak temperature difference was also a record breaker: 67 °F (37 °C) in 10 hours.

Record highs and lows were established on the same day in Oklahoma City as well with a high of 83 °F (28 °C) and low of 17 °F (−8 °C); temperature difference: 66 °F (36 °C). This record still holds to this day.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Saturday Smoke Sky


Thanks to Randy at "The Best Bike Shop In Town, Etc." My Red Bike has some new shoes!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

What Every Athlete Knows


Hype: CAFFEINE WILL DEHYDRATE YOU
Caffeine has long been demonized as a diuretic. On paper, that means it should lead to dehydration and heat stress, especially when you consider that it also raises your heart rate and increases your metabolism.

Truth: CAFFEINE IMPROVES CARB BURNING
A review of ongoing research recently revealed that caffeinated drinks don't make you pee that much more than equal amounts of beverages without the buzz. The stimulant also doesn't worsen the effects of summertime heat. In fact, caffeine makes you feel better. Numerous studies have shown that it lowers your rate of perceived exertion while improving your strength, endurance and mental performance. Even better, researchers from the University of Birmingham, in England, found that riders who drank a caffeinated sports beverage burned the drink's carbs 26 percent faster than those who consumed a noncaffeinated sports drink, likely because caffeine speeds glucose absorption in the intestine.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

If I was 20 Years Younger...


I'd still be too old for this little beauty!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Vintage Sunday


Sunday's steel frame road bike ride was a huge success. I'd like to thank all the wonderful people who came out and rode with us. If you didn't stay around for the after-ride party, be sure to stop in for your Tyler Hamilton, rider's postcard. See ya'll again real soon!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Sunday Steel Road Ride


Everyone is cordially invited to come ride with former Tour d' France stage-winner* Noel Welch and myself. Dust off your old steel framed road bike and join us for a blast from the past. We a planning a relaxed pace, 25 miler. Rumour has it that Noel may actually be riding gears... as in more than just one! Meet at the corner of Gold St. and Chestnut at 8:30 a.m. this Sunday morning. *XBOX

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

CycloCross Rumors


Rumors abound with regards to the upcoming cyclocross season, not the least of which, is the race promoters desire to try to refine the culinary offering. "I don't need some Hobo showing up with a bucket of beans and a half-a-cord-a-wood!" Race promoter Brian also says, "Watch for the first ever, attempt at a triple-lutz over a barrier this year!"

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Pashley Cycles - Guv'nor


Based on a Path Racer model made by the Company in the 1930s, the GUVNOR has a Classic style, but is equipped with modern components. It features a Pashley built Reynolds 531 diamond frame (in 20.5, 22.5 and 24.5* inch sizes), with relaxed style forks, Brooks B17 Titanium saddle, drop North Road handlebars - with leather grips, a single speed rear wheel, with 28 inch gold lined black alloy rims and light tyres being used front and back. The Guv'nor is also available as a 3 speed model

Monday, September 14, 2009

A Perfect Start To Any Day!


Especially on a cool, rainy Monday after a weekend of riding in the chocking dust! Oh well, with Hemp Plus for breakfast, it's real easy to, "make-believe" almost any riding scenario. Like yesterday morning... I could have sworn, I WAS IN BELGIUM! Don't ask me why, things just seemed real, belgium-ey! Then I started laughing real loud and saying the word Belgium over and over... I may have startled some hikers again.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Redding's Alternative Bike Shop


We would like to proudly announce the Grand Opening of Redding's Alternative Bike Shop; CYCLE-LOGICAL. Originally conceived as a Bicycle Co-Op, we have opted to be come a Bicycle Collective instead. There are no dues or fees for membership. We offer affordable service and the occasional cheap, complete bike. Come comb through our huge selection of mismatched parts and antiquated components. Special limited offer in observance of our Grand Opening, one, autographed Tyler Hamilton Postcard to each person who comes by and Say's, "Tyler sent me!" We also have a huge selection of performance enhancing substances. Just say, "Tyler sent me!" CYCLE-LOGICAL, at the corner of Locust and Garden in the back of the big old barn-like building that sells carpet.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

That's Gonna Hurt!


Where does the guy who makes big plans for the early morning workout (as he's setting the alarm clock for 5 a.m.) disappear to in the night? Lately, I am having trouble dragging my sorry, over-fed carcass out of the fart-sack by 6 a.m. Depicted above, is an image that will strike fear in the hearts of many of my friends who know that this young man is making sacrifices and is suffering more than we ever have. But it will all pay off for him, come cyclo cross time. Oy!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Monday, September 7, 2009

Team Masseur


We finally managed to wrestle Massage Therapist Johan Von Faustus away from his 20 year hiatus... actually, technically, he's back from prison. Uncle Faustus (as he likes to be called) brings a legendary pair of hands, so strong that he can juice apples with them, to the team's physical therapy table. He has also been known to crush bullhorns into dunce hats and then smash them on to the heads of race promoters. He will be on team probation for the first 2 seasons, just to make sure he's a good fit.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Welcome Bob Dobalina!


Well, we are pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Bob Dobalina to Team Outlaw Cross. Bob signed up for the coming season and took an option for 2 years. Bob brings a strong background of cold weather experience as you can well imagine with his background as a car salesman in Fargo, North Dakota. He's a hearty eater and wicked fast over barriers. He brings a sordid history of escapes through back yards in the night, over fences and water ditches, while running from furious fathers bearing loaded shot guns. A solid prospect!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Meet Coach Jim Seedy


Team Outlaw Cross is now accepting rider applications, for the upcoming cyclo-cross season. Personal training from Redding's only successful local race series poacher, Mr. Jim S- will be available. Covering a range of topics from, The Registration Table Swindle, to Race Course Short Cutting and the always tricky, Scorekeeper Pay Off. We have seen this man score points in races that he didn't even race in. Now learn from the Pro himself. Team size and workshops are completely unlimited so feel free to just veg-out until the day of the race if you choose. As an added bonus, your registration fees also cover your Web-Foot Rider Sundays, immediately following the Cross season. You can also contact us at our web page, theshellgameltd.com

Wednesday, September 2, 2009