Cool Bike

Gran Fondo Cycles in Nashville, TN with the help of Bianchi and some special component providers has come up with a cool new bike. It is called the Hope bike. A generous amount of the proceeds from the purchase of the bike end up funding breast cancer research. Also, there is a century ride to further support the cause on September 9. If you have not ridden the Natchez Trace Parkway, you are missing an awesome ride.

My opinion

What bothers me the most is that UCI and Phonak spread the word about Floyd's positive testosterone results as soon as possible because "the French national anti-doping laboratory at Châtenay-Malabry has ties to L'Equipe." What does ties mean? Do they have people on each others payroll whose sole job is to leak information. And yet the IOC certifies them. Just what are they certifying? Where is the credibility of the anti-doping laboratory at Châtenay-Malabry? Where is the credibility of the IOC for turning a blind eye to these snitches? How can a lab that almost everyone in the free world knows leaks information be trusted to provide credible testing results?

Do I believe Floyd is innocent? I don't know. But from the outside looking in, I see a lot of dirty people. I believe that WADA , UCI, IOC and the laboratory at Châtenay-Malabry (as well as other labs) are equally as dirty. I believe there is a total lack of credibility from all angles. Cycling will never be able to clean up its act if everyone around them is equally as dirty.

Bicycle racing in NYC

Welcome to the Jungle. Crank it up!!!!! QuickSilver Messenger Service Cycle New York Central Park Queens Brooklyn

more fixed gear and track info

This updates a post from October 2005.

They don’t come any simpler than this stripped-to-the-gills fixed gear unit. The Sputnik hangs proper rear-facing track dropouts on a Reynolds 631 steel frame, with a flip-flop rear hub that lets you mount an additional sprocket so you can change gearing mid-ride. Use it as a track racer, or mount up a brake, quit your day job and join the bike messenger ranks. This isn’t a bike for the faint of heart, but for absolute purity of purpose there’s nothing more exquisitely beautiful, or special-bred, than this elemental speedster. Runs about $825.00

If a custom built fixed gear/track bike is your style, look at the Ravello. Expect to pay for a custom frame but with Dedacciai lugged tubing is a nice piece of work. Complete bikes start at $1,999 and run to $2,999. These bikes sure are purdy.

I also like the Gios Pista. It’s Italian, its blue and it’s just looks fast. I’m not exactly sure of the price but I seem to remember a $1,500 plus shipping for a special order for the frame Excel Sports Boulder.

Others to check out include Independent Fabrication, Ridley and Eddy Merckx. All are the track variety bikes but very sweet!

QR Tri-Bike For Sale

SOLD
I am selling my 1998 Quintana Roo TeQuilo Triathlon Bike. It is a size 53 with Ultegra 9-speed and a Carbonero Fork with a 650 wheelset. Purchased in 1999 from Mission Bay Sports in Chicago. In January 2003, I purchased the HED3 wheels pictured. I have all invoices for proof of purchase. Your purchase includes the original set of Velocity Wheels and the HED3's. Bike is in excellent shape, however it is used. There is one small paint chip on the down tube and one on the seat stays from transporting. It also comes with upgraded Syntace C2 aerobars and a Selle San Marco Triath-gel saddle. I am asking $1,000.00 or best offer. Upgrades alone are worth $700.00 Please respond by emailing "triathlete13783@aol.com" I have more pictures to provide and will provide telephone number to all serious inquiries. This is an excellent bike for the beginner who wants to start with many affordable upgrades. Thanks for looking.

steelrider2

Have you got your Lance face on.....

Yesterday I received a huge, bigger than lifesize photo of Lance in the mail. It is some lame advertising promo by American Century Investments. Based on a web article a few months ago found by fellow blogger vinovelo, Lance is one of the most saleable people around. Opps, I hear the recycle truck picking up the bin with with the promo in it. AND...if want Lance's mug as wallpaper, click on the downloads at the bottom of the page and set yourself right up. I guess, no I know, I'd cash in if it was me.

steelrider2

Swimming, soccer and sweeping....

Springtime brings with it the opportunity for everyone in the family to be doing their own thing. Since I am Dad, Dad supports everyone own thing at the expense of his cycling. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, merely pointing out the obvious. Having been sick for a few weeks not all the activities happening, my training time continues to suffer. While it doesn't help my body, virtual mind cycling help me think I'll be back on the sometime soon. Gotta rush to a game...

steelrider2

no cycling for the last 10 days...

I've sick for the last two weeks so I haven't been on the bike nor have I felt much like blogging. I will try to get out tomorrow but soccer games and honey do's will likely get in the way of having a nice ride.

Is ESPN nuts...they showed the Tour de Cali at 1:00am est.

steelrider2

Random stuff....

Tyler Hamilton lost his appeal and is now serving his 2-year ban from cycling. I can't say I'm surprised at the CAS decision. I haven't read all the articles yet but it seems the evidence against him was overwhelming. No matter, it's a sad day.

I just can't seem to find a reason to worked up over the winter Olympics. Since I don't like the cold weather, I guess I would have to say I don't like the cold weather sports. However, I'm sure the hype will force me to watch some of it on TV. Maybe some alpine ski jumping...

Of course, I will be totally away from the TV tomorrow as my wife and I go out for a nice Valentines dinner. Which reminds me...I need to go get her a card. I think a good business idea for guys to sign up for a service where you give them all the important dates in your life and they send a card along with the apprpriate gift a few days before the event. That way I will never forget it again. Sounds like a golden idea to me....

The Tour of California starts next weekend, with nightly coverage on ESPN 2. I am really looking forward to that. I am still somwhat mystified with the title sponsor being Amgen.

Its been cold, well cold for us, here in Florida. I hope this front moves away and soon.

steelrider2

Non cycling stuff...

Since today is the Super Bowl, I thought it might be good to talk a little football. While I understand football well, I am not into meaningless stats that seems to be all the sports shows and talk radio tell me I should be interested in. Also since I am in Jacksonville, Florida I feel like I have a vested interest in the Super Bowl since it was in Jacksonville last year. And hopefully will be returning in a few years. Who's my pick...I don't much care; I don't have a dog in that hunt.

I found this to be an interesting bit of trivia. The Jacksonville Jaguars are the only team in the NFL to have defeated both teams (this year) playing in the big game today. So...what does that mean for the Jaguars?...absolutely nothing. They didn't get past the first playoff game. However, some in Jacksonville would have you beleive that the Jaguars could beat either again to win the Super Bowl. I tend to think that a blind squirrel will stumble upon an acorn ever so often but not everyday. But I still like'em.

I will say one thing...I'm glad T.O. is out of football. He's bad for that game and bad for sport. RIP...T.O. He had it all and his mouth got the better of him.

I also watched the Florida Gators demolish the Kentucky Wildcats last night in basketball. AWESOME!!!!! Yes I am a Gator fan.

We decided this week that we would go during spring break (March) down to Tampa and catch a few NY Yankees spring training games. Yup...I'm a Yankees fan. At least third generation. Another interesting bit of trivia...A-Rod played on the Jacksonville Suns minor league team in his early days.

Yesterday, as I was on the trainer riding, I flipped back and forth between hockey, golf and tennis. I can't seem to get too excited about any of those sports. Although I will be at all four rounds of the TPC in Jacksonville in March. It's a work thing.

Oh and I'm sure most of you have heard that Lance Armstrong and Cheryl Crow have decided not to get married. Hmmmm....Seven Tour de France wins...he's already married...to the bike. Hopefully the cycling world will not analyze the heck out of why and just drop it. Doubtful.... We'll have to endure all that speculation for a few months now.

Time to go for a bike ride and clean the toilets before all the guests start arriving for the game.

steelrider2

Fat boys need love too

This is a pic from July 2005 when I was 20 lbs heavier. That evening I was with a group doing over and back on a bridge. I was struggling to get that 198 lbs over the crest of the bridge. Now I'm 20 lbs lighter with a goal of 40 lbs by April 1. That should make bridge night a easier this year.

Here is a couple of other pics from that night of some of the group.


Now its really humbling when I realized there was a roller blader doing hill work also.

steelrider2

Early morning ride makes the day...

At 5:15 this morning, Chris (triathlete friend) and I started our early morning rides. I had forgotten what a good thing it is to get out early and get the juices flowing. We rode for an hour in high 30's temps. Still it was great. We are following all of our safety rules (headlights and 2 blinkies on back.) We decided it was so good that we are going to meet every Monday and Wednesday morning to ride.

I think I have decided to do a few sprint triathlons this year along with three bike races, maybe even a fall 10K. But I am going to do the triathlons on my fixed gear bike. I'll throw some aero clips on the bars and put the 48t chain ring on and flip the hub to the freewheel.

steelrider2

Monday night fixed gear ride

The Monday night fixed gear ride was awesome again. This week it was Ron, Tim, Scott and myself. Our route is roughly 20 miles. We averaged about 18 mph. It includes several good straight aways where we can get cadence up to 110. Then we have a short climb over a bridge, just to help the legs know they been for a ride. Here's a pic of Ron (right) and Tim (left). Both guys are really strong riders. This is definitely the way to build strength and develop pedalling skill. Now I see that my photo skills need some improvement.



steelrider2

fasinated by this ballroom dancing show...

Since I've been riding my fixed gear bike on the trainer on Thursday nights in front of the TV, I've gotten hooked on "Dancing with the Stars." I don't much care who wins but the dancing itself looks like a blast. I have some friends who have been ballroom dancing for a few years. They have invited us to some of their parties and competitions; it sure looks fun. I have to get over the idea that I have two left feet. So who knows...maybe I'll try a few lessons to see if I can get the hang of it. As long as it doesn't interfere with riding.

steelrider2

thanks to all the regular readers...

A recent post got me thinking more about my blog and those that have been steady readers. I went to the stats page and found out about where you're coming from and what brings you to this blog. First off, let me say thank you for reading. I'm sorry I haven't been a regular contributor recently but will try to get better and find some interesting things to write about.

Several hits have come as a result of the my writing about my new fixed gear bike. So I thought I'd add a few more pics of the Langster. I'm riding the Langster almost exclusively until April 1st. I like the fixed gear. Loads of fun. I am riding with a fixed group ride every Monday night. These guys are strong riders. I'm hoping I develop into a stronger rider by late spring. Night riding is also new to me. Still lots of fun. From a set up point, I've changed nothing but added pedals. But I have added a few accessories. I have add a Specialized cycling computer with cadence, a blinkie and a Light& Motion head light. The Light & Motion products are awesome. I do plan to make a few changes like add some bar phat to the handlebars and change the tires to Armadillo Elite tires. As you can see here, the bikes sleep in the house. I get some noise about it occasionally, but never listen.





















































Others have found my blog as a result of me extolling the virtues of the Masi Bicycles. Let me say, these are absolutely great bikes!! I really enjoy riding my Speciale Carbon (steel/carbon frame). I'm hooked for life. (I do hope they have a fixed gear ride in the mix next year.) I encourage everyone to consider a Masi if you're in the market for a new bike. The biggest change I made to this bike was to upgrade from a compact crank to a FSA Team Issue 50/39 crank. I also upgraded the saddle to a San Marco Rever and upgraded the stem when I shortened it.














Still others have come as a result of the posts I done on the Team Inferno/A&F Cycling Team. From all I've read its a great team with a bunch of regular guys. They get to ride a some awesome bikes. I hope they do very well this season. Having seen a few pics of their new kits, if they ride as good as they look and as good as their bikes look, watch out!!!!!

Others have come as a result of my rants about bad drivers and bad cyclists. I really don't like bad drivers who don't care about cyclists using the roads. But what really steams me is cyclists who blatantly disrespect the rules of the road and give those of us who give a crap a bad name. I will save that rant for another day.

But to all my peops...thank you for reading. Please make sure you give me your opinions anytime.

steelrider2

January and 80 degrees....

While we're not setting records, we are only a few degrees away from all time record highs for January. I'll bet we pay it in February and March. Really, the weather has been great. The humidity is low and the temps moderate. I think it was 79-80 degrees today. Last weekend was good too! Its great bike time and I'm making the most of it. I think I was on the bike a total of 11 hours last week plus a 40 hour work week and a little time thrown in for the family and sleep too.

Tonight's fixed gear ride was good as well. We hit some rain pockets but were not detered. I even took my turn on the front tonight. (I'm the slowest in the group, so thats a big deal for me.) Ride stats drawn from the bike computer are: 23.45 miles, max speed 24.7, avg speed 18.2 (we had to stop for a train), avg heart rate 138 and finally 1,050 calories burned.

I can tell I'm getting stronger and that my pedalling has improved. I'm sure I have a long way to go but I'm getting better a day at the time. Not to mention, I've lost over 15 lbs since mid December. My hope is that by April 1 I will weigh a svelt 155. Someone kick me where it hurts if I let myself loose control again. It is very easy to gain the weight but hard as heck to loose it.

Work has finally improved a bit as well. Lots of positive things happening. Well its time to catch some zzz's (that's so 60's sounding)

steelrider2

Truly a great ride

Tonight was one of those awesome, write it down in a journal so I can remember it kinda rides. I rode my first night ride with three other fixes. Awesome, awesome awesome...the pace was quick (23-24) for 25 miles. My non riding friends call me an idiot...yet I consider that a compliment in that regard. It was cold and windy with one contact not pleased to be in my eye. Still, it was epic for me. I have been dying to get out there...last week it was raining sideways so we bagged it...by tonight I was ready to ride in ten feet of crap, if necessary. Scott, Dan and Tim (all Velobrew teammates) were really great as well. I'm a rookie but learning fast...one must learn fast riding a fixed gear. Although I've been in the trainer a good bit and out during the day, this was my first real night ride. I am so pumped.

I am riding a Specialized Langster...this thing is a bulldozier. But I love it. It really helps that the other guys are just as stoked as I am. I will not be on my road bike until the end of March. Hopefully my pedalling will improve dramatically. Hopefully I'll have all my base training in and my legs will be stronger. I know I sound like a broken record...but this was great. Whos cares about the state of cycling and all the petty junk when you're riding a fixie.

steelrider2

Happy New Year

2006 is here and 2005 is behind us. Its history. We can't do anything about it. I don't like resolutions so I don't make them. From my perspective noone keeps them anyway. Let's not whine about the past; instead do everything we can to make the future better. Take one day at the time. Treat others the way you want to be treated. And ride your bike (every day) like you stole it. Happy New Year!!