Thursday, August 28, 2008
Ughhh...
I just wanted to get a post out there....I'm traveling for work and it really is a big box of Suck. I like the job. Honest! But the actual travel is, to be quite frank, miserable. I might consider poking my eyeballs out with a semi-soft object like a toothpick. It would be more fun that flying every week. Between that and the lack of riding, I'm starting to go crazy. Maybe it was watching the DNC for the past few nights in a dimly lit hotel that did it.I'm not really sure, but I can't wait for the fall rides. Honestly, this is my favorite time of year to ride. When I get home, I just bought a new Ultegra wheel-set and crank set that I will review.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Yeah, I know I'm late
But I got caught up in work related travel. Click here to read about LA's finish in the Leadville 100. What a brutal race. It's certainly not what road bikers are used to.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Bike Rage
Is there really such a thing? I certainly feel like it when a car cuts me off on a ride. To add insult to (near)injury, as they drive past, I can see someone who doesn't look old enough to drive. To say that they looked like a reject from MTV's "Super Sweet 16" is beink kind. As she was texting furiously to her pals, I felt like screaming. It's not like it would have helped. I doubt she would have picked up her head long enough to see who was yelling.
At first, I thought it was my chosen route, since I pass at least 4 schools. But then I noticed that adults are doing it too(isn't everyone doing it?). Nevermind that NY is a hands free state...What bizarre universe do we live in where adults drive around sending text messages like a bunch of teens hopped up on a sugar high? Apparently this is an issue in a lot of places, click here to see an article in the Christian Science Monitor about the increasing number of states considering a ban on driving and texting.
At first, I thought it was my chosen route, since I pass at least 4 schools. But then I noticed that adults are doing it too(isn't everyone doing it?). Nevermind that NY is a hands free state...What bizarre universe do we live in where adults drive around sending text messages like a bunch of teens hopped up on a sugar high? Apparently this is an issue in a lot of places, click here to see an article in the Christian Science Monitor about the increasing number of states considering a ban on driving and texting.
Jeez, I'm glad I can stop worrying about that one...
I know it's random, but I came across this while trolling the blog-o-sphere at lunch. Originally reported by John Tierny of the NYT, this list addresses some all too commom misconceptions. I though it was utterly entertaining only because my neighbor proceeded to tell me at lunch just how dangerous it was to eat grilled hot dogs. He doesn't get out much. Oh, that and it was shark week and now my girlfriend is PETRIFIED to go to the beach and swim in the ocean. Click here to see the list. :-)
Lance to race again
I came in from my ride this morning and went through the typical routine of cleaning the bike, showering, and eating breakfast. While chowing down on my Raisin Bran Crunch (who doesn't love RBC?) and going through the news, I saw this article about LA racing again. It's interesting for a few reasons. Mainly that a) he's in a competitive setting again b) that Floyd got smacked around last year at this race and c) the comments. It sounds like a hell of a race. My big butt wouldn't make it, that's for sure.
There were some pretty funny comments. They highlighted some people's latent racism, lack of education (or inability to spell check, you decide), or people's desire to pull someone down to their level. Everyone has an opinion on whether or not Lance Armstrong doped or not. Each year at the TDF, as another lead rider or team drops out for failing a doping test or even allegations of doping, it's becoming harder and harder not to become cynical. "Everyone does it, so LA must have", you say? I find it harder to believe that one of the most tested athletes on the planet (as well as one of the most polarizing depending on your opinion) managed to cheat all of the tests. "What about Marion Jones?" I get that argument. She beat the tests using HGH or "The Clear", or whatever you want to call it. But for chronic HGH users (bodybuilders, Bonds, Jones, etc) you can SEE the change. The eyes spreading until they start to look like a fish, increasing shoe size, and a bigger head. Sustained HGH use would be a risky game for a pro cyclist. It would come with the potential for a constantly changing riding position due to your changing bone structure, in addition to added weight. These are all taboo for pro riders.
Anyway, until some magic test proves otherwise, LA admits it himself, or some other freak occurrence changes things, I'm assuming he's a clean athlete. If the cleats were on your feet, wouldn't you want the same? Anyway, I'm going to get off my soap box now and get some coffee. See you soon;-)
There were some pretty funny comments. They highlighted some people's latent racism, lack of education (or inability to spell check, you decide), or people's desire to pull someone down to their level. Everyone has an opinion on whether or not Lance Armstrong doped or not. Each year at the TDF, as another lead rider or team drops out for failing a doping test or even allegations of doping, it's becoming harder and harder not to become cynical. "Everyone does it, so LA must have", you say? I find it harder to believe that one of the most tested athletes on the planet (as well as one of the most polarizing depending on your opinion) managed to cheat all of the tests. "What about Marion Jones?" I get that argument. She beat the tests using HGH or "The Clear", or whatever you want to call it. But for chronic HGH users (bodybuilders, Bonds, Jones, etc) you can SEE the change. The eyes spreading until they start to look like a fish, increasing shoe size, and a bigger head. Sustained HGH use would be a risky game for a pro cyclist. It would come with the potential for a constantly changing riding position due to your changing bone structure, in addition to added weight. These are all taboo for pro riders.
Anyway, until some magic test proves otherwise, LA admits it himself, or some other freak occurrence changes things, I'm assuming he's a clean athlete. If the cleats were on your feet, wouldn't you want the same? Anyway, I'm going to get off my soap box now and get some coffee. See you soon;-)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Day Two
Alrighty then. We're on day two of getting this thing up and rolling You would think it was a snap for me since I work in the IT industry, but apparently not. I should have known by this morning's ride that it was going to be a long day. I rolled out at 7:30 for a quick 20 mile blast and it was already creeping up on 80 and humid. When I say "quick" I should probably clarify: "Quick" for me is averaging 15-17 mph (including all required stops for traffic lights etc.). I know it's not that fast...please don't stop visiting my blog. Pretty Please? Truthfully, if I were that fast I'd most likely still be on my bike instead of blogging about it.
I'm starting to ramble and almost forgot the "bad" part of the ride. Why are people in cars so clueless on how to act around bicycles? Click here to read about the rise in incidents between drivers and riders. I can't tell you how many drivers I see texting and talking. Mind you, it's illegal here. I even saw a young girl texting and driving as she drove past a cop on my ride yesterday afternoon. He was directing traffic and she went right by....probably texting about the Jonas Brothers on the Teen Choice awards or some nonsense. Grrr
I'm starting to ramble and almost forgot the "bad" part of the ride. Why are people in cars so clueless on how to act around bicycles? Click here to read about the rise in incidents between drivers and riders. I can't tell you how many drivers I see texting and talking. Mind you, it's illegal here. I even saw a young girl texting and driving as she drove past a cop on my ride yesterday afternoon. He was directing traffic and she went right by....probably texting about the Jonas Brothers on the Teen Choice awards or some nonsense. Grrr
Monday, August 4, 2008
Sign-On
Hi,
Welcome to 120PSEye, a blog about cycling, charity, and pretty much anything else I get an itch to write about. If you hadn't guessed, or are not into cycling, the name of my blog is basically the tire pressure I run on my bike. Utterly fascinating right? Truthfully, I wanted 120PSI, but it was taken and the alternative suggestions left a bit to be desired. That and my creativity pills weren't working today. Over the next day or two, I'm going to try and get this set up just the way I like (and think any potential readers will like) and start going on some topics, starting by introducing myself to all zero readers sure to be tuned in by tomorrow.
Welcome to 120PSEye, a blog about cycling, charity, and pretty much anything else I get an itch to write about. If you hadn't guessed, or are not into cycling, the name of my blog is basically the tire pressure I run on my bike. Utterly fascinating right? Truthfully, I wanted 120PSI, but it was taken and the alternative suggestions left a bit to be desired. That and my creativity pills weren't working today. Over the next day or two, I'm going to try and get this set up just the way I like (and think any potential readers will like) and start going on some topics, starting by introducing myself to all zero readers sure to be tuned in by tomorrow.
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