romantic

Pretty romantic ride last night. I have also decided after a brief conversation that apparently I am a little off my rocker. Not quite as far as people who do "group trainer rides" over the internet... You know who you are are. But none the less. I see nothing wrong with my evening. Simply a 3 hour trainer ride... by candlelight. You see, 5 minutes into my ride, my power went off. I assume due to the bloody tornado or whatever going on outside. My mind quickly decided that this meant a day off the bike and began to make plans (none of which would have worked due to the lack of electricity). Then an odd thing happened... my mind decided I was a pussy if I didn't complete my task and that I would not be prepared for the season if I did not complete THIS ride. Taking this as a challenge (from itself), my mind then demanded a candle would be required to be able to see anything. I set off with my flashlight and found a candle. Back on the bike and 3 hours of silent spinning in the glow of a candle. I think I seduced myself. We're going out for dinner later to talk things over to see if we have the time for each other. A nice cold shower after and I headed out to the pub for an hour for a nice brew and a hockey game in a heated environment. Got home around 9ish to find the return of heat, light and power. Not bad. I took advantage of these things to promptly turn back off my lights and go to sleep. Though I did make some tea first. My name is Sandy, and I am addicted to tea. Could be worse. Last time I checked, WADA doesn't test your urine for tea.
Separate note, I was unable to cook my planned steak dinner last night so am even more excited to try again tonight. I have been saving this bad boy for a while. Got some veggies and couscous to go with... maybe crack a beer to go with it. I may have to change my facebook relationship status to complicated.

The beast

Pending trainer explosion update... 3 hour ride. 10 minutes from the end, I noticed my tyre slipping suddenly and a drop in power (yes I am a dork). Refusing to give in and assuming the large trainer miles have finally pushed me off the deep end, I continue my ride. Upon returning from the shower, I decided to have a closer inspection. Flat tyre. No noise of a tyre blowing out... just a leak. After touching the flywheel of the trainer and nearly scalding my hand, I feel that due to my incredible power and force, I may have melted a hole in the tube. It seems to be the only logical explanation. Don't think I've ever needed a wheel change while riding indoors before either, but the streak is over. Plus I can feel the bearings going in the sucker too now that it has cooled down. Back and ready to roll now. Unfortunately instead of riding my 3 hours this morning as planned, I have found myself stuck in front of my computer typing and swearing away. Not gonna lie, my room sounded as if it contained a gander of cursing sailors. And yes, there was a reason for this: computers. Got up a little early to put the finishing touches on my carpentry theory assignment only to strike a few wrongs keys (no idea which ones) causing my work to vanish in front of my eyes. My hours of labour, suddenly gone missing. No trace of a file or anything. Someone is pissed at me. Needless to say, after nearly launching the piece of junk from my 2nd floor window... I set to work on re-doing the entire bloody thing. Needless to say, I have just finished and now have 1 hour until class. Ride is now moved until after class, and it will be a late one now. Damn. I had better get a flipping good mark on this.
In other news, I hate computers. But cannot seem to live without them. The blog may have to go old school as some form of newspaper. But I have no printing press. Maybe a typewriter and a photocopier.

First confusion... later anger...

pannakoken

Nice relaxed morning today. Working on my SRM downloading issues. Haven't been terribly worried on that front as looking at power info for endurance miles on a trainer really doesn't seem all that exciting to me anyways. Though I'm sure I should. Did however concoct myself a big breakie of pannakoken and a large bodem of the good stuff. Very nice. Even slept in until the solid hour of almost 9am. Decided to again leave my ride until this afternoon/evening after class. Got some other business to take care of this morning. Today should be another solid 3 hour jaunt au biciclette... currently prepping a few episodes of Entourage to help me through it. Next step, find some more quality tunes... gotta make some mix CDs for the drive South. Any suggestions for some cool stuff to expand my library of tunes? Time for a grocery run soon too. I'm quite short on many of the "fresh" supplies needed to make a tasty meal. All from the Sandy front...
This is currently the picture I've been staring at to motivate myself....

Courtesy of Brendan Purdy. Pain and suffering solo.

minus 2 weeks

Its true. Less than 2 weeks until bike dork camp. Just the little extra motivation I need this time of the year to complete my 4 hour trainer ride. I figure, the more I end up hating the trainer by the time I get south, the more I will enjoy and appreciate the riding outside to come. Thats my logic and I'm sticking to it. Aside from sweating all over my floor today, I also attended class. Nothing spectacular really. To spice up today's entry, I will review my cinematic choice for the day: Rambo 4.
To sum it up: Bang. Bang. Grunt. Dude's head explodes. If you, while deciding to watch this movie, have any intentions of:
a) following a storyline/ and or plot line...
b) intend to listen to dialogue (I will not count Sylvester's grunts and spitting as dialogue)
c) really don't want to see an aging action star hose Burmese soldiers with a large machine gun and bow & arrow...
OR
have ever promised yourself (probably after watching one of the previous 3 Rambo movies) "I will never again watch a movie written, directed and stared in by Sylvester Stallone...."
This movie is probably not for you. Though, it did make for some fine trainer viewing. I did almost pee myself the first time old man Stallone opened fire with his bow and arrow. Taking down the majority of an army division in about 5 minutes. Luckily, Rambo doesn't actually talk much. This would have most likely ruined the movie. Instead he sticks with my personal favourite of: odd grimaces and grunts, and the occasional loogie. I say well done sir.
To make up for having watched this gem, I watched Across the Universe last night. Pretty bloody cool for a quasi musical film. Next up, the DSJ pick of the week: Peaceful Warrior. Hey, I've got time on my hands.

Frozen to the core

Some apparently took Sunday's weather to sip hot chocolate on the newly opened Rideau Canal. Not your truly. In normal Sandy fashion, I determined that the weather report I though I heard for like -2 and sunny was true. To be fair, I did see some sun. Therefor, my mind argued... you have no excuses on why you shouldn't do your prescribed 5 hour jaunt outside. Its not like its cold and windy outside.... Oh wait. Yes it was. Denial and the human spirit is a wonderful thing. It allows a competitive person (yours truly in this case) to don some wind retardant spandex and ride into the wind for 5 hours. It allows you to convince yourself that the fact that you can no longer feel your extremities and can't drink from your frozen bottles ACTUALLY means you are simply "hardening up" for the coming season. Hypothermia is a myth and a good hot shower, complete with the defrosting burning sensations, will make everything worthwhile. I do give kudos to myself. Though the entire first half of the ride was into a glacial headwind, I refused to turn around early. What, and let mother nature win? I'm Canadian. -10 is practically balmy. On the plus side, I had made myself some wicked sammies with my mom's fresh baked bread so my stomach was quite content. My feet, hand and face on the other hand were infuriated, and made their opinions felt in the hot shower later when the blood flow returned. In the end, I have lived to fight another day. Probably thanks to the 18 1/2 liters of tea I have consumed since returning home. I think I'm going to lie under the covers soon. Weekend otherwise, quite normal and excellent. Four hours on the trainer post class Friday. Huge Thai feast was a success in the greatest way on Friday. Hot & Sour mussel soup to start, followed by jasmine rice with a red curry chicken and noodles. Plus a nice Argentinean red courtesy of the LCBO. Saturday consisted of an early morning spin on the rollers followed by a day of work at the greatest shop in the land. A few drinks in the evening with some friends, a schwarma and then bed. Weekend rating: A. Well done. Give yourselves a hand.
Side note: I fully called Lars on the Cross World's win. Just ask "the boys".

the weekend. she comes.

Comes with promises of warming weather, possible sunshine and exactly 2 weeks (from Saturday) until I bust out for the South. Needless to say, I'm feeling great. Pretty massive week this week riding wise... especially considering all my hours have been on the trainer. Another 3 coming up in a few minutes (after this coffee). Then the trek back into Ottawa, cheffing up what should be a wicked huge Thai feast tonight with my mom. Been pretty quiet around here otherwise. I really need to remember to pick up some more chamois cream this weekend. Gotta keep the grundle content with so many hours in the saddle. Sunday appears to be looking pretty decent weather wise, I'm feeling another venture outside perhaps. Anyone around Ottawa interested in a solid 4-5 hour jaunt? On a separate note, baked pork chops with a maple syrup glaze are delicious. Baked in a casserole dish with sweet potatoes and carrots with a drizzled maple syrup glaze. Wow. Had no idea if it would work, but got given some pork chops. Time to ride. Enjoy the weekend.

countdown

Just a tad over 2 weeks until South Carolina. Needless to say, I'm pumped and focused. Riding the trainer again doesn't bother me as I tune off into my own world, dreaming of rolling hills and sunshine... With that being said. My life is becoming even more unsocial. Other than the weekends of course. Three solid hours on the trainer yesterday, another 4 this morning plus class can take its toll. Evenings are reserved for cooking, eating, a little homework and generally putting my feet up. Working on getting the final details of my new bikes sorted out tonight ... aka stem length, bar size... all that fun stuff. Got "gifted" some pork chops for tonights dinner, so trying to decide how to cook them up. I'm thinking baked with my remaining sweet potatoes and veggies for a nice full meal. Back home tomorrow. Day off the bike booked in for Saturday. Should be a good time. Plus, got myself registered for a cool course on espresso and espresso related beverages in SC while we are there. Pumped for that. A bunch of the kids are doing it. If any of y'all are looking for a ride to or in the general direction of Seneca South Carolina on February 9th... let me know. One of my passengers has bailed so I have a free seat. You can hang with me and my boy Geoff for like 20 hours in a small car. If that isn't a good time, I don't know what is.

late breaking news

I'm up early for my ride today as I have class from noon to 6. On other fronts...

I will not be in the house (see South Carolina) but would highly recommend you take the trip and giv'er. I hear rumours of pre-registration due to the popularity from last time. Check the Wheelers web page.

Back on the wagon

The potentially aggravating sickness that was knocking on Sunday appears to be gone. Almost makes me happy regarding my decision to skip my long ride Sunday. Been playing pretty careful. This real cold week could play havoc. Got in a solid 4 hours on the trainer yesterday anyways. My usual warm clothes had me sweating out the sickness while feeling really quite excellent on the bike. Today, my morning will be spent with the usual time wasting activities before class as well as some homework time I think. Got a few projects on the go that I really should have done soon, especially before I leave. The ride today will therefor be pushed back until after class. As of Saturday, I have 2 weeks until my departure. And looking outside at the snow falling, it is coming at an excellent time. Pretty sure I can keep my motivation high for the next 2 weeks of trainer time. On a side note, congrats to Slipstream on their Giro invite. Nice to see an openly anti-doping team in the headlines for good reasons. Though I'm certain that if someone was caught doping it would be MUCH more talked about. Also, the first Pro-Tour race of the season is underway. And its only January. Its gonna be a seriously long season for some of these boys. I have to say, for me the season can't start in my mind until the more traditional start - on the cobbles on Belgium. My movie choice lately is going decidedly old school (for bike race movies anyways). On the cue right now: Stars & Watercarriers ('73 Giro), The Impossible Hour (Merckx vs. Ritter for the hour record), La Course on Tete (Eddy Merckx story), The Greatest Show on Earth ('74 Giro) and Red Zinger ('75-'79)/Coors Classic ('80-'88) bike race.

Merckx training at home for the Hour Record.

A new look.

Little time on my hands this morning while sipping some java... decided to give the ol' blog a sweet new look for 2008. Hell, a new and promising season at very least deserves an updated background and info section. Let the good times roll.

The what could have been...

Not that great of a weekend. A little to much socializing (aka not sleeping) and woke up Sunday morning with that tickle in my throat. You know that feeling.... not quite sick, but fully on the edge. If you don't take care of yourself or your body is tired, you wake up the next day a full blown sicky. Needless to say, I heeded this warning (though my legs really wanted to do my long ride) with thoughts of better things to come than missing a whole week of training with sickness. Drove back up to Perth, laid in bed with tea and soup all day and evening watching movies and napping. As my final assault plan, I drank down a whole pot of ridiculously strong homemade ginger/lemon tea in the evening. Needless to say, that coupled with an early bedtime has left me cured this morning I think. No more signs, so back to the bike. Perhaps take it a little easier for the nest little bit. South Carolina is approaching after all. Nice surprise at the house when I arrived too, big ol' bag o' kits. The team sent me a bagful of swag to wear in the South (and generally while training). Basically like an early Christmas for a cyclist I figure (real Christmas day comes when the 2008 swag and bikes come ;)) But this is sweet nonetheless; vest, jersey, 2x bibs, socks, arm/knee warmers, winter booties, casual team shirt and some Oakley M Frames. Now we know spring is approaching.
New thing of the week: almond butter. Like peanut butter, but apparently healthier. I'd heard a lot, but never put the cash down. Now I have. Delicious. A little pricey for my likes, but hey; I like it. Breakfast thing morn, fresh flax seed bread with almond butter and honey, yogurt with all bran and PC brand Vector, and a nice bodem of fresh Bridghead coffee. Big ups on the coffee to my new barista. Judging from the weather reports, there may be a distinctive lack of outdoor riding happening on the Sandy front. But I still have a good feeling about the week...

I'm a sexy beast.

The kit to be sported by yours truly.

From the trainer

My first post from the trainer. Basically, I'm riding right now. Bored, waiting for i tunes to re-install so I can listen to some tunes. Apparently when it said "update" it meant "delete certain files you need to run this thing". Nice surprise. I'm on for 3 hours, so don't really want to break out the movies yet. Plus, have some figuring to do. Planning out a sweet dinner to night for the folks and picking out a suitable wine to accompany this. Gotta make use of my schooling eh? Really wanted to spin outside again today... but am a little time constrained and the howling wind (aka wind chill) have brought me to the trainer. Only a few more weeks of this to go.... I'll keep this short, typing is mildly awkward from the trainer. The overall point here I was looking to express is simply, life is short - enjoy it. Had a really great conversation last night on the general nature of ourselves and what we do. Basically I figure not enough people take the time to stop and look around. Everyone is in some kind of a rush. Gotta finish school so I can get a job... So much of a rush that you miss the little things that are so wonderful. Some wonder how I live so stress free and happy sometimes. Its all about not sweating the details. Happiness can be as simple as slowing down enough to watch the sunrise with a warm cup of joe (my morning). What happened to spontaneity and dreams? I say take a minute, slow down and do something you enjoy, better yet - share it with someone. I for one am heading home to go slow down and cook a smokin meal with my mom. Enjoy your weekend, don't stress.
"My personal philosophy... clothing optional."
-Chazz Micheal Michealson (Blades of Steel)

Almost time

The time to head south approaches. Less than a month of this cold riding and trainer stuff. I'm pumped. Up early again (as I attempt on a usual basis) for another outdoor ride before my 2 o'clock class. Four hours and change out in the cold. Layered well, stuffed my bottles in various pockets and stuffed little baggies of food under my jacket to snack on. Pockets and elastic waists are new key elements I look for in jackets. Stuff a bottle or two in a back pocket for access and not freezing the bottle, and use the elastic waist to stuff food up my jacket on the front. Keeps my sandwiches from freezing and makes for easy access. Used my Euro-as-hell new white Addidas beanie (good job Jenny). Nothing like a few hundred miles on the fixie to get your legs rolling for the season. On the Carolina's front, I am booked in for a solid 3 weeks. February 9 to March 1. Wicked. Had a pow wow with the teacher folk and discussed with the understanding parental unit... good to go. Just trying to find a few others for the drive. Definitely seem to have a full car on the way home, just need some on the way there now. On a separate note, my thumb is not doing so hot. Gave it a real solid whack with my very large new hammer today while framing some walls. Thing bleed a lot and its still unclear whether my nail will fall off. Ouch. Made a delicious steak with absolutely delicious sweet potato fries. Man, just covered them in a bunch of spices, hot sauce, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Baked for a bit... A healthy, yet incredibly delicious alternative to regular fries for sure. Almost the weekend again. Home tomorrow after class and a ride. Work Saturday and some kind of fun Sunday. Maybe a ski?
Ps - check out the Echelon Project Website for some more photos, a wicked video, and some results from the roller racing. Do it. I'm the dude in the pink cap and Cyclery long sleeve.

Weekly rant

All this doping news is starting to really push my buttons. Normally, this is one of my favorite times of the year. I can open up pezcyclingnews.com and see tons of articles and pictures of the many pro teams and their spring training camps in wonderful places. My imagination can wonder while I sit either on the trainer or while freezing my "expletive deletive" off riding outside. As a bit of a bike dork, I can browse through hundreds of pictures of the cool new gear and interesting setups of the new bikes. It is awesome. It gives me some focus in my personal quest for the season to come. Instead, nearly every day it is more doping news. Now, its some blood bank in Austria which allegedly stored and performed blood transfusions for hundreds of elite athletes, mostly nordic skiers may I add. But do we read about doped up skiers in the news... no. Only cycling has this problem. Not to mention these baseball jackasses. "We test all the time." What test??? "Here, pee in the cup and my poodle will now sniff it. If she doesn't try to hump your leg, you are not clean."
What about the many of us who don't find ourselves taking blood transfusions to make that next step? Where's the articles on some anonymous rider trying to make it clean? That is what I want to read about. The guy/girl who suffers 364 days a year in hopes of coming up with that elusive pro contract. I know many guys/girls like this. So do you. I think the time is near to simply accept the fact that for a period of time, doping ran rampant. Many did it, and got away with it. To simply keep chasing after retired riders on near retiring riders in ridiculous. Why not spend that money on new methods, such as the biological passports or simply on education for the next generation of riders. Team High Road (even with their ridiculously ugly kits) are an excellent example. Its time for a new generation of riders to step up. Time to show we have learned the lessons of doping and are committed to riding clean. Its a matter of mindset. Some will still dope, but I like to think that if you make it unacceptable to yourself to cheat, others will follow. Like the idea if everyone tells 2 people an idea, eventually everyone knows. It'll take time, but hell. I've got time. Why is everyone in such a witch hunt of a rush? It's time to simply let your legs talk, not the extra red blood cells.

Life is busy

Funny how fast a day can fill up. Pulling a few minutes out of my butt here to reply to emails and compose new ones (part of the business of my current life). Next up, homework reading and clean my room. I swear I'm gonna do it this time. Maybe some homemade mint tea to go with the homework part. Looks like I've got a few ladies moving into the house soon. The dude fest will be coming to an end, and we will probably have to make more of an effort on certain cleanliness issues. I have been told that a bachelor dude's idea of a clean bathroom may vary from that of any woman. More on this scientific experiment later. I intend to blame Greg. He's never around much anyways. Spent my morning working on ironing out details for my departure to the glorious south in February and other such fun yet time consuming things. Got in a quick 1.5 hour spin in before class. Four hours of shop class and framing, pretty much a decent workout in itself. And then a quick bite to eat before another 1.5 hours on the trainer. Three hours total, not bad. Made a ton of some pretty wicked spagetti for dinner/lunch for the next couple days. Weather looks pretty decent tomorrow, needless to say, I'm considering pretty seriously heading outside again for my ride tomorrow. A nice 3-4 hours pre class should do the body nicely. Low of -7, high of -3 and sunny. Not bad for mid-January in Canada I'd say. For now, I best get my butt in gear and get my living space clean. Then lie down with some tea and music for some reading. One of the "longer" class days tomorrow. Damn.

chillaxin like a top sporter

Back in class today. Mondays aren't bad for me though, 2 classes, but done by 1pm. So I have the rest of the aft to ride or do whatever. Obviously, I rode. Surprised? I thought not. Did swing by the ol' Home Hardware though first. Picked myself up a nice man hammer, and some suspenders to support the added weight to my tool belt (22oz. of man sized whacking power). Plus, I think I look classy in suspenders. Four hours on the trainer flew by after that. Watched some wicked action from the 2007 Giro, Saunier has been rocking out while Andy Schleck has been the "revelation". Thanks Phil and Paul. Though I did learn an interesting tidbit, in Eddy Merckx's first Tour de France (1969?) he won every classification in the race. Aka, he won the sprint jersey, the kom jersey, the young rider jersey and of course the overall. Now that is a winner. Done my saddle time by 6:30, nice shower and some leftover baked salmon and vino. Now, I sit, relaxing with my warm clothes and tuque preparing to get rolling on some reading and recovery. Pretty topsporter I think. Maybe a little tidy up of my living quarters too. Things are getting a little out of control. Almost mid January, hope everyone's training is underway for the season! Just think, a little over a month until I head south and the season really starts to get underway. The time is now for gains that will make the difference in the season. Its exciting. And yes, I'm a dork. But I'm ok with that. Deal with it.
In other news, the Giro D'Italia (for sure my Grand Tour) is bringing back an ancient tradition this year, la Maglia Nera. Basically, a prize for lanterne Rouge, or the last placed rider. It was last given as a prize in the '57 edition of the Giro with Giovanni Pinarello "winning" (founder of Trevisio based Pinarello bikes. Sometimes there is something to say for simply finishing while working for your team. At that time, there was a even a black jersey handed out to the poor soul in last, and it could get hotly contested. Now, it will simply be marked by a black number plate with white numbers on the riders jersey. I for one can't wait to see Phil and Paul commentate on the battle for la Maglia Nera. Wicked. There is the lesson for the day. Never quit. Put your head down and go. Even last place is better than giving up.

Weekend report

Got home. Safe, a little cold and apparently nuts. Got hit with a little of everything. The roads where pretty decent until Manotick (I went the long way) when the drivers suddenly all became tools. Started and finished with a little rain, little snow and some hail in the middle portion. Not abd though. Mostly quieter roads, Perth to Richmond, to Manotick and then into Ottawa from the back way. Damn solid 4.5 hours in the saddle though. Got home, quick shower and food then hop on another bike to head to the pub for the Eastern Ontario Roller Racing Championships. And what a night it was.... Seriously the most fun I've had on a bike in a long time. The place was packed with cyclists and sketchy bar "normals". Everyone got into the action though. The couriers where there, every club and team was represented, and DJ G Reain was spinning his beats. Epic. The place got so packed with racers and crazed cheering spectators for a while that we were turning people away at the door. Two races, the fixed 500m and the 1000m free. The set up was ridiculous, two sets of rollers hooked up to a giant clock. The bikes drove a hand on the clock around and the thing was calibrated into meters. (see the pictures for a better visual you wanks.) 500m fixed involved two track bikes, strapped into the rollers via fork mounts and rat trap pedals so that anyone may compete. Same gearing, simply a matter of who can spin the fastest for the time needed. 40-50 riders rode the qualifiers. Top 16 times moved on to the main event. I ended up with my first podium of the season, taking home the bronze after 6 grueling races. In between, I tested the remainder of my gas tank in the 1000m free. This was the main event. Your own bike, fixies and road bikes present. Choose one gear and you go from a standing start on the rollers. The only safety gear present were the bumpers on the sides of the rollers and the throngs of adoring/drunk fans cheering and waiting to be your cushion if you went flying off. I got knocked out in the semis. My legs fully gave out while leading the one and only John Large with about 250m to go. They fully stopped working and the gnarly veteran stomped his authority all over me. No worries, in the end. The venerable Kris Westwood emerged victorious. He emerged and the smoothest on the rollers and most able to knock down all challengers. With a good show for the fans too of course. The crowds were wild, the racers wilder. Huge congrats are in order for this event to the Wheelers. What a show. Even a women's race took place. High fives where exchanged, trash talk ran rampant, and the show went until 12:30 when the final medals were awarded. Next installment appears to be loosely booked for February 16. Keep you ears and eyes peeled. Check
Canadian Cyclist
Pictures

Weather?

Man, apparently the weather report changed since I checked 2 days ago. Gone is the zero temperatures and partially cloudy skies. Replaced now with: snow overnight, leading to freezing rain and then hail. At least its still hovering around zero. Though the roads are quite messy compared to yesterday. I'm a man of my word though, and am still somewhat excited to be riding home. I better leave soon to allow enough time and to avoid being on the roads when traffic starts and I then get soaked by many passing automobiles. Wanks. Shop is getting pretty cool, which is nice cause it's the only class I have Thursday and Friday. Basically building the framing of a small house. Got the floor (complete with sill plates, joists, and supporting beam) and just got the walls up today. Now, food and pack. I've still got a long day ahead of me. Most likely not much reporting happening for the weekend, not sure I really wanna truck my computer home in hail in a backpack. Sounds kinda sketch. And I certainly cannot afford to buy a new one. Hopefully a good, fun weekend to come. Is anyone else (in Canada) riding outside right now? Or am I just that far off my rocker....

Wind?

What was up with that crazy wind yesterday? Man, blew our mail box right out of the ground, felled trees... took out my power. Yup, got home from the 3 hour math class from hell (3-6) to find that I could not turn on any lights. Pulled out my headlamp, cursed a bit and set to work gluing that new tub onto my front wheel. Realizing that I was indeed hungry, and not really feeling cold bagels and peanut butter for dinner, I set off for the pub. Thank god their power was still good, got myself a cold Guinness and some fish and chips to pass away the evening. Plus, some good conversation and a pretty decent live band. The day today is looking pretty promising, not quite as warm as it has been... but the sun is shinning and the trees are not sideways from the wind! About time to down the rest of my coffee and saddle up for a solid 4 or so hours. I think I can get used to this no class 'till 2 thing on Thursdays. My legs are feeling good and rested now, so it should be a good couple days of training this weekend. I'd put down some of my feelings on these Rock Racing team shenanigans, but I'm pretty sure most cycling related blogs have covered it. I'll stick with, "what a f*&#in' wank". On a separate note, I think that my current trainer hatred may also have something to do with my seeing GREEN GRASS outside in January. This is some seriously whacked out weather. At least it's not raining here. I think I've managed to plan myself a decent 100km+ route home tomorrow for the roller races. Nothing like a solid 4+ hours on the fixie then some sprints and beer! I'm off for my ride, enjoy your days.

Roller racing? Hell yes.

For anyone man enough and looking for a good time on Friday evening. This is where it'll be. I'll be riding in from Perth, on the "scenic route". But should be racing as well. Be there.
See http://home.wqwheelers.com/ for more info and some sweet vids.

Photo Wednesday

What to do with a day off the bike and no class until 12? Steal Nick's EPIC pics, that's what. Due to my intention of riding back home to Ottawa Friday from Perth (on my fixie) I have swapped the normal Friday off for a Wednesday off. I think my legs and mind need it anyways. Another decent trainer ride yesterday, and I'm starting to lose my trainer mind I think. I can fully no longer watch movies I fear, and even watching races is becoming unappetizing. In preparation for this, I have been downloading my CBC Radio 3 podcasts like crazy to keep something going. New music will have to be my saviour. Weather does seem nice for tomorrow though, and I do have no class until 2.... I feel a round of exploring in order. Better glue up that new tyre on my fixie tonight. Nothing like 4-5 hours on rolling hills with your fixie to improve your perspective on life and training. I think the word for the month on January will be goals. With an early winter this year and all this trainer riding, you need something to be working towards. I have tons of people asking me how to survive long rides on the trainer. I think it really does boil down to goals. If you have no particular season ambitions, it is much harder to stay motivated. Think about it. In years when I just wanted to ride to be fit for the season and to avoid being crushed too badly at the local crits by the likes of the Cyclery boys (how the hell are these dudes so fast? honestly. They are pretty much my heroes) I would only ride a few times a week and crack after 1-1.5 hours. Nothing wrong with that. It was only once I set more serious goals for myself and realized what I had to do to improve that the motivation came. Not every one can love the trainer like a certain nameless individual (starts with a K.... and ends with an eir Plaice ahem) but you gotta beat the trainer some times. I hate the damn thing. Just never look at it badly. I always tell myself after a ride, that it was easy and fun. Sometimes during a ride, I tell myself that I can get off early. Its all about lying to your body. It can make the difference between suffering on a wheel and making others suffer on YOUR wheel. Have everything planned out. Race schedules are available now. Figure out where you want to be flying (aka your "goal" events) and then work backwards to now. If you have written down what you have to do on a specific day, its harder to wuss out. Thats my over caffeinated rant for the day. Did I mention I love my bodem? I shall now leave you with some pirated pics, courtesy of the man's man: Nicky Vipond.

I kept sinking down after tilting over. Kiwi had to pull me out while we both
peed ourselves laughing. Fully a few feet down.

I sense a good bail coming! It's the simplest way to stop.

Sandy is going down again. Good catch by Nick. Did I mention everyone
went down the hills ahead of me to be able to watch?

The EPIC crew. (l-r) Cath, Dodson, JS, moi, Westie, Tomsic, Kiwi, Viper.

Dinner: pot roast topped with fresh dill & cilantro, baked sweet potatoes,
fresh asparagus with grated mozzarella. Fresh green with balsamic dressing.
Haut fur doma!

Rythym

Life settles down. Gone is the ever changing and unpredictable schedule of the holidays. Back to looking at my class schedule, and then deciding on riding before or after class. Unfortunately, in my first day of class, my teachers seemed to have decided (or maybe read about my amount of training/free time last semester) to attempt to push the "school work" thing. I had basically my only 2 work involved classes yesterday though. So the rest of the week should be smoother. Today for example, I attempted to get back into the 7am wakeup routine to put in a another couple hours on the trainer before shop class from 12-4. No dice. Apparently my body was not fully in agreement on this yet. So instead, here I am at 9am just finished breakfast and enjoying a cafe in front of the computer. Apparently I'll be riding after class today. Such is my ever stressful life. Solid 3 hours on the trainer yesterday. Watched "I am Legend" which was absolutely wicked in my view. Which is good cause I really can't watch a movie that I'm not glued to on the trainer anymore. Otherwise time starts to crawl. Finished the ride off with some 2007 Giro. For now, I guess some relaxation and maybe finish off what ever work I got yesterday. Get it down now, and I can have the rest of the week free I guess?

details

Fill in some epic ski details for you folks now I guess. Really was pretty wasted last night with a whole lot of stuff to do involving moving back in. Still a lot to do, including get some bloody groceries! Nothing to eat here right now. Have to buy a bagel for breakfast when I get to school. For now, an espresso and some blogging. 8am departure seemed early for many of us, but apparently every other cyclist in the world seemed to have left for a ski (also along Ridge Road trail 1) even earlier. Odd sometimes to be skiing along, with no grip (even with freaking klister) through some seriously dense fog only to find another large group of cyclists flailing along the other direction. Needless to say, to to my "grip conditions" I spent a lot of time exhausting my cycling guns double polling. We got up to Mikinstry, soaked from the wet, warm conditions for our snack break in the cabin. Many debates raged over cookies and the non-existent 12 lbs. of choco (poor Dave forgot it on his counter at home) about whether to pull out the dry clothes now, or wait until after the backcountry portion. Backcountry won out, for obvious reasons. Up a little further, with flippin Dodson still setting a crushing tempo on the front. But soon, with a right hander off the groomed stuff it would become Sandy's turn to shine. When I come down a hill (usually ful tilt, off balance in a partial tuck - partial full on flail) people move. I have found myself to have very little control, which is part of the reason I am usually asked to descend last. That and the others have a better view of my circus method of descending on skis. Luckily the several feet of wet, cushy snow saved me from injury. Though some adventures through fresh pow in the underbrush made my life interesting. That and I managed to create a sink hole which Kiwi had to pull me out of after I managed to sink down into this hole about 3-4 feet. And continued to sink the more I moved to get out. Few hours of flailing through the woods before popping out towards Wakefield somewhere on trail 50 or 54 or something. Ski along for a while (longer than was thought) to Herrige cabin for lunch. All were agreed, that our various forms of grilled cheese in tin foil on the wood stove were undoubtedly the premier sammies we had ever eaten. Pure cheese and ham gold in my case. Kiwi broke out the cokes he had been toting all over the park, though we made fun of him - they were well enjoyed and we had a jolly good time laughing at Nick's pictures of me and having oddball conversations that are mostly un-repeatable on this medium due to a possibly younger audience. Pop on some dry/fresh clothes if you were lucky, a quick group photo op and then the remaining few hours on trail back to the cars through the ever present fog. Fog added a pretty wicked cool element to the ski I must say. Bam. 7 hours away from the car, about 6 hours skiing and now off for coffee. This is the EPIC. Hopefully, pictures soon to follow.

Sorry, & tales of the EPIC

Sorry for the lack of posting for some time. Been putting in some decent miles, the occasional stint at the shop and finishing up my holidays in Ottawa. Mostly roller miles again with the cooler weather (apparently ending as of now) and a few ski days. The EPIC was today and lived up to its name. About 6 hours of skiing in the park, mix of on trail and back country stuff. Plus, with the weather (fog and +4) it made for some challenging wax conditions and seriously wet snow. Aka we all got soaked, especially sir-crash-a-lot (me). Nothing like taking the decent with speed while others snowplow, or perhaps exploring a fresh line through some thick underbrush while others follow the trail. Wicked turn out, and Nick has many a sweet picture of yours truly in various forms of skiing/bailing that he will hopefully send me soon. I suggest you all harass him until you see some posted here. Either way, pretty knackered right now back in Perth, but quite content with my day. Perhaps some tea and a movie are in order. We'll see about some outdoors riding this week, on the fixie in the rain by the looks of things before the roller races this Friday. Woot.

I'm a tank

Or at least in my upper body strength. Sweet ski day. Headed up, slightly tardy due to a non functioning alarm clock, to find that JS and Bruno where indeed somehow still waiting for me. Slapped some copious grip tape on and started off. Now, we should all consider that the correct amount of grip tape for an off trail ski is apparently very different from the amount needed for an on trail ski. Needless to say, my skis have never gripped sooo well and glided sooo little. Litterally would come to a halt on some downhills if they were not steep enough. This tape stuff makes klister look like a flippin fluorinated glide wax. An hour in and my arms and upper body was shattered from having to constantly pole to keep moving forward. Luckily I brought enough food for our intended 3 hour ski. Unfortunately our ski ended up closer to 4.5 hours. No bonk, but I was starting to get into that territory towards the end while having to get dropped every downhill and then catch back on on the uphills. Lessons learned and a wicked day was had by all. Beautiful day with fresh snow. New Years eve ended up being a pretty wicked time. Got loaded pretty good an easy probably due to the to long ski day. Nice New Years party, where I think we all missed the countdown. But I did get home at some point (according to my phone about 4) and am currently hoping there are no pictures. Happy New Years. Time for a trainer ride. I've got a wicked new Eddy Merckx movie to watch today on the rollers, so I pretty pumped to get riding.