Project 1: Single Speed *Update

Almost done...All I need is the conversion kit (which is ordered), Pedals (coming Sunday), and a brake....
Decided to go with sweet Blue and Black $9 Hutchinson Equinox tires from PerformanceBike (which match perfect) and Merv hooked me up with a sweet old aluminum TT stem from his parts drawer. I also splurged and got amazing natural cork color handlebar tape.

If I had the $$$, the ugly Scott saddle would be gone. Ideally, I would get a sick real leather saddle, but they are wicked expensive. One from here will do! Oh well....

"Thing That Annoy Me" for $1,000 Alex

Things that annoy the piss out of me... (please excuse the colorful language). This one has been building up for a while now...

1. Take another 20 seconds and put your shopping cart back. Literally, the big designated rack of carts was TWO parking spaces to my right in this picture. If I see you leaving your cart, I have no hesitations about physically getting out of my car and calling you out... Fair Warning!

2. Graffiti in public bathroom stalls. I don't like pooping in public places, but sometimes, it's gotta happen. This lovely pic of boobs, Phillies, Frat letters, and "gay mamma" references was taken in THE LIBRARY. First floor library stall. HOW OLD ARE WE??? at least 13th grade. It's just annoying. I wouldn't mind a mural of the sea, or forest, or sky, or anything painted on the stall walls by the art dept., but this is not art.... it's 7th grade.

3. The Hershey Bears HOCKEY team getting Pro CycleOps indoor spin bikes. It's just not fair. get some new sticks or pads or water bottles. This was obviously just a ploy to aggrivate me at work.

4. People hopping on the elevator to go to the second floor. I agree with Dr. Goates about this one. If I have arms loads of things to take up to the 4th floor to my room, it's acceptable. Or, if I park near the main entrance of Stone Ridge and it's already on the first floor, it's acceptable. But when I just get back from a ride, my legs are slightly burning and I hop in the elevator and another twat (or twat-ette) gets in and hits "Floor 2", I feel like going postal. Your lazy ass can't walk up 1 flight of steps while I just biked 20+ miles. Soon, very soon, I will start to say something if this continues to be done. Fair Warning!

That's all I can think of right now.... I'll be sure to update soon.

>>> Done Vida <<<

I donated blood today. It was horrendously nerve racking... for nothing. I get a little queasy around blood coming out of my body... and other peoples, so I guess that's what stopped me these years. Not the pain, I've done worse to myself (no, I'm not a cutter, just clumsy sometimes). Such a big build up for the end result. Matt, my nurse? was awesome, thanks to him for "striking oil" the first time. Overall, I'm a little disappointed in myself for not donating earlier in life... to save a life. (Ps. Kevin Watkins, I hate you for telling me horror stories before I went). Special thanks to a lovely lady for being there for me. ;) you know who you are! It meant a lot, thank you.

I urge everyone to donate blood when you get the chance, it may be a little prick and bruise, but the person getting that blood is probably going to be in much worse shape than you.

Also brings up the question... do you think anyone has ever given blood then went to the E.R. and got their own blood put back in them? That would be crazy.

Become an Organ Doner too...

Big Flat Climb

Felt cooped up and bored, and stressed out, so I decided to ride this Sunday...

It was fun. Part where it says "Beastly!" was truly... beastly (for lack of a better word). Kept it like 7-8 mph the whole way up... probably could have ran faster. Yikes, but I made it up! Woot! The fast descent was kind of scary too... maxed out at 43mph. Working toward ~47mph on a descent, but haven't been brave enough yet to take my hands off the brakes... oh well.

Project Single Speed

Project #1 is in the works!


It reminds me of The Six Million Dollar Man (yes, I'm old enough to remember watching re-runs at my grandparents house when I was a "wee lad")

"We have the technology, we can rebuild him...."

(The Technology)

Anyways... the frame's at the bike shop this week... bottom bracket's getting a lube job! Should be back by this weekend.

For a visual of the final result... (only mine will be a sexy blue)!

All that's left to get is the conversion kit, which is probably the most important part, a cheap used road brake from somewhere (because I want to stop... it's not a fixie), and tires.

Speaking of tires.... found these on E-Bay and I really want them!

One more small problem, the rear wheel I'm planning on using is currently on the road bike because my Neuvation R28 Aero4 is broken. But the new one is being shipped from CA as we speak!

Estimated Project Completion Date... 3.30.09

Frustration...

I don't know what it is lately. So many things are just making me SO frustrated!!!

1. I broke my NEW rear Neuvation wheel at the Princeton Crit. Race. I fell, and a spoke (nipple attached) ripped right out of the rim. Rim is cracked, which, = broken and no good.

$160... Gone. Toast. In the great words of Monty Python from the "Dead Parrot" skit (2:20 on)...
I have an "Ex"-wheel....

2. My classes this semester have been ok, but now in Brass Class we are learning Trombone. I don't like the Trombone, I don't like how it looks, how it sounds, even how you play it. In addition to my loathing of this instrument, the one I borrowed has a bent slide, now I need to rent another one. $35.

Plus, Physics class is slowly becoming a disaster. The professor is a sweet little old Russian lady who used to teach at a Aerospace Military Academy in Russia. Intense. But she throws up notes way too fast and goes at lightspeed sometimes, and I barely understand things as is.

3. Now, today, I lost 3/4 screws that hold my cleat onto my road shoe. In the middle of a ride none the less. Ughhhhhhh. It's enough to make me scream. So I rode 5 miles home with my heel on the left pedal, praying my right leg wouldn't give up on the uphills.

4. I have noticed my OCD getting worse lately, which is bad, because I have been getting better with certain things.

• I now set/check my alarm clock 5 times (instead of the usual 3 times).
• I am now putting my phone on silent before class at least 2-3 times.
• I am unusually checking my e-mail every chance I get... probably twice every 30 mins if I'm at the computer.
• I'm locking my watch into place 2 times now before I head out.
• I've been a lot more anal about my bed being made... (it's not tucked in now, which is slowly wearing at my nerves).
• Finally, a new tick I've noticed, I align and re-arrange the pile of newspapers that are stacked outside the elevator of Stone Ridge. Who does that?

5. I am slowly going broke... fast. I have a lot of money to collect which won't be bad, but with no time for a job, the funds disappear quickly. And if I can't get my wheel fixed for free or with a discount... that's going to be $160 that I don't have.

Livestrong... when life throws you lemons, make lemonade!

Delicious Treat

My girlfriend got me Peach Rings at an actual candy shop... and they are so good. I have a slight obsession with peach rings and these are extra tasty. For one, they are soft! I usually get them pre-packaged which means they are hard, stale, and smashed from being crammed in a box with (god only knows how many) other bags.

These are amazing, my own little snack bag. Thank you Brielle.

Peach Rings, I got's them...

Navy Race Report

So, this was last weekend, but I forgot to post the report...So we got there barely in time to register, sucking down fluids and gel, and throwing on clothes 20min before the start. I was putting my shoes on when I heard "10mins till Mens D..."

Yea, and it was cold. So, the pictures above are from the start. As you can see, I'm stretching at the start line. Also, I was still stretching and straddling the bike when the announcer yelled "Go". Shit. Then (in this last picture) you can see me in dead last, with everyone tearing off, and me struggling to get clipped into the pedals. Shit, again.

Well, I got lapped eventually, but on he last lap, I caught the guy who was in front of me (1/2 the race) on the down hill and did a BEASTLY sprint to blow him out of the water to the finish. So I'm proud of that.

So, in conclusion, Terrible warm up (my ass and calves hurt for 2 days) and terrible start, but the most important part was, I had a LOT of fun and it was my first collegiate race, and I didn't die. Good day.

Princeton / Rutgers Day I and II reports coming tomorrow after we get home.

The Last House on the Left

Well, I see that they have re-made another classic horror film...

I have seen the original, like many re-made horror flick originals (Dawn of the Dead, Assault on Precinct 13, The Hills Have Eyes, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, etc.) and there are few (I think) that measure up to the originals. Yes, we now have the technology to show people getting chopped and mangled, but back in the day, there was more suspense, you didn't look at something and just see CGI effects (although I'm not dissing the technology and new films, don't take it that way).

This re-make, though, is going to have to step it up, big time! The original The Last House On the Left was (for lack of a better word), insane. Really crazy. If you've seen it, then you know what I'm talking about, just awfully insane. So I am excited to see the remake and see if it has the "shock" factor as the original.

Some good horror movies to watch, or just crazy movies to watch before you die would have to include...

1. The Shining (with Jack Nicholson) (still one of the only moves that still can really scare me)
2. The Evil Dead (just a terrible movie, effects, story line, and claymation all terrible, but a must see, for the laughs)
3. Cannibal Holocaust (don't ask, if you love animals or don't like nudity, not for you)
4. Stephen King's "It"
5. and finally, the original "Psycho"

ps. The Ring and The Grudge were legitimately scary movies, if you watch them alone in the dark, everyone I have talked to says they are "stupid" or "annoying"... I formally disagree.

pps. I watched The Mist last month as well, much better than expected. I liked it.

Indoor Training and Multitasking

So, it was the Wed. before the first collegiate race at the Naval Academy. 20min + 2 lap crit... I'm pumped!!! Anyways, it's not a super long or really hard race, but none the less, don't want to blow the legs out. So, indoor training is slow, easy, and boring this week... blah. Oh, and there was Accounting to be done. So I call this the art of multitasking.... because usually I bike indoors and just watch a movie or tv. And along with Accounting, I was trying to peer down at a UFC fight that was on the tv.


The boredom led to pictures... and a video:

According to my calculations, (and the power curve that came with the trainer), I was on level 5, and I was in the biggest chain gears possible, and I had to be going at least 25mph, so I was putting out ~550 watts of power... It hurt like poop, you just can't tell because I was jacked for the video.

Thinking & Learning

So on the tues. night crit race/ride we have, I was doing a lot of thinking... and I also learned a lot as well. Let me share...

LEARNING:

1. I havn't been standing up as much lately on rides. But on the 2nd and 3rd laps today, I decided to pop up and push more often and I did much better. 1/4 of the way up the climb, just stand up, keep it at about 70-80 rpm cadence, stay comfortable and loose, and don't sway.

2. I also learned I go uphill and pick up the MPH average much better when I say to myself... "I am Tom Boonen, I am Specialized" (don't ask) Here's the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HygIMD4PzrQ
I just get in the zone, and with the brim of my cycling cap popping out over my sunglasses, I try to see myself as Tom Boonen just raping that hill in the commercial.

3. I learned tonight I am not a "fair weather cyclist". Although sometimes I wish I was...

4. I learned that the ride home is much faster and easier without 20 mph wind in your face constantly.

5. I learned SHIP has some good cyclists. Really good ones, and I'm jealous. Not so much jealous, but motivated.

6. Finally, I learned from Dr. Goates, that cycling is all about conservation of energy. Which I knew already, but now I'll think about it constantly a little more during races and riding.

THINKING:

1. I haven't washed my blue Adidas jacket yet, and on average, I get snot and nose gunk on it probably twice a ride... yikes!

2. My butt hurts today. I like the new SHIP cycling kits. The chaminos in the bibs are so much nicer than the Cannondale shorts I have on today.

3. I lost a pair of jeans, no lie. (Hollister Tagless, dark blue, reward being offered) (who loses jeans???)

4. I can probably name more pro/UCI cyclists and their teams than NFL or NBA players. Does that make me a nerd?

5. To go along with #4, I have narrowed down my top cyclists: Mark Cavendish, Levi Leipheimer, and George Hincape (don't forget about Lance too...)

6. I haven't fed my fish yet today.


So that's all that was running through my mind today on the ride. Lance Armstrong said that during a race, he seriously thinks about bike racing for 3 hrs. His mind doesn't wonder. Well I'm not Lance, I was all alone today, and I wasn't racing anyone but myself. But I am always thinking about the next hill, next sprint, next way to get better, because this is something I really like to do.

Going for Gold!

So, obviously I don't think I'm going to outright win any Cat. D collegiate races, but I'm really pumped to do well, so we'll see, maybe there will be a big snowy crash in the front group and I will sprint out of the peleton at the last second and win by a wheel length! ......and maybe Lance Armstrong will stop by and have a beer with me in Stone Ridge.

Anyways, to at least look cool, I just ordered new "Olympic Gold" handlebar tape. I think it will look really good. Debated Natural Cork color, Dark Blue, and even Pink.... but Gold won. Yes, I am fully aware my bike is dark grey/black with red accents and silver components and such, but I'm convinced it will have a good mix of "Fast" and "Sleek"

amazing...

FDA Approves Stem Cell Study for Spinal Injuries

Not a big fan of ABC or news stories that can be bias, but a friend of mine had this in his profile and I thought it was interesting.

I'm not going to get into a huge moral, scientific, whatever debate over the issue, I just appreciate the scientific technology surrounding it all and how people devote their lives to hopefully helping others. As the comments say, it may cause tumors, it may cause Parkinson's or other things, so who knows. I do think though, unlike Bush's platform, the issue isn't going away and this technology needs to be further researched and tested and financed....

Penicillin Antibiotic: Discovery 1928, used 1930's
First Heart Transplant: 1967
Stem Cell Research test that may let paraplegics walk again: 2009

That kind of progress in 80 years, Amazing to me.

Pedal Issues... yikes!

Well, this should explain most of it....The other 1/2 is still on my crank arm. Yea, i was a little pissed on a 43 degree day in January my pedal broke when I went to clip in. I don't think I ever really truly liked them, they always felt weak and bent and twisted way too much when I went to clip in....

But, after much deliberating... I have decided (and ordered) replacements!

It was a decision between Time RXS Carbon, Nashbar brand Titanium clipless for $99 (which seemed like an awesome deal to me), but the winner was Speedplay!

Coming Tuesday (fingers crossed) via UPS:

Speedplay Zero Chrome-Moly (Black on Black)

I guess my name isn't Fabian Cancellara and I'm not the World TT champion so I guess I can't get Speedplay to have mine plated in 24kt gold like his... ha ha

An odd couple...

This is really an amazing story, it starts out a little dumb and unbelievable, but watch the whole thing, it's good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBtFTF2ii7U

Black and White Lance

Absolutely Love This Picture!!!

The New Style???

So, I like to think I dress somewhat nice, and know a little bit about style. But this is 2 Celebreties now who are sporting the "Tie" look.... should I try it? :)

(ps, Jennifer Aniston Courtesy of GQ Magazine)

Cadel Evans

What??? Did he say in this video?












and how awesome is this picture! He looks like a man you wouldn't want to mess with!

Crazy Night At Work...

So this is the second blog about work on a blog that is suppose to be geared towards cycling, but tonight I'm bored, and I feel I must share some of my fun stories...

Well, it started off with a drive in the freezing rain knowing when I got there, I would have to walk around Hershey Park in the freezing rain for 2 1/2 hours, but for some reason, I was in a good mood tonight.

Tonight, I fell 3 times around the park. Last one was on the hill in the Zoo. I fell hard... almost like a re-creation of Zenga when the tower falls. My hip hurts, a lot, and I came down on my elbow. I laid there looking up at the sky, in the Horizontal position for a little while, not fun.

I saw an Owl perched on the Super Dooper Looper and I finally pet the Buck in the Zoo tonight. Usually the doe only comes up and let's me pet her nose.

Random note, Just saw Pat Burrell is going to the Rays... ha ha.

There were to people making out in a car when I drove up to the Hershey Gardens. It's a pretty good view from up there, but not secluded enough for me. I also spotted 7 doe on the way up the hill. I usually don't go a night without seeing a deer or two around there.

And finally, I saw in the Bears training room that they got like 10 brand spanking new cycle ops indoor spinning bikes. WTF. They are hockey players, why can't they get hockey crap and donate them to the SU cycling club!!!

3rd Shift Ghost Stories...

So, as some people may know, I work mostly 3rd shift security at Hershey Park. I like the hours, it is less stressful, time goes quicker, and more pay!

Anyways, after working the shift for 2 years, meandering around Hershey Park at night for 3-4 hours, your mind tends to wander, because there is lots and lots of time to think. So I have thought up of some Hershey Park Ghost Stories, some I've told people already, some I just made up, and some were told to me:

1. Did you know, during the day, Milton S. Hershey's statue in the fountain in Founders Circle is looking right. At night though, he is looking strait ahead or at you when you look.

Told You! Day = Left, Night = Strait at You

2. In the middle of the park, in the food court, there is a white house that is now a Subway. It used to be Milton S. Hershey's house before he lived in the Mansion. When he lived there, the train that runs just outside the park would wake him up at night. So now when the train comes through and whistles 3 times, you can see his reflection in the dark upstairs window...

3. When you walk by the Ferris Wheel, the very top boat is always leaning, or swaying, or moving. When you flash your light up, you can see the top of a little girls head, pig tails with pink ribbons; but she never makes a sound, or stands up. Then a second later, she is gone. I found out later, through research, that a young girl accidentally fell off the Ferris wheel in July 1997 and died.

4. There is an old, rusty, 1940's-1950's dark green car parked outside the Ampitheater for aesthetics. Whenever you walk past it, without fail, the horn goes off and scares you to death... but there is no engine, no battery, no electricity, and no driver. I swung my light around quick just as the horn went off one night, but all I saw was the dice hanging from the mirror swaying.

5. Past Midnight, until the sun comes up, you can't see your shadow from the moonlight on the pavement or blacktop that runs through Hershey Park.

6. At the Highmeadow Campground, one night, I went into the wooded path by the creek and I heard a rock splash into the water. I looked around and didn't see anyone or any ripples in the water. I then heard another splash, closer, come from the water... but again, no people or ripples. Then I heard a young girls voice say "Do you want to play with me?" but no one was around. I ran back to the check in office and stayed there for 3 hours. (OK, this one was told to me, but I'm pretty sure it's true, because the person who told me is serious and credible)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas All...

So, like a big nerd, after opening presents and watching Christmas Vacation (which is a holiday tradition), I went out on a ride today in my new gear!!! It was G-R-E-A-T! Finally, finally, finally, NO frozen toes or feet! $20 Shoe covers from Performance Bike did the trick! And the new Adidas jacket... great as well. That, paired with the windproof (and stylish) SU cycling vest, was a perfect combo and I didn't feel "cold" the whole ride.

Felt real sluggish though, on the flats and rolling hills, but the short steep climbs didn't seem to be too bad today. Kept good form (that's what I'm trying to work on...) and did well on them, so I guess it makes up for the overall laziness. I even saw an older, but good friend/ex-girlfriend when I rode by her house. Decided to say Hi, and I'm glad I did.

Ha ha, also, couldn't help it. I laminated a "Merry Christmas" 8"x 11" and pinned it on my back to be festive. (sorry, no pictures). No car honks though... that was a little depressing, but then again, I barely saw any cars.

Going back, I would venture to say that Christmas Vacation just might beat out A Christmas Story as my absolute favorite Holiday movie. Some lines just seem to make me laugh, every time.

Youtube: my favorite quotes!

"Merry Christmas... Shitter Was Full"

Clark's Freak Out "Hallelujah, Where's the Tylenol?"

"Hey Griswold, where you gonna put a tree that big?"

Anyways, Merry Christmas. Have to start work again tomorrow night... :(

Movies, Movies, and more Movies...

So, our house just switched from Comcast to Verizon and now we get (basically) every channel they offer for 90 days, which includes all the HBO and STARZ movie channels. So far, that's really all I have been doing all break: Sleep, Work, Ride, and Watch Movies...

So far, if I can remember them all, here is a depressing list of movies I've viewed since I've been home:

*Night at the Museum
*The Omen IV
The Thomas Crown Affair
*Snakes on a Plane
28 Days Later
Rambo
*Rocky Balboa
The Jerk
Mystery Science Theater 3,000 (the movie)
The Hills Have Eyes
The Breakfast Club
*South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Ratatouille
The Persuit of Happiness
Borat

Christmas Vacation

Simpsons Movie
Gladiator
*The Assassination of Jesse James
*Twilight

* - means I haven't seen them before

I miss having a rec. center 200 yards from my place at ship. I feel so cooped up around here, but I'm not getting a gym membership for less than a month. Can't run or bike outside, just a bit too cold now (about 40 degrees is ok, but not 28...). Can't do any leg work outs other than holding my lab (Chelsea) and doing squats, but she gets tired of that after about 20 seconds... ha ha. So I'm stuck in a rut.... help!

BTW... I was actually pleasantly surprised when I went to go see Twilight. I'm usually not big on those types of movies, "Fad" movies I like to call them, (like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc...) but I thought this one was really good. They may have done better in picking a slightly prettier girl to play the lead, but she was cute... and good for the role. And don't tell anyone, but I am secretly obsessed with the Cullen's house and Edward's wardrobe in the movie... ha ha. That would be livin' the dream, switching places with him if that was all real... without the whole vampire thing of course.

Coffee and The Office

2 Posts in one day... wow!

So I was at Wal-mart yesterday and decided to get my own Coffee maker. $20, 4cup maker and I'm not gonna lie, I'm really excited to use it more often! The heck with wasting all my flex money at Starbucks, and it's just as good! Need to get some half/half milk though...

So with my coffee tonight, I watched The Office as well. I have been liking the show more and more. I would recommend it... I like clever, subtle real life comedy, not so much in your face slapstick comedy. (although Jeff Dunham and Lewis Black are hilarious). I think my 2 favorite office characters are Stanley and Jim... because they are so sarcastic and don't give in to all the awkward rediculousness of the rest of the characters. (I may have just made up a new word)...

Anyways, having a good night, just in the mood to share.

Rain, Rain, Go Away....

So I know we always could use the rain, but really? On probably the two warmest days in December!!! I really wanted to go out and get a few more miles in to break 1,000 for the Summer and Fall, but it's not going to happen this week. I think if I had a mountain or cyclocross bike, I would totally be out somewhere riding some trail in some mountain. Call me what you may, but I just can't bring myself to take the road bike out in the rain...

Sill contemplating building a cross bike or buying a mountain bike this summer... hmmmmmmm

My friend Elliot has a nice <$600 Raleigh mountain bike and I really enjoyed riding it around for a little while one day... but there are lots of options, especially when bike shops are trying to get rid of last years models... hmmmmmmmmm If I go the mountain route, definitely thinking hardtail, but not sure yet... because I could ride it more, but I could build a cross bike and race in the fall... but I couldn't go out and just ride that every day in the mountains.... hmmmmmmmmm

Christmas Goodies!!!

So I may, or may not know Santa is coming to give me these things... and although it may spoil the surprise, he has to know the right things to bring, right? :)

Finally, some feet protection. My last few rides my toes have literally been numb, not fun...

Also, this awesome jacket (in blue though) for cold rides... last time I rocked dad's green army jacket and an Arab scarf. (absolutely no style points)... or Euro-Trash as Dr. Goates would say! ha ha. I think I still may wear a scarf, kept my neck really warm... I'm gonna get a black/white one though....

And finally, for Racing Season... NEW TIRES!!! Hutchinson Fusion 2 Folding!!!! I've never had folding tires, always wire rim, but I've read they are a bit better. I got the black/grey/red... that will look great with the red accents on my bike and the new SU Cycling Kits! I'm so pumped for racing season... I may not be or look the best, but I'm gonna give it my all!

So all I really need is a new scarf and maybe some handlebar tape... I really like the natural cork tape Dr. Goates has on his Tarmac. Looks classy, yet hard.... don't know how to describe it, but I like it.