Mood: a-ok
Topic: Cycling
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Brifters? Er, not exactly . . . they're Kelly Take-Offs! They provide the convenience of shifting from the bars for those "retro grouches" like me who still prefer old-school friction-shifting derailleurs to index-shifting STI/Ergo.
How I stay motivated to train:
Here it is February 2011 already and I've yet to venture out on the asphalt with my Ciocc this year. Between the exceptionally cold weather and a hectic schedule I've confined my riding to the wind trainer (photo below). So far I've managed to log 80.2 miles on the trainer in half-hour after-work rides. Nothing to brag about, but at least I won't be in horrible shape when warmer weather arrives here in south Louisiana in March.
When I'm not working, training or otherwise occupied I've been hanging out at http://www.bikeforums.net/. I mostly post on the "Road Cycling" forum but also occasionally on "Fifty Plus (50+)".
I'm convinced that many of my fellow countrymen drink their beer too cold. I'll blame part of this behavior on the macro-brewers who push the idea of "ice cold beer" as being a great thing and the rest on American refrigeration technology. Anyway, my pursuit of flavor has lead me to drink my beer from a fluted glass or mug and allow it to warm slightly as opposed to drinking it straight from a bottle or can cocooned in a cold-preserving coozie. Beer has flavor, but it is hardly discernible when it is cold enough to numb your taste buds. I recall that when I was in China the beer wasn't served as cold and seemed to have more flavor.
A couple things that I've learned along the way:
Where was I going with this? I forgot . . . blame it on the beer.
Study: America Is Officially the Fattest Developed Country in the World
Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2010/09/23/study-america-is-officially-the-fattest-developed-country-in-the-world/?xid=yahoo-feat#ixzz10ZS2NZwN
Let's see . . . rode 20 miles solo in 1:10 (including two stops to answer my cell phone). Not too bad for an old gray-haired fart riding a 1980s Ciocc like moi!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIPS4LyveJs&feature=related
In the mid-1970s, when I was still learning about the craft of cycling, Gary befriended me. Gary was the consummate cyclo-tourist who rode a blue Peugeot and dreamed of cross-country tours. He was a laid-back, warm and friendly guy who enjoyed good strong coffee, imported beers and listening to wonderfully strange and eclectic things on public radio. He helped me organize the Washington County Wheelmen and was a regular on our club rides. The last time I saw Gary face-to-face was on the May 1988 Eureka Spring Fling overnight bicycle tour. I can’t believe it has been so long . . .
I learned last Friday that Gary passed away after a three-year bout with cancer. I never even knew he had it.
Now I feel like crap. I’ve done a lousy job of keeping up with Gary and some of my other friends over the years. Now that he’s gone, I wish I’d done a much better job.
After much agonizing/research, I ordered a new Forte Classic saddle from Performance Bike Shop for my Ciocc today. I've been struggling with chronic numbness in a certain portion of my anatomy that is unique to males every since I started riding again last year. Come to think of it - I had the same problem "back in the day" even with my broken-in Brooks Pro all-leather saddle. Despite numerous attempts to fine-tune saddle adjustment, I still go numb "down there" after about 10 to 15 minutes in the saddle. I've never had any problems with pain, but rather the (extreme) lack thereof. The Forte Classic I ordered reportedly is made for Performance by Selle Italia, the same company that made my 1980s pro-favorite Super Turbo saddle. The difference? The Forte Classic has an "ergonomic shell design" with a strategically placed cut-out that is supposed to relieve pressure on my you-know-what. I'll be sure to let you know if it does.
Footnote: I tried the Forte for about a week and discovered that it unfortunately did not improve my ride comfort and if anything made it slightly worse. I switched back to my old tried-and-true Selle Italia Super Turbo saddle and a new pair of cycling shorts from Bike Nashbar with thicker padding in the crotch. The new shorts have been a definite improvement.