Fall Ride

A few pictures from today's ride. It was unbelievably warm out today. I don't recall a warmer October (man, just saying that made me sound like an old fart). You couldn't ask for a nicer day than today. Trails were dry and pristine, the sky was blue, and the leaves on the trees were colourful. Lots of riders out, but we seemed to be in a minority amongst the leaf watchers and dog walkers.

Lenny riding away from Boink Point.

Anthony on some nice rock armoring over a flooded section (beavers!)of trail, done by OMBA a while back.

Shawn was all about doing some free-riding and hucking and . . . .

. . . . wearing some funky early 90's style glasses.

Peter splitting the "V" tree.

Workshop

Donut Loving Fatties

So it seems that people are ridding as much as they are stuffing donuts into their pie holes (or donut holes, to each his own). Here's the final score:

• riding 4-5 times a week = 4
  
• riding 2-3 times a week = 3
  
• riding 1-2 times a week = 10
  
• eating donuts instead = 20 . . . . . that's 54% of people who voted!

Naked Ergon Grip Review

Love these grips.

I've been using these grips now since about the end of May this year. I bought them because I heard a lot of good things coming out of the endurance race scene in the States. I thought that I'd give them a try and have been very happy with that decision ever since.

I bought the GP1 Grips for about thirty (Canadian) bones. Comparable to what you'd pay for a good set of lock-on grips. These aren't the lightest grips that Ergon make, but they were the cheapest and the only ones available at the place I bought them from here in Ottawa. Apparently, Ergon has redesigned and tweaked most all of their line of grips for this coming season and are supposed to release them soon.
I hope to get my hands (pun intended) on one of the new sets for '08 - they'll be perfect for the BC Bike Race that Mark and I are doing.

I run a 1x9, so I don't have a front derailleur and need the long version of the grip on my left side. I run a grip shifter for the rear derailleur, so needed the shorty. The guy at the shop let me take one grip from one package so that I could customize my set up. Was very happy about this cause I didn't want to cut one down. Although, sounds like guys (and gals) are doing this and it doesn't cause problems.

You can see that towards the end of the grip there is a large platform. It felt right from the beginning, but took a little getting used to, especially on technical single track when you really want a good grip on the bars. However, after my first ride, I felt like I had been riding with the grips for years.

The angle adjustment needs to be set according to what feels right for you - takes a minute to figure it out. Ergon also makes suggestions for proper set up.

I was experiencing wrist and hand pain on my longer training rides that I'd do leading up to my solo 24 hour races, while using regular grips. As soon (no lie!) as I switched, the pain was gone and I didn't experience it again. They offer a few different ways to hold the grips while riding and the support platform makes a very noticeable difference in your comfort, especially on those long rides.

Grab (another pun) a set today!

*Ergon is a company out of Germany that has recently broken into the North American market. The also make packs and gloves that are very unique in their design. Check them out here.

'Loser Cruiser'

Today's 'journey' to work was quite opposite to yesterday's commute.

Today I took the bus. A couple of reasons. One, it was going to rain and I don't have rain gear that will keep me dry and warm at this time of season. Two, had a staff meeting at different school right after work. Three, my piece of shit car is on day two at the mechanics (which is completely another aggravating and stressful story).

Day started out in a mad rush to begin with . . . . we slept through the alarm clock. Normally we're up around 6am and out the door to work by 7:25am. Today I woke up to "Shit!" coming out of my wife's mouth (someone who hardly ever swears!) - so I knew something was wrong.

"Fuck" comes out of my mouth (I, on the other hand, swear like a drunk'n sailor) as I bleary-eyed look at my watch, which read 7:05am. To keep this shorter than the actual version of the recount, I got my ass out the door and walking towards the bus stop on Carling 35 minutes later.

About 100 metres to the stop and by bus flies by. "Fuck". End up standing around the bus stop for another 15 minutes listening to music on my ipod trying to remain calm. Inside I'm about to explode. I hate the bus. I loath the bus. I despise the bus.

Don't get me wrong . . . . I would rather see people taking the bus and not their cars, saving the environment, keeping the roads less busy. Ottawa has got a great transit system. I just don't want to be one of the ones riding the bus - it ain't for me. I hate crowds, I don't like people touching me, I don't like people, I like quiet in the morning, I don't like feeling like a cow being corralled aboard a huge piece of metal taking me off to be slaughtered. Leave me the flip alone in the morning.

The bus is also a huge behemoth piece of machinery and metal that travels at high speeds and generally shows a lack of respect and road width for me as a cyclist. Riding it I feel like I am sleeping with the devil to some degree.

My horrible experience this morning only deepened my hatred of my fellow man. It may sound like I am looking down on most of the riders of the bus, and that's only because I am. I hate you all and I am better than you. You suck. I never want to see any of you again!

My final fairwell to the bus and bus riders:

Daily bus riders . . . . I am happy for you that you have found a place where you feel comfortable enough to sit spread eagle as I sit beside you with my legs so tightly pressed together that I almost squeeze my man juices out of my nuts so that you have enough room to lounge comfortably.

Daily bus rider . . . . thank you for not bathing this morning, or yesterday or the day before. I'm not sure why you think it's totally acceptable to live and work in a society smelling like you keep a smelly bag of shit in your pants cause it feels nice next to your grubby, greasy soiled body.

Daily bus rider . . . . how did you know that I wanted to listen to you trivial dribble drabble cell phone conversation with whoever the fugg you found it so necessary to engage in boistorous , joviale giddiness so early in the morning. I'm glad that you thought the entire bus wanted to hear your entire empty conversation.

Daily bus rider . . . . please turn up the music that you're listening to - rap-a-lap-a, hip hop, bling-a-ding dance shit is just what I wanted to listen to first thing (or ever) in the morning. Despite sitting at the back of the bus with your gangsta friends while I sit near the front, thanks for turning it up just for me. You da bomb.

Daily bus rider . . . . saying your sorry for stepping on my feet must be a social faux pas. Why would you take responsibility for your actions. I'm sorry for placing my feet under your shoes.

Daily bus rider . . . . that's awesome that you smoke. You look wicked cool. James Dean would be envious of your coolness. I also appreciate breathing in the second hand smoke that was previously inside of your blackened lungs. Can't wait to catch up with you on the oncology floor. Good times, great taste.

Dear bus driver . . . . thanks for letting me know that my commute via shit tube would take only one and a half hours and make me 45 minutes late for work. I enjoyed every minute of your diesel motioned torture amongst society's dregs and misfits.

This shitty, shitty commute only made me feel a deeper sense of gratitude for being able to commute by bike to work. I only feel pity for all those on the bus who never have and probably never will experience riding a bike to work.

My Morning Commute

Left the house

over to and through Hampton Park

up Island Park

across Carling

through Experimental Farm
across the locks over the canal

cut through Carleton

pass by the Ottawa Tennis club

to and up Bank

get on the bike path at Riverside

up Pleasant and across St Laurent to work

then cleaned up for the day.

*To see my ride home, scroll up

Stainless Steel Bike

My friend Adam stopped by the house on the weekend to show me the stainless steel bike that he built for his mother. Adam didn't want to be constricted to the traditional form of bicycle. . . . bah, who needs stinking triangles?! So he pieced this unique bike together using stainless steel and brass (for some of the braze-ons). He had some old parts lying around to get it up and running. This is his second bike that he has built. Very cool Adam!
See the rest of the pictures here.

Pissing contest?

Just got this from Steve. Ouch!
Bruise pictures are coming out of the woodwork. Looks like this is turning into a "Who has the biggest bruise" contest. This sort of contest is just the thing for you S&M types.
No prizes kids, just bragging rights.

Doozy Bruisey Day 4

Four days after the first injection. The doctor is doing the leg in sections - the upper first. You can see the veins to the left. Fugly.

Not to be outdone . . . . Peter sent me a picture of his little bruise. I'm finding out that he's a tad bit competitive - good to know before BC next June.

Apparently it happened in a figure skating competition - him and his partner (male) collided whilst doing a double salcow, followed by a tricky double toed lutz.

Don't worry . . . their sequenced outfits weren't harmed in the accident.

Naked WTB Rocket V Stealth Review

Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Saddles. We spend most of our time on them, but neglect to give them a lot of thought until they hurt.

I love the WTB Rocket V saddle. I have them on all my bikes (except my road bike). I've been using them exclusively for about three years.

When you spend 24 hours on a bike racing, your saddle NEEDS to be comfortable. Racing for that long, you'll not be able to think about anything other than how sore your arse is when you have an uncomfortable saddle. Fortunately for me, I've never had that problem using this saddle.

I dig the grooved out, contoured centre.

Titanium rails - keeps the weight down low. Leather sides make it easy to get off the saddle or slide back when coming into a technical section. Never a rip or a tear in any of the many I've owned.

Wide enough in the back, even for a fat ass like me!

Naked bike gear reviews . . . . you know where to find them.

Doozy Bruisey Day 3

Looking pretty ripe today.

Doozy Bruisey

This is two days after the injections in my upper, inner thigh for my varicose veins.
Check out the injection site - they must have poked that horse needle into my leg 3 or 4 times. Yikes! No wonder the bruising. Hopefully it'll all pay off and I can begin my career as a leg model.

First real fall day

It's cold and wet outside today. Still lots of leaves on the trees, plenty of colour. I will not be playing on the bike today - in recovery mode since my injections on Thursday. Lots of bruising and the tenderness has subsided. Another 3 days wrapped up tighter than a ducks ass.

Cheers.

Legs like a nanna

I could be a model in a geriatric hosiery catalogue.



Not my legs . . . . but that's what one of mine kind of look like. Yep, I've got varicose veins. Today I went to a clinic to finally get something done about them.

They've caused problems for me in the past: pain, swelling, restlessness, scaring and some pretty close calls with cuts/bruising while riding.

Today was the start of multiple injections that will completely shrink them. I'll be pain free, not apt to clip them and cause any bleeding or hemoraging while in a cycling accident, and have much better circulation.

Only problem is that after each injection I have to lay low for five days - I can walk and do light exercise, but have to avoid anything too strenuous on the legs. Tis' the season to get the body fixed up.

Tonight's OMBA ride brought to you by the letter . . .

"S" . . . as in slippery.
What started out as moist ride, got moister with some showers, then moisterer with steady rain. Made for some technical riding on rocks and roots. Good fun was had!

King and Lenny

Scott and Tanya

Lenny's bent and twisted link in his chain . . . . so that's were all the racket was coming from!
I think that happened when he took a side trip into the woods, arse over kettle.

Wet, slippery night on the single speed.

BC Bike Race is a GO!

I've been waiting to announce this race. But the time is right. I was losing sleep over this race - hopes were high, but unsure, if this was going to happen or not. Much depended on getting a partner.

Mark gave me the nod this past week. We'll be riding together, as partners, next June 28 to July 4th. This seven day stage race will lead us on some of the nicest single track that British Columbia has to offer, from Victoria to Whistler.

BC Bike Race is much more than the challenge of the ride...it's about everything experienced along the way - spectacular scenery, fascinating culture, interesting people, and tantalizing tastes. The stages of BC Bike Race wind through nine beautiful west coast communities, each showcasing unique qualities and elements that make British Columbia a world-class destination for athletes, adventurers and tourists alike.

Man, oh man . . . . this is going to be awesome!

Happy Thanksgiving

Gobble gobble gee,
Gobble gobble goo,
Let's eat turkey,
In a big brown shoe.

Jedi Mind Tricks

Beauty day yesterday was.
Riding was primo.
Acorn fights a plenty.
Rest breaks many.

Climb you can, young bike rider? Not think, do.

Unknown rider's, on unknown trail, attempting his first vertical-like-climb.
Super steep, super steep . . . . it's super steepy.

Second attempt. A little further.
Use the force.

Third attempt. A little bit further.
Hard it may be, do is possible.

I gave up taking pictures after this one, I was laughing too hard. Unknown poacher went on to attempt this wicked climb two more times. Each time getting closer to the top. On the last attempt he was only one bike length away from making it. No matter how hard we tried to use Jedi Mind Tricks to convince him to do it again, he wouldn't fall for it.