tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19157463663781113472024-03-20T04:51:18.691-04:00Wannabe Cyclist BlogMy life cycling.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-77558740132621513052021-09-19T19:44:00.002-04:002021-09-19T19:44:12.650-04:00Been a while<div>I haven't ridden my bike like I used to, reasons right? Naa, just lazy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-2000873961029685192014-03-31T13:46:00.001-04:002014-03-31T15:01:02.935-04:006000 Miles -Trusty Gunnar Fastlane Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today is March 31st, 2014, about 3-3/4 years riding off and on my wonderful Gunnar Fastlane. It has been a Single Speed, a 10 speed, a 6 speed, a touring bike, a mountain bike, a CX bike, a road bike, and now it is a 8 speed road bike with a 8x1 drive train with top bar brake levers. Of all the iterations it has been, it is a toss up between a single speed and it's current iteration that I find best.<br />
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It started out back in 2010 when I had a bike built for just about everything, I specifically wanted something sturdy, light, cost effective, and FUN, and that is just what I got.<br />
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Together we have entered a few races and rides such as:<br />
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Hines Park Time Trial<br />
One Helluva Ride <br />
Tour De lac's <br />
Tour De Livingston<br />
Tour De Troit<br />
Tour of Washtinaw<br />
Hines Bike Through The Lights <br />
Komen For The Cure Race<br />
Detroit Invitational CX Race <br />
Mad Anthony CX Race <br />
Barry Roubaix<br />
Iceman Cometh Challenge<br />
Worst Day Of The Year Ride <br />
RACING GREYHOUND Team Point Series<br />
Thursday Night thunder<br />
Tuesday Night Worlds<br />
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And thousands of miles of commuting, light touring, and training riding.<br />
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To say the least, this bike has been everywhere, although I didn't do my first century with it, I needed to save in weight and rolling resistance to keep up with my team. When we did the MS 150 ride in Holland, I really don't think I could have kept up on the Gunnar as my fitness wasn't up to par last year. When the funds are right, I will lighten up Gunnar to keep it competitive for century rides and the such, as most of my cockpit is FSA as well as seat post, and it probably doesn't help having my awesome Brooks saddle and rolling on the nearly indestructible Ruffy Tuffy tyres! Those two items will take extreme coaxing to get me to remove them, at the very least the Brooks, I will never get another seat again, I love mine too much.<br />
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The Chart below shows the many iterations this bicycle has been through and the respectable stats, I haven't created a Bike category for the current iteration (8spd) because I think it is unnecessary as it weighs in exactly like the original 10 sp Fastlane albeit wholly different by having a DT shifter and top bar brake levers.<br />
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More stats to date, this is a total summary of all my riding on all of my bikes, and including a few hikes and jogs too. You can see that 2012 was my best year, started out strong and had respectable results.<br />
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Since I'm real big on pictures and videos, AND this is a tribute post about the Gunnar, I feel it is necessary to post some random pics of the many configurations of this amasing bicycle.<br />
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BUT first, a picture of the crap bike I rode this year at Barry Roubaix... it was about 36 lbs and a cheapo Schwinn MTB, I suffered so hard during this race, I could barely pedal about half-way through! So this is a reminder to ALWAYS ride the GUNNAR at Barry!!<br />
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And the Random shots of Gunnar, this is how it looks to ride Barry Roubaix 2012 on a GUNNAR proper, I got a 2:21:00 time that year because of it. <br />
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And Barry Roubaix the following year, a bit heavier and a much slower time... This progression needs to stop! <br />
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Looks like Barry Roubaix in 2011, I was having fun despite it being 17 degrees out!!<br />
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Awe! look at the Fred mashin' those pedals! LOL. Got a 37 minute time that year, and it was my very FIRST RACE ever!! I still laugh at this pic, just about everything is wrong about me and my equipment! Lets start with the Meijer helmet with the visor still attached, work our way down to the "loose" t-shirt and gym shorts!- parachute city! Did we forget the moustache? yup, real trash right there. How about them motorcycle gloves?! Ha Ha Ha!!!- Oh wait, this is a Time Trial, what am I doing on the tops instead of the drops?!!! How about them shoes and flat pedals??!! At least the Bicycle is a decent bike, not a TT bike but a great bike nonetheless. Wrong tool for the job but it didn't matter, I was learning and having fun!<br />
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This was taken in 2013, after a 44 mile ride out to Brighton, best single speed ride ever!<br />
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Here we have a little camping / fishing adventure with my lil' guy, we both had a blast that day. I had improvised a 5 gallon bucket to fit in the pannier for all the fishing supplies, you know lures and beer! LOL <br />
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Again, camping and the versatility of the trailer towing package built in the Gunnar Fastlane. <br />
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At Hines Park with my cousin, taking a rest and sipping on some PBR's, what a great day! <br />
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ICEMAN ICEMAN ICEMAN! 2011, the only year I actually raced AND I did it with the Fastlane! NOTE: It was VERY difficult and unstable due to the sand and skinnish tyres, Damned if you do, Eh? <br />
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ICEMAN 2011 Pro-Am shot, lookin' tough.. In reality, that was the first part of "Oh Shiiit!" as the sudden drop off caught me by suprise. Damn, that little drop scared the heck out of me as my eyes were glazing over and I couldn't really see it come up! Look at that "O Face"! Ha Ha Ha!<br />
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Ahh, The Mad Anthony CX... this was my WORST performance and I had sustained a terrible back / neck injury in this race, well, the "crash" was after the race but it was the worst. Here is what happened... As I was finishing up and rolling back to the RG tent, I thought it would be "cool" to pop a wheelie and show off in front of my friends.. well that didn't go so well, as you can see in the picture how I just recently switched to motorcross braking, thus when I went to halt the wheelie I was actually stopping the FRONT wheel, not the BACK wheel, needless to say, I was clipped in and flipped on my back landing on my water bottle in my center back pocket, I felt and HEARD my spine crunch and crackle in very sketchy ways. After seeing my chiropractor and some x-rays, he said it was the absolute worst he has seen, Most of my vertebrae were twisted and cockeyed in such a way that it would be a slow process to getting back to optimum health. The pain went on for almost a year and it was hard to ride, finally after seeing a physical therapist, my shizzle got fixed and we were back in business. Also, due to smoking cigarettes for about two months after quitting for eight years, my breathing capacity was garbage and starved me on ALL my rides. Fall of 2012 was crap for me. It really was, I eventually starting vaping and quit smoking altogether and have been back in tip top shape, respectively, all I need are my training miles and we are golden.<br />
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Again, Mad Anthony CX 2012- this was another funny moment, as this photo was taken seconds before my dismount, barrier hurdle, re-mount. The reason it is funny to me is because I made a rather epic dismount / re-mount, really fast (again, showing off because the team's tent was right in front of the barrier) and during re-mount, I came down so hard that my seat slipped and tilted downward like 20 degrees! I had to finish the race with a loose seat pitched down, that was crap. Anyway, after that race I wanted to quit, I just wasn't feeling it. Wait, don't I feel that way during most major races? HA! <br />
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GUNNAR MONSTER CROSS MADNESS! This was a brief iteration before I swapped to a flat-bar and SRAM X9 thumb shifters, the reasoning was because sometime around this time my right hand SRAM shifter broke and I didn't have 178 dollars to get a new one, and still don't! Hence the reasoning for getting the DT shifter. The tyres you see here are the absolute largest I could cram into this frame, they are 44's that I had to use a grinder to shave off the sides in some spots just to get it to fit, we are talking 2mm max clearance with some slight rubbing due to being out of true by just a millimeter or so. It took a few hundred miles to wear them down enough where the rubbing stopped, but the wheels had to be just right in the stays. Sigh.. why do I do these things! Anyway, the tyres are Panaracer FireCross and work just well.<br />
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Here is a random of randoms whilst randoneering around Canton, near the Morton Taylor Trails. <br />
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Ahh, I remember this pic! This was the day in 2011 when I got those Hutchinson 34's, Man I LOVED those tyres!, Still have them, they are pretty worn down though. This was the first minor mod done to the bike.<br />
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And there ya go, two years later all worn down. This was taken after doing a 60 mile out-n-back on the Macomb orchard Trail system, from Onyx to Richmond I think. Fun ride, note: I am riding a 2 speed SS, derailleur is used as chain tensioner at this point and you can see the lovely Egg beater pedals which I still have on this bike, love them, they are perfect. I cannot remember the gearing though, I think a 42 up front and a 21,19 in back, maybe a 17? Hard to tell from the photo.<br />
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Hmm... Some time in 2012, maybe spring 2013 on Hines Drive. Probably spring. The tyres are Continental 19's, the smallest most finicky tyres I ever purchased, they came with my SS wheelset. You better have at least 110 lbs of pressure or you may suffer a pinch flat, and good luck manually pumping them up after that with a hand pump.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRi5d47q5mlmZIj67VK81eVPBWv3F4dyDV0izLBlODWI1_89KMEmRKy5cSJzfOZA-NVk-bDR7KKSdZJGur2G6sKsiA8Uvb1Kpjj43ffyzCf7SNI8tD5U6XYn8iXQL4XebW7QlWDud-qg/s1600/Spring-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRi5d47q5mlmZIj67VK81eVPBWv3F4dyDV0izLBlODWI1_89KMEmRKy5cSJzfOZA-NVk-bDR7KKSdZJGur2G6sKsiA8Uvb1Kpjj43ffyzCf7SNI8tD5U6XYn8iXQL4XebW7QlWDud-qg/s1600/Spring-2012.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Basement photo, tyres are Kenda 33's Smallblock 8. Setup as 44/21 Single Speed. Kinda bland photo, not much to say here. <br />
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Boom! see how it pops! (The Photo, that is.) This was Spring on Saltz road near Ridge, windy spring day on the SS. <br />
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Throwback, circa 2010 in Tawas Michigan. This was my camping touring weekend, this photo was taken on a pier after riding a mere 27 miles and going shopping for fruit, peanut butter, bread, and misc. This was two weeks after I dropped some mad coin on all the Ortlieb panniers and the Tubus rack. They may have cost a pretty penny, but the usefulness goes way beyond the price, they paid for themselves a few times over as far as I am concerned. Loaded up to about 60 lbs is pushing it, but gets the job done<br />
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3 years later and still touring on Memorial Day! 50 mile light touring ride across town and back, meet up with some friends in Dearborn while taking pictures. It was HOT that day.<br />
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Tour of Washtenaw <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/4936393">http://www.strava.com/activities/4936393</a> I only post the link because it was really an epic race for me. I averaged 15.3 MPH and most of the course was peanut butter type mud, it was grueling. It was raining off and on most of the day too, I must say it was a great race, too bad they cancelled the circuit I should do a proper write up on this and other races that I have done, just to give you a perspective from a crappy cyclists such as myself... I mean Really?! who uses those foot strap thingy things anyway?!! You can see the CEMENTED mud on here. It literally hardened like cement.<br />
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Yup... Number plate upside down fail.<br />
I wouldn't call it a glamour shot, as I was lapped by ALL waves and
ended up solo for most of the ride, until a gal who got dropped from her
teammates just rode to finish, not to race. We chatted for a bit and
griped about how muddy the course was. This photo doesn't show the
thick peanut butter roads we had to ride, this was one of the faster
sections. So why are you not leaning into the turn? you may ask?
Because I didn't care to race anymore, just finish with some energy left
over. it was brutal. My race number was pinned upside down too, real
slacker here!<br />
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Can you say MUD?<br />
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At least we finished the race that day. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDQh36OJ0QsxWv-Bb24sLkgznoNKfTWCsFt1vwDT_UZNaYisJDzImQym3v8OYk0qcPdE7Zs6wVK2yLm6LIYnw8nGGt6j2A4TGeiySiqLKgh1h0JyV4xqPL3gf1x7npzow0NpUBYNOwtk/s1600/TOW-2011a.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></div>
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Fast forward to 2012 again, winter cycling slowing to a crawl and the only a few training rides were pulling the little guy in the trailer and some solo excursions. Unfortunately, this year it was impossible to do any riding via sidewalk due to the massive amounts of snow and ice, this past winter was terrible for all cyclist who don't own a fatbike. <br />
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Roll back to 2011 again, ya getting dizzy yet? This was the "Worst Day of The Year Ride" where I got kinda dropped, then lost, then just rode around to get my miles in, I believe I did 31 that day, and did a blog about it too, see older posts for that if you like.<br />
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Bump it up to 2014, speaking of worst day of the year, it was! I couldn't ride the event because of the amount of snow we have in SE Michigan. I probably could have rode, But Gunnar was all I had setup and it just wasn't possible as a mid-gear single speed. JRA was the motto for the few and far between rides I was able to squeeze in this winter. Here is some perspective for you: Just this past weekend, I rode more that I have all year, due to this weather. I had 18 miles up until Barry Roubaix, and just this past weekend I put on 70. It was a rough start, to say the least.<br />
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Back in 2012 I was riding a bit in the Monroe area with my cousin, we had some good times exploring and taking photos, here is one of them. I don't remember how it happened, but the sand gave way and I ended up falling over, I told my cousin to hurry and take the shot, and here is what you get. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXz3iKFb6nZ_G82z_YRD__MnO46y1Ydzu0uTHUaONMviKxTKU3IwlodOMP7X_mUJvOdMVeDAifsg9jl9kcjqC1J2XU4a3TDjeMf8Xpk1XhSWVSmB5T-1OrU6fm08Jm1iXuIWNNV2WpB-U/s1600/Winter-Touring-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXz3iKFb6nZ_G82z_YRD__MnO46y1Ydzu0uTHUaONMviKxTKU3IwlodOMP7X_mUJvOdMVeDAifsg9jl9kcjqC1J2XU4a3TDjeMf8Xpk1XhSWVSmB5T-1OrU6fm08Jm1iXuIWNNV2WpB-U/s1600/Winter-Touring-2012.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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In late 2011, again, with my cousin, we rode through some rivers in Zimbabwe, that was a hub wrecking day! Yes, I did shower real well and also stripped Gunnar's BB and hubs down for a re-pack. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5_AfgxYuoiUpQ199Dr2tLA1ykf53rPGAh2lzA0HDN_nlGp-2Jcgj0afvWnGEve1al49RdZ31VGfRNPGRsCl5vcgJpMCeJE5pIZxu9X-TKYxTwWb5CEEdKxlIUAznhJaF2wcLc19f-5I/s1600/ZIMBABWE-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5_AfgxYuoiUpQ199Dr2tLA1ykf53rPGAh2lzA0HDN_nlGp-2Jcgj0afvWnGEve1al49RdZ31VGfRNPGRsCl5vcgJpMCeJE5pIZxu9X-TKYxTwWb5CEEdKxlIUAznhJaF2wcLc19f-5I/s1600/ZIMBABWE-2011.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can you believe Gunnar Was brand new back in June of 2010 and looked like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GQItrBI6pSfvVhvqE25ZFQE-jNFqZVwVaVreSZRoOJ6AAGmXQX6lf-1PL1rxFDvm2BZCJhqq-v4_w3GZzqJnXu9Vxwleh1YN6xkeU1gJt0yZVyhs_ZgXPA8m41Butg0mWK-_UcQDTHw/s1600/27687_1445069657180_4927579_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GQItrBI6pSfvVhvqE25ZFQE-jNFqZVwVaVreSZRoOJ6AAGmXQX6lf-1PL1rxFDvm2BZCJhqq-v4_w3GZzqJnXu9Vxwleh1YN6xkeU1gJt0yZVyhs_ZgXPA8m41Butg0mWK-_UcQDTHw/s1600/27687_1445069657180_4927579_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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HI! Wannabe here reminding you it is not what you ride, it's THAT you ride. So get on your bike and make the very best of it, and most importantly... HAVE FUN! This photo was taken on garbage mountain in new Hudson, on the return leg of my solo 77 miler from Redford to Kensington Park and back. Rule number 93: NEVER EVER go swimming in bicycle shorts and finish your remaining 8 miles while WET, chafing will happen and you will get BUTTHURT!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfoYTf7EdfWZJ4vJUHdD_pUBfQ037OcLf7mkpj2u4U5A9BXKFyyjpCXc8DLYP-UJC5b3_2xefpL56_DEaDr8lhBYFwaGX7D8BN93z5R6GQjS8bSHoZDgLnETTHs9IXTSUxsjRJJrDPUY/s1600/BIG77-2012.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfoYTf7EdfWZJ4vJUHdD_pUBfQ037OcLf7mkpj2u4U5A9BXKFyyjpCXc8DLYP-UJC5b3_2xefpL56_DEaDr8lhBYFwaGX7D8BN93z5R6GQjS8bSHoZDgLnETTHs9IXTSUxsjRJJrDPUY/s1600/BIG77-2012.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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All in all, I must say, those 6000 miles riding my favourite bike have been memorable, enjoyable, and emotional. There is such to be said about this bike that I really cannot begin to explain. It has been there when I had nothing, it has carried me through hard times, through races and fun rides, it has been my bicycle mechanic training dummy (Sorry Gunnar), and it has helped me regain my level of fitness that I can be proud of. I mean, I used to look like this:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I mean what the heck man!!!</b></span><br />
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So by riding this bike, I have found myself to be in a better place both physically and emotionally and there is no way to put a price tag on that!<br />
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In closing, I would like to share one of my favourite bicycle commutes, it is the full hour long commute cut down to 13 minutes, it captures some of the joys I have while riding this bike.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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And the:<a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/4901088" target="_blank">STRAVA LINK</a><br />
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Thanks for reading a brief part of my life via bicycle. I hope it may have inspired you to get out there and ride. Do it for you and do it to have fun.<br />
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peace<br />
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-WCFTW<br />
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-3117263643691043962012-01-27T10:00:00.000-05:002012-01-27T10:00:20.350-05:00Gunnar Fastlane -Worst Day Of The Year PreppingThis is my bicycle that I am itching to re-vamp into a different creation soon, maybe a SS Fixie??? We shall see!!!! Most likely I will put it back to its touring form, as I plan on doing many touring events this season.<br />
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<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wIG2tFXfyCQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-47674615801810278032012-01-25T09:50:00.002-05:002012-01-27T09:51:28.319-05:00No Hands on the Rollers!!! (One Mile Interval)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It has been a while, so much has happened lately... After 1000 miles of rollers, this is what you get:<br />
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Hv8PnffoHtA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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And other things have kept me very busy.<br />
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-WCFTW</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-39723853177157638112012-01-22T16:15:00.005-05:002012-01-27T18:49:48.301-05:002012 Worst Day Of The Year -RACING GREYHOUNDS- RGTPS #1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seventh Annual</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Worst Day Of The Year Ride!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hosted by: <a href="http://wheelsinmotion.us/" target="_blank">Wheels In Motion</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strike>Raced </strike> Rode and Written By: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maikerurorenja" target="_blank">Wannabe</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Michigan's Premiere Cycling Race Team: <a href="http://www.ctofgreyhounds.com/forum/index.php" target="_blank">RACING GREYHOUNDS</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Discipline: <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4530695" target="_blank">Polar Bear Ride 40 miles</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE32ZFDdcg_wq1d6sUN99L2PJ090xPTVypQ-wu4E62MADfWVSx7VfXoeb5B45kobp5-A3qdOVLaHTAcaHhY9B3-37tNtdRI-gb-mZKyumJ4EMClX96hoRnG_YoLQQCfqu5i9TtkTYsa-E/s1600/racing+dog+-+photo+by+lucas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE32ZFDdcg_wq1d6sUN99L2PJ090xPTVypQ-wu4E62MADfWVSx7VfXoeb5B45kobp5-A3qdOVLaHTAcaHhY9B3-37tNtdRI-gb-mZKyumJ4EMClX96hoRnG_YoLQQCfqu5i9TtkTYsa-E/s400/racing+dog+-+photo+by+lucas.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">"Wannabe" Photo credit: Lucaseq</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And my video, albeit not so entertaining.<br />
My footage is rather limited due to the fact that I was riding the whole time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KoOLZbJdKlo" width="640"></iframe><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh where to begin...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The preamble preface primer...</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t remember much as it was last weekend; however, we can do a somewhat brief re-creation of the day as it were experienced by me. I was quite rested and nourished before the ride, and even made pasta for the carb loading before and after the event, this proved to be a great success. The weather was approximately 28 degrees average the whole time, highs in the 29-30 degree range with some gusting winds from the south, it was like the weather didn’t know whether it wanted to be warmer or colder, it chose colder and starting out it was 27 degrees, and without any movement, it was a bit chilly in cycling clothes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I went to sleep about two in the morning after wrenching on my bicycle putting the fenders on, really a ten minute job, ended up being a two hour job due to multitasking (A.D.D.) other chores like laundry and dishes. During the bicycle building, I happen to have an extra Magic Hat Beer laying about in my cavernous refrigerator, yes it was there just laying about and wanted to be consumed proper, so I had two.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Waking up was easy breezy, and as Touring Team Captain for the RACING GREYHOUNDS, it was my duty to get there early and capture a brief head count before the ride, this was rightfully accomplished with my camera. A photo proved you were there and we didn’t need an actual sign-in sheet, and since we were the first group to leave on the 40 miler, head count was easy as memory anyway. There were nine of us and we were doubly excited to be racing with an Olympic racer: Frankie Andrew </span><a href="http://www.meetup.com/suburban-detroit-cyclist/events/45080942/"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“</span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Olympic</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> cyclist and Tour de France veteran Frankie Andreu will be participating in the ride this year!”</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The roll out was fifteen minutes late but no biggie, the initial group of 40 milers did seem rather large, maybe 50-60 people tops, but with a ton of Recs too. Sign in was simple, I always go by the name: "Wannabe Cyclist”, so the Wheels in Motion staff got a kick out of that. I should say that the sign in and food accommodations were sufficient and very welcome in the bitter cold morning, Kudo’s to them for setting this FREE event up and always having enough munchies for the riders, oh the coffee was a bonus too!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_T3cJxs1mLy6bQ99NwXNECgeB9QrS9NQ4b5PFrK_zGGHwMSQXiMgLgpKPA7xNXXd9PKuYbnbhnu7UnBs5DTfK9x5DllXd1-SDC3sSUuc4e2Vf68d8CRyL0KMpWukNPpg9ZgxcJcCkqE/s1600/saltbath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_T3cJxs1mLy6bQ99NwXNECgeB9QrS9NQ4b5PFrK_zGGHwMSQXiMgLgpKPA7xNXXd9PKuYbnbhnu7UnBs5DTfK9x5DllXd1-SDC3sSUuc4e2Vf68d8CRyL0KMpWukNPpg9ZgxcJcCkqE/s640/saltbath.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>The roads in the city were a slushy slippery mess.</b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(This may be the "Title of my blog after a nice long re-vamp.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQlm2x9uX_OGmHRSbDwx2FD7GgZfzESiFucEqr4d3qxsC3VLFPy6iZIHoYwriEQtuHKMzT-94ZJBfFu6xBhiyVSN2LNTsxuXAX41OszYoUXXCYLm3ezB_lkIuW8Ce8ggTLKaC5GCMh5g/s1600/Gunnar+Fastlane+Winter+Slush+mode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQlm2x9uX_OGmHRSbDwx2FD7GgZfzESiFucEqr4d3qxsC3VLFPy6iZIHoYwriEQtuHKMzT-94ZJBfFu6xBhiyVSN2LNTsxuXAX41OszYoUXXCYLm3ezB_lkIuW8Ce8ggTLKaC5GCMh5g/s400/Gunnar+Fastlane+Winter+Slush+mode.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>2010 Gunnar Fastlane -Ice Commuter Version-</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ354srBFfDez3suPNdJmOp59CWz_Y0Rx8gMGxPvIukXGEhHqIb3LFN6U2VOdkcUbun9cUmlPMgEK3szy1WIVa9uBLPJFws6ZcTyCwftUXPc0BuzgtH7w9F7thPCTP9eh6ir49MtJNkXk/s1600/RACING+GREYHOUNDS+BEAKER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ354srBFfDez3suPNdJmOp59CWz_Y0Rx8gMGxPvIukXGEhHqIb3LFN6U2VOdkcUbun9cUmlPMgEK3szy1WIVa9uBLPJFws6ZcTyCwftUXPc0BuzgtH7w9F7thPCTP9eh6ir49MtJNkXk/s400/RACING+GREYHOUNDS+BEAKER.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> RG- Beaker , Torrance</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmq5sYFssjY-UwVaISVRAlqCNkRqge-sh4HPoYYs4hLqfBDz7jhZo2YbxIuVgzX_R1Wb7Vtcte50R0zSswhUJnlbJGQsFwCwBA01J11WAnW-rpqhAexmBxCZpDK-vYj4GOGi71Jil1JE/s1600/RACING+GREYHOUNDS+CHLORINATED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmq5sYFssjY-UwVaISVRAlqCNkRqge-sh4HPoYYs4hLqfBDz7jhZo2YbxIuVgzX_R1Wb7Vtcte50R0zSswhUJnlbJGQsFwCwBA01J11WAnW-rpqhAexmBxCZpDK-vYj4GOGi71Jil1JE/s400/RACING+GREYHOUNDS+CHLORINATED.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>RG- Beaker, Torrance, Chlorinated, Nomadoo, and Tattoo</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I really should forewarn you that I didn’t take any pictures along the way, heck; I only stopped once on the return trip for a water break with a tired HOUND, other than that moment, it was all full throttle, or as much as I could handle anyway, all things considered. The few shots here you can see a small peppering of the team, as we were 56 members deep, so deep… Yuup. The majority rode the MTB trails and twenty milers, which you can see in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/doubletrouble77" target="_blank">Lucaseq’s</a> video below!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AsOWOCEos1w" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">SWEET Video by <u><span style="color: blue;">Lucaseq</span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The ride started out really slow, like totally slow, which was great for a decent warm up and a bit of a social, I was able to chat briefly with a few people on the way out of Ann Arbor, it was like commuting pace, and rightfully so. We all were the lead group, like in the first ten for pretty much the whole race, yes, I did say race because when the pace picked up, it got hot! The pace was incrementally getting faster by the mile and started to average 19 mph, which is a great moderate pace, but things started to get weird once we crossed Washtenaw Road going through the subdivision, the roadway had become treacherous, or at least for me, I got scared and started dropping back in the pack, the speed on the jagged terrain mixed with slush, gravel, and ice, made for a potential season breaker, there was much to lose so backing down wasn't too bad of an idea, considering we had a few stop lamps to wait for to jump back up to the front. I did this again to hop back up to the front, this time with my fellow team and along side with Frankie, but just for a bit. I remember catching up to tattoo, who was on a SS and he had said he was out of gear for the pace, and had replied: "I'm just out of shape and cannot keep up!" This was almost to Prospect road, and once there we all regrouped, rolled through the green light, swiftly changing to amber, and then the group had split again. The ride captains were telling us to slow back, as it were to be a no-drop ride, so we slowed to 12 mph avg., but once re-grouped, we started back into it, but this time it was going to be a breakaway. Towards the front, two ride captains were chattering about the pace being way too slow, I agreed, it was really commuter medium pace, I was looking for some pain, little did I know what was in store.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once we crossed Geddes road, the pace lurched, it was tough to hang on, in fact, I was close to my bonk, as per usual. Ha ha ha! We re-grouped at Vreeland, the terrain goes uphill at this point and so did the sprint, I was up to 24 mph but riding the sluggish fendered dirty sticky bike, I just couldn't keep up, I had to relent and drop off the back, and would ya know it, it was right after a pull too. I should have sucked a wheel for longer, but oh well, there was no way I were to be able to keep up with a 28 mph pace-line on a dirty CX bike with fenders, so laughing really loud and watching my teammates roll on by was pretty funny, and more so as it was at Cherry hill road, the same road I had turned off onto last year to take pictures and such, one of my teammates joked about it too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the time the few of us got to Ford road, all you could see was the snake of spandex and carbon winding left around the bend, the "race" as it were was over, or at least for me anyway. T he next mile or two was spent in a medium paced recovery ride, wait, that really never happened as I was still too busy trying to catch up the the B-Group in front of me, so all effort was needed!</span></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="314" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&layer=c&cbll=42.376952,-83.607773&panoid=TItThrBNz5nHJprmuB_N1Q&cbp=13,357.83,,0,4.37&safe=on&ll=42.376649,-83.607692&spn=0.000001,0.000754&z=20&source=embed&output=svembed" width="562"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&layer=c&cbll=42.376952,-83.607773&panoid=TItThrBNz5nHJprmuB_N1Q&cbp=13,357.83,,0,4.37&safe=on&ll=42.376649,-83.607692&spn=0.000001,0.000754&z=20&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"> Here is the spot where I was just in a mellow pace, about 17.5 mph and getting my heart rate down to below 165, all the while trying to catch up to this casual commuter wearing a bright hunters orange shirt and a vintage bicycle with beautiful chrome fenders, a totally beautiful bicycle I might add! So it was fun riding with him for a mile or two. Speaking of bicycles, check this out:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260166_2021949661539_1027889397_2392358_6029460_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240px" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260166_2021949661539_1027889397_2392358_6029460_n.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
</div>This is from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1027889397" target="_blank">CMO's </a>photo album, and the same bike was on the fence in the same spot, even through a winter or two! How cool eh?!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> Anyhow, it was fun just checking out the scenery out here. The ride progressed, I ate an energy bar and drank some slushy, all was good, no, actually all was great! To keep from freezing my other water, I had that one nestled in my jersey back pocket, that trick actually was the best thing I did the whole ride, besides showing up to ride. At one point, up past Angle road where it turns into Seven-Mile Rd, past Pontiac Trail, I heard this strange sound coming up behind me, I looked and it was a wheel sucker! I was about to pass the guy in the orange anyway, his pace was kinda slowish, enough to get a recharge, and enough for the racer to catch up to me and grab a wheel, so I did what all Newb-Freds do: Dropped it into second and punched it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401313_282422928484218_100001495389990_802515_1453733512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240px" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401313_282422928484218_100001495389990_802515_1453733512_n.jpg" width="320px" /></a> Like a rocket I was off! A whole 3 mph faster and passing the guy in orange, I'll show him!!! so I upped the passing gear and hammered on to 24 mph (seems my running maximum these days on this bicycle, Hmmmm.) I didn't look back, as it would compromise my already sketchy-draggy posture as I had sprinted on and out. Yeah me, after a mile of it, there was no sign of the both of them, including the guy and gal I had forgotten to mention earlier that I passed near Ford road. I was on fire!, or at least my legs were.</div> After racing my shadow for a few minutes, the coast was clear... Oh wait, I see four bright yellow cycling rain jackets, surely they wouldn't mind another wheel man latching on to their wheels? Of course not, after all, we are all friendly cyclists!! It was on yet again, the pace went from 17.5 mph to 20-21, and let me tell ya, it was rough to hold this pace in order to catch those guys! After a bit of straining and pushing my limits, I was there, just grabbed their wheels before Whitmore lake, got in the pace line and moved on up. The pace line was four or five, but for some reason It seemed like it was four, we may have lost one guy during my pull in the headwind.<br />
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Did I say headwind? and must you know, all headwinds are 15 miles per hour, even if it is 5, it just is, that is how drag operates, or at least in my eyes whilst pulling a train of yellow-jackets on and through the winds! Whipish! Rawhide! Did you know the "cracking" sound you hear when a whip cracks is actually the tip passing through the sound barrier? yup, it is true.<br />
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Once we got to E. Shore and Main Street, it was my turn to pull and once we turned left onto main, the wind seemed to really pick up, like big-time. I guess the previous two miles of wheel-suck, it was my turn to pay it forward. We averaged 15 mph on that leg, I must say, it felt kind of nice helping out like that, and when I pulled off, near Whitmore Lake Rd. and 6 Mile, all three of them said thanks for the monster pull and really appreciated the effort. That was rather nice of them.<br />
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</div> We kept on moving on, but the terrain was getting steeper again, and our pace started to really slow up, but of course with the headwind, nobody was looking to go point, however I was really thinking about it at this point. After crossing N. Territorial Road, I had happen to see another RACING GREYHOUND up ahead on a <a href="http://www.quiringcycles.net/" target="_blank">Quiring </a>mountain bike moving at a very slow pace, I wonder if he is all right. I shout: "Are you all right GREYHOUND? Need a pull?" and pulled out of the Yellow-Jackets pace line and started rolling with my Team-mate, whose energy was sapped and his fingers were numb. I had offered him my hand warmers about thirty miles back, I only wonder if he really needed the warmers or was he just stubborn? We may never know, for that man is a mystery and we shall call him "Racer-X", for he is also a bad ass cyclist to boot. We stopped for some water and at this point I really needed to take a leak, in fact, so much so that I was considering knocking on someone’s door, but we had like 4 miles or so to go so it really didn't matter, I'd just wait till the bar for that.</div><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" id="mmf_blog_map" src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=983263296500&u=e&t=ride" width="400"></iframe></div><br />
After my only water break, at mile marker 36, it was time to head back into town, which was all downhill and I regret not going full speed, that would be fun! Also, that may have been the second best thing for me to do on this trip that is to take it easy. After bombing the first hill, I seemed to spring from the water break group (Have you ever noticed that in cycling races or rides, when one stops for a break, it is like the universal "We all should stop for a break" rule or it just me? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/407145_282558521803992_100001495389990_802839_1346641023_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240px" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/407145_282558521803992_100001495389990_802839_1346641023_n.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
After zipping through the park with this MTB fella we popped out onto Main and headed to the Arbor Brewing Company, checked the bicycle, pulled off the computer and went inside for some Chili and bread, as well as a few pints. I gathered more information on who was with us and riding, which came in a lot easier after I had received the actual sign in sheet from Pusher, as it turned out, 57 RACING GREYHOUNDS were there and all accrued their points for the first RGTPS of the year! Great turn out people and thanks for participating!!<br />
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As for my second Worst Day Of the Year Ride, this was my best on so many fronts. The weather was perfect, the roads were decent, the atmosphere was great afterwards, and it was FREE!<br />
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Thanks for reading this blog, I appreciate you taking out the time to read a little bit of insanity from my cycling world.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">As Per usual:</div><div style="text-align: left;">The <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/player/143928459">GARMIN</a> data.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.282552758471235.68395.100001495389990&type=3&l=261a9e9d8f" target="_blank">Pictures</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last year's ride: (very thorough writeup.) <a href="http://wannabecyclist.blogspot.com/2011/01/wannabe-cyclist-does-worst-day-of-year.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.magichat.net/" target="_blank">Magic Hat</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.arborbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Arbor Brewing Company</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the Ride DATA:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="detailsBoxTitle noIcon summary" style="text-align: center;"><b>Summary</b></div><div class="detailsBoxCollapseArea" sizcache="0" sizset="50" style="text-align: center;"><div class="detailsSummaryCategory" id="detailsOverallBox"><div class="detailsBoxDivider"></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable overall"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Distance:</td><td valign="top">41.36 mi</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Time:</td><td valign="top">2:52:24</td></tr>
<tr id="summarySectionPace" style="display: none;"><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Pace:</td><td valign="top">4:10 min/mi</td></tr>
<tr id="summarySectionSpeed"><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Speed:</td><td valign="top">14.4 mph</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Elevation Gain:</td><td valign="top">855 ft</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Calories:</td><td valign="top">3,011 C</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div><div class="detailsBox leftBox" id="detailsDetailsBox" sizcache="0" sizset="52" style="text-align: center;"><div class="detailsBoxCollapseArea" sizcache="0" sizset="52"><div class="detailsSummaryCategory" id="detailsTimingBox"><div class="detailsBoxCollapseArea"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable timing" id="timeSummary" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Time:</td><td valign="top">2:52:24</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Moving Time:</td><td valign="top">2:43:26</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Elapsed Time:</td><td valign="top">2:52:24</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable timing" id="speedSummary"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Speed:</td><td valign="top">14.4 mph</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Moving Speed:</td><td valign="top">15.2 mph</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Max Speed:</td><td valign="top">26.8 mph</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable timing" id="paceSummary" style="display: none;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Pace:</td><td valign="top">4:10 min/mi</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Moving Pace:</td><td valign="top">3:57 min/mi</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Best Pace:</td><td valign="top">2:14 min/mi</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div><div class="detailsSummaryCategory" id="detailsElevationBox"><div class="detailsBoxCollapseArea"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable elevation"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Elevation Gain:</td><td valign="top">855 ft</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Elevation Loss:</td><td valign="top">844 ft</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">MinElevation:</td><td valign="top">693 ft</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">MaxElevation:</td><td valign="top">986 ft</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div><div class="detailsSummaryCategory" id="detailsHeartRateBox" sizcache="0" sizset="52"><div class="detailsBoxDivider"></div><div class="detailsBoxTrigger expandedSmall" jquery1327426827512="6"></div><div class="detailsBoxCollapseArea" sizcache="0" sizset="52"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable heartRate" id="bpmSummary" sizcache="0" sizset="52"><tbody sizcache="0" sizset="52">
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Avg HR:</td><td valign="top">160 bpm</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Max HR:</td><td valign="top">181 bpm</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinsiqMvtb-cuA61waoNeyqS2KwBtFXAC1MW3Oq0jc-4iUbjtGWjsqTD9eqS5_9fVNyA854XSQJDaOhScfGLbdXSAmIo5eg6Ie7LrXRfptK34CZxb05MSe87GKn_NbL9jL_p1WmxFhH_A/s1600/wannabea.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinsiqMvtb-cuA61waoNeyqS2KwBtFXAC1MW3Oq0jc-4iUbjtGWjsqTD9eqS5_9fVNyA854XSQJDaOhScfGLbdXSAmIo5eg6Ie7LrXRfptK34CZxb05MSe87GKn_NbL9jL_p1WmxFhH_A/s320/wannabea.PNG" width="213px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><i>Ride Your Bike!!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">-WCFTW</div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-4408863659520301122011-12-13T19:54:00.001-05:002012-01-24T16:55:32.180-05:00Rollers and Rollers and Rollers....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-1l7i-3CEC6b792z8QwRUl5h8zrR54D5aDrF1WB-flsLIPvzjn6mA6SVKk-PMN88xlZq5TqsJXwygtKdY6vOtmlARgs08-Dp9YhMTpQUUXaJ4lN3e9TVZcaDnPFzEQ4zSX5KWfhx_LA/s1600/heADER.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="167px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-1l7i-3CEC6b792z8QwRUl5h8zrR54D5aDrF1WB-flsLIPvzjn6mA6SVKk-PMN88xlZq5TqsJXwygtKdY6vOtmlARgs08-Dp9YhMTpQUUXaJ4lN3e9TVZcaDnPFzEQ4zSX5KWfhx_LA/s320/heADER.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
Training time.<br />
-WCFTW</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-25545869813205857462011-11-11T11:11:00.065-05:002011-11-14T07:57:08.953-05:00ICEMAN COMETH CHALLENGE 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="background-color: #3d85c6; color: #cfe2f3; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinsiqMvtb-cuA61waoNeyqS2KwBtFXAC1MW3Oq0jc-4iUbjtGWjsqTD9eqS5_9fVNyA854XSQJDaOhScfGLbdXSAmIo5eg6Ie7LrXRfptK34CZxb05MSe87GKn_NbL9jL_p1WmxFhH_A/s1600/wannabea.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinsiqMvtb-cuA61waoNeyqS2KwBtFXAC1MW3Oq0jc-4iUbjtGWjsqTD9eqS5_9fVNyA854XSQJDaOhScfGLbdXSAmIo5eg6Ie7LrXRfptK34CZxb05MSe87GKn_NbL9jL_p1WmxFhH_A/s1600/wannabea.PNG" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ICEMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #3d85c6; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/303277_236483213078190_100001495389990_672742_81920252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/303277_236483213078190_100001495389990_672742_81920252_n.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><br />
WOW, what a race.<br />
I simply don't know where to begin, and quite frankly, don't know what to say. To summarise the entire race would be impossible without vivid play by play detail, and that is what I hope to expunged from my flowy literal sense, for at least 47 hundred other fellow ICE Hominids would be a potential reader therefore, IO present you with my very first ICEMAN experience.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MZIjwaZgT1E" width="640"></iframe><br />
It literally started quite some time ago, about last year during this time as I was almost a new pup on the racing greyhounds, I was hearing l;little bits and pieces from the other riders about this iceman thing and only wondered just what was all the fanfare about anyway. Everybody was himming and a hawing about this great mountain bike race in the north, I really had no idea what it could even be like, I don't even ride mountain bike trails, even though I have once or twice before in my life, I just never really had the right bike, and never really "got it" so to speak, it was quite different to my typical road rides, which in stark comparison, seem rather bland and boring really, all that asphalt, all that cement, all those cars! It is really quite different in many respects, in which , much respect must be given to all of you who mountain bike. WORD.<br />
<br />
So December came around, as did my initiation to the team, and about a week later there was already talk about reserving our rooms in a sweet beach condo right on the bay, it was already far out in my mind. Like , who would actually take the time to logistically plan out such an event, as to , have the entire team book an entire resort?! AWEZSOME! I'm In! even without a mountain bike, I was just going to try it at least once, just to see what all the fuss was about, and in hindsight, I am really happy I stuck it through.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I was all about this race, and ever will be.<br />
<br />
A week later, we continue writing via iPhone via couch. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="548" src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/127045059" style="height: 570px; width: 485px;" width="465"></iframe></div><br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/127045059" target="_blank">GARMIN DATA </a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.234979989895179.58537.100001495389990&type=1" target="_blank">MAIKERU'S PICTURES </a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2667488531626.228419.1388434562&type=1" target="_blank">MEGUMI'S PICTURES</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>SUMMARY</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Distance: 29.28 mi</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Time: 3:27:22</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Avg Pace: 7:04 min/mi</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Avg Speed: 8.5 mph</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Elevation Gain: 1,258 ft</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Calories: 3,374 C</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Details</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Timing</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Time: 3:27:22</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Moving Time: 3:08:21</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Elapsed Time: 3:27:22</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Avg Speed: 8.5 mph</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Avg Moving Speed: 9.3 mph</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Max Speed: 26.9 mph</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Avg Pace: 7:04 min/mi</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Avg Moving Pace: 6:26 min/mi</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Best Pace: 2:14 min/mi</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Speed</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pace</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Elevation</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Elevation Gain: 1,258 ft</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Elevation Loss: 1,360 ft</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Heart Rate</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Avg HR: 163 bpm</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Max HR: 187 bpm</i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84eTeVNR4xp-LtFjzx82TW7QBQr6TOj86BwJ0woT_k_b6136oQ5XrIxuaq89TZwkUgFwJkkVlayObWNNXq2d0tNv6ac1h6FSkwvapv0PXvHMVF94gouQxgTmwMMh7O6nZE7pzuPkBwo8/s1600/wannabe2a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84eTeVNR4xp-LtFjzx82TW7QBQr6TOj86BwJ0woT_k_b6136oQ5XrIxuaq89TZwkUgFwJkkVlayObWNNXq2d0tNv6ac1h6FSkwvapv0PXvHMVF94gouQxgTmwMMh7O6nZE7pzuPkBwo8/s1600/wannabe2a.PNG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
-WCFTW</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-3558659223246204682011-10-09T20:36:00.016-04:002011-11-08T20:48:37.316-05:00Tour De Livingston<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/302035_224790810914097_100001495389990_630869_1590957605_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/302035_224790810914097_100001495389990_630869_1590957605_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I love this ride, I just never remembered to blog about it, and now that I want to write about ICEMAN 2011.....<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r5uLfwqjb1M" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> The whole ride was photographed as well...<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.224787694247742.55876.100001495389990&type=1" target="_blank">Tour De Livingston Photos</a><br />
<br />
<br />
GARMIN DATA:<br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/120239258">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/120239258</a><br />
<br />
<br />
-WCFTW</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-11666017263615839212011-10-02T01:57:00.000-04:002011-10-02T01:57:53.209-04:00The Cycle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wumaps.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/mapgen?theme=severe&stdout=1&size=278x278&lat=42.37464142&lon=-83.28443909&format=gif&alpha=1&radius=148.16&r=1317534821651" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="278" width="278" src="http://wumaps.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/mapgen?theme=severe&stdout=1&size=278x278&lat=42.37464142&lon=-83.28443909&format=gif&alpha=1&radius=148.16&r=1317534821651" /></a></div><br />
The bicycle is a most interacting device as it is everything from transportation to art, and powered by you.<br />
<br />
-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-61395463186468758492011-09-30T09:24:00.001-04:002011-09-30T12:04:10.753-04:00Tour De-Troit 2011 High-Speed<iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WZSCSWrxJj0?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="459" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br />
A lovely stroll through Detroit at a higher paced playback with music by: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/perplexaMUSIC">Perplexa</a> - "Beautiful Ride" which goes more than perfectly with the video, you got to love it when YouTube's "Audio Swap" feature actually works out. <br />
<br />
If you so happen to be interested in reading about our little "tour", by all means please check out the blog writeup <strong><a href="http://wannabecyclist.blogspot.com/2011/09/tour-de-troit-2011-wannabecyclist.html">here</a></strong> for all the vids and stats.<br />
<br />
The weather here is kinda poohey lately.<br />
<br />
-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-32806318985123820512011-09-30T08:04:00.005-04:002011-09-30T13:18:38.646-04:00Rain and Cycling: YouTube Playlist #1 Use While on your Trainer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU98dOUBPb9yI1EjY-26lDLwcrWi2r58xagUgLD3N1h4hM_KO1jCc7uhZjeGD4mQOuUo9lz8hOYoDl85xjU89g0L5FvZcnb5zDCb4flUeJT63xpfsB_niJAvvXr4E0VwS5BpLBEq2Njo/s1600/IMG_6250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU98dOUBPb9yI1EjY-26lDLwcrWi2r58xagUgLD3N1h4hM_KO1jCc7uhZjeGD4mQOuUo9lz8hOYoDl85xjU89g0L5FvZcnb5zDCb4flUeJT63xpfsB_niJAvvXr4E0VwS5BpLBEq2Njo/s640/IMG_6250.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
So it has been borderline crappy outside all week, not impossible to ride, but not enjoyable by any stretch. Okay, I'm being a total marshmallow and need to follow <a href="http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/#5">Rule Number Five</a>. I was 7 microns from going riding last night but the unthinkable happened: My excuse list exceeded my do list.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">SO WATCH THIS PLAY LIST IN FULL SCREEN!</span></strong></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL9474EA5513A14597&hl=en_US&hd=1" width="720"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Total Riding time: 81 mins approx.</span></strong></div><br />
<strong>EXCUSES:</strong><br />
<br />
1. My Truck has a vibrating FRT RH Axle Shaft and is ready to fail, my truck resonates at 118 db after 45 mph and on the freeway it is insane loud, let alone the coins in my cup holder start to dance like Can-Can girls back in Vegas, it is intense. Extreme left turns completely silence the sound, let's hope it is cupping of the tyres, I doubt it entirely.<br />
<br />
2. I have a cold and blew out my neck, I was not able to turn my head without moving my body at the same time, it made fellow co-workers uncomfortable when they would come by for snacks and see me slowly cringe whilst rotating my rigor mortised upper torso slowly to peer who it was, I could have used my mirror above my monitor but my eye sight is already messed up from staring at this screen all day, why strain by looking into a pair of aviators to catch a brief glimpse of a salsa thief when you can just spin around anyway? Oh yeah, my neck is screwed up.<br />
<br />
3. The training location is Dorais Park in Detroit, about 60 miles round trip for an hour or so of intense HTFU riding / training in the cold drizzle fo shizzle... <a href="http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/#5">Rule no. 5</a> comes to mind.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Novi,+MI&daddr=42.442247,+-83.046309&hl=en&geocode=Fc4ziAId3UMG-yltmYqyPakkiDH-m4uVuM62zw%3BFQeehwIdW9AM-w&aq=0&sll=42.44163,-83.045762&sspn=0.003927,0.008014&vpsrc=6&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&safe=on&ll=42.469058,-83.259888&spn=0.243119,0.439453&z=11&output=embed" width="640"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Novi,+MI&daddr=42.442247,+-83.046309&hl=en&geocode=Fc4ziAId3UMG-yltmYqyPakkiDH-m4uVuM62zw%3BFQeehwIdW9AM-w&aq=0&sll=42.44163,-83.045762&sspn=0.003927,0.008014&vpsrc=6&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&safe=on&ll=42.469058,-83.259888&spn=0.243119,0.439453&z=11" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
It is missing out in this ride that I am really beating myself up over.<br />
<br />
4. I am almost finished reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Snob-Systematically-Mercilessly-Realigning/dp/0811869989">Bike Snob</a> and it is totally worth reading instead of riding a silly bike in the stupid rain any day.<br />
<br />
5. My Gunnar is too clean to ride in the mud.<br />
<br />
<br />
Those excuses are not worth their weight, I know, it is just too damn murkyblurky out right now and by the time I leave work (1800) it is dusk, the sadness sets in because this is exactly what I felt during winter until I HTFU, strapped some lights and blinky's on a bike and rode. I do love winter riding for some reason, that reason is that is NOT RAINING + COLD. Those two, not one or the other, are the main culprits for me staying indoors period. This must stop, or else ride rollers and watch videos, and that brings us to this lot of weirdness from my yesteryear.<br />
<br />
The goal here is to ride, watch, drink water (or tea), and get fit. The videos collectively:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lPZlOqGKY9g" width="640"></iframe><br />
<strong>[45:19] 20 videos in 24 hours Challenge!</strong><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zUjsDVRsjGQ" width="853"></iframe><br />
<strong>[11:34] Autumn Riding, The unseen video from 2009.</strong><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mge9ijZkaUg" width="640"></iframe><br />
<strong>[00:51] 1998 Destroying a door in the abandoned Hospital.</strong><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gy9IR-32qo8" width="853"></iframe><br />
<strong>[ n/a ] A Private video still, but you can at least see the image of how "big" I was before cycling.</strong><br />
<strong>Sheesh</strong>.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F5FHngQel6g" width="640"></iframe><br />
<strong>[08:43] My Custom 1982 Mercury Cougar... R.I.P. I wish I didn't scrap it. the engine ran like a top.</strong><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QYF1UC7ZHtI" width="640"></iframe><br />
<strong>[03:09] Curling Cam, my very own creation as far as I am aware. ;-)</strong><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N7IhVT8CIpA" width="640"></iframe><br />
<strong>[01:24] My very first upload to YouTube, as far as still being there and not deleted.</strong> <em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[July 17, 2006 10:06 AM ]</span></em> Many many years ago I deleted all my subs, friends, videos, mail, basically I cleaned out the whole dang thing just to support <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/13mordeth">M13</a> as he was banned from YT for talking his mind, which was slander apparently.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So what does this have anything to do about cycling anyway? Two wheels is also motorcycling.</div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ybS5N7rnG5g" width="640"></iframe><br />
<strong>[10:08] There you go, my first "Nice" Bicycle, which has nearly 3000 miles on it now.</strong><br />
<br />
I've got it! Ride the rollers while watching the whole lot! Hmmm... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/0CRAL#grid/user/9474EA5513A14597">Play list </a>incoming.<br />
I hope your rainy drizzle shut-in day was entertaining after watching these videos, thanks for your time to check them out.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">-WCFTW</div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-53980074406361889512011-09-24T17:41:00.083-04:002012-09-18T09:33:09.829-04:00Tour De-troit 2011 - WannabeCyclist<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tour-de-troit.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">TOUR DE-TROIT 2011</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The morning was perfect. Packet pickup wednesday that week was smooth and stress free. The drive in was quick and easy, and parking was a breese, (we ended up parking near Michigan Ave and wabash, just like last year at 0720.) Unloading and taking our first photos went well, we didn't forget our camera batterys and we laughed. The ride was VERY eventful, see the teaser video right below for the basic details.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/abn8Cd909fo" width="640"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Teaser Video</b></span></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WZSCSWrxJj0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The High Speed Video <span style="color: #ffd966;">*NEW*</span></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DGVYpTEuijQ" width="640"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fixie Crank Failure Translation: Operator Error (I should have double checked everything)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sUjcoV0-mmk" width="640"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The last 20 minutes of the tour, it is a very very slow pace, but at least we had fun and had a chance to see Detroit in her beauty.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lGUcOru9wUo" width="853"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Megumi gets her pants caught in the cranks! (My fault for not telling her to cuff her pants proper.)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U9hC-LA9MaE" width="853"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Porta-Jon Theory and waiting in needless lines. (Philosophy 102)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Cartoon Cycling! <span style="color: #ffd966;">*NEW*</span></span></strong></div>
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<b>Summary</b><br />
<i>Distance: 18.30 mi </i><br />
<i>Time: 2:53:22 </i><br />
<i>Avg Pace: 9:31 min/mi </i><br />
<i>Avg Speed: 6.3 mph </i><br />
<i>Elevation Gain: 71 ft </i><br />
<i>Calories: 2,472 C </i><br />
<i>Details </i><br />
<i>Timing</i><br />
<i>Time: 2:53:22 </i><br />
<i>Moving Time: 2:02:14 </i><br />
<i>Elapsed Time: 2:53:22 </i><br />
<i>Avg Speed: 6.3 mph </i><br />
<i>Avg Moving Speed: 9.0 mph </i><br />
<i>Max Speed: 52.0 mph </i><br />
<i>Avg Pace: 9:31 min/mi </i><br />
<i>Avg Moving Pace: 6:41 min/mi </i><br />
<i>Best Pace: 1:09 min/mi </i><br />
<i>SpeedPaceElevation</i><br />
<i>Elevation Gain: 71 ft </i><br />
<i>Elevation Loss: 72 ft</i> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are some great pictures too!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIFJpchMN-Kg-XYashXpju6LEtKEQ5f6dGZjngBUJ-KsD5l5upsvbhAqWPmmn61K-rTY0AYk3m8E1zeBfGDhTjqEf9HVa4qy61YOhJZJEqlX8nBD5hpDMvSfEmPfyZGuUG-X7vKsrauc/s1600/DSC02884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIFJpchMN-Kg-XYashXpju6LEtKEQ5f6dGZjngBUJ-KsD5l5upsvbhAqWPmmn61K-rTY0AYk3m8E1zeBfGDhTjqEf9HVa4qy61YOhJZJEqlX8nBD5hpDMvSfEmPfyZGuUG-X7vKsrauc/s320/DSC02884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
There were many people from all over here in the "D" it is too bad we don't come out more often.<br />
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These people shots are kinda filler shots, a bit boring IMHO, but I wanted to show a bit of the mayhem before the actual ride. I totally omitted much of the video taking this year, saved the majority for the long <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUjcoV0-mmk">20 minute ride</a> in my video collection.<br />
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This is what 4000 people look like from a low vantage point, wouldn't it be sweet to see this shot from the roof of the Train Station? I think it should be vlogged proper. <br />
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The best part of a ride like this is the bringing together of all the people, mostly recks, but people nevertheless who want to get into the cycling atmosphere and have a good time. We really need to do more mini rides, i included, need to get out there, they exist, there is the "<a href="http://beatthetrain.com/">Beat The Train</a> Ride" and Crit Mass, but i never make the time for them, and feel kinda guilty for that, like I am less of a cyclist for not showing up to at least one of these cool events.<br />
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Did I mention that I love my Schwinn Traveler Commuter Fixie? It is true, this bike rocks and is a total blast to ride, when the cranks are built right!<br />
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A bizarre random shot, look at the balance and chaos in the shot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCZOuFi9eU7hUqwZNaVg88vRwJSIOdBDrfQ4jnLHGd_RD7qPJeIfV5vAoC4ugpLnniqDj9klPDZJOtyMx_Zp11frRIh5DMiAIThtbBJEmtCStWTDQsSyzD4clVK4THUiQ1S7kc0Tv5iE/s1600/DSC02913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCZOuFi9eU7hUqwZNaVg88vRwJSIOdBDrfQ4jnLHGd_RD7qPJeIfV5vAoC4ugpLnniqDj9klPDZJOtyMx_Zp11frRIh5DMiAIThtbBJEmtCStWTDQsSyzD4clVK4THUiQ1S7kc0Tv5iE/s400/DSC02913.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
So what happened in a nutshell is this: I rush built my crank set to my new 103mm shortened BB, it was so tight the crank arms were binding up against the BB, it was failure from the start, that was Friday night. I had to bust out the grinder and grind down a few millimeters on both crank arms to get this to work properly. it was still too damn tight. The Lock ring for the BB was missing in the rush as well, see last set of videos tomorrow for details. so in order to keep from running too tight, I stopped grinding the cranks and just left the cranks "kinda loose" so it would work. This ended up wiggling loose during the ride and I finally took the damn thing off and put it in my pocket until we made it to the break area. It was there we found a cool SAG fella with a totally bitching custom army green commuter hauler bike, he lent me a 14 mm socket and a custom bent ratchet and viola! we were back in business and rolling again.<br />
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Our cute lil' bicycles were cuddling while we went off to eat our food and give away our beer tickets. Yep, standing in a line was worth too much time as it were, it was cheaper to go to the cooler and pop a few tops, just kidding, we were rolling outta there soon so we didn't have time to play.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Time for Michigan Central Station</span></b></div>
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After the bike ride we just milled about and took pictures of the Train Station all the while tempting ourselvese to go inside and explore, but it was REALLY posted and razor wired off, there were other ways in but we were not prepared with our lights and proper gear. If you are so ever inclined to explore Detroit and all the abandoned buildings around here, please visit this channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/bagaauwk?blend=3&ob=5">Bagaauwk</a> He is the REAL DEAL.<br />
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All in all, this was a very well planned event, special thanks to all the Detroit police officers that escotred us, blocked traffic, and gave us warm friendly smiles as we greeted them from our bicycles, you all are very appreciated. hanks go out to all of you who helped with catering, electrical, beer, sound, SAG, and organization to this great event.<br />
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Hmm... Back to cuddling bicycles again, I guess it is time to stop writing this blog for now! Stay tuned because I will edit a really cool TDT video in the coming hours, it will rock!<br />
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The sunset on the 24th of September, 2011.</div>
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<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/116739073">GARMIN</a> DATA for all you data nerds.<br />
<i><b><span style="color: red;">[Note: As of 20110926 there are more videos and footage going to be uploaded so stay tuned!]</span></b></i><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: #ea9999;">[Note: As of 20110930 there are 2 more videos added to this blog!]</span></em></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011 Tour De-Troit / Wannabe Cyclist</td></tr>
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-WCFTW</div>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-9773511761856198022011-09-19T17:36:00.000-04:002011-09-26T17:36:55.863-04:00My Velospace Schwinn FixieI finally have my Schwinn Traveler just about where I want it to be, it is a BA Fixie Commuter, here is the latest and greatest.<br />
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NeyG0kqWCbs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
That was a brief "Bike Check" last week, it since then has a custom spash guard made from an old tyre.<br />
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Here is the review in <a Frame / Size / Year:
Schwinn / Traveler / 51cm I think? / 1981
Handlebars / Stem:
Schwinn MTB bars cut four inches off the ends (2" per side). / Alloy Quill type.
Fork / Headset:
Schwinn Traveler Steel / Sall and cup Schwinn standard
Front Wheel / Hub / Rim / Tire:
Vuelta 700c Zero Lite Track Wheelset (Best bang for the buck). / Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy Tyres.
Rear Wheel / Hub / Rim / Tire:
Vuelta 700c Zero Lite Track Wheelset (Best bang for the buck). Flip-flop 18t - 16t / Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy Tyres.
Crankset / Bottom Bracket:
Sinz 175mm crankset. / Sunlite Square taper - Comp Cartridge BB 68mm - 103mm steel
Saddle / Seat Post:
WTB saddle / Chrome seat mast.
Pedals / Chain:
Avenir Road Pedals w/ Toe Clips and Straps, 9/16" axle. / SRAM PC 1 Snaplock Bicycle Chain. SS.
Shifters / Derailers:
One Gear...
Brakes / Brake Levers:
Dia-compe centerpull (Stock) / Schwinn Lever
Gearing / Chainring / Misc.:
(44:18 [4.7 65.4 SS - 44:16 [5.3] 73.6 gear inches FIXED) Sugino 44t chainring (110 BCD)
Suspension:
Tyre Pressure
Notes:
Got this bicycle from an impound yard as a stock, well ridden Traveler, look at my videos on the http://www.WannabeCyclist.com for more info. I love this bike.
Handbuilt 700c Alloy Track Wheelset
Rim: 30mm medium-V 6061 aluminum pinned clincher rim with CNC-machined sides
Spokes: 2.0mm stainless steel w/brass nipples, 3X front/rear
Hubs: 32H front/32H rear design w/high-quality ball bearings
Extras: 16T fixed gear cog, urethane-coated nylon rim strips
Compatibility: Fixed gear & singlespeed freewheel
Colors: Black, Red, Blue, White Pink and Polished
Weight: Front 1007g/Rear 1144g = Pair 2151g
href="http://velospace.org/node/39195">Velospace</a>, I hope you enjoy!<br />
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-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-55577010649516731092011-09-16T17:36:00.001-04:002011-09-26T17:41:09.195-04:00Bike Path Cleanup [I-275 Metro Trail]<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qCGa4bj21oM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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There was a very dangerous stick in the way, I had to make this better.<br />
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-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-61769176682048172852011-09-16T13:03:00.006-04:002011-09-16T13:20:50.644-04:00Single Speed Commute - Schwinn Traveler Custom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">YO!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NeyG0kqWCbs" width="640"></iframe></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As per usual, the GARMIN date for your viewing pleasure right <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/114720254">HERE</a>.</div><br />
So Here is the story:<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I awoke to one of MANY alarms this morning around 0530 ish in Canton while still dreaming about fixies and skid stopping, it dawned on me that today would be the coldest day of summer, as for commuting goes. It must be noted that I am no slouch when it comes to cold weather riding, in fact, I do quite a bit of icy rides and enjoy them quite much actually, to name a few, the <a href="http://wannabecyclist.blogspot.com/2011/01/wannabe-cyclist-does-worst-day-of-year.html">Worst Ride Of The Year </a>comes to mind, this was a doosey! and the <a href="http://wannabecyclist.blogspot.com/2011/03/barry-roubaix-2011-recap-from-average.html">Barry Roubaix</a> wasn't too far off the pucker factor either with a freezing temperature of SEVEN degrees F! Needless to say, I love commuting and don't mind the cold at all, it is soothing to me.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPygJ0cpKObJuEYZ6wt5Mg5y6kvH5c_XnRtcGcw7UiQCaVraQjNtXcNv96UwtgWKaz6-Yq4W_g3Zi686CP2j3ZxwvgPHhGtzpiIj5DgvshWhqIL5sBHEWSgrbldRSiNjEd2aPs4xQlefc/s1600/sunrise+0700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPygJ0cpKObJuEYZ6wt5Mg5y6kvH5c_XnRtcGcw7UiQCaVraQjNtXcNv96UwtgWKaz6-Yq4W_g3Zi686CP2j3ZxwvgPHhGtzpiIj5DgvshWhqIL5sBHEWSgrbldRSiNjEd2aPs4xQlefc/s320/sunrise+0700.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>This was today at 0700, it was actually quite nicer, I missed the shot as I was trying to get passed Ford Rd and on to the trail (I-275 Bike Path) so this shot was taken at Ann Arbor Trail and the path. The commute was very brisk thereafter as I decided to stow my yellow rain jacket atop my luggage. Honestly I was contemplating putting my jacket back on, but followed <a href="http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/#5">RULE #5</a> and kept on keeping on.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The commute was rather enjoyable and at a decent pace, all things considered, since I was rolling on my heavy commuter with gear all up hill, in the rain, and sleet and snow... barefoot.. okay not bare foot but it was a good workout all the same.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSziWiWhM8whaKnNSD7TPARaRkkttXY3eQemb-KNp1VdPvg0ehxBJmBa5Kx0TZ86IqBSzHtmAT0CoYeVT4pciRoxJf0piOj1wS__WHqDfvA-zdhp4lrrbSes1nEIjd8PGIoeO5I_WRNU/s1600/sunrise+0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSziWiWhM8whaKnNSD7TPARaRkkttXY3eQemb-KNp1VdPvg0ehxBJmBa5Kx0TZ86IqBSzHtmAT0CoYeVT4pciRoxJf0piOj1wS__WHqDfvA-zdhp4lrrbSes1nEIjd8PGIoeO5I_WRNU/s320/sunrise+0800.JPG" width="320px" /></a>An hour and ten or so later we ended up at work, and made the aforementioned video doing the "Bike Check" and then after editing the video and upping it via iPhone to YouTube, I noticed something in the picture... it was something missing and now I want you to play Along with me and try to find it, be honest and you will enjoy the game more that way. First I present you with a photo of today, after shooting the video.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Great HUH?!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbv-8VXTEyQexObP30M5Yu1JXHeQ-FK3sSbbwXRum-C1z9J1P-Ks-CojczOWGNUgW8OsJPElpk_AzO1P6C2YtCZit3nu4fsyz7uVWpufIbseMotz54GRfjjA8wS9NKpRjkDfWXVWR1eE/s1600/1981+schwinn+traveler+ss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbv-8VXTEyQexObP30M5Yu1JXHeQ-FK3sSbbwXRum-C1z9J1P-Ks-CojczOWGNUgW8OsJPElpk_AzO1P6C2YtCZit3nu4fsyz7uVWpufIbseMotz54GRfjjA8wS9NKpRjkDfWXVWR1eE/s640/1981+schwinn+traveler+ss.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, scroll down if you want to see the answer</span>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Hint: It was below the Play Arrow on the YouTube video above.</em></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I wasn't kidding.</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">BOOM!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWd1AaYgTAJEbAMFwdMhyphenhyphenQr5UVsz3-3aZS22eEJKD8i0SJ6xsr0aF_uCVQ3AS7lAhOVn7dtSP1UBoH7VjwNgg4khqnoQJWIPQsrEFxAwLDUQOPBfPzx_npfFYPBTegKGUdk7XNuRgpUk/s1600/no+blinky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWd1AaYgTAJEbAMFwdMhyphenhyphenQr5UVsz3-3aZS22eEJKD8i0SJ6xsr0aF_uCVQ3AS7lAhOVn7dtSP1UBoH7VjwNgg4khqnoQJWIPQsrEFxAwLDUQOPBfPzx_npfFYPBTegKGUdk7XNuRgpUk/s400/no+blinky.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">NO BLINKY!!! Whisky Tango Foxtrot!</div><br />
I lost my damn blinker!! Not just a blinker but my very first blinker i had purchased two years ago in this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX8hbeDtiUg">video</a>. So it is <b>SPECIAL</b> to me. I must have lost it between Seven Mile and work, most likely on the bumpy service drive, which compels me to ride back the same way to find it. I was planning on exploring a new site, however in hindsight, it would be far too dangerous going alone dressed in a Pink tight shirt, self preservation is key here. ;-) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.info-komen.org/images/PP/thermometer-101.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160px" src="http://www.info-komen.org/images/PP/thermometer-101.gif" width="65px" /></a></div>We did meet our goal for the <a href="http://wannabecyclist.blogspot.com/2011/08/komen-ride-for-cure-aug-6-2011.html">Komen for the Cure</a> benefit thought, here is my page as it stands today. I want to publicly thank each and every one of you for contributing, that means you Dan, thank you very much brother! I single Dan out because he is the only one who reads my blog, at this time anyway. I'm content with that as I really don't post anything that cool anyway.<br />
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Well, that is my lunch hour, I must finish and check the grammar later. it is a fine good day and I would like to share a Bible verse with you now, it goes something like this:<br />
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<strong><em>1 Corinthians 16:14 </em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>"Let all your things be done with love."</em></strong> <br />
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-WCFTW</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbv-8VXTEyQexObP30M5Yu1JXHeQ-FK3sSbbwXRum-C1z9J1P-Ks-CojczOWGNUgW8OsJPElpk_AzO1P6C2YtCZit3nu4fsyz7uVWpufIbseMotz54GRfjjA8wS9NKpRjkDfWXVWR1eE/s640/1981+schwinn+traveler+ss.JPG" width="640px" /></div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com1Novi, MI, USA42.479235800050219 -83.436206813671942.433261800050218 -83.4969758136719 42.52520980005022 -83.375437813671908tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-30423249547818962222011-09-11T17:10:00.006-04:002011-09-26T17:28:49.138-04:00Cruisin' Boozin' And Losin'...So I rode a cruiser bike today... and I liked it.<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">September 11th I went for a good ol' bike ride on the ol' lady's <a href="http://www.huffy.com/products/PanamaJack.aspx">TOTALLY BADASS SWEET CRUISER</a> BIKE and gave the built in bottle opener a good test, four times with some sweet <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/703/7211">Erdinger N/A beers</a>. I ride the I-275 metro trail to Morton Taylor trailhead near Michigan Ave, it was a totally fun ride!<br />
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<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4dL-prlMgLA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<div class="detailsBoxTitle noIcon summary">Summary</div><div class="detailsBoxCollapseArea"><div class="detailsSummaryCategory" id="detailsOverallBox"><div class="detailsBoxDivider"></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable overall"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Distance:</td><td valign="top">11.43 mi</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Time:</td><td valign="top">1:17:17</td></tr>
<tr id="summarySectionPace" style="display: none;"><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Pace:</td><td valign="top">6:46 min/mi</td></tr>
<tr id="summarySectionSpeed"><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Speed:</td><td valign="top">8.9 mph</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Elevation Gain:</td><td valign="top">30 ft</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Calories:</td><td valign="top">1,343 C</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="clearBoth"></div></div><div class="detailsBox leftBox" id="detailsDetailsBox"><div class="detailsBoxTrigger expanded" jquery1317071917774="8"></div><div class="detailsBoxTitle noIcon">Details </div><div class="detailsBoxCollapseArea"><div class="detailsSummaryCategory" id="detailsTimingBox"><div class="detailsBoxDivider"></div><div class="detailsBoxTrigger expandedSmall" jquery1317071917774="9"></div><div class="detailsBoxTitle timing">Timing</div><div class="detailsBoxCollapseArea"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable timing" id="timeSummary" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Time:</td><td valign="top">1:17:17</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Moving Time:</td><td valign="top">58:02</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Elapsed Time:</td><td valign="top">1:28:41</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable timing" id="speedSummary"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Speed:</td><td valign="top">8.9 mph</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Moving Speed:</td><td valign="top">11.8 mph</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Max Speed:</td><td valign="top">21.3 mph</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable timing" id="paceSummary" style="display: none;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Pace:</td><td valign="top">6:46 min/mi</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Avg Moving Pace:</td><td valign="top">5:05 min/mi</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Best Pace:</td><td valign="top">2:49 min/mi</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="detailsBoxToggleWrapper"><div class="detailsBoxToggle toggleSelected" id="speedButton" jquery1317071917774="41">Speed</div><div class="detailsBoxToggle " id="paceButton" jquery1317071917774="42">Pace</div></div></div></div><div class="detailsSummaryCategory" id="detailsElevationBox"><div class="detailsBoxDivider"></div><div class="detailsBoxTrigger expandedSmall" jquery1317071917774="10"></div><div class="detailsBoxTitle elevation">Elevation</div><div class="detailsBoxCollapseArea"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable elevation"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Elevation Gain:</td><td valign="top">30 ft</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="145">Elevation Loss:</td><td valign="top">35 ft</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div><div class="clearBoth"></div></div></div><br />
All In all, I love her cruiser bike. A Lot.<br />
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-WCFTW</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-34762964586522379642011-09-09T17:37:00.000-04:002011-09-26T17:38:51.904-04:00Scatterbrain Cyclist - In a Mind's Eye<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RdhF5soBWic?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br />
<br />
-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-4617738441901644312011-09-02T00:26:00.007-04:002011-09-02T16:38:03.307-04:00Commuting Hundreds of Miles...私は一方通行にし、17マイル、約仕事から私の自転車に乗る<iframe width="640" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ue13mqu_Gcc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Seventeen mile commute to work from Canton, all bike path, and all awesome. This saves in petrol consumption dramatically, in fact, it saves 40 miles round trip which is about six trips on my 255 mile 66 dollar petrol tank. Roughly 15 MPG and that is the savings of Ten bucks per commute, at the cost of three thousand or so calories, which could be replenished by eating ten bucks worth of food... However, it should be doubly noted that such activity benefits the human body in more ways than just burning fat. Let me expraign...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://usdotblog.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551eea4f588340133ecf7b675970b-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="440" width="640" src="http://usdotblog.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551eea4f588340133ecf7b675970b-800wi" /></a></div>We ride our bikes for a great many reasons, some overlapping into others but all with the general consensus that there is a tremendous gain psychologically and physical towards our human bodies, that it becomes somewhat of a drug, a very extensive drug that melds into our every day lives, one spoke at a time, and one hipster fixie in Royal Oak at a time too, the Plymouth Hipsters don't ride as much. With that said, suffice it to say: commuting by bicycle can be totally rad like Helltrack bit without Mr. Duke Best's smug grin whilst riding his 24" Mongoose BMX. Where is this blog going now you might ask? Dunno, I'm laying in bed writing this on my iPhone hoping the grammar is correct and I am hoping to post some pictures in this post later on today at lunch time, just so you may see some of my commute. It truly rocks and feels so wonderful when I get to work an hour and half later, it is like stepping on the moon Eruopa for the first time, such analogy is moot as you or I have never been there. The Endorphins are released in our bodies and help create the euphoric, floatiy, and dreamy state there after riding all that way, be sure to carb up too! Well, I leave in a few hours so I must carry on later, until then, stay vigilant people, I will post an addendum to this here post.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ironhorseclothing.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/drunk-cyclist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="450" src="http://ironhorseclothing.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/drunk-cyclist.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>UPDATE!<br />
</b><br />
My morning commute: <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/111225066">GARMIN</a><br />
How is that for some bike path fun!!! I have a video and lotsa pics coming up, I might add as a new blog entry due to the size and quanity.<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE NUMBER TWO!!</b><br />
A Nice Slideshow with some nice X-tian Music from the Kry in it:<br />
<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tsNINRvZ4O4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
The Very Last part of my Commute, the rough section:<br />
<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z_TSsS4r6X4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
All in all, the I-275 Bike Path is a straight shot and one of the mmore enjoyable rides, even though we are riding to work!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-55644914189418119982011-08-07T08:55:00.000-04:002011-08-10T09:27:54.909-04:00Hines Park TT 2011 -Wannabecyclist- 32nd Place in MerckxSweet! 37:33.01 I shaved off a whole 59 seconds and five tenths of a second from <a href="http://www.saddlemen.org/results/2010ResultsAll.pdf">last years</a> time of 38:32.51. :) <a href="http://www.usacycling.org/results/?permit=2011-2770">32nd</a> in the Merckx, movin' on up...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpp-jXOqCi3SRyAm1AsWyy5q2y4QgaPZH5hvLRZyKDUVMxDj3IqJOVvg1ufhbXez9lgOBzGfgG9eHpdtE6k-C6cOce8rblxABB8-m8eVELolMv1QNglj-4dRG3HZREK7QwgL3FEPZX5A/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpp-jXOqCi3SRyAm1AsWyy5q2y4QgaPZH5hvLRZyKDUVMxDj3IqJOVvg1ufhbXez9lgOBzGfgG9eHpdtE6k-C6cOce8rblxABB8-m8eVELolMv1QNglj-4dRG3HZREK7QwgL3FEPZX5A/s400/photo.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/#4">Rule #4</a>: it is all about the bike, period. <br />
Lighter = Better times at same wattage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyZmrXk41_65Fn3pyaGEK66JfILOrRfSHkSys-kWYlf-PJWH_dyKsuT5KRqzg25qips8zxWX19YSEeISBeZ_qXH5wGLz4Fz9YBq3qfyxO8z1BviaIgyNSWTupHS4lxgB3TmWjcKAAiKk/s1600/IMG_0313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="100" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyZmrXk41_65Fn3pyaGEK66JfILOrRfSHkSys-kWYlf-PJWH_dyKsuT5KRqzg25qips8zxWX19YSEeISBeZ_qXH5wGLz4Fz9YBq3qfyxO8z1BviaIgyNSWTupHS4lxgB3TmWjcKAAiKk/s400/IMG_0313.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104890536">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104890536<br />
</a><br />
<br />
<b>Sun, 7 Aug 2011 10:04 Eastern Time (US & Canada)</b><br />
<br />
<b>Activity Type:</b> Cycling | <br />
<b>Event Type:</b> Special Event <br />
12.3 miles in 37:36 at 19.7 mph avg. -582.5c--75.5fc-- 27.3 max. [from a computer mapped to a 32mm tyre but rolling on 28's. ============= <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/78501512">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/78501512</a> Compare to my best: 36:48 riding a 52:16 fixie with no brakes, water, tools, and shaved legs. Same conditions roughly, energy may have been more during the RGTPS race plus I had great Moral support. <br />
<br />
<b>Overall</b><br />
Time: 00:37:32 <br />
Distance: 12.14 mi <br />
Elevation Gain: 114 ft <br />
Calories: 748 C <br />
<br />
<b>Timing<br />
</b><br />
Time: 00:37:32 <br />
Moving Time: 00:37:32 <br />
Elapsed Time: 00:37:32 <br />
Avg Speed: 19.4 mph <br />
Avg Moving Speed: 19.4 mph <br />
Max Speed: 25.9 mph <br />
Avg Pace: 03:05 min/mi <br />
Avg Moving Pace: 03:05 min/mi <br />
Best Pace: 02:18 min/mi <br />
SpeedPaceElevation<br />
Elevation Gain: 114 ft <br />
Elevation Loss: 186 ft <br />
Min Elevation: 589 ft <br />
Max Elevation: 699 ft <br />
<br />
<b>Heart Rate<br />
</b><br />
Avg HR: 175 bpm <br />
Max HR: 182 bpm <br />
Avg HR: 95 % of Max <br />
Max HR: 98 % of Max <br />
Avg HR: 5.5 z <br />
Max HR: 5.8 z <br />
Zones% of Max bpm<br />
<br />
<b>What I would do differently next year:<br />
</b><br />
<i>1. Better carb loading<br />
2. Don't ride a 60 miler the previous day.<br />
3. Rule number 5.<br />
5. Build a lighter / sleeker bicycle<br />
6. Shave my hippy ass body proper.<br />
7. Have a well oiled chain and free spinning hubs.<br />
8. Fix the shoe cleats.<br />
</i><br />
All in all I had fun and I am happy that I beat my crappy time from last year, even if by a minute, it is still improvement.<br />
<br />
<br />
-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-6786373018225173902011-08-06T17:15:00.002-04:002011-08-08T13:27:07.666-04:00Komen - Ride For The Cure 2011<iframe width="640" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6vVQryG5fXI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
60 miler in 3:30, so far our best time on the bike, as for road touring times. <b>Garmin Data:</b> <br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104478208">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104478208</a> <br />
<br />
Help us reach our goal of $500:<br />
<a href="http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/LAN_Mid-MichiganAffiliate?px=8969397&pg=personal&fr_id=2100">DONATE NOW!! </a><br />
We need just a few more donations to make the 500 mark! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQgR4_yWAJiiJLnxlPRxnjLLFTfhgsj27hhfy1e-u8jkUc59HY65_Yr6YM8cWqelvHaYGSSf3DtA7MDGrUp0KHtQnD7HT0RJvadD1w84m19gvetpiOKYYeuU89mE3C8is1f_50g1r2tU/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQgR4_yWAJiiJLnxlPRxnjLLFTfhgsj27hhfy1e-u8jkUc59HY65_Yr6YM8cWqelvHaYGSSf3DtA7MDGrUp0KHtQnD7HT0RJvadD1w84m19gvetpiOKYYeuU89mE3C8is1f_50g1r2tU/s320/IMG_0352.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I want to sincerely and personally thank every one of you who contributed a donation for this cause, I understand it is a tough time for everybody financially these days. I have uploaded a 3 minute 30 second video briefly glimpsing some of the event as the day had progressed. I usually video record many bits of footage, but have just come off of having a broken wrist, things are slightly more difficult there.<br />
<br />
I hope to keep you all posted by September of any further updates.<br />
<br />
Thank you all so very much, <br />
<br />
-Michael Lorenger<br />
A.K.A. The Wannabecyclist<br />
<br />
<br />
-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-56570946994751353662011-06-18T15:50:00.001-04:002011-06-18T19:31:46.409-04:00It Has Been a WhileSince a real post here in this blog, or any of my many Internet persona's for that matter, suffice it to say, I have been busy. Or lazy, depending on how you want to look at things for there is really no excuse to not vlog or blog proper, considering all the interesting and amasing events that have come to fruition in my life both on and off the bike. Since this is a bicycle site we shall keep it that way, however a few bits of personal shall arise and help your understanding of the Wannabecyclist tends to be a tad bit... shall we say "odd"?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD03jhIpHmqMPJbN6afF9nAld_ihorWIimW4yeN_gJpAxL2ZTHD6GYG-Sm1uoaaKefbs5aPjLUyWBSPnrPyovL3Mwqyuvjk9Nd6kEsT5aqmopZ3SVn_K5JnoBmelRfLhQ3VGo1LxATzE/s1600/259524_173719812687864_100001495389990_447767_95000_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD03jhIpHmqMPJbN6afF9nAld_ihorWIimW4yeN_gJpAxL2ZTHD6GYG-Sm1uoaaKefbs5aPjLUyWBSPnrPyovL3Mwqyuvjk9Nd6kEsT5aqmopZ3SVn_K5JnoBmelRfLhQ3VGo1LxATzE/s400/259524_173719812687864_100001495389990_447767_95000_o.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote>Hi Maikeru,<br />
You have deactivated your Facebook account. You can reactivate your account at any time by logging into Facebook using your old login email and password. You will be able to use the site like you used to.<br />
Thanks,<br />
The Facebook Team</blockquote><br />
Whoops!~~<br />
<br />
Did I just do that? What did he do?, you might ask.<br />
Simple.<br />
<b><br />
What I did was this: </b> <br />
I began to take my life back, one small portion at a time. What this entails is quite simple yet so very difficult as the flesh wants to hold on to it, to keep it, to nourish it, to slowly become addicted to it. What "it" is could mean many things for a vast slew of people, for me it was (amongst many things) the instant gratification of show and freakin' tell. "Look what I made!" Awwe Mai, it looks great!" so on and so forth, the self serving self gratifying, self important self needs to be quashed and extinguished in order to grow, at least in my minds eye at this point in time.<br />
<br />
<b>So why delete everything?</b><br />
Are you not being more self sorting and greedy by keeping your "art" to yourself? Yes, to some extent I am, and believe you me, it is difficult, hence the immediate blog post herein, but far from the point. I am an overachiever in many... err.. An "over-sharer" in many hobbies, this leads to illusions of grandeur and self-importance, which is impolite and quite vain to boot. The illusion is fine if helping others, but who am I really helping?" not even me, in fact, quite diametrically, I am destroying myself, slowly but surely, I am becoming a attention starved human who diverts constructive energy into "social-media" thus de-valuing and dithering the content, although masked as "sharing" what is really happing is I am throwing up all over the Internet with incessant media-vomit that, quite frankly, nobody really needs to see, hear, or experience, rather, they , if were so interested, could search out for my "works" and view as they desire, rather to be force fed on a daily basis. This can be objectionable as the counter argument could be something to the tune of: "Well, if I don't want to read it, I won't.", or "I like to read your news feed." and again, I am in the wrong for keeping it all in, which is what I am getting at in this post anyway, discussion soon to follow.<br />
<br />
I am rambling in a wordy sense, partially because I want to "show" you how educated I am, or my grammatical prowess with the English vernacular proper, but in all actuality I am writing this way because it is the circular, roundabout way of my pen, it is in fact my style. Also, this is due to my not writing anything in well over a few months time, and boy do I have so much to write. I really would like to write all the missing bits that were supposed to be in this blog, all my cycling exploits up until I got hit by a car a month ago to the date. So this is really a preface, an introduction to all the crafty stuff I may or may not write in this blog, after all, am I still over sharing? Am I having fun doing this? Both answers are a definite "Yes" which is cool, to some extent, after all I am an artist type who likes to make stuff and share it, or, photograph stuff and share it, like all the wonderful sunsets we have had in the past noticeable years, but that is a rather infinite focal point.<br />
<br />
In limbo yet again, to shut it all down, even to go as far as privatising all my video content on all my you-tube channels. All for what? Is it so I can really have my simple life back, where I didn't need all this extra stuff, like this blog here. I am aimlessly clicking away at this blog post hoping for clarity and resolve, from within it is, and it is happening rather quickly, or the realisation that is. I am realising that I will be a human being forever stuck in a social media apparatus and the big debate is this: Should I remove myself from this world of Internet to help value my creations to make them so few and far between, a sought after gem if you will? Should I just keep yammering away and posting my every move for you to see, like my perfectly double tapered deuce I had the other day? I mean come on now.<br />
<br />
I am not in anyway trolling for permission or support in these rather moot questions of insignificance, but rather, I am just rambling about nothing relating to bicycles at all, in fact, this blog post really shouldn't be here anyway, but really, who really reads these or actually gives two pence. Maybe in my death, these posts may someday be interesting to some people out there with similar woes in life, and maybe I could help enlighten just one soul, one soul who may have been like me, and after reading this they will say: "Boy, I sure don't want to end up like that guy." and my mission is complete, for that one soul may have the understanding that I was helplessly trying to convey in less than 12000 words, but couldn't because there was jst so much in there. <br />
<br />
I may write again people, or I may not, I may never write again in this blog or the Internet, and just fade away until all my domains expire, my body decays, my memories dissolve, and my lasting mark on mankind as just am average Joe artist type who shared too much on social media sites, had am epiphany, shut it all down and did nothing of importance.<br />
<br />
It has been fun people, remember to ride your bike every day or you will get depressed and only suggest to others of what to do rather than actually doing it for your selves.<br />
<br />
later.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-14534920817754149762011-03-31T11:52:00.004-04:002011-03-31T15:26:27.298-04:00Barry Roubaix 2011 Recap- From an average Joe cyclist point of view #601Lookey Lookey! Wannabe is racing his commuter/CX <b>Gunnar Fastlane</b> bike in the <br />
<a href="http://www.barry-roubaix.com/">Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race</a>!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199545_156256837767495_100001495389990_336009_3519292_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="800" width="534" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199545_156256837767495_100001495389990_336009_3519292_n.jpg" /></a></div><center><i>Photo credit:</i> Hans Nyberg at <a href="www.tenmilemedia.com">Tenmilemedia</a></center><br />
<br />
<center><b>(*__*)<br />
</b> <iframe title="Barry Roubaix Men's Elite 65 Highlights 2011" width="480" height="270" src="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/embed/MTEyNDgxMzI5" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><p><a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/238601-Barry-Roubaix-The-Killer-Gravel-Road-Race">Watch more video of Barry-Roubaix: The Killer Gravel Road Race on cyclingdirt.org</a></p><b><i>LOOK!!! at the 2:00 minute mark Number 601!! That is me!!!<br />
</i></b><b>Extreme Gravel Racing!<br />
</b></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOJozCOH6yxEyWAAa6JIV8c6wfLG4cUqe6RZ7-u61ft-A4vbUtsOm9H-lLLM3NyTmURxxNKPpngDkjMymlMPypss4OtMMFAqJW__Bh-fm1cZXWf1pUyAjT444oFLCYa47G1suv4sOpYw/s1600/Barry-Roubaix-2011-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOJozCOH6yxEyWAAa6JIV8c6wfLG4cUqe6RZ7-u61ft-A4vbUtsOm9H-lLLM3NyTmURxxNKPpngDkjMymlMPypss4OtMMFAqJW__Bh-fm1cZXWf1pUyAjT444oFLCYa47G1suv4sOpYw/s200/Barry-Roubaix-2011-1.jpg" /></a></div>Oh where to begin... was it the eighteen degrees biting cold wintry snap that held our attention, or was it the fact that it was my very first road race?<br />
<br />
At first I was all jittery and confused, didn’t know whether to wear my boots or my canvas shoes with toe warmers, glad I chose the latter, and whether or not to wear my other jacket, just wrapped up in my team kit and a sweater I was very cold, but this was at idle, which would surely change once we started pedaling about like mad men / women. So this is the Wannabe all dressed up in the RACING GREYHOUND team kit for the first time, a great day to try something new, on a less than perfect day of 18 degrees! But at least the sun was shining bright; this made a HUGE difference in all of our rides, guaranteed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79KuHJ54uIp5CZUttnDKfuGz2ufl15SKl6Veuhy3FaoB35iJs8-KDM-TEB7OCnAudAkoZlTfdvlVAN-mswCCHL5h1V8Qu0yrk0xK8kmm2olWrDUOp0eGP_wCkGtmxwUquGkNVJeYrQ30/s1600/Barry-Roubaix-2011-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79KuHJ54uIp5CZUttnDKfuGz2ufl15SKl6Veuhy3FaoB35iJs8-KDM-TEB7OCnAudAkoZlTfdvlVAN-mswCCHL5h1V8Qu0yrk0xK8kmm2olWrDUOp0eGP_wCkGtmxwUquGkNVJeYrQ30/s400/Barry-Roubaix-2011-2.jpg" /></a></div><center><b>Cold Crisp Spring day on Gun Lake</b></center><br />
<br />
My initial excitement grew when I had realised that there was an absolute no turning back during warm up, and I had to just make do with what gear I was wearing and how my bike was set up, which was perfect as far as I could tell, I really wouldn’t change a thing but maybe clean the chain and use a dry wax lubricant instead of the oily lot that was on there gathering all that grime and grit from the road, thus causing inadvertent shifting errors and other crazy things we shall delve into at a more proper segment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgY0mBmLJSVNRAYLBUHbLXwUUvvDLoll5yq_zLw2sRj42imSyv9nMM00PONZd7rxRQ5cNPbb9urt74gXoxiI77sM8wPIMPO0Y5YlQ5FE2f_xyAClKi9U16n5vOi-uwzOtSqAH0L3aang/s1600/Barry-Roubaix-2011-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgY0mBmLJSVNRAYLBUHbLXwUUvvDLoll5yq_zLw2sRj42imSyv9nMM00PONZd7rxRQ5cNPbb9urt74gXoxiI77sM8wPIMPO0Y5YlQ5FE2f_xyAClKi9U16n5vOi-uwzOtSqAH0L3aang/s200/Barry-Roubaix-2011-4.jpg" /></a></div>After rolling up to the group of people for the 35 mile route in my class, I had a sense of ease and well being, after all, everything was in its proper place, the bike was tuned the gear was sufficient and warm-ish, the food stores, although could be better, were suitable for the first hour, as so I had thought. I see some fellow hounds and roll up to then asking them if this was the correct group to be in, just to really make sure, and it was, as if it wasn’t then it would disqualify your race. Four minutes to go, I reset my Garmin GPS and just let it count, I was still too nervous to manually start the counter as we crossed the threshold, in hind sight I totally could have, so the first four minutes or so were added to the total time recorded, as well as the last few minutes or so, it really didn’t matter too much as my time was far less than acceptable, but hey, you got to start somewhere. It was time, I was shaking and feeling all kinds of emotion, it was so fast and so exhilarating to me that it felt euphoric in a weird way, all the pre race stresses vanished and I was riding my bicycle again.<br />
<br />
<b>RIDE DETAILS OMMITTED - STAY TUNED FOR VIDEO!<br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_in4xQAcHCV6g7QeU4768CACNR3emY5BR2Aj9iiJQSpjiv0ECqxuCBknqp6M7Oj67D2AAf-_id7ofhVqFN16Q5Ps14xWryV_3hTBPPx0snG6VB4S5shyphenhypheneZpD1J3Joj5K4G3y19KQei4/s1600/Barry-Roubaix-2011-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_in4xQAcHCV6g7QeU4768CACNR3emY5BR2Aj9iiJQSpjiv0ECqxuCBknqp6M7Oj67D2AAf-_id7ofhVqFN16Q5Ps14xWryV_3hTBPPx0snG6VB4S5shyphenhypheneZpD1J3Joj5K4G3y19KQei4/s320/Barry-Roubaix-2011-3.jpg" /></a></div>Yes, indeed, after a rough road race even the bikes needed to take a little nap. ;-) Wouldn’t you know that there was well over a Million dollars of bicycles here on race day, more like 3 million as 3 grand a pop times 975 entries or so, and is such a testament to the cycling community that, although not the safest measure, and most certainly not the brightest, you can just leave your 2400 dollar Sach’s laying around for the taking. But we cyclists would never do such a thing, that is like kicking down your door and having an affair with your spouse right in front of you while eating your supper and taking a crap on your throne whilst reading your favourite issue of Velonews. Sick and wrong on all accounts, therefore it is rather safe to presume that your bicycle will be safe at such event. We are a very trust worthy community, as far as I am concerned, for the most part that is, as there are bad seeds anywhere.<br />
<br />
<center><b>Like this one here in the center, number 601.</center><br />
</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTZuAyholbkyjxsc4ejz4QSmffsLNGatZLoRgoO2ulbD1ehX7YAeb0tsZMcgyhCbcovKZGsmgnmftp6_qK4ZnCA-mQrfAOkh47YvrixlPqmjd0kt8FEHCs_4m-I9EaX0JJTVLSv6BbqU/s1600/Barry-Roubaix_2011-Wannabecyclist-2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTZuAyholbkyjxsc4ejz4QSmffsLNGatZLoRgoO2ulbD1ehX7YAeb0tsZMcgyhCbcovKZGsmgnmftp6_qK4ZnCA-mQrfAOkh47YvrixlPqmjd0kt8FEHCs_4m-I9EaX0JJTVLSv6BbqU/s400/Barry-Roubaix_2011-Wannabecyclist-2.PNG" /></a></div><center><i>Photo credit: <b>Andrea Tucker</b></i><a href="http://www.tuckerbikes.com/">Tucker Bikes</a></center><br />
<br />
Enough reading? How about watching this small video clip of how the race pace was on these roads, this is the Sagar road segment, which was, quite rough in relation to the rest of the ride.<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MiH6TCW9A-4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Not too shabby eh? A fellow GREYHOUND is shown in the yellow and black for the most of the video, and this pace was almost double my slow precarious pace in this section as I was both scared of crashing into the icy cold ground and wrecking my awesome Gunnar Fastlane, I know, kinda lame of an excuse but it is all I got. If you look towards the 4 minute mark, a rider goes down hard, he may have been the one with the broken bone injury. A few people were injured during this rough race.<br />
<br />
<b>See the map below for specific details if you please:<br />
</b><!-- Start MMF Embed Tool --><br />
<iframe id="mmf_blog_map" src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=678123739194736901&u=e&t=ride" height="500px" width="400px" frameborder="0"><br />
<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/5877927">Barry Roubaix</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Middleville, MI">Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Middleville, MI</a><br />
</iframe><br />
<!-- End MMF Embed Tool --><br />
<br />
<center><b>Links</b></center><br />
<br />
The OFFICIAL Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Barry-Roubaix/203759089328">HERE</a><br />
The OFFICIAL race results <a href="http://www.raceservices.com/11/brx/032611_35.html">HERE</a><br />
The OFFICIAL Garmin results <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/75234996">HERE (Note: there was a four minute lead in and an outro to my time recorded.)<br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/238601-Barry-Roubaix-The-Killer-Gravel-Road-Race/video/481329-Barry-Roubaix-Mens-Elite-65-Highlights-2011">Cycling Dirt's Totally stellar review of the race, read this!!<br />
</a><br />
<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/75234996">GARMIN</a> results of my rather EPIC ride.<br />
<b>Summary<br />
</b>Overall<br />
Time: 02:50:49<br />
Distance: 35.26 mi<br />
Elevation Gain: 1,882 ft<br />
Calories: 2,099 C<br />
Timing<br />
Time: 02:50:49<br />
Moving Time: 02:40:17<br />
Elapsed Time: 02:50:49<br />
Avg Speed: 12.4 mph<br />
Avg Moving Speed: 13.2 mph<br />
Max Speed: 29.5 mph<br />
Avg Pace: 04:50 min/mi<br />
Avg Moving Pace: 04:32 min/mi<br />
Best Pace: 02:01 min/mi<br />
Speed<br />
Pace<br />
Elevation<br />
Elevation Gain: 1,882 ft<br />
Elevation Loss: 1,884 ft<br />
Min Elevation: 744 ft<br />
Max Elevation: 1,096 ft<br />
Heart Rate<br />
Avg HR: 160 bpm<br />
Max HR: 182 bpm<br />
_________________________________________<br />
<br />
Which comparatively speaking, in relation to all my other rides recently, including but not withstanding, sucks royally, period.<br />
<br />
In summary: I went out too hard too soon thus depleting my main energy stores, hitting my "wall" and essentially falling off the back of the entire race. I basically did a "What not to do" during the event and seem to do the same subsequently on our Tuesday Night World Training rides, you would think I would learn by now. At least I have did this so many times that I am rather predictable, pathetically so, but always consistent.<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway, the ride back took 2 hours including filling up and on the way we so happened to see a wonderful Barn-o-gon in all its splendour:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6StVFhGTi4PYTgor9Qea6rn2WT_Fs85weeqx6HfmlIQfpVfO29YfppWZt46bIRvMK0TlELtd4QDtYDlBDd5GXbVWOTPY_K3bzQFuKC6tsh9E31i7lbpqqBMFgLFtTaXiXBFixtXr6To8/s1600/Octobarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6StVFhGTi4PYTgor9Qea6rn2WT_Fs85weeqx6HfmlIQfpVfO29YfppWZt46bIRvMK0TlELtd4QDtYDlBDd5GXbVWOTPY_K3bzQFuKC6tsh9E31i7lbpqqBMFgLFtTaXiXBFixtXr6To8/s400/Octobarn.jpg" /></a></div><center><b>Barn-o-gon?</b></center><br />
<br />
I got fourth place... from the last in my class. ; )<br />
<b>81 601 Wannabecyclist M 36 Racing Greyhounds 2:45:32 12.7</b><br />
<br />
It is not how fast you are, it is how much fun you have. Ride safe my friends!!<br />
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-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-79995009244512254922011-03-24T13:47:00.002-04:002011-03-24T13:50:42.990-04:00Barry Roubaix 2011 (Pre-race thoughts)<a href="http://www.barry-roubaix.com/"><b>Barry Roubaix - Killer Gravel Road Race</b></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=KMIMIDDL2"><b>WEATHER<br />
</b></a> or not it is cold, sleeting, and windy, we shall ride the entire 35 mile route.<br />
I just put on the <a href="http://www.kendausa.com/en/home/bicycle/mountain/small-block-eight.aspx">Kenda Small block Eights</a> and they are gooey. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZJ06NqHKreE6_0qW7fb68ZaguszptN46BJCeNqhGJcGgQuJfy0Yn1Q6NX3Ji9CqDu44nug5Oeo1NNndeZbut-E86glLrDS_Ky9EHDAYBRsG6riaI2JfXhAd06Svf4-we9ricLEAGC7U/s1600/kenda+small+block+eight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZJ06NqHKreE6_0qW7fb68ZaguszptN46BJCeNqhGJcGgQuJfy0Yn1Q6NX3Ji9CqDu44nug5Oeo1NNndeZbut-E86glLrDS_Ky9EHDAYBRsG6riaI2JfXhAd06Svf4-we9ricLEAGC7U/s400/kenda+small+block+eight.jpg" /></a></div>As for training for this race... <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/74244544">Not so much</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99WsAd9v0K5EQ5_tcYYYSQWZFxgrRFuwbRM5212N3EAUJHB_HCEa8rmMYhm3qHCa58PAbbZ0wqlJ1LXQJMabqHywUepSx0o_6SYMhotU_VwzrsLWpuNqBqKNXhc5Zj4suPNivu8Fz0KA/s1600/roller+training.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99WsAd9v0K5EQ5_tcYYYSQWZFxgrRFuwbRM5212N3EAUJHB_HCEa8rmMYhm3qHCa58PAbbZ0wqlJ1LXQJMabqHywUepSx0o_6SYMhotU_VwzrsLWpuNqBqKNXhc5Zj4suPNivu8Fz0KA/s200/roller+training.jpg" /></a></div>I do have a whole bunch of miles in this year so far, about 604.82 miles so far, which is on the cusp for my training program. I am supposed to do at the very least 200 miles per month until mid-march and then more outdoor rides, however, the weather has been less forgiving than last year this time. Oh, I have tried a "Tuesday Night World" ride for the first time three weeks ago, got dropped once I took a pull in the pace-line!! LOL Apart from feeling just about every emotion from defeat, joy, elation, sedation, and confusion, it was one heck of a fun ride, wind and all. :) This ride is here in Garmin format: <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/72043471">RIDE DATA<br />
</a><br />
<br />
All in all, the hardest part will be waking up at 0430 for this event, sort final details, eat, drive three hours out to the race, grab bib #601, put packet in car and do last second checks and roll out. This should be very similar to the <a href="http://wannabecyclist.blogspot.com/2011/01/wannabe-cyclist-does-worst-day-of-year.html">Worst Day Of The Year Ride</a> from January, temperature, wind, and elevation are just abut similar, so now I know what to do in advance. Hand warmers are a number one priority for the boots.<br />
<br />
<i>From the site:<br />
<i>Barry-Roubaix: The Killer Gravel Road Race<br />
will be held March 26th, 2011. Registration will open December 15th, 2010. No limit on entries. The start/finish will be at the The Yankee Springs Recreation Areas Gun Lake Unit on Briggs/Gun Lake Road.<br />
<br />
$2000 cash awards plus trophies or medals to the top three 65 Mile racers (no age categories). 1st-$500, 2nd-$300, 3rd-$200. Michigan Youth Cycling and Kisscross Events will award $250 in scholarship to the fastest under 18 year old male and female in the 23 and 35 mile races each.<br />
<br />
Trophies to the overall winner of the 35 and 23 mile race. Medals to the top three in age categories (age categories are 10 year splits for 23 milers, 5 year splits for 35 milers), plus prizes to top 3, 4 or 5 and raffle prizes to many lucky racers.<br />
<br />
Friday and Saturday registration is an additional $10 (Registration opens Friday from 3:00-9:00 p.m. at Bay Pointe Inn (join other racers for a meet and greet in the Terrace Grille from 4-7 pm). Registration will also take place Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at the Gun Lake Unit). Packet pick up is open at the same times as above. There is no cap on the amount of racers.<br />
<br />
You may confirm who has entered the race by going to the Bike Reg link and checking the confirmed riders list.<br />
<br />
No refund of any kind will be allowed. Although you can transfer your entry to another rider via Bike Reg prior to 7 p.m. March 23rd, 2011.<br />
<br />
New Again! State Park Passports, hang on with me here, this is the rule…if you have a plate renewal date from October 2010 through March 26th 2011, you will NEED to have paid the $10 opt in fee and have the “P” on your license plate tab. But if you have a plate renewal after March 26th through September 2011 you don’t need a sticker or have to pay an entry fee. Michiganders that opted out on the passport and out of state residents have to pay a$10.00 day fee at the shelter Saturday a.m. Please park first then get your day permit. The ranger booth will be closed at the entrance to speed up entry and parking.<br />
<br />
What else can I expect?<br />
<br />
An awards party with dozens of great prizes to random racers <br />
What the Truck catering with tacos and burritos for sale <br />
10 Kegs of Founders Ale! <br />
A bonfire on the beach <br />
Silent Raffle prizes before and during the event <br />
Traditional Raffle at 2:30, must be present to win <br />
Chronotrack Timing by Race Services Company. Rigid handlebar number plates with timing chips will be used for the best timing available. <br />
Long Sleeve tee shirts and hoodies available for purchase when registering in advance <br />
A very limited amount of pint glasses and t-shirts will be available for purchase day of the race <br />
Hoodies, Long and Short Sleeve T-shirts available for purchase until March 9th when registering in advance.<br />
</i><br />
excerpt from: <a href="http://www.barry-roubaix.com/info/">http://www.barry-roubaix.com/info/<br />
</a><br />
</i><br />
How about a sneek peek:<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20900076" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/20900076">2011 Barry-Roubaix Course Pre-Ride</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3253021">XXC Magazine</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br />
I would post our top secret <a href="http://www.racing-greyhounds.com/forum/index.php">RACING GREYHOUND</a> information right here, if you are ever so inclined to pry. ;-)<br />
<br />
It is only two days away and I can already feel the tension in my legs, I cannot wait for my first official mass start road race!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-84555842982444091282011-02-20T19:04:00.001-05:002011-02-20T19:07:06.231-05:00私の愛人です。 Wannabe Cyclist has a Mistress OMG! BMC SSX01 Review Part One私の愛人です。Translated: My Mistress, in Japanese. After toying with the notion that in order to race legally with my Gunnar Bad-Ass All-Purpose Super Awesome Steed, I would have to first remove my coveted disc-brakes (AVID BB7's), and add a crappy V-brake from my Schwinn, or shall I say: "One of my Schwinns!" And as it be an all already "heavy" bicycle, 23LBS heavy, it still wasn't meant for racing no matter how I sliced the pie. It is great for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross">Psychocross</a> and such events where those mega awesome brakes come in handy dandy in the grimy gunk, but definitely not for 27mph <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloton">peloton</a> racing in a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criterium">criterium</a> for any given length of time, what I really NEEDED was a true road racing bicycle.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySlweVHvm1D3ThBrHQTkHeyLbw8RgLAJTidR4vBiMZgYT6WmotYNeUDfmka_bUzHc6gW7sI9LrS7ae-w8CIcmXUtinC3VYFDM2hmA97B0iwAJlb9v5dVHo989rwY4Ir4_jSrYZWSqJJA/s1600/BMC+Streetfire-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySlweVHvm1D3ThBrHQTkHeyLbw8RgLAJTidR4vBiMZgYT6WmotYNeUDfmka_bUzHc6gW7sI9LrS7ae-w8CIcmXUtinC3VYFDM2hmA97B0iwAJlb9v5dVHo989rwY4Ir4_jSrYZWSqJJA/s320/BMC+Streetfire-1.jpg" /></a></div>You can click the picture to see a bigger version, but not always better version of the picture.<br />
<br />
It all started quite a few weeks ago when fellow <a href="http://www.racing-greyhounds.com/forum/">RACING GREYHOUND</a> "Miami" said he was selling his trusted steed, it was then that I had eyed the bicycle but didn't move in for the kill due to money being tighter than a frogs ass. Time went on by and it was getting time to buy, that led me to the consumption of this product for my bicycle queue. It was a fine Wintry Wednesday night at the Cycle To Fitness Bicycle shop, after a relaxed trainer night (Riding rollers and watching a movie), the bicycle kept calling out to me. Seriously just look at her!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2wvsf1JTYJ-bpCrnC3aSP5pmx216RX01fWRfD72iTQSTTA4gl2Xhp0Zbw_q7A7cHVv4oTkmp6URH-VeeJ0xpvER60JtSpywj202D2NSnLahPCv0L93pbqM1_37NgGZvJ1bj1q9RZMxk/s1600/BMC+Streetfire-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2wvsf1JTYJ-bpCrnC3aSP5pmx216RX01fWRfD72iTQSTTA4gl2Xhp0Zbw_q7A7cHVv4oTkmp6URH-VeeJ0xpvER60JtSpywj202D2NSnLahPCv0L93pbqM1_37NgGZvJ1bj1q9RZMxk/s400/BMC+Streetfire-5.jpg" /></a></div>That is an '08 BMC Streetfire SSX01 with a decent Mavic wheelset, Crabon Fork, Cane Creek Headset, with Sora, and Tiagra Dérailleurs. A great starter bicycle for road RACING and WINNING. Okay, that may be a tad bit overzealous but what the hay, ya know.<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%2B1_redundancy">N+1 Definition</a><br />
Anyhow, the miles accrued on this steed as per the trip computer were: 2156 as shown here in this image:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sIDaRkuvnhCHCIthwNI9tdzuXHR6DnMCF6tkJIqnDbK19zbltI4lfrFhiY85tCGmuiUOtLNrebTYEemksod9GshM1qZzEdJ81qvuE3-oqKStjHPXntKByHix5B77IazPOo3ZZMjU11s/s1600/BMC+Streetfire-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sIDaRkuvnhCHCIthwNI9tdzuXHR6DnMCF6tkJIqnDbK19zbltI4lfrFhiY85tCGmuiUOtLNrebTYEemksod9GshM1qZzEdJ81qvuE3-oqKStjHPXntKByHix5B77IazPOo3ZZMjU11s/s200/BMC+Streetfire-6.jpg" /></a></div>which has already been bumped up about thirty or so miles on both the rollers and the road. I am not able to discuss performance as of yet due to not having much time with her and not having clipless shoes too. Some of the finer bits on this awesome bike are the complicated skeletal frame components, I do like this a whole bunch. :) Have a peek:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBEEoi-q-n_gxlj5sl3o8kXJu2gtaDh-Fc5QARaovkfeE51zAWOM8Lx7orNBFRnlIs0b1QdB-garrAEl5TTRyfYtm5kzVVub5D3T8jgUp1pvL-x4tMQjMxdfSG511-Mzkym-zUxmqZAM/s1600/BMC+Streetfire-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBEEoi-q-n_gxlj5sl3o8kXJu2gtaDh-Fc5QARaovkfeE51zAWOM8Lx7orNBFRnlIs0b1QdB-garrAEl5TTRyfYtm5kzVVub5D3T8jgUp1pvL-x4tMQjMxdfSG511-Mzkym-zUxmqZAM/s320/BMC+Streetfire-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This must help the frame deliver the stresses equally amongst the ultra thin aluminum tubing.<br />
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Now this fancy little doo-dad looks like crabon, and from what Maimi had told me, it was a special press fit style bearing or something fancy like that. Great technical prowess I know, I'm good with complex engineering wording eh. Seriously though, It all adds up to a definite step up in quality that I am used to when it comes to cycling and all that jazz. I could be happy on a 30 dollar huffy, just as long as it was "solid" enough to hold up when I am riding it, ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yb8fsJposKmNvB9HAxFalyfpkvViVtasWFctwSJy31SHK0Laxeh1FUguu0uzfcS1Kn6P4eX0MTJGQ8OnIZL9U18sDh5YJj3X5zoljI6hwu8D0Y0IwgW8J3OkiV3ScsWSoLVoz8wEGOI/s1600/BMC+Streetfire-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yb8fsJposKmNvB9HAxFalyfpkvViVtasWFctwSJy31SHK0Laxeh1FUguu0uzfcS1Kn6P4eX0MTJGQ8OnIZL9U18sDh5YJj3X5zoljI6hwu8D0Y0IwgW8J3OkiV3ScsWSoLVoz8wEGOI/s320/BMC+Streetfire-3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So the so called test ride went like this: <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/69083168">RIDE DATA</a> Can you see the indecisiveness in the route! I must have doubled back three times! The great extent of the ride was riding to an abandoned comfort station and home to take pictures and prowl about the ancient landscape, a pastime that I hold dearly might I add.<br />
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Love the map feature, it adds so much more interesting value to my already boring blog posts.<br />
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<iframe width="562" height="314" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=plymouth,mi&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Plymouth,+Wayne,+Michigan&t=h&layer=c&cbll=42.370145,-83.431984&panoid=rJfGyan_u5Z9f9-NSmT6Dg&cbp=13,7.21,,0,0.09&ll=42.371425,-83.470213&spn=0.019911,0.048237&z=14&source=embed&output=svembed"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=plymouth,mi&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Plymouth,+Wayne,+Michigan&t=h&layer=c&cbll=42.370145,-83.431984&panoid=rJfGyan_u5Z9f9-NSmT6Dg&cbp=13,7.21,,0,0.09&ll=42.371425,-83.470213&spn=0.019911,0.048237&z=14&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
Notice the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_%28bicycling%29">Fred</a> just casually riding along Edward Hines Drive in this shot. :) I speak of myself, I too am a total <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_%28bicycling%29">FRED</a> turned into a Wannabecyclist racer type.<br />
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Sweet, now thaT i HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, PEEP THIS:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCkVTNO-Wqg9Wvo8qwiBbMcsmbdz7jeyqVcI7u9jSlzooiBvQKjFV5kclq60nZSrL94fQvVB87I6tsNVaYmQ_Y5_KfeLwb-wuwDZN0TdkHLGBz2Pf_48Z_ZyHsB50UZA2Ze6Bnjhq7i4/s1600/abandoned+house+hines+drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCkVTNO-Wqg9Wvo8qwiBbMcsmbdz7jeyqVcI7u9jSlzooiBvQKjFV5kclq60nZSrL94fQvVB87I6tsNVaYmQ_Y5_KfeLwb-wuwDZN0TdkHLGBz2Pf_48Z_ZyHsB50UZA2Ze6Bnjhq7i4/s400/abandoned+house+hines+drive.jpg" /></a></div>This and much much more lay in ruin just beyond the tree line, I hope to further investigate this great find. Did I mention that I am an avid explorer too? yep. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6iLDs9_1KGS0IxSYUmA18sFE2HURqlVQKUnWZhQArcoUeNh94cuzmbwN7fdkZ0TtC0MmW_xdDVLbPMJTK6IR3szE7KGCxN2hongzTVPNGw8P8noyP2FNZb_ybUQZr-FSUeByAgQutv8/s1600/BMC+Streetfire-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6iLDs9_1KGS0IxSYUmA18sFE2HURqlVQKUnWZhQArcoUeNh94cuzmbwN7fdkZ0TtC0MmW_xdDVLbPMJTK6IR3szE7KGCxN2hongzTVPNGw8P8noyP2FNZb_ybUQZr-FSUeByAgQutv8/s400/BMC+Streetfire-4.jpg" /></a></div>Well, I hope this unfinished review serves you well, as for the BMC ride data and opinions thereof, I cannot make such statistical claim or opinion until there are at least a hundred miles under my belt with her. Speaking of miles, last season I rode over 2700 miles on bicycles, and about 450 miles this year so far, January 1st as the cutoff date for miles. Wow, who knew that cycling would be this fun!!!<br />
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Synopsis on the <a href="http://velospace.org/node/12767">2008 BMC Streetfire</a> is this:<br />
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Quick, Nimble, Light in the front-end, very rigid, a very tight feel to it. That is about it for now, yeah I know, kinda a half cocked review, but really, who can judge at this point, especially when your ride was in the thirties with gusting wind eh!<br />
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Addendum:<br />
As I write this, the sleet / ice mix coming down is rather atrocious and unforgiving if one were to be traversing the motorway in any vehicle, let alone a bicycle. I am actually glad that I didn't ride my bike here, it is nasty out. Might be an iced in day tomorrow, that sucks.<br />
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Photo Album:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29634&id=100001495389990&l=84dc5e3078">BMC Aijin</a><br />
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-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1915746366378111347.post-49031897672071638582011-02-12T11:52:00.005-05:002011-02-12T12:37:49.005-05:00U.S.A. Cycling Bicycle Racing License - And Century TouringHere I sit, patiently waiting for the INTERNET connections both on my fancy schmancy iPhone and the coffee house to actually do their job and work. Obviously they eventually did as this is written. I must note: This was the most irritating time writing a blog post in ages. First off; if you let you child run around the coffee shop making irritating noises thus distracting me from my work, YOU Sir, Ma'am are a douche. Second; if you like to congregate as a cluster right near me while incessantly yapping about frivolous things like lame indy music or texting, you too, are a bunch of douche bags, go sit down and carry on in the corner. I come here to write, read, and drink coffee, as do 80% of the clientèle here so take notice. When one of us politely asks you to sit the eff down and shut the eff up, you now know, and knowing is half the battle, douche-bags. I listen to <a href="http://yp.shoutcast.com/sbin/tunein-station.pls?id=1377200">this</a> to help help it somewhat sane here.<br />
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Anyway, the sun is shining and it is 30 degrees out right now, time to suit up and go for a ride!<br />
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It is official folks I am a licensed Bicycle jockey, also known as a CAT 5 Racer, also known as: <b>*</b><i>"The blender of death"</i> Racer. Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOct21BkrYPmdwEjRkz9b1Rb6a9IWll0beenzLgCCeHhVQr9LlcAYA7ZnqjRRyuH9URFgAzXm1akQWfyCIeEM_VPkLnLQUJV3-tIKuWUeOaLyReXCDr3BR-eFKBElgKaenLyxA4-0JiDQ/s1600/Cycling+License+Wannabe+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="269" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOct21BkrYPmdwEjRkz9b1Rb6a9IWll0beenzLgCCeHhVQr9LlcAYA7ZnqjRRyuH9URFgAzXm1akQWfyCIeEM_VPkLnLQUJV3-tIKuWUeOaLyReXCDr3BR-eFKBElgKaenLyxA4-0JiDQ/s400/Cycling+License+Wannabe+2011.JPG" /></a></div>This ticket came in the mail about a month later, I had sent out for it the Thursday before my <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/64474413">TLT</a>, I remember this because I was so excited to tell fellow teammates at the shop that night, they were pleased. The mere act of applying for such license means much more than "<a href="http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/10-tips-to-avoid-looking-like-a-cycling-rookie/">looking good</a>" on your brand new <a href="http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/10051/55725/218104">Scott CR1</a> at a TT wearing 400 dollars worth of lycra and aero gear, it means you are ready to start pulling your own weight for the team, as to gain points that is. The initiative to join a great cycling team such as the <a href="http://www.racing-greyhounds.com/forum/">RACING GREYHOUNDS</a> is one thing, but to try to improve and bring something to the table, well, this speaks volumes as far as I am concerned regardless the place in a race, whether it be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M57cvb5g90s&feature=related">DFL</a> anyway. What is important is my personal drive to become better, faster, and fitter throughout the coming race season, getting first is not my concern as it is impossible with my current setup as it stands coupled with my limited skill-set as well.<br />
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I know I am better than I was a year ago, I totally know this, for example:<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IESPovzUyAA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Pretty pathetic Wannabe Fred there eh! 9.442 miles in 50:26 at 11.3 mph average. A crawling pace my my current standards, even on a heavy MTB!!<br />
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Moving onward, how about a 113 mile ride:<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VsVSGGAzJGA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
This was spread out between three days, the actual video footage is here in one 18 minute long video: <br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N2kyH6XOm-w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
And that is only June 1st of last year, after 2 months of riding, 600 miles deep and loving it. <br />
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So all in all, within one year I went from total Fred to Wannabecyclist and feel absolutely great about cycling, just getting out there and riding just totally rocks, I am so stoked for spring!!!!<br />
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Thanks for watching, and I sincerely hope to inspire more of you to fix up your old bicycles and go for a ride this season! It has totally changed my life, and it will totally change yours as well, just give it a go!!<br />
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Oh yeah... The cycling license and the century tour videos probably don't relate to one another so much, but since I am getting the spring fever easily, I thought I would share them in this post.<br />
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-WCFTWMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02245221470540184131noreply@blogger.com0