TFW

I forgot to take my NERD pills today....

2009-05-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

...so this happened.

Dust in the Wind

2009-05-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Went out for my first ride in a long time and it was niiiice.

I'm slower now than I was pre-chemo. My lean muscle mas is down, my body fat is up and my granny gear feels like a 55x11.

And I loved every minute of it.

Rock Bottom

2009-04-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Reports of Tyler Hamilton's fight with depression and his recent admission of using banned substance DHEA reminded me of the following article Trouble Climbers

Having battled depression myself, I can understand where Tyler is at. I wish him well and hope he is able to find the answers he is looking for.

Shave that!

2009-03-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last week, my hair started to fall out in handfuls which led me to shave my head in a pre-emptive strike against fate. Then I found a picture of my nemesis. Gotta love those wookies, right?

Damn

2009-03-23T11:41:00.001-07:00

Wishing LA a speedy recovery!

Cancer

2009-03-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

I want to say a huge "THANK YOU" to all my friends and family that have stepped up to help out during the last few months.

I've been very private about what has happened, but realize that it isn't exactly fair to people that have been close to me. I kind of just disappeared and left some people wondering, "what the hell happened to B?"

Without going into too much detail I will just say that I was diagnosed with cancer in January and have been undergoing treatment. I hope to return to racing and leading Team Integrate later in the year, but for now, I will be concentrating on getting well and taking care of my family.

TFW has been a great way for me to let my goofy-ass side to run around free. I have the feeling I'll be needing that kind of outlet over the next couple of months.

Again, thanks for all your support and being understanding as I took some time to collect myself.

Thanks for reading. Check back for more TFW foolishness soon!

~b

Something New in Freakmont!

2008-12-17T12:10:00.000-08:00

Our 2009 Team has me feeling like this!

More news to come!!!

Watch for Trike races in 2009

2008-12-13T20:11:00.001-08:00

Found this today. Good stuff.

In Dog We Trust

2008-12-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

This video is heartbreaking at first and then amazingly heart warming. This dog is amazing.

The Busy Beaver

2008-11-05T21:25:00.000-08:00

You know that feeling when you've got a lot of sh!t going on? You know, you're getting things done, but the inbox is still pretty full. And then, it dawns on you that you accomplished some cool things? I've had one of those weeks.

My life gets pretty full. Single dad of 5 daughters, a sick mom that lives with me a house full of cats, this love affair with my bike, running a team, chilling with sponsors, watching cartoons, playing video games.... you know... LIFE.

Well, I was strolling through Costco on one of my feminine hygene product runs that is just short of a full on military resupply effort in Falluja (you'd be amazed at the savings of buying tampons and pads by the pallet!).

Then it struck me... we've got a cool ass team project setup for next year. That is something that I am damn proud of. By no means was this a one man show. I had help from a bunch of great people.

Seeing what we've been able to accomplish in just a few short months made me proud to be part of Team Fremont.

I'll make an "official" press release soon, but for now, I can tell you this;

2009 will see
GREAT new sponsors
A new Women's Team
3 New races and a returning favorite
A sharp new kit
And a community program that will see Fremont area kids getting the hookup on lids and safe ways to get to school.

Add to that, two of my daughters are starting to race and you can probably understand why I'm feeling good right now.

Alls good in the hood.

V-E-L-O L-O-V-E

2008-10-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

Me and cycling, we got a thing going on...

I love the feel of riding a bike. Everything from the suffering that comes from too much time off the bike to the insane coolness of flying down a mountain at almost 70mph. It's all gooooood.

Being forced to take time off the bike when I broke my collarbones reaffirmed my velophillia. Now that I'm back in the saddle, settling in to my winter schedule, I felt it was time to tell my baby, jus' what i'm feelin' inside...

[in my deepest Barry White voice]
"I’m never, ever gonna quit
‘Cause quittin’ just ain’t my stick
I’m gonna stay right here with you
Do all the things you want me to"
- Barry White

Giro di Lombardia

2008-10-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Cunego does it again! Nice.

99 Problems

2008-10-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

The "Dumbass Club" grows once again.

Can you believe the ~~arrogance~~, no the ~~brazenness~~, no the utter STuPIDITY of the riders, doctors, team managers and anyone else who continue to think that they can get away with doping?

The fact that there are still people somewhere, sitting around thinking "oh no, they can't test for that. Go ahead, you'll be fine" is amazing.

Who's next?

Bicycle Racing Boomerang

2008-10-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Cipo, Lance, Alcala, Hinault, Zoetemelk, Merckx: BRING EM ALL BACK!

The retirement boomerang is in full flight! With the vintage peloton shaping up for 2009, I can't wait for the racing so I can watch Cavendish take on Sean Kelly or Contador take on Lucho Herrera.

Seriously though, somethings tells me if they put a team together of retired Tour winners and stars, they would STILL probably kick ass. Can you imgaine the roster?

Indurain
Delgado
Roche
LeMond
Kelly
Argentin
Hinault
Merckx
Breukink

or check this alphabet soup

Abdoujaparov
Bernaudeau
Chiappucci
Criquielion
Luttenberger
Oosterbosch
Vanderaerden
Van Hooydonck
Zoetemelk

Ciao Zabel & Bettini

2008-09-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

Two great champions hangin' em up. The landscape of the pro peloton wont be the same.

Le Menage a Trois d'Astana

2008-09-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

There's Trouble Afoot at the Cirlce "A"

So Contador's not too happy with Lance's possible return to Bruyneel's side. I don't blame him. Add Levi to the mix (hell, Klodi too) and things get complicated quickly. It'd be like coming home, seeing your lovers' ex walking around in your pajamas as they move their stuff into the spare room.

To help my boy Johan out, I've sent him the following info I got from AskMen.com. I've "edited" it a little to fit the Astana scenario...

TFW's Rules for a Happy Team

1)Establish the rules:
Having a plan and sticking to it goes a long way in make sure everyone walks away satisfied.

2)Be as giving as you can:
Lance & Alberto- "Hey Levi, need help with that mussette?"
Levi- "YOU BETCHA!"

3)Keep yourself busy:
What to do when your teammates are up the road.

4)Be careful with penetration:
Nothing beats a penetration problem liked aged tubulars. Hope Johan has some old stock.

5)Be safe:
Make sure to thank the team in the post race interview. Don't want to get shanked back at the team bus.

I guess we'll get more info when Lance holds his press conference tomorrow. For now, Lance is amped, Alberto is pissy and Levi is trying to figure out why AC is calling him a wheelsuck. This is going to be a fun winter.

Tales from the Crip

2008-09-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

Crashing sucks. Crashing hard sucks more. I did one of these in my prep of the SF GP. Enjoy.

2 Broken clavicles.
Cracked rib.
2 hematomas on my hip.
Skin removal on my knee.

During a motorpacing session, I had a pedal strike that caused me to highside. Everything went all "Matrixy" once the pedal hit. I felt it, but no big deal, that stuff happens, but then the ass of the bike came around a little further than I was expecting. In that nano-second I had my first, "Hmm, that's not good" thought. As soon as my rear wheel touched the ground and the bike stood up, heading left, I knew it...

"Oh Sh!t".

Right knee hit the top tube, weight shifed to the left and kapow. Felt my head hit (THANKS YOU GIRO FOR MAKING SOME BADASS MELON PROTECTORS), everything went all white for a split second and then I looked back. I'd taken a flyer off the front of the motor and wasn't sure how much distance I had going into the turn. The last thing I wanted was to get run over.

When I tried to get out of the road, I had my second "Oh Sh*t" moment. I couldn't move my arms. Crap.

There I was, in a heap, in the middle of the turn with my teammate coming up fast behind me in his car. Luckily I had some distance and he saw me and stopped.

It took me a little while to get my breath and to try to get up. My teammates helped me to my feet and then I walked the half lap back to the car. Thought about just going home, but something wasn't right with my shoulders. I'd never broken my clavicle before, so I didn't have anything to measure it against. They just felt wrong. I couldn't move either of them, though the right was a little more mobile than the left.

A few hours in the ER for xrays and wound care and then I was back to the house for some R&R.

So, it's back on the trainer soon and back to the blogoshere. BTW- I've got a bone to pick with Chris Carmichael and his Greg LeMond baggin'.

I Looooove Faaaaaat Peopllllllle!

2008-08-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

I celebrated my 4 year "surgiversary" on Monday. I had an Open Roux en Y Gastric Bypass back on 8-18-04.

Having weighed over 300lbs, I know how hard it is to live with morbid obesity. It's hard enough being obese, but it amazes me how effing heartless some people can be.

Most people that know me today have no idea I used to weigh so much. I had a totally different life then. And during that time, I heard a lot of mean shit.

I was called "KoolAid" by kids whenever I wore my big red shirt. (funny in a way, but F@#$'d up too)

Complete strangers would take food out of my shopping cart and ask, "Do you really need that?" Who does that?!?!

When I rode my bike (and this was only at 200lbs), I was stopped at a light and some a-hole asked me "aren't you too fat to be riding a bike?" Then they drove off laughing. WTF?

The stories go on and on...

So, I just want to take a minute to show some love to my peeps that are livin' large and fighting to find their fitness. Being a "loser" is a struggle, but keep up the fight. Eat well. Play hard. Live the life you want. You're not alone.

New! Even Saltier Cock Blocks!

2008-08-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Want to go for the win, but have to work for the team? Slip your teammates some Cock Blocks and go for the glory yourself!! Available in Tea Bag and Fromunda flavors.

Animalympics

2008-08-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

Kit Mambo = RAWR

Damn goat, sacrificing everything for the gold... even love. FOOL! lol
(btw- He had some sick style, even from a 1970's persepctive).

but along came Kit...

Body Condom

2008-08-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

In light of the formal apology issued by the four American cyclists to the Beijing Olympic organizers for their grossly offensive actions (wearing filter masks, THE NERVE!), I have prepared my apology letter in advance of my trip to Interbike this year. Here it is;

"I offer my sincere apologies to the organizers of the Interbike International Bicycle Expo, the City of Las Vegas, the people of Nevada, the dancers at Cheetahs, the couple staying in the room next to mine and everyone in attendance at the Sinclair part for my offensive actions. It was not my intention to offend any one with the use of my USAC issued body condom. My wearing of the Body Condom was stricly precautionary and in no way intended as a policital or social statement."

Hannah Banks

2008-08-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

(no Timpani pic yet, so here's one from Vacaville.)

Since first meeting Hannah at the Ronde Van Brisbane, I've become a big fan. I've got to give her some serious props. Okay, so she's a badass bike racer (her win at Timpani and her support of her VAC teammies is proof of that). Even cooler though, is how down to earth she is. I've had the chance to hang out with her a little and I've got to tell ya, she's one of the most level headed people I've ever met.

As a teacher of mainly twenty-somethings who are seeking to find their place in the world, it is very cool indeed to meet someone with such a clear vision of where she is, where she is headed and an understanding of the road that is going to get her there. Coolness personified in my book.

Hannah, congrats on the win yesterday and best of luck at San Rafael!

What the hell is an Aluminum Falcon?

2008-08-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

My daughter comes around the corner at Target asking if we can get this. Joy overflowed my NERD heart!

and for your viewing pleasure...

Welcome to the Dumbass Club Marta

2008-07-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

The list is growing...

Any time your excuse includes the line I'm disgusted with my trusted chemist for preparing a mix of herbs for me, you have to KNOW that things aren't going to go well for you.

Here's the plan, only use products that YOU KNOW ARE SAFE, NOT ON ANY BANNED LIST and DO NOT NEED TO BE "MIXED" BY YOUR TRUSTED CHEMIST.

I mean, come on, naivety, arrogance or a serious case of the "fuck its" aren't good excuses for testing positive.

Le Tour a ete "Sastre-ated"

2008-07-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

Carlos Sastre and his CSC teammates sack tapped the Tour bunch and came away with their greatest victory yet. After the craptacular 2006 Tour and Vino/Astana skidmarked 07 race, the 2008 Tour was a pretty good one. Sure the dumbass dopers tried to eff things up (Good going Ricco et. al.), but somehow this year felt different. Whereas the 06-07 Tours had clouds over them, the 2008 Tour seemed more resilient. The shit hit the fan, but rinsed right off.

Now, with his contract up this year, does Sastre "repay" Bjarne and the Team by staying with them to groom the Schleck's for the future or does he do the "profitable" thing, realizing he's at the end of his career, and go for the big money from other teams? I'll go on a limb and say he stays at Saxo Bank/Riis Cycling.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed we don't have any late test results that come in and screw up an otherwise fine finish for cyclings' biggest race.

Fully Alive

2008-07-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

"We don't beat the reaper by living longer, we beat the reaper by living well and living fully,"- Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch passed away today, but his life and how he lived serves to remind us all to embrace the opportunities we are given and to live the lives we want.

"pretty much any time I got a chance to do something cool, I tried to grab for it, and that's where my solace comes from."

Amen brother.

Que CERA, CERA and more Tour tidbits

2008-07-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

(The Tour Caravan 2009)

With Ricco and Piepoli getting caught for using the 3rd generation red blood cell booster, CERA, I started wondering to what extent teams and riders are going to go to in order to cheat. I'm betting we'll see the "Cheech and Chong Method" of dope delivery.

There's got to be some dumbass out there right now saying, "no, really, they'll never figure it out." o_O

Officials already know to search IN the cars of the riders' friends and family, just ask Papa Schleck. But, come on, what if the dope WAS the car? Uh huh, I'm telling you...

***

Contador would have won.

After watching the way the group rode through the mountains, I'm pretty sure Contador would have kicked ass in this years race. For all the attacking, team pulling and marking going on, what was missing was the EXPLOSIVE attacks of Contador.

I think his style would have neutralized the Schlecks (Andy is CRAZY good btw) and put everyone else in trouble. With race fit Contador, Kloden and Leipheimer, Astana would have rolled em.

But, we'll never know...

*** SPOILERS BELOW. DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE TOUR TODAY***

Cunego, damn.

I'm a HUGE DC fan and was disappointed that he left his "A Game" somewhere else. But I was especially bummed to hear of his crash and withdrawal from the Tour today. He couldn't even get a break. He's still young enough to go for some Grand Tour glory, but he may soon have ask himself if he's more of Classics rider and smaller stage races.

Hang in there DC!

Dope Man Got 'Em...

2008-07-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

"Ride, ride, ride as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the... OH SHIT!"

Rici, welcome to the "Dumbass Club".

Amazing how some of these guys still think they can get away with doping. Oy.

Le Tour

2008-07-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling it, yo.
(even tho my boy Cunego is struggling.)

The boys over at L'Equipe had a little survey on Evans chances.

LA QUESTION DU JOUR
L' Australien Cadel Evans remportera-t-il cette année le Tour de France?
Oui 35%
Non 60%
Nsp 5%

Hmm.

So if not Evans, I wonder who they pick? I'm throwing my support behind Christian Vandevelde (with Cunego making a wildly unexpected charge for the podium!! -I can dream, right?-).

Menchov is kinda "lurky, lurky" back in 5th. He's going to make things interesting.

Coolness

2008-07-13T19:46:00.001-07:00

Mad props to Horner for this one.

Speaking of coolness, love the slightly cooler weather in the Yay Area. I thought I was going to melt for sure last week.

And...Ric the Dic is killing fools on the Tour Cols. Even with the Triki "Dumbass" Beltran story making headlines, this Tour is shaping up to be a good one. Can't wait to see what happens on Hautacam!

F@#$ Man is my hero!

2008-07-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Lovin' the fact that JV kept it real.
Tomorrow, I want to see this interview;

Robbie Ventura: "Johnathan, your team is kicking ass in the Tour. How do you plan to regulate these bitches today?"

Johnathan Vaughters: "Well, you see, we gotta show these muthafukkahs we aint playin', yo. I mean, shiiiit, Garmin-Chipotle aint bowin' down to no man, F@#$ Shumacher! Yo, let me get a shout out to all my boys reppin' the 303! DZ, we got you son!"

RV: "Yo man, fo sho!"

JV: "Ayte fool, I gotsta bounce. Peace."

RV: "This is Robbie Ventura up in this bitch. I'm out."

Phil Liggett: "Ho-Lee Shit. What the hell just happened there?"

Great Racing Weekend + a day

2008-07-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend of racing!!! Here's the recap;

Cheered my ass of at the crits in Davis and Vacaville as my friends ripped the courses.

Team Fremont got their first win of the year when strongman Bill Brier busted out a sprint win against his breakaway homies in Leesville.

Watched as cycling badass Bernard "Bitch Slap" Hinault showed why he is STILL the patron of the sport.

Good times!!

B-game Fun Fest and Tour Time Goodness

2008-06-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

I showed up at the Burlingame Crit and was AMAZED at the turn out for the kids ride. The Ryan Phua Memorial Kids ride had several HUNDRED participants!! We're talking something like 800 kids signed up! Too cool for words!!

Hung out with my Team Fremont/BBC/Velogirl/AltoVelo posse. ate some tasty Greek food and drooled over the soon to be MINE, Leopard bicycle. Doesn't get much better than that.

***

Now, on to the Tour.
Here's my early pics for TdF 2008:

GC
1. Menchov
2. Evans
3. Cunego
4. Valverde
5. Sastre

Points
McEwen
Zabel
Hushovd

KOM
Hmm... maybe Soler if he has form, but some French riders may try to nab this one.

Young Rider
A. Schleck

Team
Caisse d'Epargne

Expect early sprint action between Cavendish, McEwen, Ciolek, Steegmans and Friere. Cavendish should show to be the strongest early on, but McEwen will be right there. This should be good!

First TT:
Evans
Cancellara
Valverde

***

All that said, I'm rooting for Cunego. He'll have his work cut out for him, but he's a class rider. My brain thinks Menchov is the guy to watch, with Evans as his shadow. If Cunego brings his best climbing legs, he stands a chance of upsetting the favorites.

Little RED riding Hooptie

2008-06-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

stol'd this from Pez today.

My RED equipped SystemSix is almost ready. I CANT wait to get me some of that Double Tap shifting action.

Maybe it's all this smokey air, but this bike looks good to me.

MotoGP's got STYLE!

Mars soil = plant growth

2008-06-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

My prediction for the first two things to be planted on Mars:
Starbucks and ganja.

Insta-Dope Nutrition

2008-06-23T01:58:00.000-07:00

Here's the funny part, this idea came to me while my insomniac ass is jetting around the blogosphere craving, but unable to attain a suitable state of rest at 2 a.m.

So me and my blood shot eyes stumbled upon a LANCE ad for some miracle stimulant while scoping the latest product tests from the crew at cyclingnews.com. This is the result.

Humor + (me - sleep)= my little journey into advertising.

Talk that SH!T!!

2008-06-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

From being a "Hope Machine" to full blown Shit Slinger, LA stands at the top of the heap. In an upcoming Procycling interview, he proceeds to rip into some old teammates, the Tour bosses and one of my fav riders.

Here's one jab that really caught my eye...

"As far as the Americans go, I'd say we're at least a couple of years away. Those riders referred to as the Great White Hopes haven't really panned out. That's not a criticism of them, it's just that European cycling is just very different than the Tour of Georgia or Redlands or a VO2 test in the lab."

Ouch, especially if you're Tom Danielson. Lance started calling Tommy D "Great White Hope" and "Great White" when they raced on Discovery together. When asked about the future of the Discovery Team's leadership, Lance would brag about the talents of T.D., especially his VO2 numbers and his being the best "pure climber" he's ever seen.

Now, granted, Tom hasn't lived up to the hype, but it's pretty damn DICKISH to hype the guy and then slam him with the same PROPS you were giving him. Damn Mellow Johnny, you're coooooold bloooded.

He even had the nerve to talk shit about my Italian brother, Damiano. What the hell? LA's picking Evans (cheap bet). I hope Cunego kicks Evans' ass in July.

ToC + ASO = $$$?

2008-06-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

First, the story of the Tour of California photo above. I was stuck. Do I lean WAY THE HELL OVER Fred's Rock teammate and squeeze my mug up to his to be in the pic OR do I stay in the hetero-neutral position outside of the shot? I got caught inbetween. So what you get is me in the "stalker" position while my friend Lala snuggles up to Fast Freddie. Anywhoo, here's the news...

It was announced that Tour de France organizers, ASO, have partnered with AEG, the organizers of the Tour of California, to promote each others' races. ASO is the 800lb. gorilla of the cycling world and the ToC will definitely benefit by have the ASO stamp connected to it. I don't think we'll see much difference her in the Bay Area, but on the international side, I think this move is a HUGE jump in the game for AEG.

The other cool piece of news that came out was the report of Amgen inking a new 3 year deal (with a 2 year option) to sponsor the ToC. For the past 3 years, the ToC has been operating in the red. That had me a bit worried for the future of the race. But now, AEG have some breathing room and hopefully will be able to build on the popularity of the event and make it a money maker.

Moral of pic and the story? Don't ride the fence. Either go ALL IN or get the hell out. Kudos for AEG and Amgen for sackin' up and taking a chance with great race. Now It's time for me to start planning for the next ToC Beaver Shot.

Tom on the Rock

2008-06-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

"Can't wait to get this home AND SMOKE IT!!!"

Crack is Whack Tom. Get off the White Horse and get clean for next year. Wonder if Quickstep is going to fire him? Rec drug use v. cheating. One year ban?

WAIT A MINUTE!!!!

2008-06-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...

I'm just sayin'.

Book Review: "We Might As Well Win" by Johan Bruyneel

2008-06-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

I picked up Johan Bruyneels' book, "We Might As Well Win", last week and when I saw it, I expected to be through by the end of the day. At just over 200 pages, it's not a heavy read. Even the size of the book was a little underwhelming. My first thought was "hmmm, a booklet." But I couldn't have misjudged the book more.

Bruyneel managed to cram a lot of feeling into those 200 pages. I found myself having to stop every so often because the stories Bruyneel was sharing or the images he was describing triggered something in me. It brought to life vivid replays of my own experiences in bike races, with family, in life. My daughter looked at my book mark over the weekend and said, "you've only read THAT far?" For each page of the book, it seemed that another 20 were added from my own personal "manuscript" that added to the depth of "We Might As Well Win".

Having met Johan Bruyneel a couple of times and seen him on t.v., I had an impression of him that was made much more clear after reading his book. Before the book, I viewed him as a tactical genious, especially when it came to the Grand Tours. After reading his book, I see now that his mastery, his genious is forged simply from his dedication to being a learner, a student. He studies everything about racing and applies that knowledged to forging victory.

Johan Bruyneel is the prime example of the smart rider beating the stronger rider. He raced that way and he directs that way as well. It is no wonder that he has become the greatest Champion maker in the world.

Definitely read this book!!!

Weak Sauce

2008-06-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

Some random examples of weak sauce:

"Dude, I felt so strong. I pulled the last two laps, but then blew."

"I didn't know it was the last lap."

"I thought my race started at (insert time)."

Vaporware (Grrrr....)

The "10 second attack, sit up, bail out". I love it when people do that.

Attacking the group ride after they waited for you when you were dropped on the last climb.

IHOP marketing itself as a steakhouse.

***

"SUCK IT!!!!" by Johan Bruyneel

2008-06-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

Johan Bruyneels' new book hits the shevles tomorrow. Entitled "We Might As Well Win", it could have easily been titled "Punks Jump Up To Be Beat Down: My riders can kick your riders asses".

I'm looking forward to reading it. Full review coming soon.

photo (below) by Edward Falsken

Will the Real Champ Please Stand

2008-06-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

Alberto Contador is the real deal!!! He withstood attacks from Danilo Di Luca and Ric "The Dick" Ricco to win the 2008 Giro. What a GREAT RACE!! One of the best races I've seen in a long time.

I have to say, I'm becoming a Contador fan. His vitory in the 2007 edition of Paris Nice was masterful. And now, with his victory in the Giro after a late call up from the organizers proved his class (and the class of Squadra Astana).

Politics, Religion and American Idol

2008-05-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

BLIND LOYALTY: following your leader even when they get things bass ackwards and refuse to honestly say, "Oh crap, we've gotten this wrong. Let's change direction."

With Scott McClellan's book "What Happened" hitting the shelves, the tidal wave of criticism that has rushed his way was to be expected. There are those, such as Pat Buchanan, that believe McClellan should have kept his mouth closed because it is wrong to "rat out" the boss. Sheeeeeit.

The need for SOME people that have or crave power to put other people in their pockets is sickening. It's damn near pervy. "Hey little boy, want some candy?" Are we supposed to turn a blind eye to things that conflict with our personl beliefs simply because we have been "gifted" by THE MAN? Hell to the no.

The "you've been given something few get, so sit down and shut up" mentality isn't new. It's been around for a LOOONG time and will still be around a LOOONG time from now. That is why applaud people like McClellan who stand up and say "Wait a minute, we need to address some things..." even if that means a few bridges have to be burnt.

Hell, I voted for W twice. At the time I did, I was pretty far to the right in my political beliefs and he was the ONE that best fit my ideas about what a President should be. Halfway through his first term, I had doubts. Stayed loyal to the GOP even though I wasn't happy with it or W. Finally, after watching W royally eff things up, lie and yoda-speak his way into idiocy, I had to jump ship.
(with respect to Yoda, W speaks only with the backwardness of tongue, minus the cool wisdomy parts)

As a one time Right Winged, Pentecostal Republican, I can honestly say that it is good to keep an open mind and a willingness to admit when you've made a mistake. There is nothing commanding you to stay fixed in your position if you have come to change your mind. That's one of the best parts of freedom. Now, as an agnostic independent with a serious lean to the left, I applaud anyone who has the balls to stand and say "Oops, I f#$@'d that up" and then turns around and finds a better direction.

Supporting someone you believe in is great (ask David Cook or any one who voted for him). Continuing to support that person even when they make gross errors, refuse to admit their mistakes and promise to continue pushing forward with a faulty plan doesn't make you loyal, it makes you an enabler.

It's like a jungle, somtimes it makes me wonder...

2008-05-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

Posting some radom sh!t...

The Giro = Great Bike Racing

Sella's exploits in the Dolomites this weekend were crazy impressive. To summit wins in a row with a second place in the mountain TT on Monday. He's on a small team (that happens to be leading the team competition) that's made a huge impact on the race so far. Great stuff!!

Contador is in Pink and could pull of another Grand Tour victory. Ricco looks strong in the mountains and poses a real threat to Astana. The next mountain stages should be a real shootout.

Can't forget about High Road. The only US ProTour team having a great race.

***

David Millar is bagging on Ivan Basso's return to the peloton, saying that he is neither a hero nor a victim. While it's pretty much accepted that "Birillo" lied his ass off about Operacion Puerto, I find it hard to stomach Millar's comments. I mean, sure Basso lied and probably isn't someone that should be looked up to when it comes to sports ethics, but for Millar to speak out against his return as if his EPO doesn't stink makes me want to want to kick him straight in his argyle clad nards.

Millar admitted his EPO use after getting busted by the cops. Up until that point, he was spouting the standard "I've never tested positive" blahbity blah. It's kind of easy to become "respectable" when facing the threat of jail time.

As far as I know, Basso has not been caught with any banned substances, just his blodd in the hands of a shady doctor. Yes, that cast a HUGE shadow on his career and pretty much ruins his credibility. But come on David, give the guy a break. It's not as if he was caught with vials of EPO in his house.

The funny thing is I'm pretty much a Millar fan- at least in terms of cycling performance.

Let Basso come back and race. Hell, I can't wait to see him at Madera next year. = )

***

Music Fridays: "Handlebars" by Flobots

2008-05-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

MF is back!

Kick ass song

"Warriors.... come out and plaaaayay"

2008-05-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Giro hits the high mountains this weekend and we'll get to see who packed their big boy pants. Contado ready to take the Maglia Rosa? Kloden? Is Ricco going to live up to his own hype and BRING THE PAIN on "his roads". We'll see. Tomorrow is the first of three days of ass whoopidry.

Summit finsih tomorrow, summit finish on Sunday, Moutain TT on Monday. HELL YEAH!!!

Wildfires SUCK!

2008-05-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

(picture of Waterman Canyon Fire near Highland, Ca.)
The 2003 Old Waterman Wildfire got within a mile of my home. Friends and neighbors lost a lot in that fire. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the Santa Cruz Mountain fire.

Leg Muscle Vitamins

2008-05-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

I bought these at Costco and couldn't find them on the banned substance list. Should be good, right? I mean, they're triple strength AND fortified. That just screams GOOD FOR YOU.

What's the worst that could happen? My rocket skates may explode or I'll run myself into the fake tunnel painted on the canyon wall. Eh, reward out weighs risk.

Hmm... maybe all the years of watching Wile E. Coyote and reading Captain America have left me a little numb to the whole performance enhancing thing.

Oh Snap!!!

2008-05-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

I love RAI. Daily live coverage of the Giro IN ITALIAN!!!

So, watching this morning, I got to live David Millars' "HOLY $#!7!!!" moment with him. Bike chucked over the barrier, almost thought DM would steal a photog moto and ride to the finish. Tough break (pun) for him.

CIAO!

Longo

2008-05-13T15:25:00.001-07:00

Just read that Jeannie Longo is racing Mt. Hood!!! That's too damn cool! She's someone I've admired since I started cycling back in 1983. That's pretty damn remarkable.

I had a last minute invite to work for one the the pro women's teams at Mt. Hood this year, but couldn't pull the strings to cover my Bay Area life while I was away. Would have been cool to see Jeannie in person.

Best of luck to all the ladies racing in Oregon this week!!!

Giro Hero!! Maglia Rosa to Slipstreams' Vande Velde

2008-05-11T09:18:00.001-07:00

One helluva accomplishment for Slipstream!! Hopefully their success helps them land a title sponsor (same for High Road) for next year, cuz pro cycling ain't cheap.

Insane Stunt Prime

2008-05-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

With Cat's Hill set for tomorrow and the release of GTA IV this week, I'm putting up a special prime:

$51 Insane Stunt Prime to anyone who can launch themselves off of Cat's Hill, clear the park and nail the landing on the opposite side of the course. Impossible? Not if you have GTA physics working for you...

The classic Classic

2008-04-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

Liege Bastogne Liege is set to roll on Sunday and I'm gonna pick Damiano Cunego one more time. There are a few other guys that are rolling well right now, but I'm betting on DC to bring the POW WAH.

Schleck, Evans, Gesink and Rebellin will be bringin' the pain, making L-B-L one of the best races of the season.

Team Spirit!!!

2008-04-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Venga! Venga! Venga, Dude!!!

Eff the cowbell's, I'm bringing THE BIG BELL!!

(more proof that higher rpm's is better)

Basso's Baggage

2008-04-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

Looks like Liquigas swooped him up before Rock Racing could.

Too bad, Sevilla could have used him at San Dimas. Jorg Jakshe's still available though!!!

Waaait.....Waaaait....almost there....

2008-04-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

I hear patience is a virtue. Who made that shit up? Things get done when people are impatient and their lust for the coolest, badassiest thing since Blu Ray integrated bathroom tiles drives them to GET IT DONE.

So, as I wait for the last couple of pieces of my new SystemSix to arrive, I'll meditate on this;

"I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end."
Margaret Thatcher

Damiano delivers!

2008-04-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

Cunego beats Schleck to the line with Valverde in third. If only I could pick lotto numbers that easily.

Beer and Bikes

2008-04-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Amstel Gold's this weekend! First of the climbing Classics and one of my personal fav's. (hell, i love all the Classics...)Steep climbs, narrow roads and fast mofo's on two wheels. And it's sponsored by a beer company. Gotta love it.

My pic for Amstel (L-B-L too) is Damiano Cunego. He's got good form coming into his spring goals.

Who do you pick?

Post Ride Eats?

2008-04-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a few of my fav post ride eats (in no particular order);

Pad Thai with Tofu (Zao Noodle Bar)
Shrimp Tacos (Wahoo's Fish Tacos)
Veggie Pizza (Bronco Billy's)

...and a cold Pale Ale.

What do you eat?

Who Will Win Paris Roubaix?

2008-04-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

I'm going with Stefan Wesseman (Cycle Collstrop) especially if the weather is wet.

If the cobbles are dry (-ish), then the favorites could shine.
Boonen, Flecha, Hincapie, Cancellara.

Music Fridays: "One" by U2

2008-04-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.
Dalai Lama

Eddie Quad in the Spotty

2008-04-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

Deep in The Stacks, you'll find him. He is The Hulk on two wheels.

Hills? He flattens 'em. Wills? He breaks 'em.

Nothing can stand under the pressure of his 56x3. Ed's chains don't snap, they melt. Under contract with CalTrans, EQ serves as an asphalt grinder in exchange for drivetrain components made of depleted uranium and tungsten.

The engineers at Shimano refer to him simply as "MoFo-san: The Destroyer".

If you ride through the East Bay hills, be aware. The trembling you feel isn't the 580 traffic... it's Ed, rollin' up on you. Don't look back, that'll just make him angry.

"ED SMASH!!!"

Music Fridays: "Belief" John Mayer

2008-04-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

"Some need the exhibition
And some have to know they tried
It's the chemical weapon
For the war that's raging on inside"

Have a great weekend everyone!

b

Alexi

2008-04-03T11:41:00.001-07:00

I met Alexi nearly 11 years ago. We got along really well with shared interests in family, faith and sport. I had just "retired" from being a soingeur on the domestic pro circuit and was beginning work on starting my own pro women's team. Alexi, Sara Ballantyne and a few other extremely supportive people were helping me "conceptualize" the team.

Not everyone likes Alexi. One thing I've always admired about him is how straight forward he is. Alexi will tell you what he's thinking. And, well, that makes some people... uncomfortable.

In the April 1 issue of Velonews and on today's Velonews.com page, Alexi talked about his use of performance enchancing drugs and called for other riders from his era to come forward and admit to their usage of PES.

I'm sure his former colleauges are saying "DAMN AL, SHUT THE F@#$ UP!!!!", but he won't.

Good for Al.

Here's a guy who has stood on the top step of the sports highest Olympic achievement, risking his place in history in an effort to encourage others to come forward so that cycling come honestly come clean. Cajones Majoris!!!

You go AG, I got your back!!

Ronde Round Up

2008-03-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

Spent the weekend "supportin' the dudes" out and the Ronde Van Brisbane. It was a race on my "cool to do" schedule, but after feeling like a used GU wrapper for a week, I decided to save my scrilla and play spectator.

Wasn't all sitting around, sippin' wine- although I did a fair share of that too. I actually pimped the Champion Nutrition products and met up with the homies over at ZTeam. Christian, Uthman, Hunter and the rest of ZTeam are all good guys.

Also got to chat with Devon Vigus and Hannah Banks. It's kind of funny meeting someone for the first time that you "kinda" know because we know some of the same people. Went something like this;

Me: "And this must be Hannah?"
Hannah; "Yees. And you must be Brian Mei....ers?"
Me: "Yep, that's me."
Both: "Hey! Nice to meet you"

She said she kind of recognized me from my picture. Instant flash back to the Tour of California Beaver Shot! What is that they say about first impressions???

Anywhoo, Hannah was very cool and mixed it up with the Cat 3 dudes on Sat. She's more brave than I am. Some of those Tois' looked way too Etch-a-Sketcy for me. I like my skin intact. Some knuckle head squizzed her into the barriers and she called it a day. Bigger fish to fry.

Quick shout outs to the VINO GANG that hung out with me at the Ronde. O, Meredith, La, Gaz, KJ and Familia, Audry and Ed- thanks for making the weekend Tres Bon! And Dr. Moose, thanks for giving us someone to cheer for!!!

Ballin' -est shit EVER!!!

2008-03-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

I'd so rock this!!

Good Lord!

2008-03-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

(stole from Hernando- Thanks Mike)

Holee Hell... may I never wake up to find myself staring up at that and asking myself, "Where the hell am I and why does my ass hurt?"

The Thrill of Victory!

2008-03-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

Cancellara is BADASS! Any early guesses on who he'll ride for next season? CSC replacement sponsor? QuickStep? Silence/Lotto? Rock Racing (lol)?

Music Fridays (on Saturday, I know):

2008-03-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

"numb" is the best way to describe how i've felt these passed couple of weeks. the fog is clearing though... catch you on the encore.

Music Fridays: Imagine

2008-03-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

deeply saddened

2008-03-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

(Image:Garrett Lau)

When I got word of the accident late last night, it didn't hit me that it was someone I knew. Our cycling community is small enough to allow us to get to "know" each other in some way.

This past January I got to get to know Kristy a little bit. After watching her ride away from the women's field in the EB's for the win, I congratulated her and we got to talking. I learned about her background in triathlon and she talked about how excited she was to be racing this year. Her talent was obvious and it was clear that she was just passing through on her way to bigger things in the sport.

My condolences go out to the friends and family of Kristy and Matt and the other riders injured in yesterday's tragic accident.

Music Fridays: Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros

2008-03-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

A little sumpin, sumpin for the weekend jump off!

Headin' out to the Menlo Park G.P. and then the Berzerkely TTT.

Peace.

Fargin' ASO's

2008-03-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

The battle for power between ASO and the UCI is heading for a meltdown that could affect the fate of cycling in the Olympic movement.

I'm a big fan of cycling. Love it. I love the Tour and I love the Olympics. But if the Tour organizers keep pushing the way they are and force a split away from the UCI, the IOC may remove cycling events from the Olympic schedule.

The ASO needs to look past their greed and do what's best for the sport. Get in line with the IOC, UCI and UEC. Start working together the fix cycling.

Bewteen the cheats and the power-mongers, it'll be amazing if the sport comes out of the next couple of years in one piece.

Roman Moroni: You fargin sneaky bastage. I'm gonna take your dwork. I'm gonna nail it to the wall. I'm gonna crush your boils in a meat grinder. I'm gonna cut off your arms. I'm gonna shove 'em up your icehole. Dirty son-a-ma-batches. My own club!

When Beavers Attack!!!

2008-02-28T07:36:00.000-08:00

photo by Ed Falsken

I'm a running fool.

AToC 2008

2008-02-27T14:18:00.001-08:00

Since I was 14, just about every cycling daydream I've had has been commentated on by "Sir" Phil Liggett (I've gone ahead and Knighted him because he's pretty damn near cycling royalty in my mind...)

"And it's an attack by the young man from California!!"
"Meiers has CRACKED!"

From the times when he was partnered with John Tesh at CBS for Paris Roubaix and the Tour de France to his current partnering with Paul Sherwen, Phil's voice has remained THE voice of cycling for me.

So when I had a chance to meet him a couple of weeks ago, I was effing giddy! It's not usually the riders that I get star struck by. It's the people around the race or behind the scenes that cause me to freeze in my tracks and lose all sense of cool.

"Holee crap that's Emma O'Reilly!!"
"Did you see Len Pettyjohn?!?!?"
"Dude, take a picture of me and Freddy Viaene!"

Thanks to La for taking this picture of me and one of stars of the sport!

Oh, and yes RB, I flipped out when I saw Graham Watson on the back of the motocycle going up Sierra!!

Fav Phil Liggett quote (1987 Tour de France, Mt. Ventoux TT):

"Its only a mountain, one of many you can see on this French Country morning, but for 171 young men it would be a place where they would dare to ask themselves the questions of greatness"

Meet the Beaver

2008-02-26T19:48:00.000-08:00

photo by Ed Falsken

After watching Big Fro guy and Antler Guy run along the field in th AToC, I figured I had to bust out my own outfit and rep Team Fremont on Versus.

That's me in my bear hat with handfuls of money for the guys climbing up Sierra Rd. My team mates think it's a beaver head so I figure we'll go with that. Noone took the special "prime" I was offering (guess my stripper ones weren't good enough for the protour guys...)

I'll post more AToC pics soon.

I've got to give props to AEG for the very cool AToC this year. I got to attend the Team Presentation in Sausalito before the race start, hung out at the prologue in Palo Alto and then acted a fool on Sierra. Every part of it was top-shelf. I'm looking forward to next year.

~b

Pop Alchemy

2008-02-21T19:57:00.001-08:00

Since the AToC is chilling in my backyard, I've been away from my little blog. So to keep things warm until I get back, I'd like to leave you with this little piece of Pop Music Alchemy.

Mary Digby, turning crap into gold!

~b

DOPe AGE

2008-02-14T11:01:00.000-08:00

Doping sucks. It sucks on a thousand levels. A prime example of the suckiness of doping is going on right now with ASO & Astana. Because of the Ghosts of Dopers Past, it doesn't look like our boy Levi will get his chance to shine in the Tour this year. Not only Levi, but Alberto and Andreas as well. That just plain sucks.

You have riders like Levi who have NEVER been on the radar for ANY kind of doping offense being "penalized" for something he had no part of.

Granted, I understand that the Tour is an ASO property and they have the right to invite who they want, but the latest victims are clean riders. Hell, if someone gets caught cheating, ban them for life. Why take away the opportunities of clean riders to race in the sports biggest event simply because of the name on the jersey?

Where is the riders union in all this?!? Shouldn't all the clean riders stand up and make a united front? Their jobs are on the line. If there ever was a reason to unite, this would be it. And it has to be done soon. A month from now is too long.

Honestly, I would like to see the riders at the ToC hold a demonstration of some sort to show solidarity.

It probably wouldn't do much to change the mind of ASO, but it would make a point. Maybe if the clean riders demonstrate at the start line of ASO and RCS premiere events, the promoters will get the point. Kick out the cheats. Don't punish the clean riders.

Flu Vaccine my A$$...

2008-02-13T11:45:00.000-08:00

So, Flu shots are suppose to help people NOT get the flu. I must have gotten the cheap ass generic flu shot, cuz I've been sick more in the past month then the last 4years combined.

Once I recover from this bout, I'm moving into my bubble.

GAZ in the Spotty

2008-02-04T10:00:00.001-08:00

Britain's contribution to the world throughout history has been pretty impressive;

Pizza, Karate, Budweiser and Green Day just to name a few.

Our team has the good fortune of counting a few Brits in our number and I'll take a moment to shine the spotlight on one of them today... introducing our very own Duke of Dublin (Ca), Garry Birch.

Garry is the DS of our team and can usually be found riding point on our team rides. He has a Ph.D in Snot Rocketry and Ride Food Storage. His dissertation "Energy Gel Storage Capacity of Modern Cycling Short Leg Grippers" was groundbreaking in the field of Sports Nutrition transport.

His nickname Gazza (or Gaz for short) is an Ancient Germanic expression for "spear" and pretty damn manly when you think about (like "Lance", "Rod" or "Shaft".)

According to IMDb Gaz has nearly 47 credited movie appearances under the stage name "Gaz Thrustman".

So lift up your Lagunitas Maximus and salute our boy from the Isles.

(photo by Lala)

Shake What Your Mama Gave Ya

2008-01-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

He may not be a Soul Train Dancer, but I give this guy props for keepin' it real!!!

Welcome to Nerd-dom

2008-01-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

This is one of the many things that flow through my mind on training rides...

Feeling Crap-tactular!

2008-01-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

Colds suck.

***

I'm going to steal a cold remedy from a friend;

Take a package of frozen "Asian Medley" vegetables, stale Ramen noodles & flavor packet, and hot sauce. Nuke it for 10 minutes (I know, crazy long, but hey, it worked for her). Follow with Nyquil chasers.

Let's see how it works.

patience

2008-01-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

I consider myself a somewhat patient person. But damn, when it comes to getting fit, riding fast and racing....I WANT IT NOW!!!!!

Check-ch-check-check-check-ch-check it out

2008-01-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

To the tune of the Beasties, I give you

Fixedgearfever.com LINK

Thanks Hernando- now it's spreading.

"Hey. Know your place."

2008-01-16T22:48:00.000-08:00

I'm amazed at some of the crap that people say. I read of two verbal spewings made by riders at last weekends Early Birds in Fremont.

*Now, I love to talk shit with my friends. Our team rides are chop full of smack talk. But when stupid people spout stupid things and they mean them...ugh, I hate that!

Beth reported in her blog that she overheard someone in the 1/2/3 race yell "Hey! Know your place!" That one is either funny as hell or a major WTF comment. And like Beth, I plan on stealing it for use on my rides. = )

This next one is Hutchy's report of an exchange he had with "Mr. Stanford" also in the 1/2/3 race;

"Dear Mr Stanford with the BJM calfs,
Wearing an ipod in any race isn't so smart or cool, when I call you on it for my safety and the safety of others you should just agree, not say" OK old man" not classy."

Ipods on rides- I've done it (but not on Team Fremont rides = D )but to wear it in a race is just too damn risky for other people around you. I guess what gets me, though is the reaction by Mr. Stanford. So, the current Master's Nat'l champ points out the dangers of using an ipod in a racing situation and you respond "OK old man."

???

Next time someone tries to give you advice that has to do with issues of safety, stick your tongue out at them, scream "nah nah nah nah" and tell them that they smell and that their bike is old (even if it isn't).

***
So on that note, a message to my bitches on Team Fremont: YOU KNOW YOUR PLACES OLD MEN!!!! LOL

crap...

2008-01-11T21:18:00.000-08:00

OV has left the building.

I imagine his insanely high levels of cool blogosity will transfer over nicely to his next toy-

norcalcyclingnews.com

Michaels' Balls

2008-01-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

When asked about the discrepancy between his stated goals and his team's registered status, Ball seemed both indifferent and uninformed.

"No shit? Well I've got look into that right away," he said with a laugh. "That would be shame if we did get invited [to ProTour caliber events] and we couldn't go."

Ball said he was at a loss to explain how the error might have occurred.

"Well, if it were a mistake, I would have the individual who made the mistake inform me why it was done that way," he said. "If I agreed to it, we'd move on. If it were egregious, there'd be some hell to pay, without a doubt." - Velonews.com

I've seen my share of Vaporware Teams- groups with big plans, big promises and when it comes time to put chamois on saddles, nothin. POOF.

The simple fact that Michael Ball wants to be THE MAN on his team calling the shots doesn't surprise me. He's paid serious money to get his team rolling. But to call the shots, you need to know what the hell is going on and from the sound of it, Ball is off the back.

Hey Mike, you just spent a grip of money and bought yourself a Conti team. That'd be like me dropping $900 for a pair of Wranglers. Oops.

Straight Outta Fremont

2008-01-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

Roman taking it to the curb in '06

"Fallin back on that ass with a hellified gangsta lean
Gettin funky on the {bike} like a old batch o collard greens"~ Snoop

Ah... the Early Birds are here.

***

Heard something at the EB's today that I'd never heard before...

Someone referred to wheel overlap as "The Cone of Death!"
That's some menacing sh!t! I've heard "protect your wheels", hell even the direct "don't overlap wheels". If you touch wheels, there's a good chance you'll touch ground. Simple.

But "The Cone of Death?" That's some dramatic crap right there. I mean, the world's already scary enough. We've got Al Qaeda, Bird Flu, Spinach, Republicans and now WHEEL OVERLAP! We're effed!!!!

Confessions of a Cereal Killer

2008-01-03T17:02:00.001-08:00

I'd F@#$ up a bowl of Fruit Loops!

Bonne Annee

2008-01-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

2008 is here!

There'll be highs:

There'll be lows:

We've got twelve months to leave our mark on this little piece of history.

Let's rock it 'til the wheels fall off!

My Nog Blog

2007-12-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

Tis the night before Christmas
And all through the house,
Not a creature is stirring...

because they're at their moms house until, like 10 or 11pm.

So...what does a single dad, father of five daughters do when he finally gets a night to himself?

blog.

hahahahaha. I don't think my social skills are lacking, I mean, I make the dudes on my team rides chuckle. That counts for something, right? Shit. I need to get out.

So before I go, here's a Christmas jingle inspired by my bloggin' peep Martina over at Martinas Blog
I've been singing her version of "Santa Baby" all weekend... cuz she's got skillz.

Rudolph the Cat 5 Racer

You know Sato, and Kilun, and Kearney,
and Vigus
Patella, and Wohlberg, and Fast Fred Rodgriquez.
But do you recall,
The most famous cyclist of all.

Rudolph the Cat 5 racer, (racer)
Had a very shiny bike. (like Cervelo)
And if you ever saw it, (saw it)
You would even say it's light. (sub 7 kilos)

All of the other racers (racers)
Use to laugh and call him names (effin newbie)
They never let poor Rudolph (Rudolph)
Join in any racer games (like bike polo)

Then one foggy Cat's Hill Eve,
Casey came to say...
"Rudolph with your damn light bike,
wont you give Cat 4's a try?"

Then all the racers loved him (loved him)
As they shouted out with glee (Venga, Venga)
Rudolph the Cat 4 racer, (racer)
Soon you'll upgrade to...CAT...THREE!!!!!! (Just like Boner!)

Mele Kalikimaka!!!

Friends of Boner

2007-12-19T17:15:00.000-08:00

Four hours on the bike, three punctures and one ripped valve stem later... I made it home alive. Thanks to Ed for covering my ass!!!!

December has been Team Fremont's "Give Boner A Hand" Month. First KK gives me his saddle (how effin cool is THAT?) and then Ed's there to retrieve me in all my flat tire glory so I can make it home.

My teammies are KICKASS amigos. Thanks for your help!

Adidas, Reebok, Kotex: Great Sports Equipment

2007-12-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

My Ass is FEROCIOUS

2007-12-07T20:35:00.000-08:00

fe·ro·cious
Pronunciation: \fə-ˈrō-shəs\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin feroc-, ferox, literally, fierce looking, from ferus + -oc-, -ox (akin to Greek ōps eye) — more at eye
Date: 1646
1 : exhibiting or given to extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality
2 : extremely intense

I think "FEROCIOUS" pretty much describes my ass. Just ask my saddle...

It didn't break in a crash. Wasn't thrown around. Nope. This is the result of my ASS clinching it while climbing. Just ripped it off the rails and spit it out. My ass is like a Bengal Tiger!

It can make balloon animals too.

My butt is available for bar and bat mitzvahs, birthdays, political rallies and CX races.

"Crank That"- Travis Barker remix...This is THE SH!T

2007-12-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

Martina Picks Patrick

2007-12-03T10:47:00.001-08:00

People named Matt Damon as the "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2007. Now, I can't say that I agree with that one. MP made a great case for Patrick Dempsey...

Dog wins by TKO, TMobile demands drug test

2007-11-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

In what could be the final chapter in the T-Mobile doping saga, Deutsche Telekom elected to terminate it's sponsorship of it's ProTour cycling team. Team General Manager Bill Stapleton stated that the team will continue through 2008, though under a new name.

In a related story, the dog that knocked T-Mobile rider Marcus Burghardt to the ground during stage nine of the Tour de France was to have his appeal heard by CAS this week. Eliminated from the race for "Unsporting behavior", the dog which answers to the name "Rex", later tested positive for an autologous blood transfusion. Although earlier implicated in the "BARKO" doping scandal, Rex has continued to maintain his innoncence.

Medical experts for Rex claim that the extra blood found in his A sample was that of Marcus Burghardt. The "transfusion" apparently occured when the rider came into contact with the canine during the accident this summer. Rexs' defense team used video attained from VS to illustrate the "transferrence of biological substance between the athletes."

The USADA arbitration panel reached a 2-1 decision against Rex leading to the animals' appeal to CAS.

The lengthy appeal process was put into doubt the animals' participation in the upcoming Iditarod.

An annonymous source from the T-Mobile camp has claimed that Rex is in fact the personal pet of Lance Armstrong and has suggested that the accident was part of a plot by the American superstar to undermine the success of the Magenta Machine.

Representative from the Armstrong camp could not be reached for comment.

-BS News Reports