Jaime Edmondson - Hot Clicks

Ok, this almost makes me like the Baltimore Ravens.

Jaime Edmondson; Giants-Bears sackfest; Arien Foster TD run: Hot Clicks - SI.com - Extra Mustard

Roger Hodgson - Give a little bit

Stop MS

Well, today I went for a ride in support of MS fundraising for my friend Tami Kratz. It was great to get out there with folks of all levels and see old friends like Tamara Simbirdi. It was an interesting ride from San Ramon to Walnut Creek and while the group broke up, everyone seemed to have a great time. I managed to get some time trial miles in on the way there and rode more after. I think the total was a bit over 40 miles. Of course, I forgot to turn the computer on and off properly...some things never change.

Great soccer today played by Germany against Argentina. It was tough to see Argentina go out because they were fun to watch. They were undone not by Ozil, as I suspected, by Bastian Schweinsteiger. He was the very definition of a box-to-box midfield.

Chain Management 101

Wow, Coach Jeff’s weekly Wednesday ride had quite the kickoff. As part of the training I decided to get a flat rear tire. Seemed a routine flat at first until my Campagnolo derailleur decided to make a 360 degree spin and tangle the chain. For some reason, the coach was completely overmatched on this day in getting the problem straightened away. The tire repair itself took only a minute or two, but the ‘Chain Tangling 101’ clinic went on unabated for around 20 minutes. Everyone chimed in to help the befuddled coach, but the chain was getting the best of the whole group.

We should have great photos courtesy of Tammy for the website where a lively photo commentary should ensue. Thanks to everyone for their patience and a special shout-out to Michael for finally getting the proper final twist on the problem; whereby, we finally nailed down the solution.

Just to add to the hilarity of the whole situation. In my haste to get back on the road with my cohorts who were already up the Kilkare climb, I slapped the wheel back in the dropouts without the slightest review and hit the road again as my patient charges headed back to our start point in the other direction.

On the way up Kilkare, the pedaling seemed a bit more challenging than usual… It seems I was climbing with the back brake pressing against the rim. Sometimes it just isn’t your day (but the climb was a bit more of a workout).

I guess the next order of business will be to orchestrate a ‘Chain Untangling’ clinic. Of course, I suppose this will take place after a trip to bike shop to figure out what is going on with my crazy derailleur.

Moral of the story, we should always keep pushing forward – Go Team!!!!

TNT-Point Reyes Ride

Wow, what a fantastic day for a TNT ride. The Point Reyes weather was really off the chain. Group 1 welcomed, Craig, from the Redwood/Wine Country team and he seamlessly dovetailed into our paceline and added another set of wheels to our echelon training on the way out towards Nicasio. The group rode extremely well. Of course, the idea was to start at around 12 mph which was actually 17 mph in practice; still no one seemed to suffer from the quicker pace.

The group is in the process of trying to figure out a good name for our group. So far, a number ideas have been floated around such as "Betsy's Boys", but nothing has really fit the bill perfectly. I am sure that we will find our song around the same time as we take on a nom de guerre.

We all tried to make it back in time for the World Cup game between Ghana and the US, but it just didn't happen. Still, the post ride lunch in Point Reyes Station was good. Of course, as a side note, I am bummed that the US couldn't make it past Ghana to advance.

Cancellara Descending - Poetry at High Speed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVmq4UBJs4

Fabian Cancellara is not only the World Time Trial champion he goes downhill like a bullet, enjoy.

Kilkare, Because It's There

I just love the Kilkare ride. This time I was able to ride it with Ross, Ray, and Lin of the TNT-Marin/Moab team. I managed to get in some extra miles with Bob beforehand and then tacked some on at the back in order to ride home.

We all rode together from Shannon Park out to Kilkare and once we got there Ross and I rode with Ray. He really seems to enjoy riding and we all rode comfortably together. I think Ross just let Ray and I keep up. Hold out, maybe Ray and Ross just let me keep up because Ray was really spinning like Lance Armstrong... just like Ross does! I felt a bit like the Jan Ullrich of the bunch turning the pedals at only around 70 revs per minute as these two made the cranks fire like a sewing machine.

All in all, we had a great ride and the Mavic Ksyrium wheels John gave me really feel good and the stiffness makes for a solid ride. I also like how free and easy the wheels turned with smooth "new" bearings.

Well, Thursday was an off day and I am still not sure what to do with Friday. I may try a bit of soccer, but we will have to see based on the weather and my sanity level.

Cheers!