Southern California - So Cal needs a long thread "What's Up?" type thread!

your inuendos....i know your kind;)

as i am that kind:D

I have no clue what you're talking about or what "kind" you and I apparently are (like some gutter subspecies?) I meant nothing more than - when Joy pushes through with her legs and hips, she really gets worked up and sweats. But she has to grind hard to get her heart rate up since she's Asian ,and they don't sweat a lot. I don't mind. I like it when I'm there grinding away with her. Of course, I'm whitey-white-white, so I sweat buckets. Keeps me cooled off and glistening. :)

Oh, I can work up a sweat when I'm climbing. I once wrote a vivid description of the "joys" of climbing. Unfortunately, my narrative was lost when the original "What's Up" thread got trashed.

Oh, I love to climb with you. Nothing like your private PV tour, climbing, grinding, sweating, glistening, encouraging each other to peak. Then getting those wonderful butterflies in my stomach on the descents.

I can't wait until this cold/funk goes away so I can ride!

I love it when we reach the peak. It's almost like I can't stand another second, with all the blood rushing to my head, my heart racing, my thighs throbbing with each stroke. Of course, as soon as I reach the crest I just want to scream at the top of my lungs.

And then there's the headlong descent afterwards. Crazy, maddening, visceral... nothing like the rush of bombing down a mountain at 40+mph.

I've had a brilliant idea for the next triathlon... I'm going to wear this:

http://www.utilikilts.com/index.php?page_id=32

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/203/508283362_2758352379.jpg

[with cycling/tri shorts underneath... I'm not hardcore enough to have my bare @$$ rubbing on the saddle yet...]

I love it when we reach the peak. It's almost like I can't stand another second, with all the blood rushing to my head, my heart racing, my thighs throbbing with each stroke. Of course, as soon as I reach the crest I just want to scream at the top of my lungs.

And then there's the headlong descent afterwards. Crazy, maddening, visceral... nothing like the rush of bombing down a mountain at 40+mph.

You know, my thighs throb too, and sometimes that throbbing works itself a little farther up into my pelvis, making me pull up out of the saddle just before peaking. Depending on where you are, Happy - especially if you are just behind me and right up on me - just looking over my shoulder, seeing your face with such a look of pain and pleasure really helps me squeeze the last drop of what I've got out.

I miss riding with you. :(

Dude...you need to invest in some spandex and fleece tights/leg warmers, arm warmers and a full on cycling jacket. Riding at night is the best. Get yourself a good light and I'll take you up to the Observatory at Griffith Park. Well, as soon as I start getting back out there myself. I hate being sick and stressed and having to work. :mad:

What's wrong with jeans? I had plans immediately after the ride, which meant being seen in public. Something about looking like a brightly lit seal while shopping for groceries kinda spooks me.:D

Years ago I lived just down the street from the Observatory. Walked up and around there regularly. Loverly view. Is there a regular Hollywood ride that includes Griffith Park? That'd be fun.

Just dropping in to note that paper shuffling can be a hazardous task. I just got a rather unpleasant paper cut. :(

:crossing fingers that Jason was wearing pants...at least...:

You know, my thighs throb too, and sometimes that throbbing works itself a little farther up into my pelvis, making me pull up out of the saddle just before peaking. Depending on where you are, Happy - especially if you are just behind me and right up on me - just looking over my shoulder, seeing your face with such a look of pain and pleasure really helps me squeeze the last drop of what I've got out.

I miss riding with you. :(

I just like the post ride chili spaghetti.

What's wrong with jeans? I had plans immediately after the ride, which meant being seen in public. Something about looking like a brightly lit seal while shopping for groceries kinda spooks me.:D

Years ago I lived just down the street from the Observatory. Walked up and around there regularly. Loverly view. Is there a regular Hollywood ride that includes Griffith Park? That'd be fun.

You obviously have NOT drank the Koolaid if you care about what you look like after riding (especially in a grocery store. I go shopping all sweaty, stinking up a storm, after a long ride all the time.) :rolleyes::p

There use to be a regular ride from Pick Wick bowling alley on Riverside, through GP, up to the Observatory by hopping the fence at Mt. Hollywood or the back way up through Los Feliz. But I stopped organizing those for two reasons: 1. fires that caused road closures, and I'm never sure what is or isn't open; and 2. my work hours have increased and don't always permit it.

Needless to say, I may start doing those rides again but in lieu of making a production out of it, just pming folks to see if they want to join. If you'd like to be a recipient of one of those PMs, let me know.

I just like the post ride chili spaghetti.

Thanks, now I want Chili Spaghetti.

Thanks, now I want Chili Spaghetti.

Me too. But you have to earn that plate of 20,000 calories and I can tell ya...I ain't earned it lately. :(

I was most definitely dressed right for the occasion, if not exactly fashionable by today's modern biker standards. The point being that I got past the "too cold outside" issue that keeps many a rider at home, and had me some fun! Averaged between 18 and 20 mph. Tears streaking from my eyes at times. In daytime that (eyes watering) doesn't happen while wearing shades.

Okay, I see you as molding material (no, that is not an innuendo, so don't get all weirded out). You need:

1. fleece tights
2. base layer
3. a jersey of some kind (it can be any old cheap jersey as far as I'm concerned, but one of the OCP's on here will likely balk at that)
4. arm warmers
5. decent jacket (IMO - it should be made for cyclists so you can stuff thinks in the back pockets and a whole hosts of other reasons)
6. SIDIs :D (I just bought a pair and I LOVE them, but really, any 'ol pair will do for now)
7. Cleats and clipless pedals, if you don't already have them. This will greatly enhance your cycling experience.
8. Night "shades" (these will be clear lensed glasses) - you should NEVER ride without lens as these protect your eyes from far more than just the sun's glare)

Now, get to shopping, take pics of what you buy, post in Shopping Thread. Oh, and drink the Koolaid, already! :D

It's the package being bandied about that would be annoying. This side, that side, flip, flop... I'd never stop being aware of it. Ya know?

+1

+1. The right clothes make all the difference.

I headed out with a LS base layer, Gore Windstopper jacket, thermal tights, full fingered gloves, light balaclava and shoe covers. I never felt the chill. Even when I pushed it and worked up a sweat, the wicking properties kept me very comfortable.

Last night on Chantry I did the full Assos outfit...

interActive Early Winter Baselayer
ElementOne Jacket
FI.13 S2
airProtec.LL

Generally, I was fine until I was screaming down the descent. Of course, it was probably in the lower 30s up there...

It's not the bare @$$ rubbing on the saddle that would bother me. It's the package being bandied about that would be annoying. This side, that side, flip, flop... I'd never stop being aware of it. Ya know?
That's one of those scenarios where the Adamo ISM saddle would come in handy... :D

http://blackwellresearch.com/images/products/ismadamo.jpg

[QUOTE=jpconrad;5803536]

interActive Early Winter Baselayer
ElementOne Jacket
FI.13 S2
airProtec.LL
[QUOTE]

I'm guessing, but assuming I'm pretty dead-on, that these items cost the equivalent of at least half of one of my paychecks.

That's a very thorough list. Thank you. But before I need all that, I need a new set of shock absorbers for the car, a digital still camera, new studio headphones, fishing gear for when my Dad visits, gas, food...
Um, what flavor is that Koolaid? Spiked by any chance?:p

You need to "shoot" it darling. I could be spending my money on groceries, my past due electric bill and better asthma medications, but I instead I buy cycling attire because I'm dedicated and have my head on right. Get your priorities straight, damnit! :rolleyes::p

Why I should not ride solo - 42.2 miles in 5 hours.

Stopped to watch a helicopter practicing surf rescues, at 2 coffee shops, 2 bike shops and at Fletcher Cove to look at the new restrooms and improvements.

Why I should not ride solo - 42.2 miles in 5 hours.

Stopped to watch a helicopter practicing surf rescues, at 2 coffee shops, 2 bike shops and at Fletcher Cove to look at the new restrooms and improvements.

Any plans to come north for a ride during your extended vacation, Frank?

Any plans to come north for a ride during your extended vacation, Frank?No, my wife has big plans for me.

No, my wife has big plans for me.

Any palomar rides on the radar?

There's always Palomar rides on the radar. I'm free most weekends except 12/16, Jan 5 and Jan 12.
Edit - and 12/29

1. fleece tights
2. base layer
3. a jersey of some kind (it can be any old cheap jersey as far as I'm concerned, but one of the OCP's on here will likely balk at that)
4. arm warmers
5. decent jacket (IMO - it should be made for cyclists so you can stuff thinks in the back pockets and a whole hosts of other reasons)
6. SIDIs :D (I just bought a pair and I LOVE them, but really, any 'ol pair will do for now)
7. Cleats and clipless pedals, if you don't already have them. This will greatly enhance your cycling experience.
8. Night "shades" (these will be clear lensed glasses) - you should NEVER ride without lens as these protect your eyes from far more than just the sun's glare)

1. fleece tights? Why would anyone want to wear fleece tights? get a set of leg or knee warmers because you live in SoCal, not NYC.
2. base layers are not necessary, but they are useful beyond cycling and Marshall's has some for like $5 (according to Voltman).
3. As soon as you start down the path of buying jerseys, you will spend TONS of money buying jerseys!
4. Arm warmers... yeah, those are good to have.
5. decent jacket... those are helpful, but only for a limited period of time. Get one that is wind & water (proof or resistant) and has some reflective components.
6. SIDI's are only comfortable if you have narrow feet... and you can buy shoes, pedals, and cleats for less than the price of a pair of SIDI's...
7. see #6
8. Buy one pair of glasses that have interchangable lenses... Charcoal, Orange, Clear/Yellow

interActive Early Winter Baselayer
ElementOne Jacket
FI.13 S2
airProtec.LL


I'm guessing, but assuming I'm pretty dead-on, that these items cost the equivalent of at least half of one of my paychecks.

They do cost way too much...

Picked up a set of Assos Early Winter Gloves today, too!

1. fleece tights? Why would anyone want to wear fleece tights? get a set of leg or knee warmers because you live in SoCal, not NYC.

6. SIDI's are only comfortable if you have narrow feet... and you can buy shoes, pedals, and cleats for less than the price of a pair of SIDI's...



I have one pair of Cannondale fleece tights, Extorty, and I wear them in the winter all the time up to Baldy and up AC. Coming down off those mountains, fleece is perfect. I agree on the knee warmers and leg warmers, but fleece tights (on early morning or late night rides) will do just fine.

As for SIDIs - dude, I do NOT have a narrow foot. It isn't exactly wide, but it isn't narrow either. It is, however, flat as a duck's. :D

1. fleece tights? Why would anyone want to wear fleece tights? get a set of leg or knee warmers because you live in SoCal, not NYC.
6. SIDI's are only comfortable if you have narrow feet... and you can buy shoes, pedals, and cleats for less than the price of a pair of SIDI's...

Not everyone rides in OC, ride up in the mountains or on a nice chilly night and fleece will keep you from freezing off your b***s. And I have two pairs of tights and two more pairs of bib tights and I'll happily wear them when I'm cold.

My feet aren't narrow and BOTH my pairs of SIDI's are quite comfortable. Those Specialized shoes I tried, however, were like torture devices.

....were like torture devices.

You say it as if there's something wrong with that.

You say it as if there's something wrong with that.

What's the safety word today?

What's the safety word today?

"Frozen Snotrocket"

What's the safety word today?

SIDI

"Frozen Snotrocket"

Kinky.

"Frozen Snotrocket"

Oh, I had the wrong safe word. That could have been catastrophic.

BTW... Any way to make HammerGel less goopy in cold weather?

It took all the sucking power I had to get it out of the flask this morning.

BTW... Any way to make HammerGel less goopy in cold weather?

It took all the sucking power I had to get it out of the flask this morning.

I thought you could suck tar through a broken straw, Happy?

6. SIDI's are only comfortable if you have narrow feet... and you can buy shoes, pedals, and cleats for less than the price of a pair of SIDI's...


My feet are extra wide. But SIDI makes many of their shoes in extra width (the MEGAs). Quite comfy for me, especially with the Specialized inserts.

I thought you could suck tar through a broken straw, Happy?

That's what it felt like this morning with the Hammer Gel.

If it's in the little packages, keep them in your shorts leg. If it's in the flask, fill it all the way up.

I had a hard time getting the last third out of my flask today. Will adding water work?

That's what it felt like this morning with the Hammer Gel.

In the summer, I add just a few drops of water to the flask when it's down the last little bit. In the winter, I start out with maybe 10% water.

I've also put the packets in sports bra when I'm wearing tights. Body heat will soften the gel.

BTW... Any way to make HammerGel less goopy in cold weather?

It took all the sucking power I had to get it out of the flask this morning.

I quit using gels on short rides.

BTW... Any way to make HammerGel less goopy in cold weather?

It took all the sucking power I had to get it out of the flask this morning.

I use Clif Shot Bloks now - for that very reason!
:-)

Won $9 in last nights lotto...
:beer:

Reading the LA Times. Looks like the Dodgers (players and front office alike) are in it up to their eyeballs.

Reading the LA Times. Looks like the Dodgers (players and front office alike) are in it up to their eyeballs.

The names weren't surprising. The interesting part for me was reading the e-mails and notes from the front-offices and scouts.


When the Boston Red Sox were considering acquiring Gagné, a Red Sox official
made specific inquiries about Gagné's possible use of steroids. In a November 1, 2006 email to
a Red Sox scout, general manager Theo Epstein asked, "Have you done any digging on Gagne?
I know the Dodgers think he was a steroid guy. Maybe so. What do you hear on his
medical?"425 The scout, Mark Delpiano, responded:


Some digging on Gagne and steroids IS the issue. Has had a
checkered medical past throughout career including minor leagues.
Lacks the poise and commitment to stay healthy, maintain body
and re invent self. What made him a tenacious closer was the max
effort plus stuff . . . Mentality without the plus weapons and
without steroid help probably creates a large risk in bounce back
durability and ability to throw average while allowing the changeup
to play as it once did . . . Personally, durability (or lack of) will
follow Gagne

Also, looks like they have five suspects who started the Malibu fire. Two are in custody right now.

Five guys, age 18-27, started an illegal campfire. :mad:

Also, looks like they have five suspects who started the Malibu fire. Two are in custody right now.

Five guys, age 18-27, started an illegal campfire. :mad:

Yeah, but they reported that they do not believe they did it on purpose, so they will not be badly punished. Also, they don't have any money, so they can't hold them responsible financially.

Idiot kids or idiot illegal aliens?

Yeah, but they reported that they do not believe they did it on purpose, so they will not be badly punished. Also, they don't have any money, so they can't hold them responsible financially.

From what I read, the area was still under a State of Emergency from the October fires. They could get 10 years.

These boys could have done things differently, like call the FD when it started to get out of hand.