Just hanging out shooting the bull
08-10-14, 11:52 AM
#8476
I need speed
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And Shovel, as usual, you nailed it. I have many friends who fit the descriptions I gave. I love riding with them, I'm just not ready to BE one of them, just yet. My quest was interrupted. I need to finish it.
08-11-14, 06:39 PM
#8478
Old & Getting Older Racer
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Gluing on a tubie to my rear disc in a hotel room in Irvine. The last time I rode at Velo Sports Center, I punctured my rear wheel on the 45 degree banking and successfully rode off the track. The old tire was very secure on the rim when I took it off. I am always careful when gluing but after the flat on the boards, I am REALLY being careful. It is unclear to me if I would have been able to keep the bike up if I had been on clinchers and riding on the rim. Although, I did see a racer at VSC blow out a tire and have the entire tire come off the rim such that he was dragging it. He stayed up but it was not on the banking. A few months ago, a racer during one of Roger's sessions blew out a tire on the banking, slid down the track and took out Roger such that Roger broke his collarbone and a couple of ribs.
I wasn't there so everything I heard is second or third-hand.
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Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
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Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/
08-11-14, 06:48 PM
#8479
Old & Getting Older Racer
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Several of us have, or are, struggling with injuries that make us question whether it's worth it to continue racing our bikes. I believe one of the traits that separates us from the 'cycling enthusiasts' is the need to do whatever we do unquestionably well. I know that I am frankly unwilling to do anything poorly. If you can't be good at it, then why bother? Two seasons in a row messed up by injury, and this latest issue, has had me wondering whether that aspect is just too much - that I need to let it go. As we age, recovering from injury takes longer and longer, and we all learn that there is just no way to avoid the chance of injury. ****e happens, to even the best bike handlers with great pack skills.
But.
What I can't let go of, are two things.
First is that, having become someone who really races his bike, the thought of settling back to being an 'enthusiast' feels like a retreat, like giving up. We all ride with those guys, the ones who are uploading Strava real time, and trying to find some way for it appear like they have beaten you somehow, but who are never willing to pin on the number before clipping in. I couldn't stomach that. Sorry if that is insulting or judgmental, but it's the way I feel. And after two glasses of a great Zinfandel (bless you, Ridge), I'm expressing how I feel.
The other is that, again to be frank, I've been fast. Not "fast for my age". Just fast. Period. I know how that feels. I want to feel it again. It's worth the risk of failure, of not getting there. Of putting it all out there for the training, and the races, and not cutting it like I used to. I don't fear failure, or I'd be a cycling enthusiast, or someone who believes finishing in the pack is a good result.
i'm going for it.
But.
What I can't let go of, are two things.
First is that, having become someone who really races his bike, the thought of settling back to being an 'enthusiast' feels like a retreat, like giving up. We all ride with those guys, the ones who are uploading Strava real time, and trying to find some way for it appear like they have beaten you somehow, but who are never willing to pin on the number before clipping in. I couldn't stomach that. Sorry if that is insulting or judgmental, but it's the way I feel. And after two glasses of a great Zinfandel (bless you, Ridge), I'm expressing how I feel.
The other is that, again to be frank, I've been fast. Not "fast for my age". Just fast. Period. I know how that feels. I want to feel it again. It's worth the risk of failure, of not getting there. Of putting it all out there for the training, and the races, and not cutting it like I used to. I don't fear failure, or I'd be a cycling enthusiast, or someone who believes finishing in the pack is a good result.
i'm going for it.
My add, from my perspective, is that while I could be an "enthusiast" (not that there aren't enthusiasts who are much faster than I), racing gets me to a fitness level that I cannot achieve by just riding for fun and fitness. I need the intensity of races for motivation and training. Also being one of "those guys"
who pins a number on his back provides more justification for owning various bikes. 
Why would anyone own a cool TT bike if they didn't race on it? (I know, there is probably a rationale for owning one that I haven't identified.)
__________________
Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/
Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/
Last edited by Cleave; 08-11-14 at 09:20 PM.
08-11-14, 07:21 PM
#8480
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What I can't let go of, are two things.
First is that, having become someone who really races his bike, the thought of settling back to being an 'enthusiast' feels like a retreat, like giving up. We all ride with those guys, the ones who are uploading Strava real time, and trying to find some way for it appear like they have beaten you somehow, but who are never willing to pin on the number before clipping in. I couldn't stomach that. Sorry if that is insulting or judgmental, but it's the way I feel. And after two glasses of a great Zinfandel (bless you, Ridge), I'm expressing how I feel.
The other is that, again to be frank, I've been fast. Not "fast for my age". Just fast. Period. I know how that feels. I want to feel it again. It's worth the risk of failure, of not getting there. Of putting it all out there for the training, and the races, and not cutting it like I used to. I don't fear failure, or I'd be a cycling enthusiast, or someone who believes finishing in the pack is a good result.
i'm going for it.
08-11-14, 07:52 PM
#8481
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Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.
Like 8 moves in 6 years.
Like 8 moves in 6 years.
Last edited by Racer Ex; 08-11-14 at 07:57 PM.
08-12-14, 06:35 AM
#8482
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Moving is one of my nightmares, you seem to be very good at it. We have been the way too big home we built in 2000 for 8 years longer than expected. Downsizing and getting rid of stuff is scary stuff. I'll keep you in mind as a moving coach.
08-12-14, 11:03 PM
#8483
Idiot Emeritus
I was an Army brat. The Army moved my family a lot, four times in my seventh grade year, for instance. I'm not fond of moving.
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"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
08-13-14, 12:57 AM
#8484
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Should be fun in September.
08-13-14, 06:16 AM
#8485
I need speed
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One of my teammates has been training hard for it this year - he could do well in the 55+.
08-13-14, 12:13 PM
#8486
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My old WC TT teammate will be there as well. He's never won the TT at Nats, he did win the RR.
Next year.
Next year.
08-17-14, 12:06 PM
#8487
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Last local race of the season was today. My first season of focusing on 45+ open. I had some good races, got shelled a couple times, learned to ride my bike faster and did not have any major mishaps.
I'm calling it a success... albeit one completely lacking in results.
I'm calling it a success... albeit one completely lacking in results.
08-17-14, 10:34 PM
#8490
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Yin/yang weekend from the coaching side. Three state champ podiums including a gold and fast time offset by a hospital run. In between boxing up the house I snuck off and raced. Report in the appropriate thread in the morning.
Last edited by Racer Ex; 08-17-14 at 10:40 PM.
08-18-14, 07:53 AM
#8491
Idiot Emeritus
I'm looking forward to that! Your students did well, the pressure was on YOU.
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"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
08-18-14, 09:24 PM
#8492
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Got to meet and ride a little with Hermes at Master's Track Nats today. He looks ready to go!, and he's quite handsome. We both have races tomorrow. Hermes has the 500 TT and I have the 5K Scratch Race.
USA Cycling never is at loss for surprises. TT bikes will have a optional inspection with the UCI jig if the rider wishes. There is no requirement to meet the UCI guidelines unless you want a World Record to stand. Also, we will get a communiqué tonight regarding using bike computers on TT's. In the past there were no computers allowed to be visible to the rider. You were allowed to have a coach to shout out splits during the race. (probably needed a wind up stop watch since technology is forbidden)
USA Cycling never is at loss for surprises. TT bikes will have a optional inspection with the UCI jig if the rider wishes. There is no requirement to meet the UCI guidelines unless you want a World Record to stand. Also, we will get a communiqué tonight regarding using bike computers on TT's. In the past there were no computers allowed to be visible to the rider. You were allowed to have a coach to shout out splits during the race. (probably needed a wind up stop watch since technology is forbidden)
08-18-14, 09:43 PM
#8493
Idiot Emeritus
I love the Old Skool. I'm even flying one this week. At least it has rotor blades.
AJ, Hermes is handsome. Fast, too. So are you, in both. Velo Diva is beautiful. Very fast, too. My friend Jen Kalich is up there. She's beautiful. And fast.
Oh...I get it, now. I'm not beautiful. Hence, not fast. I didn't need to outrun boys when I was younger. Ahhhhh...!
AJ, Hermes is handsome. Fast, too. So are you, in both. Velo Diva is beautiful. Very fast, too. My friend Jen Kalich is up there. She's beautiful. And fast.
Oh...I get it, now. I'm not beautiful. Hence, not fast. I didn't need to outrun boys when I was younger. Ahhhhh...!
__________________
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
08-18-14, 09:44 PM
#8494
Version 7.0
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It was a pleasure meeting A'Jet and getting to ride a few laps with the legend. The surprises continue as we found that we will start the 500 meters from the apron not the track. And they will do two ups. However, if there is wind, it will surely favor one starting position on the track over another.
I think the use of electronics is a crap shoot. We used them at Frisco in 2010 and at Trexlertown in 2011. The banning of visible electronics is a UCI regulation. Since USA Cycling threw out the bike inspection, I say it is likely that we can use electronics. One reason to allow electronics is the size of the track. On a 250 meter, one gets a time check more often for a given distanced. On a 400 meter track, too much time goes by.
I think the use of electronics is a crap shoot. We used them at Frisco in 2010 and at Trexlertown in 2011. The banning of visible electronics is a UCI regulation. Since USA Cycling threw out the bike inspection, I say it is likely that we can use electronics. One reason to allow electronics is the size of the track. On a 250 meter, one gets a time check more often for a given distanced. On a 400 meter track, too much time goes by.
08-19-14, 04:12 AM
#8496
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True. It's a USAC event but it's also a UCI event, and their wizard behind the curtain must like twiddling with knobs.
08-19-14, 08:20 AM
#8497
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Not true. The head official said it is not a UCI event unlike elites and she drew a contrast between the two. However, world records are under UCI jurisdiction.
08-19-14, 09:50 AM
#8499
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08-19-14, 11:08 AM
#8500
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I remember them jacking Cleave up in Bend (Road Nats) at the day's prior inspection about his bars being too long then waving people through who were way out of compliance on the day of, and I quote "you're not legal but go ahead".
At track nats I had to show the letter I got from the head of USAC's rules committee that they were using a non-UCI compliant rule for aerobars.
But hey, it's only Nationals.
At track nats I had to show the letter I got from the head of USAC's rules committee that they were using a non-UCI compliant rule for aerobars.
But hey, it's only Nationals.