Originally Posted by kleinboogie

Good points but the first part of this is not entirely accurate. He wasn't asking me not to enter, I already had. He suggested that I "reconsider" the race and should not be allowed to enter because I'm over 200lbs. Essentially he wanted me to abandon my club, my teammates and my passion. Sorry, I don't do that.

If it was only about winning I wouldn't do lots of things I do. Luckily cycling and racing is about much more than that. I intentionally set it up that way so I'd keep doing it even when I'm all alone on a windy highway in the mountains (BLVD, you know who you are) or training in the cold wondering if this is the day I'm going to get hit from behind on Mira Mesa Blvd. I ride, make on the bike videos, I'm working on a couple short-short films on cycling to help promote the sport and club (and to explain to spouses/SO why we do this), I get techno with the gear, etc., etc. So if I'm struggling in one area then I can succeed in others. It's when it's single dimensional that I tend to drop my hobbies (which at last count is about 6 active ones).

The great riders here who are willing to share race reports, videos and pics, words of encouragement, tips on strategy and gear and their wins and challenges are what make this forum, and cycling, fun and interesting. If not for this board I wonder if I would have even tried racing and for that I'm grateful. I try to contribute whenever I feel qualified and listen when I'm not. I'm not going to let one person who apparently knows so much about me that they feel obligated to tell me how to train, race or abandon a race and who I've never talked to, change how I feel about cycling. It's just not going to happen. They're not that good.

Besides, my loving wife of 17 years and 14 year old daughter (black belt in Soo Bahk Do) come to all my races and fully support me behind the scenes and during the race (they're the ones yelling, ringing the cowbell and making videos and taking pics) partly so they can see their husband and father try to achieve one of his goals. All of the above and my family's support trumps any boneheaded comments that could come from the Internet.

So today, after two hard races, I'm looking forward to this season of training and racing and hearing how this passion we all have, or are thinking about having, gets us closer to our goals. Cheers

Originally Posted by rkwaki

Great post.
What makes the sport special is that no matter what we all do it out of love for the sport. Everyone, no matter who you are, will face challenges in the sport - fellow riders should not be one of them. Normally I would say keep your chin up my friend but it appears by your post I don't have to.

Originally Posted by shovelhd

That's how I wear mine. Eff you BF buttheads and your stupid rules.

Originally Posted by agoodale

^ how could I have missed this?? Revised Checklist:

Check list for BF race success (in descending order of affect on race outcome).

x Recently shaved legs
x Number pinned for readability & aero
x Sunglasses OVER helmet straps
x Appropriate saddle to handlebar drop
x Euro size jersey
x Kit & frame color matched
x Carbon fiber frame
x Aero carbon fiber tubular wheels
x In the drops. Arms comfortably bent
x Within acceptable weight range for bike racer

BTW there is a glaring flaw in my setup that hasn't been mentioned. It will be corrected by the next race.

Originally Posted by zitter

I was so tired yesterday after doing collegiate B's and cat 4's that my friend had to push me part of the way while riding back to campus. Also got my final result for 4's, 12 overall and a prime. Not bad considering I almost crashed on the last corner and cramped in both my quads in the final sprint (had to do a seated sprint for the last 50 meters since I couldn't physically stand up)

Originally Posted by shovelhd

That's how I wear mine. Eff you BF buttheads and your stupid rules.

Originally Posted by agoodale

BTW there is a glaring flaw in my setup that hasn't been mentioned. It will be corrected by the next race.

Originally Posted by mollusk

This is a slippery slope.

Before you know it you'll show up with Wookie Legs.

Originally Posted by Fat Boy

Shimano components or black shoes?

Originally Posted by Fat Boy

Shimano components or black shoes?

Originally Posted by echappist

or black socks and white gloves

Originally Posted by agoodale

^ how could I have missed this?? Revised Checklist:

Check list for BF race success (in descending order of affect on race outcome).

x Recently shaved legs
x Number pinned for readability & aero
x Sunglasses OVER helmet straps
x Appropriate saddle to handlebar drop
x Euro size jersey
x Kit & frame color matched
x Carbon fiber frame
x Aero carbon fiber tubular wheels
x In the drops. Arms comfortably bent
x Within acceptable weight range for bike racer

Originally Posted by TMonk

more "meh" for me at red trolley.

Originally Posted by kensuf

The photos of your teammate don't do his leg hair justice.

Originally Posted by mollusk

This is a slippery slope.

Before you know it you'll show up with Wookie Legs.

Originally Posted by Out-The-Back

Kleinboogie, I actually understood that you had entered and he was trying to talk you in to withdrawing. I just didn't relay it very well in my post. Anyway, many props to you, I thought you handled it very well in the other thread. Your response in this thread was also very good...much respect for your accomplishments and fortitude.

Originally Posted by Aerodee80

Hey buddy, I was out there with you yesterday. I m totally in the same boat with you when it comes to a last lap boxing match. We'll definitely figure that out!

Originally Posted by Out-The-Back

Racer, I'm not going to argue with you. Instead of just coming out and saying what you think, you're doing your best to wage an intellectual battle to impress. You obviously have the time and senority on this board, it's a lose/lose for me. As I told you, I see your point and you win.....The End

Originally Posted by Racer Ex

The classic passive/aggressive strategic "high horse" retreat, coupled with a schmoozing of potential allies and raising suspicion that there might be an "intellectual" in the BF midst. Transparent to a degree, but a nice attempt.

That said I'll wait 15 minutes for my victory to be official, kiss the podium girl with an open mouth, then head to Vegas to parlay my winnings into a night of debauchery with a couple of twins from Estonia and try to eliminate whatever liver function 51.98 years of neglect and abuse have left me with.

BTW, have you met Fraky?