gsteinb

That's the plan; but there are a number of scenarios where things change. Coach says no. It rains (an 8 hour drive for a 45 minute crit in the rain is a non starter). I start to suck (which while unlikely, has been known to happen after 6 months of racing and 4 months of hard training).

AzTallRider

This vertical "rocketship" landing is like the coolest thing ever. Straight out of Buck Rogers or a Marvin the Martian cartoon.

Racer Ex 

Got one race Sunday. Then I'll probably do a race in Mex and a TT here or there.

gsteinb

So then yeah...no to the thing I was thinking of.

Good year though pal. Looking forward to being in the same place doing the same thing as you sometime next year. Some folks are going to lament the existence of bike forums and that we met. That's for **** sure.

AzTallRider

I'm finally going to clip in for a race Sunday: 30K TT. Given I'm doing an FTP test the day before, because work prevented me from doing it today, the race is for training and TT race-craft.

In the mean time, UPS managed to get the box containing this light reading past my dog:

Allegheny Jet

Why not use the TT for the FTP test?

AzTallRider

I think Ex wants me to have the extra work of that type, but it was a quick email exchange yesterday when I realized I couldn't do it today, so maybe he has a different reason - not sure. I don't debate with Ex about assignments much , but there are of course times when life intercedes. Doing the FTP test is at least a three hour thing for me. I need to drive to the test route, warmup (outbound), do the test (still outbound) then ride back to the car (exhausted inbound), and drive home. I could compress it a bit, but want to stay consistent and that's how I've always done it. Using the TT wouldn't match that, and the 30K effort is certainly different, especially on this course. It's a rise outbound and a fast return, and everyone averages significantly more power going out. I've had trouble maintaining the pace I should on the way back, and haven't done particularly well on this one, even when in better shape. It's also a course where, for some reason, you really feel the heat. Probably why I'm the only one pre-registered in my age group!

Allegheny Jet

AZTR, your reasoning makes sense. I hate TT's and FTP test even more so. If I lived in your area I would email my coach and tell him that I would be riding my MTB in the Superstition Mountains on Saturday looking for the Lost Dutchmen Mine and/or practicing sprinting by chasing lizards and wanted to leave something in the tank so I could win my AG on Sun.

AzTallRider

My COBRA (while I'm consulting) health insurance isn't good enough for me to take up mountain biking. Besides, TallWife and I came to a negotiated settlement on N+1. I have hangar space for three. If I get a new one, something has to go. I'd have to lease off-site storage, or continue to destroy bikes or have them stolen, adding a N-1 to every N+1.

I know, I lost that negotiation...

Racer Ex 

Actually, I wasn't clear in my response (brevity can sometimes be a negative). Let's use the TT as an FTP test. Do the opener as scheduled.

shovelhd

I knew you would eventually come to your senses.

AzTallRider

LOL. I thought that might be what you meant, Ex, thinking the TT was Saturday, but I just thought "What the heck, I can use the extra work."

Allegheny Jet

We got your back AZTR.

sarals 

Coolness! I'll bet that thing was REALLY LOUD in person! Louder than a Harrier, which is mankind's most efficient converter of jet fuel to noise.

shovelhd

Harriers are loud, for sure. So is that big ass Russian chopper that's capable of hauling a bellyful of Panzers. Makes a Chinook look like a play toy.

Allegheny Jet

I cannot stay out of the peanut butter jar. I've been going through a new jar every two weeks. Help me please...

Racer Ex 

Switch to almond butter. Much healthier.

AzTallRider

I had peanut butter crackers and pistachio nuts for dinner last night - no help from me.

revchuck 

Think that's addicting? Try a PB & Nutella sandwich. It's like eating a Reese's Cup on bread.

A big bag of almonds only lasts me about three days now.

Esteban58

I've been known to eat peanut butter stand-alone by the spoonful... Sorry, I know that's no help. I think of it as recovery food.
Maybe that's why I've not lost any weight the last 6 months.

caloso

So much better than Nutella.

Racer Ex 

With all the car talk in the other thread I've been mulling picking up an anniversary present for Mrs. Ex.

She digs convertibles. Looking at one of these locally:



The last couple of years of production had pretty good build quality reputations.

caloso

Che bella.

Speaking of Italian cars, my wife has a round number birthday coming up and I have been kicking around the idea of finding her a 74 Alfa GTV. It was the car she had in college.

sarals 

Nice, Ex. She'll Look Good in Red!!!

Allegheny Jet

That's what I do, a tablespoon at a time. There have been some good ideas thrown out here. I just might take a tablespoon of PB then roll it in postiacito nuts, seal the nuts with almond butter and top it all with a Nutella drizzle. Oh hell, I might as well roll the whole thing in chocolate chips too.