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Monday, March 31, 2008

Last Day in March!

Daily Miles: 41.5Miles
Avg. Speed: 19.5
March Total: 1162.41
2008 Total: 3706.68

So today was a total mixed bag. I felt great on the bike, but absolutely horrible off of it.

It rained but it wasn't terribly cold.

I ate a lot of food but it was all good for me.

I had a confrontation with a driver but it wasn't a bad thing.

More about that last one: Coming home, I have little choice but to take the road going through Manayunk. Coming up the hill past the driving range, a BMW M3 went flying by me. They were probably doing 80. However, they left a good amount of space, so I didn't care other than to notice, "Wow, nice car..." then my usual jealous comment "Rich Asshole"

Fast forward about 1/4 mile. I pass him at the first stop sign by the train station on the outskirts of what I consider Manayunk. He speeds up to try to pass me, but can't do it due to the amount of traffic. I get about 5 cars ahead passing cars waiting in line at the stop signs.

He doesn't catch back up to me until right in front of [ironically] Cadence bike shop. We play this cat and mouse game of him alternating between mashing the gas and the brake all the way to the light in front of the bus station, where he proceeds to roll down his window and remind me that *SHOCKER* if it wasn't for the traffic he'd have burned my ass...

I was stunned. I didn't realize that was even a question. I guess it was a compliment. I must look like I have a chance of possibly riding my bike faster then a BMW M3 could drive. Hmmm...I really hope that guy was being sarcastic and not serious.
Daily Miles: 40ish Miles
Avg. Speed: ///
March Total: 1120.91
2008 Total: 3665.18

Not much to say, just wanted to catch up from the past few days. Looking at a lot of miles this week. Probably will be over 400...makes me tired just thinking about it.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Drugs, Cycling, and Tempo

Daily Miles: 42.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 20 mph
March Total: 1080.91
2008 Total: 3625.18

Today, my coach sent me a tempo workout and encouraged me to perform it on my commute. While I have ridden hard while commuting, I've never done a 100% training effort during the ride.

The difference is amazing. Today I was wearing my messenger bag (20-25 lbs) and rain gear that flaps in the breeze. It makes a great parachute.

Hammering in this set up is tough. I was able to hit only 28 on the tempo and 22 on the off sections which is about 5 mph slower then if i was sans bag and jacket.

If i keep this training method up, and can bring my speed up with this set up, it will be very interesting to see how fast i can go when I'm race ready...

In other news, apparently, runner's high has been proven. This makes a lot of sense. I'm definitely a much happier person on days I ride my bike. Days I don't ride, I feel sluggish. So yeah, riding my bike is like being on drugs...really good, really expensive drugs.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Taking it Easy

Daily Miles: 25.0 Miles
Avg. Speed: 20 mph
March Total: 1038.41
2008 Total: 3582.68

Went out to enjoy the weather today. Great time on the fixie. Did 25 miles to Folsom, PA to pick up a FedEx package that the FedEx people for some reason had an incredibly difficult time delivering.

Whatever, It was frustrating but i got my stuff. It was really sweet.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Crashing Sucks


Daily Miles: 62.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: ??? mph
March Total: 1013.41
2008 Total: 3557.68

Crashing Sucks. There's not much more to say.

I'm OK. A little road rash. Nothing serious. Bike is OK. In fact, I did a little much needed maintenance.

How did I crash? Well, I hit a large orange construction cylinder at 30 mph. Yes, it's big; it's orange; I'm an idiot. It wasn't really my fault, but I'm the one who hit it so in the ends it's my fucking problem.

Oh well. I heal fast, and I broke 1000 miles for the month...

Monday, March 24, 2008

Finally Feeling Strong

Daily Miles: 42.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 18.9 mph
March Total: 950.91
2008 Total: 3495.18

Today was a great ride on the same old commuting route. I felt strong. I rode incredibly smoothly, and had a good time shedding some idiot out for a ride with no helmet who tried to sit on my wheel. Shed him like a winter coat on a seventy degree day. Should have heard him huffing and puffing trying to keep my wheel while I cruised at 33 for a half mile or so. Pretty funny.

So yeah. A great ride today. Looking forward to another good solid commute tomorrow followed by a few laps at pace on the Drives ride. 630 at the bridge, but only if you fell like hammering...and working...seriously. Don't come out on a training ride to sit on a wheel; it kind of defeats the purpose of the training ride.

And just to reiterate: Don't draft people carrying big bags. Let them draft you. Also, wear a freaking helmet. It just might save your life...god knows I sure won't...there's really no excuse for it.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

The Uno Ride

Daily Miles: 100 Miles
Avg. Speed: 22.3 mph
March Total: 908.41
2008 Total: 3452.68

So yesterday Taylor and I decided to ride over to NJ and do the Uno ride. Primarily, we were interested in getting a lot of miles in at a good hard tempo.

It was an interesting ride over, since neither of us really knew the way. We sort of winged it, but it worked out OK, and we got there right as the ride was getting ready to roll.

The pace started off well enough, but at about the 25 mile mark, it became clear that no one really wanted to push the pace. Taylor and I were happy to oblige, and went to work. It was fun. Really fun...Now I just need to remember where the sprint lines are...

After the ride, (about the 70 mile point for us now) we stopped at McMillian's, an awesome bakery over in NJ. We chowed down on some much needed (cheap!) donuts and coffee. Good stuff. The place was really busy so it took us about 45 minutes to get served, so we had a good break.

On the ride back, Taylor recommended that we make it an even 100 for the day, so we did a few laps of the drive and called it a day. Our overall pace was pretty solid and i was pretty happy with it. However, I'm paying for it today. I'm sore. Looking forward to doing it again. The best part: 100 miles and home by 1330. Can't beat that.

Playing Catch Up...

Daily Miles: 42.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 17.5 mph
March Total: 808.41
2008 Total: 3352.68

These were Friday's miles. Riding them sucked. I was tired and felt like I was going to pass out coming home from work....

Friday, March 21, 2008

Wind and Pain

Daily Miles: 40.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 24 mph
March Total: 765.91
2008 Total: 3310.18

So yesterday I worked from home becasue I already had my 40 hours for the week.

I did a good hard trainer workout after which I felt really strong. Then Taylor and I decided to go over to Greentree, NJ for some criterium training. 45 minutes plus 5 laps. It was a really tough ride. Between the wind and the really strong people, I was smoked when we finished. This is probably the best training ride around. If i can start doing this more often, i think I'll be good to go training and miles wise. But damn was I tired!

However, the amazing crispy baked chicken thighs (A Recipe From COOK'S Magazine) and roasted onion potatoes made me feel much better. Throw a beer, some chocolate milk, and a CytoMax shake on top of it all, and i had recovered pretty well this morning.

However, the 45 mph headwinds i had during my entire commute quickly sapped any energy from me. Oh well. I just hope the winds keep up so i have a tail wind going home.

Doing the Uno Ride tomorrow which should be another good hard ride and a good time.

[edit]-My wonderful wife has informed me that recipe didn't come from COOK's. Which means it's our own secret recipe we shall never share! MWAHAHAHAHA!! Unless of course you ask here for it...

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Daily Miles: 49.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 19 mph
March Total: 725.41
2008 Total: 3269.68

The rain was torrential yesterday. Not only that, but the roads seemed to be especially prone to flooding. Not sure if the drainage points were clogged or what, but on several occasions i got slapped by the semi-truck splashes. It was like getting hit by a pressure washer. The 422 Bridge was especially prone to this phenomenon.

It went something like this: Here comes the Truck! Splash! Head Down. Get hammered by the water. Repeat.

The spray was so intense that it would go up my sleeves in my rain coat and stop at my shoulder, or down my neck and stop at my waist. needless to say I was soaked, but it was warm so it wasn't that bad.

I found a story about a guy who lost half his body weight thanks to cycling. Check it out at: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/16782826.html

It's proof that anyone can lose weight without surgery. Is it hard? Yes. Impossible? No.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

A Note to My Professors

Daily Miles: 44.6 Miles
Avg. Speed: 19 mph
March Total: 675.91
2008 Total: 3220.18

Dear Professor:

Thank you for failing to post yet another assignment. The final exam no less. Because of your inability to do your job (and a simple one at that) I was forced to spend yesterday evening frantically trying to complete it.

Instead of being able to get the exam done early, and go for a evening training ride, I was stuck inside hammering out your exam. An exam, that 75% of the content was not taught during the course. An exam that does not use terminooligy that is accepted and practiced in the financial industry, or in the text book, but is instead whatever ridiculous terms you come up with.

And damn if i have another class with you again next quarter.

I'd like to file a complaint with the Department, but it would fall on deaf ears. Your deaf ears, as you are in fact the department head. Go figure.

You have single handedly destroyed my high opinion of the EGMT program at Drexel. I have had 3 other excellent but still quite hard professors (actual professors with PhDs, unlike yourself). However, you have ruined it, as I can't believe the department would put someone like you in charge.

[For the record, I'm not pissed about my grade, I'll be getting a B+ or A-]

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Mmmm Spaghetti

Breakfast:
Cup of Granola
MesoTech Protein Shake
Carbo Shake
Banana

Lunch:
2 PBJs
Leftover Chicken w/ Poblano and Rice
Crackers w/ Peanut butter
Power bar

Dinner:
Salad
A lot of Spaghetti
Chocolate Milk
Mangos

So I ate pretty healthy yesterday...I'm sure I'll make up for that here at some point.

So a very rough estimate of my calorie intake is about 3800 yesterday, which is a little low. My target goal is 4-4500 per day. So I need to eat a little more during the day and have a bit bigger dinner. It really makes a big difference. When I'm deficient for a few days back to back, I really feel like shit. It's really hard to eat enough though, especially when I have to haul everything I eat all day to work with me...

Monday Miles

Daily Miles: 44.6 Miles
Avg. Speed: 21 mph
March Total: 631.31
2008 Total: 3175.58

To the guy who pulled right in front of me in King of Prussia this morning:

I'm sure the world is about to stop turning if you don't get a cup of coffee soon. And just becasue the guy in front of you could cross two lanes of traffic doesn't mean that you can now as well. Sorry bud, following the leader is not an appropriate driving strategy.

You're a very lucky fellow. I was in a great mood this morning. It wasn't raining, spring was in the air, and I'd had a hard fast ride. I could have inflicted $1000 in damage to your "Suped Up Nissan" [read POS] in about 5 seconds, and made it look like it was due to you hitting me. Then sued you. And bought a nice bike.

But I didn't. Lucky for you. Enjoy your cup of Wawa coffee you oblivious douchebag.

Monday, March 17, 2008

What I Ate

This weekend was pretty rough in the nutrition department. Saturday, after winning Strasburg, I had a couple beers while I cooled down on the trainer (Taylor Rocks!!). Then one and a half large pizzas when I got home. I also had a salad...for what it's worth.
.
Yesterday was a little better. For Breakfast, I had some Oatmeal with brown sugar. A Carbo shake and some fruit, and a piece of leftover pizza also made it into my mouth. Then I drank some coffee and picked up a Philly Car Share minivan and went out to the 'burbs to pick up the remains of the Bachlerrette party my wife put together.
.
We went down to Wilmington to drop everyone off for their flight home, and stopped at Damon's to get some food. I had a giant BBQ sandwich wich was way too greasy, kind of cold in the middle, and overall, not that good.
.
For dinner, I improved on the weekend's poor nutrition and had a big salad, and a pair of chicken burritios with Poblano chiles. This recipe was quick and really good (Thanks Bon Apetit).
.
So anyway, back to the workweek grind/commute by bike. Lots of training this week-should be a good time.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Strasburg Road Race-Another One In The Bag (The Sandbag of Course)

Daily Miles: 60 Miles (Friday and Today)
Avg. Speed: 25 on Friday 24 Today
March Total: 586.71
2008 Total: 3130.98

Ok, here it goes. I'm going to try to be positive and not be cynical or negative. No guarantees.

Another win today for the TSV team. Caught a ride with Taylor out to Strasburg for the 1st race in the Red Rose Racing Series. Our tactics were simple. Get a good warmup. Hammer from the gun and spread out the field of 90. Attack until the nickname "Bash Brothers" sticks. Keep attacking and win the race.

Like last week, the field generally didn't want to work. This is fine with me. I ride by myself back and forth to work at 20 mph with about 35 lbs on my back. Why would I pay money to ride at 20mph in a race? So...

Taylor bolted from the start. We worked pretty well together, but those who came with us couldn't/wouldn't pull at our pace. Taylor decided to drop back and block while I had a run at it. I went off solo and put on about 50 seconds in 2 laps. Then, following the directions of a flagger at an intersection, I turned left. Luckily the referee on the motor bike was able to get my attention. Break went down to 35 seconds. Yes I am an idiot.

I took a look behind me and saw what was left of the pack was down to about 20. The plan was working. I slowed down, ate some food and drank some liquids while the group slowly caught up to me.

About 15 finally caught me as we came around for the bell lap. I chased down a few fliers, and then got tired of going slow. No one wanted to work, and some of riders were making me nervous with some "special" bike handling in the corners. So I went to the front and stayed there the rest of the lap. At the 1km banner, I bolted. At 200m I took a look, and no one was there. Put up my hands for the crowd, hopped on the trainer and grabbed a "cool down beer" with Taylor.

We need to remember to be true to our sponsors and drink Victory while we cool down...Mental note has been made for Kirkwood.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Thursday Miles

Daily Miles: 53.25
Avg. Speed: 17.2
March Total: 526.71
2008 Total: 3070.98

I forced myself to ride in the small ring and really spin during the commute today. My legs were tired plus i needed to work on my pedal stroke smoothness. I'm a masher, so the "easy" spinning isn't any fun at all. It's almost just as hard as sticking it in the 53x11 and grinding away at 26mph.

Anyway, glad I did it. My legs felt refreshed, and I breezed through the trainer workout.

I'm really getting pumped for Saturday. My legs are ready. I'll be cleaning the bike tomorrow and tuning everything up. It's going to shape up to be a fun early-season race. Big field and Rain...I love it. My best races are in times like these.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

3000 Miles. Yes. That's. What's. Up.

Daily Miles: 44.6
Avg. Speed: 18.1
March Total: 473.46
2008 Total: 3017.73

So I've ridden a hell of a lot of miles. Granted, probably only 2000 of these were commuting miles, but even that means 40 gallons of gas saved if you drive a Prius (like I did before i went Sans Auto) and about 100 gallons if I had a regular car.

Plus, I love laughing at a people who bitch about $109 a barrel oil. Sure, food might get a little more expensive, but it's worth it. Your anger makes me happy.

The weather's getting nicer, the days are getting longer. Racing has started. Could life get better? Only if coffee was available intravenously, and it was acceptable to drink beer at work.

Where Do I Get All My Miles?

Breakfast:
Granola
Carbo Shake
Banana
Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich
2 Hardboiled Eggs

Lunch:
Bagel
Powerbar
MesoTech Protein Shake
2 PBJs
2 Hotdogs

Dinner:
Asparagus
Chocolate Cake
Pasta with Egg
A Couple of Cupcakes

By Riding This Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1693497 Which is why I hate riding on the path during weekend rides.

It really has made a difference. In just about 8 months, I've gone from fatty to elite. So stop bitching about people who block in races :) and get out on your bike and train.

Super Sore

Breakfast:
Granola
Blueberries
Carbo Shake

Lunch:
Qdoba Burrito
Bagel
Powerbar
MesoTech Protein Shake

Dinner:
Salad
Chocolate Cake
Leftover Chicken Ginger Soup
Another Bagel

So I ended up riding a ridiculous amount yesterday. Also did a lion's share of work on the drives ride. I paid for it today. I am really sore.

So here's the secret to Jury Duty. Suck it up and go in early. They assign cases by the order you show up. If you are the first one there, you get the first case...and therefore have the opportunity to leave first. Show up late, and you sit there all day, waiting for a judge to need your services.

Hey, it worked for me, I was out of there in 3 hours.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

The Drives are Back!

Daily Miles: 74.32
Avg. Speed: 19.5
March Total: 428.86
2008 Total: 2973.13

Hell Yeah! Drives ride tonight, after a 50 mile ride to Oaks on the path after getting out of Jury Duty a little early.

Ride was great. Most people weren't in great shape, so it was pretty much just five of us doing the work, which is fine with me. Two laps was all we could fit in before dark. Had a nice ride back from the Falls Bridge and a nice conversation with some of the local guys. The more I ride around here, the more cool people I meet. I think eventually, they might balance out the assholes...I'm not going to hold my breath though.

Anyway, can't wait for people to get back in shape so we can really push the pace on these rides...

In other news, today was the last day I will be riding on the bike path in Philadelphia after 6AM. There's just too many people in the afternoon who are clueless...This rule of course does not apply if it's raining as the idiots tend to cower indoors for fear of the water somehow dissolving their thick skulls.

Food Is Good

Breakfast
1 Cup of Coconut Almond Granola
1 Banana
1 Carbo Shake
Leftover Pei Wei Pad Thai and Fried Rice (Pei Wei is really good)

Lunch
2 PBJs
MesoTech Protein Shake
Toastchee Crackers
Power Bar

Dinner
Bagel
Broccoli w/ Cheese
2 Bowls of Chicken Ginger Soup (go to bon apetit's website, search for this and make it. Do it. Now.) This soup was incredible...it's in the Apr 2008 Magazine
Chocolate Cake
2 Hotdogs (What? I was hungry!)

So yeah, I don't think keeping track of what I eat is helping me eat better...oh well...

Yesterday's Miles

Daily Miles: 42.2
Avg. Speed: 18 mph
March Total: 354.54
2008 Total: 2898.81

Good ride yesterday. I felt a lot better then I honestly expected to. Not sure when I'll get a ride in today, as I have Jury Duty, so no commute. I guess I'll go out whenever I'm done. Maybe do a loop around the park or something.

I wonder if the drives ride has started yet...that would be nice!

Anyway, not much else to say. Days are getting longer and warmer so things are good!

Monday, March 10, 2008

What Didn't I Eat Yesterday?

Good times yesterday. Race was awesome, and I ate a lot of really good food.

Breakfast:
1 Cup of Coconut Almond Granola
1 Banana
1 Carbo Shake
1 Power Bar

Lunch:
8 Whole Grain and Pecan Pancakes
PowerBar Recovery Drink

Dinner:
French Fries From "Belgian Cafe"
Artichoke Rissoto (Which is Amazing)
Big Salad
4 Celebratory Beers
Chocolate Cake (Which is Also Amazing)

Sunday, March 9, 2008

TSV Race Report-Philly Phlyer


Daily Miles: About 40
Avg. Speed: About 25 mph
March Total: 312.34
2008 Total: 2856.61

Race Report from the Philly Phlyer 3/4 Race on March 9th:

After some difficulty in navigating the traffic in Philly, Taylor and I made it to the race with about 30 minutes until departure. A quick warmup, and it was time to go.

Our race tactics were simple, attack and block, attack and block. The race started off at a pretty good pace, then quickly died as soon as we hit the vicious headwinds on West River Drive. Taylor put on a good move and attacked hard, bringing 5 or 6 with him and increasing the packs tempo significantly. I blocked a bit, and he was able to open up about 30 seconds. However, the group he was with didn't want to work, so he was brought back in on the climb to Strawberry Mansion. A group attacked up the hill, with 4 riders from 4 different teams. I attacked to cover it, knowing that if it stayed out, we wouldn't catch it. No one followed and I bridged up by the time we started the decent back to the drives.

Back on the drives, and in the headwind again, the now group of 5 quickly started to fall apart. By the time we turned up the hill on Black Rd, there was just we and Adam, a rider from Baltimore riding for T2. We talked back and forth for a bit, with a gap of about 1:30, decided we both felt pretty strong, and decided to have a go. And go we did. I pulled into the headwinds on the flats, and he hammered up the hills, pulling my fat ass with him.

We managed to stay out for 3 full laps, and I managed to win the meaningless sprint to the finish to take the race.

Taylor made it all possible, working with 2 of the T2 riders to control the pace of the group and really disrupt things. Another rider noted after the race that pace seemed to yo-yo a lot, and never seemed to get over 22 mph. If you also noticed this, it was Taylor's fault. Excellent team effort, and a great win in the first race of the season for TSV. Much beer was consumed in celebration. Strasburg is next...

Saturday, March 8, 2008

What I Ate Yesterday

Ate a lot yesterday and it was good. We've decided the Indian Simmer Sauces all taste the same regardless of the variety. It's not a bad thing, more of an observation. It's an easy dinner too. Cut up some chicken and potatoes, dump in the jar of Indian Sauce, cook the chicken through, serve over rice. Mmmm good!

Breakfast
1 Cup of Crack
1 Orange
Carbo Shake
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
Leftover Vegatable Biryani

Lunch
2 PBJs
MesoTech Protein Shake
Baja Burrito w/ Tortilla Chips
ToastChee Crackers

Dinner
A Lot of Chicken Masala w/ Rice
Big Salad
Cookies

Friday, March 7, 2008

Ready to Sleep In

Daily Miles: 44.5
Avg. Speed: slow
March Total: 272.34
2008 Total: 2816.61

Unfortunately, that means until 6 AM...

Today's ride was nice in the morning. Cool, only a light headwind, and almost no traffic, both on the path and on the road.

Coming home was a slog. Steady rain. Stiff Headwind. Heavy Bag. At least most people had the good sense to stay inside.

For those of you in the Philadelphia area that saw the nbc10 news coverage of the Schukyll River that may flood TOMORROW, that coverage was shot while the TV truck was parked on the bike path with the crew scattering their shit all over the place. Here's a hot news tip for you nbc10 if your shit ever blocks the path again it's going in the river. Or, I might run into it, fake a neck injury, and sue you.

Anyway, enough ranting, back to work.

What I Ate Yesterday

Yesterday, by the time I got home, I was wicked tired. That new laptop is a super heavy brick on my back...

To make up for the extra weight, I ate a solid amount of food...mmm

Breakfast
1 Cup of Crack
1 Banana
Carbo Shake
About a pound of leftover Spanish Tortilla

Lunch
2 PBJs
MesoTech Protein Shake
Pack of ToastChee Crackers
Power Bar

Dinner
Left Over Vegatable Biryani
Bagel with Cream Cheese
Crackers and Cheese
Big Salad
Morrocan Spiced Carrot Soup (this was a recipe from last week's Inquirer, which does not taste good as leftovers)

So I'm now officially tired of leftovers which is cool cuz they're gone...

One more ride home and the weeks over...about damn time too!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Heavy

Daily Miles: 44.5
Avg. Speed: 19+
March Total: 227.84
2008 Total: 2772.11

Oh man am I tired. I've been riding way too damn hard.

Got a laptop from work today. Sounds cool, but I have to carry it back and forth to work. My bag now weighs at least 30 lbs. Seriously. That bitch is heavy.

Hope it makes me faster when I race. I kind of think about it as swinging a heavy bat. When you go back to the regular bat, you can hit the shit out of ball...We'll see come Sunday. Hold on to your shorts, I'm looking to catch the Collegiate A's which start 3 minutes before we do.

What I Ate Yesterday

So yesterday was a bit of a downhill slide on the food quality slope. It's a side effect of working late and getting fed pizza cuz we're at work so late. Whatever, it doesn't really matter...

Breakfast
1 Cup of Crack (Coconut Almond Granola)
Half a pound of fried potatoes with tons of salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper
A Banana
Carbo Shake

Lunch
Italian Sausage sub with hot peppers
Two Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Pack of ToastChee Crackers
Power Bar

Dinner
4 Slices of Papa Johns Pizza
Plate of Pasta
Big Salad
Bagel With Cream Cheese

It was suggested I start trying to count calories which will be a big pain in the ass...and probably not at all accurate...so I'm not...

What did you eat yesterday?

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Will You Be Ready When the Zombies Come?

Daily Miles: 43.02
Avg. Speed: 19+
March Total: 183.34
2008 Total: 2727.61

A coworker sent this awesome picture of a prototype bicycle that probably won't get picked up for production by any of the major bike companies for several years.

Why not? Well, it's not because it has Machine Gun mounted to the handle bars. No No, this would in fact be a welcome addition to any urban fixie.

In fact, the true reason why the Protype Harm Inflictor will never catch on with the masses is:

1. The solid tires make for a very rough ride. When the apocaplypse comes, streets will deteriorate and the resulting surface will jar the will to live from even the most hardened cyclist.

2. There are no water bottle cages. Unfortunately, without water we die. Maybe the inventor planned on you being able to carry a hydration pack. This however, would not be possible as the rider would need to have several thousands rounds of belt fed ammo on his back to thwart the living dead.

3. The inventor chose "vibranium" for a rim type. Everyone knows that the best way to put distance between you and the zombies while frying them with your rear mounted flame thrower is with a set of Mavic Open Pro rims with Dura Ace hubs. Duh!

4. The inventor hasn't determined a type of drive train. This could lead to additional violence, post-apocalypse, as rival Shimano and Campy gangs battle it out for world dominance. Prevent the problem by only providing Shimano Components. Everyone knows Campy won't last in a world without race mechanics and constant care.

Anyway, In a good mood, and getting a lot of good miles in lately. Until Tomorrow...if there is one :P

What I Ate Yesterday

I've decided to start adding an additional post about what I ate the day before. There are two main reasons for this:

1. My life pretty much revolves around bikes, food and sleeping. I've got bikes covered, and writing about sleeping seems a little too philosophical to me.

2. If I keep a log of what I eat I may eat a little better. This could also backfire and cause me to try and outeat others. We'll see how this turns out.

Breakfast and lunch are pretty standard. Dinner is my main meal of the day, and thanks to Bon Apetit and some other sources, usually a pretty damn good meal. Anyway, enough introduction, here it goes.

Breakfast: 1cup of Coconut Almond Granola (this stuff is crack!) from Whole Foods Bulk.
Carbo Shake
1 Banana
1 Mesotech Protein Shake (expensive but tastes good and fills me up)

Lunch: 2 Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Handful of Pretzels and Corn Chips
Pack of Toastchee Crackers
Power Bar

Dinner: Spanish Tortilla
Whole Wheat Pancakes with Pecans and a Strawberry Syrup
Bagel with Butter and Salt

Good meals yesterday...looks like leftovers tonight...

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Another Nice Day

Daily Miles: 45.78
Avg. Speed: 20! (gotta love this warm weather)
March Total: 140.32
2008 Total: 2684.59

What a beautiful day! I beat the rain! I had a decent trainer workout, and feel really good.

This weather sure makes it easy to lose weight. I'm not as hungry, and definitely sweating more on my rides. It's a good feeling after a long winter of bitter cold and wind.

Definitely nowhere near what the folks up in Alaska are going through during this years Iditarod. Couldn't imagine bivouacking in -40F weather. More power to them, and good luck!

Monday Manners

Daily Miles: 42.5
Avg. Speed: 19+
March Total: 94.54
2008 Total: 2638.81

Yesterday was a beautiful day. I got out of work a little earlier then expected so I got to see the daylight which would make even the most horrible conditions tolerable, but when you throw in 60 degree weather, it's awesome.

The only bad thnig about the first nice days of the year is the that all the idiots come out of the woodwork to use the trail. While it's great to see fat Philadelphians trying to shed inches off their bloated waistlines, there are a few things for the novice trail user to remember.

1. Unlike when you run on the street, you don't run against traffic. When on the trail, you run, bike, roller blade, and walk on the right.

2. The right side of the trail is not the middle, the left or anything else. Stay to the right so people can get by you. Especially if you are a little overweight and take up more of the trail then you should.

3. When with a group of trail users, you should only be 2 wide. If you're 5 wide having a conversation, you're wrong. Expect to be run over.

4. If you're able to run and hold a conversation, you're running too slow. Pick up the pace and actually get something out of your workout. The appropriate pace is just fast enough so that you can talk if needed, but it's not fun to.

5. If for some reason you are on the trail running 5 wide, and someone yells "ON YOUR LEFT" don't turn around and look, just slide a little to the right so whoever is behind you can pass. Don't get pissed if get run over if you don't move. You deserve it.

6. If you can't hear the person behind you yelling "ON YOUR LEFT" because your iPod is turned up the whole way, it's your own fault. Deal with it.

That's all for now. Looking forward to another warm day!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Finally Starting to Pick Up the Pace

Daily Miles: 52.04
Avg. Speed: 19+
March Total: 52.04
2008 Total: 2596.31

It's pretty sobering when a new month starts and the mileage totals start fresh again. It really is a good training motivator to see a low miles number and realize how far i need to go to hit my goal in the next 30 days.

Today's ride was a great pre-race tempo ride. We got a lot of the rust out of our pace line techniques and got some good sprint efforts in to see what the bike could handle. These kind of rides really get excited about racing. I have enjoyed the long winter endurance rides, but mostly for the conversation. Long rides just aren't my thing. Hard fast sprint workouts arent as conversational, but much more my style.

First race is next Sunday. We'll see what this winter has made me...