So, finally got back out on the bike. It was the usual suspects; Ironwoman Extraordinaire TG40, Zumbalete Magnifique TGTD, and Universal Biking Harasser/Overall Great Guy, REB60.
Yet again REB had led me to believe that it was going to be 50, or some such garbage. Infact it was 38ish, maybe 18 I can't remember. And, throw in some rain/snow for good measure. At least I dressed appropriately.
We take off. I do think I got some draft action for awhile. Not from Reb, tho, he was feeling kinda rough and really not with it. While I missed drafting off of him, I can't fault the guy for bringing up the rear, at least he was out there. Somewhere, I took over the lead and just had at it. As I've blogged, I haven't been riding. That usually means I ride sort of hard because I don't know any better.
So, we're trucking along, I'm doing ok, somewhat out of breath, but you know, I'm pushing. I hear some shifting behind me so I know folks are there. I keep at it. Yeah, then I hear giggling. And conversation. Chatting, if you will. And, yes, its raining and I'm panting. We make it up to the halfwayish point. The girls are all smiles and roses, whilst I pant and reach for the water. We make it down to the next back road and TG40 pulls out in front.
Whew, I think to myself, I could go for some drafting. She starts going a little faster. And faster....faster. It getting a little tough to keep up, I've long lost any draft. I start to think I should back off as we still have a ways to go. I glanced down at the speedo....19mph??????? WTF????? UP the HILL????!?!!!!!??? I back off.
Two hours later when we catch up (ok, maybe it wasn't that long), she says she had a burst of energy.
A burst of energy.
Yeah, or something like that. So, our world class Ironman, who hung on my wheel the whole way decides to ride at a race pace.
Did I mention she's younger than me? (hold on, I'm looking for some more excuses). This trigirl training thing is going to KILL me. I came home with the usual sore thighs but also sore shoulders and some other things I've forgotten.
Reb, should you decide to, you can hang on my wheel whenever, TG40, I shall be on your wheel. You've shown your cards, the jig is up, and don't think I didn't notice the "RACE TEAM" stickers on your bike. Oh no....I'm only fooled once.
It was a good ride. :-)
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
So Overdue
Wow, last week....
I had some kind of crud all week. The stinky kind where yo really aren't sick so you have to work anyway. I was tired, cranky and had a headache. All week. I think its finally leaving.
So, the time bomb is back from the shop and I'm so happy. I like my little car. Now, I have to suck it up again and do a little more work on it. I can't really complain, I haven't spent much on it the time I've had it. I'd still like more power...its fun being in a station wagon that's faster than some sporty cars. And the big plus, now it doesn't smell like raw fuel!
I got the new handlebars in for my motorcycle today. I think they're going to be just what I needed. They are low and don't hit a bunch of stuff.
The big surprise now is that my wifey wants to ride on the back. This was something I wasn't prepared to hear. I've never carried anyone before. I'm going to get a friend to help.
Due to my feeling less than good, I didn't do much of anything over the weekend. Watched some of the NASCAR race, but I couldn't tell you who won. Not really my thing. F1 is only a month away! As is a cool trip. I'm ready to start packing now!
I have got to get back on the bike or all the TRIgirls are going to drop me like a bad habit. They are actually dedicated to training. WTF??
I had some kind of crud all week. The stinky kind where yo really aren't sick so you have to work anyway. I was tired, cranky and had a headache. All week. I think its finally leaving.
So, the time bomb is back from the shop and I'm so happy. I like my little car. Now, I have to suck it up again and do a little more work on it. I can't really complain, I haven't spent much on it the time I've had it. I'd still like more power...its fun being in a station wagon that's faster than some sporty cars. And the big plus, now it doesn't smell like raw fuel!
I got the new handlebars in for my motorcycle today. I think they're going to be just what I needed. They are low and don't hit a bunch of stuff.
The big surprise now is that my wifey wants to ride on the back. This was something I wasn't prepared to hear. I've never carried anyone before. I'm going to get a friend to help.
Due to my feeling less than good, I didn't do much of anything over the weekend. Watched some of the NASCAR race, but I couldn't tell you who won. Not really my thing. F1 is only a month away! As is a cool trip. I'm ready to start packing now!
I have got to get back on the bike or all the TRIgirls are going to drop me like a bad habit. They are actually dedicated to training. WTF??
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Nothing Inspiring
No riding. I have made it to the gym a couple of times each week. Tonight was less than productive. Not sure where all my strength went. Out the window apparently.
Its been one of those times when I've been busy, but not sure at what. I have spent MUCH quality time with my PC and cds. I think I finally reached a happy place. Note to anyone as anal as I am, the online database for cds is not consistant. Box set and it codes the cds differently. I wondered why I could never find one cd out of the set. I can now, but it cost quite a bit of time. I think I have 40-50 cds to rip.
I've about completed my turnsignal modification for my motorcycle. New handlebars should be here by weeks end.
Monday brought some excitement. I got to work and thought I saw some smoke coming from my hood. Assuming I knew what it was, I popped the hood. Nope, not what I expected. Didn't see much smoke either. Being concerned, I called the dealer. They said they couldn't look at it for a couple of days, but I could bring it by. The server writer had a clue, which was nice.
Today, to my surprise, brought a phone call. Seems my car was a time bomb. What I assumed was some oil leaking was gas. And apparently more than a little. The guy said I didn't have to fix it right then, but the mechanic said he wouldn't drive it. So, the defusing is taking place this week. When I get it back depends on when the parts come in. It isn't an easy job (or I would try it).
Been feeling icky as well. Its getting better, but the clogged nose continues. I may try sleep sans drugs tonight.
I dunno....losing focus.......work stress......car stress.......science project stress......exercise good, but those endorphines don't carry me very far. Perhaps if I Zumba'd on whacky Wednesday.
Its been one of those times when I've been busy, but not sure at what. I have spent MUCH quality time with my PC and cds. I think I finally reached a happy place. Note to anyone as anal as I am, the online database for cds is not consistant. Box set and it codes the cds differently. I wondered why I could never find one cd out of the set. I can now, but it cost quite a bit of time. I think I have 40-50 cds to rip.
I've about completed my turnsignal modification for my motorcycle. New handlebars should be here by weeks end.
Monday brought some excitement. I got to work and thought I saw some smoke coming from my hood. Assuming I knew what it was, I popped the hood. Nope, not what I expected. Didn't see much smoke either. Being concerned, I called the dealer. They said they couldn't look at it for a couple of days, but I could bring it by. The server writer had a clue, which was nice.
Today, to my surprise, brought a phone call. Seems my car was a time bomb. What I assumed was some oil leaking was gas. And apparently more than a little. The guy said I didn't have to fix it right then, but the mechanic said he wouldn't drive it. So, the defusing is taking place this week. When I get it back depends on when the parts come in. It isn't an easy job (or I would try it).
Been feeling icky as well. Its getting better, but the clogged nose continues. I may try sleep sans drugs tonight.
I dunno....losing focus.......work stress......car stress.......science project stress......exercise good, but those endorphines don't carry me very far. Perhaps if I Zumba'd on whacky Wednesday.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Couple 'O Things
First, thanks to TriDi for the fine photos. Highschool is but a faint memory, but its cool to see people you use to know. The whole exercise outfit thing is but a plus. (insert smiley)
Next, this week was the suck. I'm glad its over. Keeping this up will be tough, but I'm going to have to. Thankfully, I have plenty of other things to keep me occupied.
Now, the bulk of the post...which is going to be shorter than I envisioned, is a cd review. My man, Bob Mould, released his newest cd this week. I had pre-ordered it, and have tickets to the show at the 930 next month. I have followed Bob since forever. I reviewed his live DVD last year. The album for that tour was great. It followed a pretty bad cd where I had pretty much given up on him. I think that's part of what made the cd so good, but I still love. The right mix of everything.
The cd came in Monday, but I had been in a rough mood all week and just hadn't felt like listening to it. So, its Friday, I'm a little sick, but its ok. Its time.
Ugh.
Well, maybe I am done with Bob. There have been plenty of nice review of this album, but mine won't be one of them. I'm really a music geek. I have my stereo, and I have my chair (much like those old TDK ads). When I'm down for a serious listen, the lights are dim, the feet are up, and I'm relaxed. I often go to sleep. Its not the music's fault, I can fall asleep to metal, I just get really relaxed. About half way through the disc I turned the lights on and started cleaning my motorcycle jacket. Then I went in the garage and drilled out some turnsignal mounts I'd been working on.
The last was too bad as the end of the cd picked up a bit.
I don't really know what to say. Production-wise, its as clear as mud. Lots of music is that way these days because they mix and master for ipod headphones. Bastards. I can usually get past that tho. The album is just dull. In the day there was a term called AOR - Album Oriented Rock. It was what your generic Rock radio station (Richmonders, I refer to the old XL102). Pretty much middle of the road, not exceptional, rock. A good bit of this comes across like that.
Double ugh.
On the last album he got some heat for the use of a vocoder and he laughed. It worked, I didn't mind it. The album...its almost every damn song. Might as well go get Frampton's voice box thingie. Each song sounds like it uses iMAC plug in of the week downloads or somthing. There is some discoy effect on every song. Now, I know he's gotten into electronica and the like, and that's all good, but really this feels he's just playing with effects.
I'm convinced that computers and digital in general are the worst things to ever happen to music. Stuff is overlayered, everything is run through limiters and compressors, and there is no dynamic range at all. Seriously, a 60s jazz group recorded live in a room and artfully mastered has more dynamic range than lots of stuff produced now. Somewhere I saw a site that shows waveforms that prove this.....but I've bored you enough.
The end of the cd is decent, and frankly, I'll give this another go later. Often I do find that cds will grow on me over time. The saddest thing is I've always had this rule...two strikes and you're out. I don't download, pirate, etc, music. I buy it. I let the artist get whatever money they've negociated. The filp side is I won't get screwed more than twice. This just may be it.
As it turns out, I'm not going to be able to go to the show. I don't know anyone interested, so I suppose they'll go to waste. I actually think many of these songs will come across great live. Bob is an awesome performer. I've gotta say tho, I'm not real sad. That last show was so phenominal, I think I might be glad it will be my lasting memory.
Next, this week was the suck. I'm glad its over. Keeping this up will be tough, but I'm going to have to. Thankfully, I have plenty of other things to keep me occupied.
Now, the bulk of the post...which is going to be shorter than I envisioned, is a cd review. My man, Bob Mould, released his newest cd this week. I had pre-ordered it, and have tickets to the show at the 930 next month. I have followed Bob since forever. I reviewed his live DVD last year. The album for that tour was great. It followed a pretty bad cd where I had pretty much given up on him. I think that's part of what made the cd so good, but I still love. The right mix of everything.
The cd came in Monday, but I had been in a rough mood all week and just hadn't felt like listening to it. So, its Friday, I'm a little sick, but its ok. Its time.
Ugh.
Well, maybe I am done with Bob. There have been plenty of nice review of this album, but mine won't be one of them. I'm really a music geek. I have my stereo, and I have my chair (much like those old TDK ads). When I'm down for a serious listen, the lights are dim, the feet are up, and I'm relaxed. I often go to sleep. Its not the music's fault, I can fall asleep to metal, I just get really relaxed. About half way through the disc I turned the lights on and started cleaning my motorcycle jacket. Then I went in the garage and drilled out some turnsignal mounts I'd been working on.
The last was too bad as the end of the cd picked up a bit.
I don't really know what to say. Production-wise, its as clear as mud. Lots of music is that way these days because they mix and master for ipod headphones. Bastards. I can usually get past that tho. The album is just dull. In the day there was a term called AOR - Album Oriented Rock. It was what your generic Rock radio station (Richmonders, I refer to the old XL102). Pretty much middle of the road, not exceptional, rock. A good bit of this comes across like that.
Double ugh.
On the last album he got some heat for the use of a vocoder and he laughed. It worked, I didn't mind it. The album...its almost every damn song. Might as well go get Frampton's voice box thingie. Each song sounds like it uses iMAC plug in of the week downloads or somthing. There is some discoy effect on every song. Now, I know he's gotten into electronica and the like, and that's all good, but really this feels he's just playing with effects.
I'm convinced that computers and digital in general are the worst things to ever happen to music. Stuff is overlayered, everything is run through limiters and compressors, and there is no dynamic range at all. Seriously, a 60s jazz group recorded live in a room and artfully mastered has more dynamic range than lots of stuff produced now. Somewhere I saw a site that shows waveforms that prove this.....but I've bored you enough.
The end of the cd is decent, and frankly, I'll give this another go later. Often I do find that cds will grow on me over time. The saddest thing is I've always had this rule...two strikes and you're out. I don't download, pirate, etc, music. I buy it. I let the artist get whatever money they've negociated. The filp side is I won't get screwed more than twice. This just may be it.
As it turns out, I'm not going to be able to go to the show. I don't know anyone interested, so I suppose they'll go to waste. I actually think many of these songs will come across great live. Bob is an awesome performer. I've gotta say tho, I'm not real sad. That last show was so phenominal, I think I might be glad it will be my lasting memory.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Obsession
Its pretty common these days for folks to joke about being OCD. I don't really believe I'm compulsive. I am, however, fairly obsessive. When something gets into the forefront of my brain, I have a tough time letting go. Perhaps this is why I'm list maker. Keeps me moving.
Well, regardless of how I obsess, somethings just make you feel a certain way. I do different things for a different feeling. I'm being honest when I say I can't stand going to the gym. The problem is I often like the way I feel afterwards, and I like the results for sure. The way I keep myself going is to tell myself that it'll help my biking. I think I'd really like to be a great bicyclist. Maybe great is too strong, but really good, certainly better than now.
Another thing I smell coming is the motorcycle obsession. The brief history is I got a minibike in 3rd grade. I got a bigger one in 5th. I rode that thing for hours. And hours. And hours at a time. It was great.
When my grandfather made the logging trail into a trail for me, it was awesome. I had a few places I could get some air, some washes to dig through, and throw in some black snakes to avoid. I ended up too big for it, but I still rode it.
I always wanted to get one, but you know. The closest I came was out of college when my car was getting close to death. Bike was a cheaper option. Never happened. Rode a friends, and it was like before.
For whatever mid-life reason I bought the bike last spring. I spent a lot of time getting it into shape, and then the obligitory modifications. Got stuck in the shop during the best month. I rode to work today. Went out at lunch. That feeling comes back. The main difference is that on the road I can't allow my mind to drift. The feeling, however, is the same. There really isn't anything for me to compare it to. I feel free. And, I'll admit it, I feel cool. People look. Its fun.
I don't see this going away.
Well, regardless of how I obsess, somethings just make you feel a certain way. I do different things for a different feeling. I'm being honest when I say I can't stand going to the gym. The problem is I often like the way I feel afterwards, and I like the results for sure. The way I keep myself going is to tell myself that it'll help my biking. I think I'd really like to be a great bicyclist. Maybe great is too strong, but really good, certainly better than now.
Another thing I smell coming is the motorcycle obsession. The brief history is I got a minibike in 3rd grade. I got a bigger one in 5th. I rode that thing for hours. And hours. And hours at a time. It was great.
When my grandfather made the logging trail into a trail for me, it was awesome. I had a few places I could get some air, some washes to dig through, and throw in some black snakes to avoid. I ended up too big for it, but I still rode it.
I always wanted to get one, but you know. The closest I came was out of college when my car was getting close to death. Bike was a cheaper option. Never happened. Rode a friends, and it was like before.
For whatever mid-life reason I bought the bike last spring. I spent a lot of time getting it into shape, and then the obligitory modifications. Got stuck in the shop during the best month. I rode to work today. Went out at lunch. That feeling comes back. The main difference is that on the road I can't allow my mind to drift. The feeling, however, is the same. There really isn't anything for me to compare it to. I feel free. And, I'll admit it, I feel cool. People look. Its fun.
I don't see this going away.
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