Saturday, August 21, 2010

thats a wrap on the road season

Well, today I went out with a fizzle on an already mediocre season. dropped, sweet. Thanks to the kids on the side who cheered on 'go biker go', i mustered enough to finish. I accomplished none of my goals this year. And didn't get my hands on too much money.

Maybe one more season to see if I'm an average cat3 for lifer, or something a little more.

Thanks to the jumper for messing up our psyche during the race. And to the police officer who almost killed me and the other 25 guys.

I'm gonna turn my frown upside down with cross coming, and can only hope that things go better next year.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Milk thoughts

This isn't a race report of the milk race. Because I sucked, and there's nothing to write about. However, there is something I need to get off my chest.

Dairymens Choclate Milk is the best in all the land.

Giant Eagle's is just not chocolaty enough.

Deans is just tooo chocolaty.

Muscle Milk is gross, expensive, and makes you feel like a jersey shore cast member when you drink it.

So for me, I rely on Dairymens:

Monday, August 9, 2010

a guide for ohio noobs to get into the sport

I wrote this for a friend thinking of trying his hand at racing. Thought maybe it could be a little informative to those thinking of diving in. My first few races I was a mess with upside down numbers, grease on the legs, etc.

Welcome to the fabulous world of bike racing.

Chapter 1: What to wear

One must wear a helmet. Said helmet will need to be affixed accordingly, not tilted up like a dork.
One must attach racing number upright and pinned with no less than 8 safety pins. If its flapping around you look like a goober.
One must wear a jersey and shorts that don't show the entire peloton ones bum. Replica jerseys unlike the acceptability in nearly almost every ball sport is the most uncoolest thing ever.

Chapter 2: Bike
Make sure your tires are aired up to proper pressure.
Make sure your chain is clean so you don't get rookie rings, cat 5 tattoos, etc. (black rings on your calves) - so not cool.
Its not about the bike.

Chapter 3: How well will I stack up?
Probably crappy.
But you'll never know until you try. You will be racing with Freddie McFrederson on his Scattante with 2 dork discs and a horn, Jimmy CantHoldhislineson, Triathlete Tom, and future cat 1er Peter PerfectPants.
In other words, a wide range of athletes will be out there.
So, if you are thinking you are a Peter more than a Jimmy, I would suggest you stay towards the front, as is often heard when looking for 'racing 101' info. On the other hand, if this is your very first race, and you haven't done a lot of pacelines, and group rides,
you are probably safer to the group if you are at the back. Besides you'll get the best draft.

Chapter 4:So.... lets race!
Right. But first you need to know how to do it.
If you are doing your first race you will buy a 1 day license when you register at the cost of $10
Registration for bike races is around $25-40. This helps pay for the cops to control intersections, the cost of setting the race up, and paying the prize money for the fast guys.

Go to ohiocyling.org, usacyling.org, or any of the local team websites to get more information on races.