more then bikes...

I usually try not to dive into the world of political blogging, as so much of it is filled with posturing and misinformation. I guess I should spend some time posturing and spreading mistruths. Actually I'm not sure I have a posture on the current political landscape, other then the fact that nobody is actually talking about anything- they're just crying about how the other side hurt their feelings.

I'm curious about what the people of this country actually want. How do they want our country viewed, and what do they want our country to stand for. What are the issues that we really face as a country. We've lost sight of these questions, instead we call the democrats "Hezbocrats" and some call Bush a "Nazi". Neither of course is true, and both are cop-outs to the actual issues that exist.

Hence I find myself wanting to just go ride my bike, playing with my kids, hanging out with my wife, doing my job, and dreaming of powder storms.

While there is more to life then just bikes it is often much easier to just focus on bikes....

it's simple really

I want to tinker, dream, imagine, start and not have to finish- and get paid for it. I'm one of those people who can get 80 percent through a project and then loose all motivation to complete it. I'm not sure why. Fortunately that doesn't happen to me when I'm racing or training, but on other projects it certainly does.

The funny part isn't that I loose motivation, it's that I loose if for that particular task. Somwhere along the project my mind has begun to wander and the outcome of the current task is no longer that important, but the start of the new tangent is. I have always thought that if I could partner with someone who is a detail person who hates coming up with ideas but love executing other peoples visions that "we" could do well. Any takers???

I just got back in from a run. I really don't enjoy running all that much. I used to say that I hate it but I really don't hate it, I just don't enjoy it. There are usually a few moments during a run where my body feels good- but I haven't gotten to a point where those moments happen all to often! I think of myself as somewhat fit, but running still kicks my ass. My wife has talked me into running Vermont City Marathon with her this coming spring, she did it in 2004 and she is ready to do it again. It'll be fun, and I actually look forward to the training aspect as it'll be a good time of year for me to be building for cycling season.

TWAF is looking at our race calendar for next year, I think we would like to add on a couple more 24's and I know that A1 and I would both like to do an E100 race. That would be fun (if that can be called fun, but we seem to call it that!).

This is a fun time of year, I'm starting to think a bit about snow. Wondering how the back country skiing and XC skiing will be. Wondering how my youngest will do with skiing this year and hoping I can keep up with my oldest on the alpine hill. At the same time I'm excited for cyclocross season and really anxious for Porky Gulch Classic in November. A good time of year!

That's it at the moment, if anyone runs into an IF SS frame in a size 19" let me know- I'm in the market;)

Until next time...

Single speeds

What's up with this SS obsession? I rode my SS mtb in from the shop where my car is being introduced to its new clutch and my truck getting a little sticker that keeps the police happy. Aren't cars fun!

I rode the old Specialized in thinking it would be fun to get a feel for how that gear will roll on the pavement, let's just say I was getting a touch frustrated with how quickly you run out of gear. I'm hoping that a 29'er might have a touch more roll- time will tell.

Josh got rid of his brand new Serrotta in favor of a Cannondale Synapse, I'll have to let you know what he thinks. The Serrotta was a compact frame and he was having some foot/wheel overlap issues that made it a touch dicey in the turns- I think good'ol PJ made the right move.

Hoping to ride Sticks and Stones tonight on my way home- anyone else heading that way around 5pm??? Then for the weekend I hope to get out for a good road ride- any ideas.

Gotta get back to the real world.

Dreaming of bikes

The basement is full of bikes, my youngest has a bike, my oldest has two, my wife has two, and I have six. Add to that a jogger, a trailer, and a trail-a-bike and we've got a fair number of wheels hanging in our basement.

So why do I jones for more? Who cares why- I need to figure out how to get my next ride. I think I'm settling into a IF Deluxe Steel 29er SS. Yeah that'll set me back a couple bucks but it'll be worth it! With that in mind anyone interested in a Kona Jake the Snake? I've got one (54cm) that I'm looking to unload so I can start stockpiling the cash for the IF.

With that in mind I should also take a look at the ski quiver for the upcoming year. Atomic is taking good care of me for the XC skis, but my tele sticks are in need of some rack mates. Hmmmmmm.

I need to get back to work. Cross season is coming, hope to see folks out there. Great Glen has a new cyclocross series they are kicking off this year, should go well with the Porky Gulch Classic in November.

Keep riding.