Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Monday, 12 December 2011
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Friday, 9 December 2011
Wallpaper #1
I made this collage from a mix of online posters for various pro races. It's pretty neat and yours to download if you want. Happy Friday!
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Reality Check; What cyclists really want for Christmas
This time of year every cycling magazine publishes its top ten list of gifts for cyclists. The range crisscrosses the landscape from the wildly expensive to blissfully obscure. It makes great eye candy and wonderful filler, but let's try to be a little more realistic for those who are not going to spend $2,000 on a frame or a set of wheels. Hey, if you're willing to spend that on someone then that's great, but what about that cyclist in the mail room who's on your Secret Santa list or your depleted budget from all of your other holiday shopping?
Let's get serious.
What we want are gifts that show us you've actually paid attention to what we do and how we do it. That's exactly how I came by the best gift I ever received.
I had volunteered to photograph an awards banquet and a few days beforehand the organizer engaged me in a conversation. She knew I cycled and mentioned her husband was looking for a good bike shop. I mentioned a couple of shops he could visit and quickly forgot the conversation.
The night of the event I received an envelope - and inside was a gift card for one of those shops.
When you're shopping for gifts for cyclists, that gift certificate from a local shop is an excellent idea because we will use it to purchase the sundries we need or the items we've been thinking about but keep putting off.
For instance, we may like to have a new set of carbon fiber wheels, but look at the wheels we currently have. Do you think you'll lose points by presenting us with a fresh set of new tires or ultralight tubes?
How about a roadside repair kit complete with inflating cartridge? A fresh container of chamois lube is every bit as thoughtful and useful as a box of gel packs for those really long rides.
Just because it might snow where you live doesn't mean the wheels have been put away. Many of us wile away winter glued to magnetic trainers and there's nothing better than a collection of cycling videos to help pass the time.
If your cyclist isn't a fan of the spin class types of discs, check out the range of downloadable videos from Sufferfest (under $12 each) and the latest hi-tech workouts from Indoor Road Cycling. In fact, what's the one item we'd love to have but never get around to buying? A simple fan to keep us cool while we're on the trainer.
The list is practically endless and can include things like a new chain, fancy new water bottle, maybe a pro team jersey and if you do run out of ideas sifting through the toolbox or gear closet, there's always that gift certificate from a local bike shop.
When you think about it, if we don't wear cuff links what's the point in showing us a pair made of chain links? Gift us with things we actually can use and we'll always remember your thoughtfulness.
Trust me. We will be absolutely delighted.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Into the Red
Well! Today held another of those 'interesting' trainer sessions. Although the winter weather in Nova Scotia has been more like spring, being an 'older' cyclist I took my ride indoors for the colder months.
Of course, now that I've decided to race in 2012 my cycling has changed from high-level fitness to training for competition.
That's waaaaaay outside the purpose of The Remedial Cyclist, but has been a personal axe for some time!
So, Daddy is riding on the trainer and into the red zone. There's sweat, snot and tears (from watery eyes) spraying the room with each exhalation. Front 242 is pounding away for musical motivation and Daddy knows he is not, not, not supposed to be in that zone...
The little boy enters the training room, watches for a moment, then says, "Does that hurt?"
"Not really,son. It's just a little uncomfortable."
I hope everyone has a great day!
Of course, now that I've decided to race in 2012 my cycling has changed from high-level fitness to training for competition.
That's waaaaaay outside the purpose of The Remedial Cyclist, but has been a personal axe for some time!
So, Daddy is riding on the trainer and into the red zone. There's sweat, snot and tears (from watery eyes) spraying the room with each exhalation. Front 242 is pounding away for musical motivation and Daddy knows he is not, not, not supposed to be in that zone...
The little boy enters the training room, watches for a moment, then says, "Does that hurt?"
"Not really,son. It's just a little uncomfortable."
I hope everyone has a great day!
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Friday, 2 December 2011
High level racing after 50
Just might be possible one day to see a 50-plus Lance Armstrong, perhaps the results may differ from Alexi.Grewal's big comeback adventure is over
Thursday, 1 December 2011
No time for exercise?
I ran across this in my newsreader and figured I'd post it. Canadians find it hard to set aside time for exercise
The thing is, we all have a difficult time putting our health and fitness into periods around our jobs. Although my current career involves a full 8 hour day on my behind, a post-noon start time leaves plenty of time to workout before work. However, if you're a 9 to fiver, what do you do?
Summer isn't bad due to lengthier periods of sunlight, but perhaps employers could allow employees 2 to 3 hours of time per day for their fitness?
Hmmmmmm..... something to ponder....
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