Tuesday, September 23, 2008

daily rant

I'm just gonna rant today becuase i have nothing of cycling value to add, that, and i just looked at what was left of my 401K.
No accountability is what the bail-out amends to. Seriously, everyone from CEO all the way down to greedy mortgage broker and even the buyer should be held accountable. If you didn't make enough to pay for the mortgage in the first place, how did you think that some crafty mortgage plan was going to change that, for that, you are an idiot. For every step of my work I am held accountable, if I don't meet my obligations I am held accountable and these people need to be as well. They should never be allowed to work in the banking/mortgage industry again...hello Walmart, make them work for minimum wage.

I will never support any plan that just empties the general coffers, while bathing the top 5% of Americans in absurd wealth. Rewarding the wealthy for ruining the foundations of the economy, sounds great, for the wealthy. If I mess-up on my mortgage, I get no bailout, I loose my home; if the wealthy mess-up, they cry that is not their fault...BS
If the average taxpayer has to bail out dishonest Wall Street executives, they should pay us back when things are strong underfoot. Not a promise of future stability & jobs, actual pay back...results keep this country moving forward, promises are empty.
The avarice and greed of America's wealthy is single-handedly selling out this economy, our country, and their fellow citizens. Empty heros, selfish zeros. Wall Street must learn pride, respect, and faith, & remember who you have exploited to aquire your riches.
I won't even pursue this pearl of wisdom that has been added to the Bail-out "Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency." NO COURT OVERSIGHT....BS....In short, the so-called "mother of all bailouts," which will transfer $700 billion taxpayer dollars to purchase the distressed assets of several failed financial institutions, will be conducted in a manner unchallengeable by courts and ungovernable by the People's duly sworn representatives (The Huffingtonpost.com)...
Did you know that $700B could buy 2.3M houses at $300K per house? (I read this somewhere so it could be crap but it sounds good at the moment) At last count there were 310,000 houses in foreclosure in the US. Why not just buy them all? It would be a lot cheaper. Then buy all the new construction that's not selling. Still cheaper. Bulldoze half of them and the housing problem is solved.
The net result is we've bailed out people and builders, not Wall St

oh yeah...Bedford race this sunday....can't afford to make it up to VT..staying local..more time for sleeping in...NICE

oh and this is a nice visit http://www.buymyshitpile.com/

Tuesday, September 09, 2008



Two things that can make even a rainy day a good day. Good thing you can't read the cyclocomputer becuase it didn't register anything in the double digits...ahahah. Finally a shot of my favorite establishment...most have heard of ice cream rides, but those are for beginners...
Riding home the other day, I hit up the ballfields for a quick few laps to get some practice in, and before I knew it there was about 10 of us riding from goal post to goal post, running, carrying, it was a pretty impromptu. I realized that there are a few things i'm good at and a few that need improvement. After only 10 minutes of continous effort I know I have to work on running, dismounting, braking, pedaling, conditioning, you might say thats about everything, however there were a few positives....cursing, being slow, and going home to open a beer before the bike had even stopped rolling, i was really exceling in those areas of training. Amesbury....hmm....conditioning says no, but the stupid in me says yes. Maybe I'll take home the coveted and highly sought after DFL award. Which way to run Tufo Elite LPS's as a front tire, tread pattern backwards or forwards, i really don't have a clue...

ESC not riding excuse 124: The air was "chilly" so I didn't ride in

I give that one a 6 out of 10....

Thursday, August 14, 2008


Last weekend I rode the squeeky pig (MTB) for a little bit and while most people go on ice cream rides, i went on a fried clam ride. Thats right, had to stop off at Yorks Best Roast Beef and Seafood on Rte 1. Their whole belly clams are perfect...however the ride home was pretty damn slow....which i then turned into an ice cream ride. hahaaha.

The Jamis has been renamed to "creamsicle." The Creamsicle made the ride to work today nice and smooth. THe ritchey wheels aren't too bad at soaking up the bumps. Pretty soon got to switch over to the mavics with the michelins jetts, just to help get around the plethora of slow roller bladers, joggers and other pathletes.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Been going to Wells ave lately. So close to home, I can get in and out rather quickly and still be home in time for 99% of my day. Perfect set up and it's been going well (that just means I haven't been dropped out the back yet). Been having fun at it and meeting some good racers and some not so good racers but at least people are showing up and a core few are making it fun. I won't bore you with a typical race report which would read as standard cycling blog fare...chased a break, felt heavy legs, woke up and said why not only to say what was i thinking..blah blah blah......insert race name here, insert the names of friends (bunny, superlegs, jojo, etc), talk about the hill that killed you, the break you chased, getting spit out the back on the hill, etc....anyhow,
If the science thing doesn't work out...hmmmm
I bike by these every few weeks and two of the owners are pretty friendly so i thought I would throw them up here and add some color.......




Tuesday, July 15, 2008

What’s better than after a day of painting the front porch, lifting some pre-fab Ikea furniture and enjoying some fine Latin cuisine….Wells Ave!!! I didn’t get my fill of people watching for the week so what better way than to attend the C-race. I haven’t been there once this year so I knew it would be all new faces. While getting ready, I noticed someone driving on the course well over the speed limit, zip into a parking spot and kit – up. Specialized Uber-carbon frame, some fancy carbon wheels and some tan lines to match. You are figuring B-race or A- racer, right? Not by a long shot, who lines for the c-race…that’s right, Mr. Carbon. That’s when I thought I was going to be in trouble. There were some fit looking individuals lined up and seems everybody has been spending their economic stimulus checks on some fancy gear.
The race rolls off, and the pace isn’t bad, the first few laps, everybody is just sitting in, a few people try and roll off but the head/cross wind pretty much hurt those out there alone. I’m just waiting for Mr. Carbon to sprint away, not a chance, there he is sitting third wheel most of the time. A few other riders to watch, Mr. Ibex likes to swerve around manhole covers and not gracefully, only was cut off twice in one lap. A few nervous line changes and the usual surge forward anytime we came near the start/finish line, apparently some loved ones were watching. Heart rate was probably pegged cause apparently my 35 minute commute doesn’t count as “structured training.” Pony boy rides off the front for about 2 laps, only to fall back in line, a few others try the same thing only to blow up and drift back into the group. I don’t even think we were really chasing or doing anything like that….come on, we are Cat 5’s, we are lucky not to have crashed at this point. If some people worked together I’m sure we would have seen them off and fight to reel them in later (maybe try that next time). With a few laps to go, I didn’t keep count, either lap 11 or 12 or 13, who knows, I ended up on front so why not give it go and see if someone comes with. I wouldn’t say I sprinted off, or lept off but rather accelerated “un-evenly” until I was far enough away where I could look back. Nobody followed and well the heart didn’t keep up with the legs and I knew I was doomed. One turn later someone else decides to come up for a chat but we both realized our suckitude and pulled the plug a lap later and eventually fell back into the end of the pack where I remained.. At least we had fun with it, not too mention it broke up the race a little. Final lap, the speed ramps up, the craziness ensues and sure enough bars tangle and 5 or so riders hit the deck. I didn’t really see it happen since I was rolling through that last turn spent and un-recovered from previous efforts. Overall it was a good morning and I wish I could do more so we will see. I have to believe that Mr. Carbon is just out there racking up a few races so he can upgrade. We’ll see what happens next time in a few weeks time. Probably try the same stunt but run it twice and see what happens. It was encouraging to see a large field and the BRC run a solid event. Also it’s funny to see everybody looking out the corner of their eye checking out each others ride and equipment to see who has the bigger wallet.

One more random useless thought...how does an apple from New Zealand cost 1.79 per pound when an apple from washington state costs the same (though they a different types, nothing exotic)?

Friday, June 27, 2008


Where am i riding...right through the orange
If its something bike related you want, its gonna be a pretty empty post for you then. Was able to squeek out three days commuting to work. Been riding the iron pig as much as possible. With the "chance of rain" predicted everyday, it's the best wet weather beater in the stable and it's still fun to ride. Been able to miss the rain most days but I think my luck ran out today as the barometer is dropping and its sprinkling out already but as I write this, the skies just opened up. The beast needed a wash down anyways.

YORKS BEST SEAFOOD AND ROAST BEEF
Fried clams are always on my mind when the temp his 80+ and the sun is out. So what better way to start a review than with my current favorite. Located on route 1 between the Kittery outlets and York center, it's a non-descript building with a tiny sign. Another clue is to look for the blue and gold sign that says Fried Clams. The roast beef part, I haven't tried it...who wants roast beef when you can have a variety of fried goodness. I usually avoid the rush on weekends by going before noon or after 1pm. It's a basic fried seafood menu with other grilled items as well. A large order of fried clams with another order of the Fried Seafood Combo plate is enough to fill 2 and half people (though the kid will eat more than most). The owner generally works the register and is friendly and easy to bounce questions off of when you don't know what you want. The seating area is pretty clean but i don't care becuase it's all about the food. Starting off, the fried seafood combo comes with large chunks of fried haddock that are breaded lightly, fried scallops are generally quarter sized and have been dripping juicy and tender, the fried shrimp are my least favorite and lastly the combo plate comes with fried clams which are lightly battered and fried just right to lock the juices in (they are good enough that I have to order a large order everytime). I don't know what it is but the fried whole belly clams stay crispy on the outside, are not over battered, the batter is lightly flavored and the clam is never gritty or chewey. I've been there three times this summer and it hasn't disappointed once. Those with wee-tots will be glad to know that they have a few high chairs and some pretty amazing cheeseburgers too!!! Some evenings i'll bike by and just grab a burger becuase they will fill even the most empty tanks. If you want an upscale fancy pants restaraunt, this is not the place, but if you prefer a place with local food, good fried clams, good service and a down to earth menu then this should be a stop on any trip up route 1.

Monday, June 23, 2008

A Must Visit

So, a trip down to CT for the weekend brought an unexpected side trip. If you are ever in Litchfield county, this is a MUST see, especially if you have wee-tots. Action Wildlife Org . The story behind the place is something you wish would happen more often. The owner is not a farmer but rather an ex-CEO of a company that manufactured airplane seats. He is not the typical CEO, instead of taking his money and buying useless summer properties and fancy cars, he has instead bought 100+ acres of land, bulldozers, dumptrucks, farm equipment and with his own money started all the animals to start a wildlife park. We ran across him numerous times on our visit there, when he wasn't working the admissions stand or driving the Payloader (he offered even to let my son drive...how many damage can a 2 yr old really do!) he was out meeting the people. He has a pretty good array of animals and plenty of acreage for them to move around. Just glad to see somebody giving something back. Other than spending the day there and enjoying the weather. Some riding was to be had. Decided to latch on with a local ride and do some hill climbs and exlpore the sand pits around mini-lake Garda. Managed not to die but plenty of times up one hill or another, the cadence was making me dizzy. The iron pig ran smoothly, although noisier than all the fancy roadie machines of the group. I think I looked a little out of place on the MTB with skinnies but still as lively as ever. Thats it...check out action wildlife if get a chance and if you meet Jim the owner, he's always up for chatting.

Friday, June 20, 2008


Pretty relaxing evenings this past week. THis was taken over looking york harbor on the way home from a quick little evening ride, to spin out the fried clams only to make more room for tastey foods. Lung infection has been beaten back with the help of pharmaceuticals and another round bloodtests to figure out where my immune system went. Exciting.
The Garden is in full swing, first signs of life are popping up. Tomatoes and green peppers are doing good. The beans are lagging behind and I think my eggplant is taking the summer off. Should have the first batch in a few weeks, with others producing goods a few weeks after that, if I staggered everything properly.

Wells ave is on for next week, probably the only weekend i'll be around for a few more weeks. Figure if I don't start stinking it up now, when will i find the time. Just a simple goal...survive the first half and go from there...use it as a jumping off point...

Wednesday, June 18, 2008


Weekend was spent eating fried clams, fried haddock, fried clams, some clam chowder, rock tossing, learning lobsterman speak...and catching my next cold.
Did I mentioned how good the Fried Clams were. Right now my favorite place has to be York's Best Seafood & Roast Beef. Its a notch above Capt's Simeons, on par with Bobs Clam hut without all the extra tourists, better than Fosters (better know for their clambakes), cheaper than Sun n' Surf (though they have a nice view of the water). I could go on and on and maybe that will be my next entry becuase every few weeks I like to try out a few new places. Exploring the area can yield some pretty nice dining spots off the beaten path.
I've noticed more people biking to work, more than usual. I've also noticed an increase in the number of "IQ" challenged that are out on the streets as well. My favorite are the people that are riding on half inflated tires, as they just dusted off the bike and decided to ride it to work on a whim. Another favorite includes the poorly fit bike. The rider is 6 feet tall but riding a 14 inch frame, it's just awkward to see. I think i'll start writing about my fried seafood adventures over my bike adventures, becuase one of them is lacking....and it surely isn't something that has been breaded and dumped in a fryer.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008


Who turned on the oven....monday was a fine commute home. Tuesday was a different experience. Brain felt like jello, legs went south and turned to rubber, screaming headache, water wasn't appealing...the temperature cooked my will to pedal. At least i was able to manage 40 minutes. I did however learn a new trick, aspirin on super hot days. Wish i knew about this sooner. I guess some tour riders used to take aspirin on days that it was going to be super hot becuase the aspirin thins the blood just enough so that drastic changes in hydration and electrolytes won't affect the body as greatly. However it could all be hear say and the effect chalked up to the placebo affect. Ah well At least this morning was a smooth ride in, cooler, legs were good, air wasn't all gummed up with pollen, no line for the locker room.
I'd give last weekends race report if there were one...but I decided it was better to scrape the front porch and get it sanded so we can finally paint it, that way our front entrance way doesn't make our place look like a hobo house....sacrafices. Fried whole belly clams, maybe some fried scallops on the side....would make it a good wednesday

Thursday, June 05, 2008

I just came across this while on lunch....not really but it was near the lunch hour...one of the funniest thing I have read lately and all the credit goes here-Scroll down till you see Jens Voigt pict: Unholy Rouler
Some of my favorites
If Jens Voigt was a country, his principle exports would be Pain, Suffering, and Agony

Jens Voigt doesn't have a shadow because he dropped it repeatedly until it retired, climbing into the CSC team car and claiming a stomach ailment.
A friend sent this over and it has been a site of constant interest lately so I'll pass it on to you ChainLove
Light rain, drizzle, no motivation, thought it was going to be another trudge to work but despite the elements it was a rather solid and easy glide to work. Maybe its time to upgrade to 9spd on the MTB....just maybe.
Now that the schwinn is dialed in, might have to start riding park ave hill rides again. just maybe

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Some days

Some days the ride is just perfect, other days it's a death march and they come and go without warning.
Finally got a new camera so the old one has been put into the commuting bag. I always think, I wish I had camera to take a picture. Its been in the bag for 5 days of commuting and I haven't seen anything interesting, go figure.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

25 Days

Has it really been 25 days since I last remembered to check this thing. I'm pretty sure i've read everyone else's update. Can't say it is not for the lack of material or trying. Its been busy and to quickly summarize. Had to rally the troops to help shoot down a proposed Burger Thing that wanted to move into town. Now, I don't have anything against them but the fact that it would have been less than 2 blocks from a middle school....something about kids and burger king just don't mix. Not too mention that the amount garabge that would have ended up in the charles river. Dunkin' contributes enough already. I would also rather see a nice burrito place, or family run business go on the site, but, now it's in the hands of the town council so i'm sure they will back door it in.

Skipped out of work early and decided to head to maine. Got in two days of rides with the "man" on back. However the legs just didn't feel light and spirited. Must have been the first fried clams of the season. I thought the buttermilk batter would have been full of energy, guess i was wrong. Been out riding the schwinn as much as possible and its working well on the commute and any long rides. New seatpost has definately helped positioning and a new seat is on the way. I did but a new saddle for the ALuminum Pig, a "THE" brand saddel. I don't know what THE stands for but it should read "THE" worst saddle ever. I rather ride my busted WTB Podium over this thing. This is what i get for choosing to save 10 bucks. it will be up on ebay in the near future. Too bad you couldn't test ride a few saddles and then decide. Live and learn

Thursday, May 01, 2008

A morning without coffee

There is motivation in knowing that a hot shower on a cold morning is waiting for you at the end of a rather suprisingly brisk morning, or even better...coffee! The Redline didn't leave the stable due to some height restrictions of the prospective buyer, so next week it will go up again on the trading block trying to raise some much need funds. Anybody interested in a Redline Cyclocross (thats whats stenciled on the top tube-pre-conquest days), made in the USA...kinesis aluminum, super stiff, suprisingly light and nimble.
Back to the commute. Yesterdays ride home was simple, slightly windy and less crowded than usual, an excellant sign. Didn't need the car once in two days, even better. Today started off no differnt however biking by a the local Diner, I could smell maple syrup and bacon, the two worst things to smell knowing that raisan bran is no longer going to cut it. Right now, some french toast and a side of bacon is all I can think about. But that leads into the next quick story of the early morning commute, now mind you, i'm riding the squeeky tank. The squeeky tank is a bit heavy compared to the more nimble schwinn or jamis but a blast to ride however it does take a little more effort to push the pedals as expected. Right around the boathouse, i got a sit-in. This guy stuck to my wheel regardless of my speed, up or down, even at the stop lights and cross walks. Ramp the speed up, he would get stretched out but cling back on like a tick. I like meeting other fellow commuters but this particular individual did not say a word until I jumped off and headed into the peoples republic of cambridge, where he thanked me for the 15 minutes he enjoyed behind me at 32km/hr (theres a stat for you)...but at least he said thank you....and to get into work and find that the coffee machine sprung a leak...i might have to beg for spare change to get a much needed cup of joe.....

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Sent out to Pasture



Here is the obligatory photo. She has been put out to pasture. Sorry, no spec chart of training hours completed, Heart rates acheived while running her through the gears. The last of her kind, made in the USA redline. In an effort to reduce knee pain and keep things "tight", it was time to upgrade to something that had similar fit geometry to the MTB and Roadie Machine, not to mention let someone else get there chance to spin through the mud, jump barriers, rail the single track and have fun. So many years left in that machine but it's time to move one, no tears shed, some hesitation letting it go but bills have got to be paid and basement space needs to be freed up. Its sale will not boost the economy or lower gas prices but it will bring joy to the lucky new owner.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Its been a month

It's been a month and I don't have any fancy race reports or training reports. No crazy images of my power meter output (it would barely register). No images of the hill climbs i tackled...unless it was from the window of my car. If you want to see the Giant hitting the bike path with the child seat in tow, i got plenty of those. No goals for 2008, just fun...and maybe CX season..we'll see how the health, budget and family hold up. However with renewed vigor, this arrived in my basement the other day
Full details later

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

The morning Commute

This morning: Rolled out of bed 15 minutes early, got the Giant with Geax slicks out the door in time. Damn, little colder than I expected, legs groaned the entire way in, had to shake the cobwebs off. Going home...bigger challenge, garunteed headwind. NICE...considering my legs feel like driftwood, at least it ain't snowin'

Friday, March 28, 2008

Wait...already

Its spring...already
I better dust off the bike and clear space in the basement....ok, realistically, dusting the bike off will happen..but clearing space in the basement, thats not gonna happen and all married men know why.....cause you never know when you might that chaffing dish you got 5 years ago, or a set of sushi dishes that haven't seen the light of day since they left the factory or better yet, kids toys that they no longer use. But i suppose you came here to read a little something about bikes. I got rid of the iron training wheels and picked up a pair or lightly used Mavic Cosmos from a few years ago, solid wheels that still roll smooth despite their ugly color....the price was right and I couldn't resist the opportunity...all I need now, is to get back on the saddle and of course, stay healthy

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Running through my head

Can't get that "Far Behind" - social distortion tune out of my head. Nothing new to write about. just the usual light sleeping disorder, snow shoveling, last minute grocery runs, looking but not riding the bikes. The only news on that front, going to try a full fit system with the crazy brazilian in the near future if time allows...all bikes going to get redone in hopes it might re-ignite something...we'll see....its back to Fox is Socks

Monday, January 21, 2008

Goin' for Broke

I've taken a break, but the season is back and so is my new training regime...1 case of pneumonia, followed by intervals of Bronchitis. Ramping up to 3-colds, one white-cell disorder and most recently, a serious session with Norovirus......so its off for some much needed sleep restructuring and a new diet on par with evil sievel.