Redlands Bicycle Classic Prologue

The Classic is in town and I love it. It's like being a little kid back in the 40's living in Iowa and the circus just got to town. I have to keep my enthusiasm to a minimum when I see the HTC or Jelly Belly vans driving around town. I think it upsets the hubby when I become a hyper little monkey bouncing in my seat pointing at them.

So down to business, I watched the men's and women's prologue this morning, it was Africa hot, 95-97f. The course is 5k, 680' total climbing, hilly as fcuk, I rode it Tuesday. Fransisco Mancebo(Realcyclist.com) won for men and Amber Neben (HTC) won women's. And my personal favorite, Evelyn Stevens(Nat. TTChamp) was second, 9 seconds behind her teammate.

Brit, Katie Coclough

Kristen Armstrong, back in the saddle.

So Veiny.

New favorite domestic team, Pure Black from New Zealand.

I would not want to be around when he takes those

bad boys off. 95 degrees and leather do not mix.

Weekend Show and Tell

This is what my bike would look like if it did 70's style porn

I'll be short with the words this week and leave you with a few pictures. First up are photos from my little Saturday morning ride which included some strade bianche, first time ever on a road bike. Kept waiting for something to 1) bend 2) break 3) snap 4) pop. All good. Then I got some shots from the San Dimas Stage Race on Sunday.

Super Clean Huffy Rawhide

Cat 3/4 Crits

Which Would You Rather?

Which would you rather put a leg over?

Little Black Beauty Here, or......

Ronald McDonald's Race Machine

Where is Bianchi in the pro peloton? I know Androni Giocattoli is riding them this year but what about the big guys? Just putting that out there.

Weekend Whatnots II

This just in: hubby and I just signed up for the San Diego Gran Fondo, not quite in shape enough for the 105 yet so we settled for the fiddy. Hopefully it doesn't pour down cats and dogs like last year. While we're there I can get some business done. During the event weekend there is gonna be the hand built bicycle show and.... drum roll please, The Bike Jumble, Yea! So, if you're in the neighborhood stop by and look for me and my table full of wonderfully crafted tees and musette bags, and maybe a handlebar or two.

I have been working hard for the past two days on new t-shirt designs. These puppies aren't even heat set yet and you are already getting a little sneaky peak. Enjoy and keep an eye out for them on my shop on etsy.com. And don't forget if you don't see it on my shop I can do any size or color, just leave me a message on my shop and I'll get in touch with you.

Fun stuff ahead this week, check out the seven day forecast. Just in time for my last big training push for the Redland's Bicycle Classic public race. You never know, there may be more than two girls in my age group.

Tommy V Fan Club

Raise your hand if you practiced your Thomas Voekler half-a-bunny hops. I sure did, but I didn't know if I was trying to check my tire pressure or shake off imaginary water. The man has style coming down a mountain that's for sure, and breakaways too, and in crappy weather too. I made sure to take notes cause I need help descending. Let's just say I lack some much needed confidence. But I can get aero on any -3% hill, I can even sit on my top tube. Well, until I get the speed wobbles then I scream like a banshee.

Speaking of banshees, Saint Patricks Day is coming up. These creepy cryogenically sealed grandparents are ready to get smashed. I am going to celebrate by eating mint Aero bars (the candy bars not light green colored TT bars), corned beef on rye, and quite possibly a 1/2 pint of Guinness.

Yay! It's Springtime!

Jens giving 'em hell

I love, love, love, Springtime. Fingerless gloves, Easter candy, no need for knee-warmers and your bike stays cleaner longer. And don't forget the tan lines, oh those sexy tan lines. The absolute best thing about Spring though is the official start of racing season. Paul Sherwin and Bobke have been echoing through my house this week and I love it, although I miss Phil Ligget for the Paris Nice coverage. Luckily for the U.S. our 2 major cycling networks are getting their act together and showing what seems like more races than ever.

Phil Ligget has a word for it, 'Plucky'

Paris-Nice has not disappointed me whatsoever. Crashes, breakaways barely making it, Jens Voigt charging, and Thomas De Gendt (Phil Ligget would call him a plucky little rider).

You put what in my poridge?

Tirreno-Adriatico started this week with a TTT, which was won by Rabobank, shocker. And that's not sarcastic either, what they hell did they eat for breakfast? Then Tyler wins the 2cd stage with a little help from Thor, unfortunately I found this out on accident. I found out before I was able to watch the coverage. I wish Cyclingnews and Velonews would give some sort of warning to you before you read the front page. Yeah, I'm a complainer.

Text book Freebird Velo finish

One thing I've noticed and am very proud about is that the boys have read my post about how to cross a finish line. No crotch pointing, phone calls, or profane digit waving. Oh wait, it's because Mark hasn't won this week. Good job boys, I'm proud of you and all your manly displays of dominance.

Textbook French win

Textbook heartfelt win

So I am a happy little rider, sunny weather, clean roads, races to watch, and Reese's eggs to nibble on. What more could you want.

Early Sunday Ride

Up early on a Sunday morning, I know most people will think I'm crazy but I love mornings, the earlier the better. I was up at 5:30 thanks to the rooster who lives a couple blocks away. Actually it was a good thing because I had to meet my friend for breakfast. Since I was short on time I directed my ride toward the little steep nuggets along the Sunset loop. They range from 6-17% and not too, too long, just long enough to burn your lungs and be thankful you didn't eat breakfast. This is second best to intervals, but I despise intervals.

The first half of my ride included those little nuggets, the middle part was the fun part. Twisty downhill and my new favorite detour off the loop. Turn off Edgemont or Fairmont, depends on which way you take. Fun, fun. It has a little bit of everything; downhill, twisty turny, single lane country road, etc...I wish it was like that for 20 miles.

Last climb home is up a mild 5% for a couple miles. I've seen this sign all week and told myself to take a picture when I was out. Our town has two big events coming up, the Redlands bicycle Classic and Run Through Redlands. I just wonder if the church leaders made this sign for the cyclists and runners to come into their sanctuary as they are. Maybe they want them to know it's okay to click clack around trying to find a place to sit and put your legs up. Maybe it's okay with them if runners breeze around in their questionable tiny loin cloths. Or maybe they think our sports are dragging us from salvation. Who's to say. Evil bikes.

Thank You Note

Look Ma! No Kneewarmers!

I want to send a HUGE thank you out to Simon at La Gazzetta Della Bici for giving an unknown bike geek and T-shirt printer a chance. And a big thank you to everyone who's checked out my goods. Whoops, that could be any number of you. What I mean to say is thank you for looking at my product and reading my blog. That's better. For that I give you the Jerk.