2011's Top Fuel for my Rides

Last lazy afternoon of 2012. Lounging about watching Dumb &Dumber thinking back to all the amazing rides I've had this year, half wishing I was out right now but I overdosed on Minty Melts from Trader Joe's. What made my rides so special? What made me stand in the doorway with a Cheshire cat grin after a 5 hour Bataan Death Ride? even though all I really wanted to do was collapse face down in the front yard. Yep, good times were definitely had this year. I compiled a little list of items that fuel my desire to get out and ride, things that keep me coming back for more.

Coffee/Espresso

Going on caffeine fueled adventures

make me super giggly and super fast.

New Components

I don't know what to say,

Campagnolo is Heavenly.

Lazer Helmets and Continental Gator Hardshells

I don't have a mushroom head anymore, yay!

and I don't get flats while out riding.

A new bike can change your perspective,

it can also make you jones for

a race season still a year away.

Goats, horses, cows, kitties, llamas,

speedy wiener dogs, and pot bellied pigs.

All creatures great and small,

I take pictures of them all.

Above Category bike shop

I had dreams about these Pegoretti's.

This shop will keep you day dreamin

even 6 months after your visit.

Tommy Voekler

A rider worth emulating.

And I do, imaginary breakaways,

tongue waggling away.

GU Peppermint Stick

GU makes my favorite gels, but this

is peppermint magic in your mouth.

Happy ride indeed.

Early morning rides were made safer

and warmer by way of Hi Vis booties.

Thank you Embrocation Cycling Journal

for making flouro semi cool.

Tour of California, Mount Baldy Stage

I think it's Bernie Eisel, doesn't really

matter I guess, this view's

pretty good though.

FBV SLOW LEAK AWARDS

What the Fudgesicle!?

2011 is hours from being finished. As I write this I’m sitting in the Audi dealership lounge. I’ve got 4 hours to reminisce about this past year while waiting for my Hubby’s car to get serviced. These awards are meant for those riders, subjects, and products that made us want to get through this past year as fast as possible. Like you're trying to outrun that little wiener dog wearing the Burberry coat. Sorry personal experience. I chose the name SLOW LEAK, because it’s that annoying feeling you get when you’re fully kitted, bottles in cage, gloves and glasses are on, but you push down on the rear tire and it’s probably 55 psi. Oh, what the?! You filled it up before yesterdays ride, so you know something naughty has made its way into your kicks.

So without further ado, I give you the FBV SLOW LEAK AWARDS:

The "Just Go Away" Award goes to:

Alberto Cuntador

The "I hope the Yeti bites your nose " Award goes to:

Angelo Zomegnan

The "Take a bite of my Vegemite sandwich/

always a bridesmaid/get some muscle tone"

Award goes to:

the Schleck Brothers

The "What the f*&k are you thinking?!, Grow a pair"

Award goes to:

Anyone over the age of 18 who dresses up for

10 seconds of fame at the risk of causing a

Pro-cyclist vs Barney the Dinosaur altercation

The "Do we really need this, I'm a crusty old curmudgeon "

Award goes to:

Shimano and oooh I hate to say this,

Campagnolo Electronic components.

The "I finally forgot about you, and now you're back,

just like a sleazy ex-boyfriend" Award goes to:

Alejandro Valverde

A Little Audrey While You Wait

It's the end of the year and I am feverishly working on getting my year end blog out. As everyone knows the end of the year allows us to look back and think about what we did and didn't do. It also allows us to think back to all the cool new crap we discovered over the past 365 days. I've been compiling a list of items that have made 2K11 an even better year for me. And I am going to share them with you, I just need some more time to make sure I include everything. So bear with me, I know you're dying to read it. While you're waiting, here is Audrey Hepburn riding bikes. I chose Audrey because 1) I love her and 2)I recently had my Mom give me bangs and she cut them a bit short. My Dad made me feel better by saying they made me look like Audrey. Thanks Dad! And to you enjoy:

Sunday Morning Looky-Like

Quick Sunday morning looky-like for ya. I found this photo of a 1930 Tour de France crash victim and instantly thought of Laurens Ten Dam from this year's TdF. I actually had a lot to choose from this year. The bike's may get lighter and the gear may get tougher, but a crash is still a crash. The human body remains the same.

Christmas is the Time for Giving Tees

New for Christmas, Wiggo going Bananas

Christmas time is here again, and Maurice and I have been busy running around FreeBird Velo World Headquarters screen printing, ironing, and drinking copious amounts of coffee. We have a new Bradley Wiggins design and a new even higher jumping Didi the Devil design too. Unfortunately, if you live in Europe or Australia it's too late for Christmas shipping, but my fellow Americans can order up until December 21. Go ahead and have a peek at the store, good stuff is bound to be found.

Woo Hoo, look at Maurice, I mean Didi, getting ready for July

A Classic any cycling fan would love

My personal favorite, contains Belgian Super Powers