Rapha Karma?

Yes, I made fun of Rapha's Festive 500 by introducing the Half-Assed 250. My idea was kind of serious though, I was gonna do it, I started off good, I did 20 miles on Christmas Eve/day. I was doing good until I started getting sick on Sunday. I made the English God's of fine craftsmanship angry and for that I paid. Although, it was probably the toddler/ petri dishes at my Aunts house on Xmas Eve who were "just starting to catch colds" that did it to me. 'Just starting' usually means contagious and that's why I didn't come within 3 feet of them the whole night. Little buggers must of busted through my force fields when I wasn't paying attention. Right now I may sound like a raving hypochondriac wombat but this is nothing if my cold gets any worse. I also ate too much candy on Christmas day so I felt like poop on the 26th. The candy also probably led to a weakened immunity system. Sadly my planned EPIC Sunday ride did not occur. But it was raining so I kind of felt a little less guilty. So in conclusion, love everyone, don't make fun of them, and ride your frick'n bike. And wash your hands.

On a lighter and more happier note, my dreams have come true. The one after finding Prince Charming. Yes folks I got real wheels. Ones that actually come in a carrying case. Campy Shamals. When I unwrapped the box it looked like a Jared comercial, or whoever does those lame engagement commercials. I felt like a little kid again, my pulse quickened, I stammered, I hugged. Visions flashed in front of me, like blurred too fast to see visions. Maybe I can beat my husband downhill, maybe I can beat him up a hill? Yep, the world is my little oyster on these babies. Unfortunately I have to wait for a new cassette before I put them on. I also got the saddle I've been lusting at for over a year, the Fizik Vesta. So yea, I had a very good Christmas. I'm off to drink my FRS. Best thing to drink when you're sick, swear to Buddha.

I added some of my favorite cyclocross videos cause they make me happy when I'm sick. Kind of like watching Golden Girls.

Cross Crusade #6 Astoria - Chapter 2 from Burk Webb on Vimeo.

HALF-ASSED HOLIDAY 250

HALF-ASSED HOLIDAY 250

ARE YOU TOO BUSY TO RIDE 500 KM, IS IT COLD, WET, SNOWY?

ARE YOU FULL FROM EATING TOO MANY TRADER JOE'S, JOE-JOE'S?

WELL JOIN THE HALF-ASSED HOLIDAY 250 KM RIDE. FROM

DECEMBER 24-31 RIDE 250 KILOMETERS AND NOT ONLY FEEL OKAY WITH YOURSELF BUT GET A T-SHIRT. FIRST 5 TO SHOW ME. (MAYBE MORE?)

I was at Target this morning doing last minute shopping wondering to myself if I could do the Rapha Festive 500. I know for sure I was the only person in that store thinking that. Which made me feel kinda special in a tingly way. I came to the conclusion after the feeling passed that no, I couldn't do it. Not cause I didn't have the cajones, I got obligations and a marriage to consider. So, while looking at John Frieda hair calming creme I came up with the Half-assed Holiday 250. 250 km in a week. That's do-able, huh? I'm not stealing any thunder away from Rapha, I love 'em with all my hard earn cash, um heart. If you want to join and get a chance to win a t-shirt leave your blog addresses in my comment box or vimeo/flikr. I will be very fair, and quite possibly allow more than 5 winners. T-shirt design is still in infancy stage, should be ready by New Years. Check out my shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/freebirdvelo to see my previous t-shirt art work.

Rain Can Suck It

I live in Southern California for a reason, it doesn't snow, it doesn't rain for more than 2 days in a row, and it has the best Mexican food this side of the border. So when I see a the 7 day weather forecast show dark little storm clouds across the week I start to fidget. I immediately start ringing my hands, and stare out into space revising training plans in my head.

I woke up happy as a little clam this morning, excited for my 1 hour training session. 7 AM, I was ready. I made it to the gym bright and early, I picked a random stationary bike, adjusted it as best as I could, and pulled it into a corner, out of the way. I thought I was going to be able to handle riding in-doors for a week. What's the big deal, half the country has to do this, quit whining ya puusaay. That's how I talk to myself in case your wondering.

I Hopped on and immediately felt like I was being punished. My bike fit was fine, nothing was being pinched or prodded. It was the psychological aspect of it. Where the Hell was I going on this hobbled steed of mine? Why is there no wind blowing the sweat off my brow? Where are the drops on this thing? Now I've ridden these things before but only for warm-ups before weight training, I think 5 minutes is my limit. After that it becomes a mental irritant, (like cheap embrocation for the brain) and all Hell breaks loose. And don't let me forget to tell you my ipod Shuffle crapped out 10 minutes into my ride. I was thinking to myself how could I make this better? A big ass fan would be the first step. My own bike and some rollers, or at least a trainer (I'm too cheap to buy one, and I wasted my Christmas wishes on Rapha garb). Last thing would be a television showing any type of cycling event, documentary, or movie, I'd even watch Quiksilver.

Now, I'm writing today's blog not only to comment on the miserable weather but I also wanted to talk about my observation while in the cardio room. You see for 50 minutes I observed a type of human that just blows my mind. I couldn't figure them out. I'm talking about the spin class people, we'll call them SCP for short. It was like they were some bass-akwards gym clique that like to punish themselves by sweating profusely and wearing non-padded shorts while riding a bike they didn't care to adjust properly. Time to break out the Vagisil ladies!

I was there at 7AM, their class doesn't start until 8:30. They were already coming in looking for their specially numbered pseudo bikes, complaining when someone already took theirs. One lady swore she was going to come in the night before and get her bike and area set up. I also overheard a group of chickens, oh sorry, ladies, complaining that the reason it was so crowded was because the real cyclists were coming to class due to the rain and taking up the good bikes. Trust me ladies, real cyclist aren't going to go to the gym an hour before a spin class just to pick out your special bike. I came to the conclusion that they are there for a variety of reasons:

1. they are masochists

2. they never learned to ride a bike

3. this is the only social group that would except them

4. they really enjoy listening to crappy 90's music while some little bitch yells

at them

5. their neon yellow wind jacket is at the cleaners

6. they got 70% off spinning shoes at Nashbar

7. real bikes are the Devil

Needless to say I managed to stay upright and awake for 50 minutes, and also not drown in my own sweat, Yea me! Now, I hate to classify or judge people (my husband is still laughing at that one), but all I can really say about them is best left to Ogre.

Mondays Bite

This is the second time I've written this blog because it didn't save the first time. So now its going to be a bit shorter and more to the point because I can't remember what I wrote. I did go to Vegas for Thanksgiving, first time not having a traditional dinner, probably last time. Wish Interbike was still there. We stayed at the Wynn and lo and behold I found a Wynn cycling kit. I wondered to myself who would wear it. I picture chubby pro poker players riding around on their $10,000 custom rigs around the urban desert sprawl.

Got some good stuff to pass on to anyone who happens upon this blog. First one up is Bahlsen German cookies (or biscuits if you choose) with chocolate cream in the middle. I think they would be good on a long ride, right along the 40 mile mark. Delicious treats that remind me of the goodies my German aunt would give me for Christmas. She introduced me to Haribo gummy bears when I was a wee little chubby girl. These cookies have caused me grief the past few days along with Trader Joe's almond and toffee bits covered with dark chocolate. I thought it would be good for me, almonds and dark chocolate and all. Well I overdid it on the sugar front once again so I'm cleaning my temple starting tomorrow. That's why I didn't ride this morning, I felt like poo. My sugar binge looked like a scene out of Fantastic Mr. Fox when they're eating the squabs or the cookies in the kitchen. Best movie, check it out if you haven't yet. Check out the 20 second mark.

I decided to order the free FRS sample pack, all I had to do was pay $3.95 in shipping. So I got free powder for a week and a free pack of chews. Good deal. I love their stuff in the first place, I believe it helps keep colds at bay, it boosts your immunity system. At least that's what they tell me.

A thought to ponder. I was running errands today and I got pissed at all the riders out there today, so many of them. Where were they last week when it was overcast and freezing and misting? Fair-weather douche-bags I reckon. That's kind of harsh, I shouldn't get angry over other riders enjoying themselves. It's like being in elementary school and everybody gets to go to recess and you have to stay in and take a quiz. All I can do is think 'they will never know the joy of riding in crap.' And I kind of feel a bit better.

Good Day

I had a good day riding yesterday. I've been riding consistently lately and it feels pretty damn great. Maybe it's the fact that I know I have a full Rapha kit waiting to be opened on Christmas morning. Or maybe it's the fact that I got to wear my new Rapha full gloves and winter socks. Both fit so perfect and felt so luxurious that I wanted to wear them all day. Well I wore the socks all day, don't judge me, you don't know. The bottoms have extra padding on them and they're super soft. Never again will I wear a synthetic socks, it's merino for me from now on. Like I said earlier I had a good day riding and who wouldn't, I got to climb Sunset loop in cold weather (which makes a difference), and I got to enjoy the view that comes after a winter storm. And so, now I have to go pack, I'm off to Vegas for Thanksgiving. What have I become. All I can say is Esspresemente. My one saving grace in Vegas. Best coffee and gelato in town.

I'm Somebody!

I'm somebody! Yes I am and things are gonna start happening for me now, no snipers please. I want to send a ginormous thank you to Conor at Elcyclista. My pestering finally paid off. I had a true Jerk moment when I checked my favorite sites on Monday. I clicked on Elcyclista right after I check out cyclingnews.com, and low and behold, that's my t-shirt design! My first feeling was shock, then excitement, then disbelief, then fear. Fear, because I only had a few shirts printed because I wasn't sure what was going to happen with them. My next click was to my mailbox, holy cows, someone in Japan was interested in the tees, then Australia. Even as I sit here I'm amazed at how small our world has become. This never would of been possible without theinternet, God bless it.

Good Lunch

I had a good lunch today. It was a bagel. It had cheese on it. It had broccoli and tomatoes on it too. Then I ate a cookie. I had a good day.

Got some new t shirt designs and some new art work available too. Go to etsy.com and check out the freebird velo shop, tell em Jenny sent you and get a present with your purchase.