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.

Sunday Ride

Pavé? Nope, crappy asphalt

Woke up Sunday morning totally expecting to get out the door by six and get in a 3 hour ride. Didn't happen. So I had to settle for a 1.5 hour 20 miler. The covers where just a little too toasty and the bedroom window I cracked open the night before had froze open. Needless to say I had little to no motivation to make my way out of bed. The bright side was it was 30 degrees so I got to use my Rapha oversocks. Yep 30 degrees in southern California.

Back to the oversocks, I loved 'em. I have circulation issues so my fingers, toes, ears and nose tend to turn into painful little buggers that make my life hell in cold weather and water. My toes were delightfully comfy but my fingers were numb for the first 45 minutes. Oh yeah, I also had the Rapha merino wool beanie, no complaints whatsoever in the ear department. Once I did make it out the door I did a quick jaunt around the Sunset Loop.

Four weeks until the Redlands Bicycle Classic. Can I reclaim my title at the public races? Will there be more than 2 women in my category? Will the announcers have our names for the race? We will see, stayed tuned.

Bootylicous

Meaner then it looks, last hill in the RBC Time Trial

California's Impression of the UK Countryside

Pertty

How to Use Your Hands Crossing the Finish Line

For all of you getting ready for race season, here are some examples about what to do, and not to do with your hands when you find yourself victorious. Here is an example of what not to do:

On Velonews.com there is video of Mark Cavendish talking about how much he loves his new Di12 electronic shifters. Nothing exciting there. The classic part is when he says how tiny his hands are. I'm not a guy, but I do know that you never want to comment on how small your hands or feet are. I guess if you've got enough confidence to talk about how little your carnie hands are then you probably got the cajones to back 'em up. As seen in above picture. Either way I still think he's a pompous puff tart.

Mark uses his tiny man hands to show that it doesn't matter how small they are it's how you use them. I thought Brits were polite and well behaved, this salute was quite naughty. I wouldn't suggest it.

And then there's good 'ol Tom. Oh dear… Tom, stop it you silly boy, jazz hands are for private time. That's a no for the celebratory spirit fingers and the manel-toe.

Now, here is little Heinrich. Raining, no gloves, in a break-away coming across the line. I cried when I watched him win that stage, and yes I endured teasing from my Mom and husband for it, but at the time it was pure, beautiful sport. The way it should be.

Last years Tour was pretty exciting I'll give you that, pissed me off, but still exciting. My favorite sound bite was Andy saying he had a fire in his belly and was going to seek revenge. Pretty good, but I would of chucked my pump in Al's spokes the next day and then raise my arms victoriously.

This is how a real man crosses the finish line. With a name like Thor how else would you cross the line. Well, maybe he could cross it on the back of a winged giant mongoose, wielding a golden, ruby encrusted sword, and wearing wolf skins but this is pretty good I reckon.