Itsa Italian Import Time

CAV POPS HIS GIRO CHERRY

Good on you Cav. I know I've written in the past about Cavendish being a total pussy, but I'm starting to take a shine to the kid. He's not all that bad actually, like I've mentioned before the peloton needs characters like him just like we need Cancellara's and Millar's. Let's just say I was on the edge of the couch again looking like a jockey riding down the home stretch when Cav was on Petacchi's wheel, brilliant. That's karma for ya.

IT'S ITALIAN IMPORT TIME!

After the heartbreak last week at the Giro I thought it was a good time to finally buy my Madonna Del Ghisallo medal. We all need a little help when out on the open road, hopefully she'll watch over me even though I don't go to mass. I've been wearing it since last night and my neck didn't turn green so good news there. Sorry for the stock photo, I had two glasses of wine with my homemade mac & cheese tonight and I'm feeling a bit loopy, so no real pictures.

Went to Costco with my mom today and we both yelled "Mamma Mia!" in unison when we saw they had Superga shoes. I know the UK has them for sale on every corner, but we have to go to specialty shops to find them. Don't judge me for buying shoes at Costco. I got a white pair by the way.

Don't Hate Me Cause I Suck Wheels

Becky has a word for him,"WHEELSUCKER."

Riding this weekend in Southern California was moist, at least in the mornings. An unreasonable-unseasonable low pressure system has made for wet roads and wet socks too. Went riding Saturday and Sunday with Hubby and he enjoyed the taste of my rear wheel for quite a bit. In the shot above he let up a bit because he knew I was taking a picture. Don't let him fool you. I made myself laugh pretty hard on a semi tough short climb, unfortunately I can't remember what I said to myself. Yes, when I get hungry I get a bit punchy and start talking to myself and I tend to laugh at anything and everything. So maybe it was lame and it's better if I did forget.

Unfortunately on Sunday the Lake Tahoe stage of Tour of California had to be cancelled due to a freaky late season snow. I'm really bummed because I love Tahoe and I think it is one of the most beautiful places in California. I'm also bummed because I made sure I washed the bikes after our ride and got my soup and brownie from Panera so I could watch the tour and enjoy my late lunch. Instead I watched the Tour preview show again. I would love to do the ride around Tahoe in September, sounds like a good birthday present. Hint, hint, hubby, hubby.

Weekend Show and Tell

Lincoln GP 2011 - Rapha Condor Sharp - Chasing the Team from Condor Cycles on Vimeo.

I caught this movie over on Bianchista. I love all things England and I'm not just kissing hiney. After watching the pink hoopla of the Giro it's nice to watch a small homey feeling race. So if you have an extra 8 minutes this weekend, take a peeky.

With the unexpected, unfortunate passing of Wouter Weylandt, Team Leopard-Trek has set up a fund for his family. And over on Stomach Full of Anger I found this shirt that honors Wouter and donates all proceeds to his charity, I ordered mine, get yours.

Wouter Weylandt

Absolutely shocking. Thought and prayers go out to Wouter's family, friends, and teammates. I read on Velonews that his girlfriend is expecting their first child in September, truly heartbreaking.

As for the television coverage I can't explain the feeling I got watching the live footage. What was the camera man thinking, what was the editing room thinking? In a moment like that when you come upon that scenario, use some common sense. It made me sick to my stomach all morning, not too mention worrying about who it was and if their family was watching. I pray they weren't watching.

That Other Race In May

Yes, there is another race that takes place in May, and for those who fear the color pink and masochistic mountain stages this one might be more your flavor. It also takes place in my native land, the Republic of California. One stage is actually 1/2 an hour away so I'm debating- linger and stalk riders in the staging area or actually put in some effort and climb part of the stage. Unfortunately it's not a sprinters stage. It's the much talked about Mt. Baldy mountain stage. A real mountain top finish, not like last year's Big Bear finish where it pussed out in the end. I actually went to that one but all I saw was a blur of neon green (Peter Sagan) whiz by and helicopters hovering above. No the Baldy stage is pretty promising, besides, there's family history on that mountain. My great grandma was the principal and teacher at the little school in the village and my great aunt's family used to own the trout farm. I have a couple weeks to decide, stay tuned.

I'm pretty damn lucky to live were I live, that's all I have to say. Beautiful coastlines, mountains, um desert? (I can take that one or leave it) and quiet country roads if you look hard enough. Next time you hear me complain about California, give me a slap. Not too hard, and not in the face, that's how I makes my livin's.

2011 Tour of California — Intro from RAPHA on Vimeo.

I haven't posted lately because the Rapha Continental put out their Tour of California movies. Love 'em. They covered four stages of the tour and shared their adventures with us by way of photos, video, and words. It's really worth a peek. Upon reading I'm happy to find out that I'm not the only one in the world who stops and picks up random objects while out riding about. Cole Maness (the mustachioed man) picks flowers, collects feathers, and who knows what else while riding. I bet he's never found a perfect avocado, yeah he probably has.

SUFFER IN SILENCE

HENRY HANK IS FIRST RIDER ON THE RIGHT

World famous CAT 3 rider, HENRY HANK VALENZUELA III has a saying- SUFFER IN SILENCE. I believe these are pretty good words to live by, and sometimes I should heed them myself, but all in all, I'm a pretty tough bitch. I don't like to hear others complain and don't get me started on moaners and grunters. I made him a tee and it started out as a one of a kind but now it's about to go international and quite possibly another color. We'll see what comes of it. Keep an eye out for it at my shop on Etsy.com. or just click on my shop button to the right. Should be up by the weekend.

MY MITTS GOT TOO HOT

I mentioned before I was going to get a set of pink brake hoods in honor of the Giro. Well, I found a pair of pink Hüdz 1/2 off, which made them a little easier to buy. Not the best color combos but it's only for a month. Taking off the original Campy ones were a pain. Now I need white bar tape because Becky says:

-"LESS RAPHA, MORE GIRO!"

On my ride today I felt like a cave woman, I was a gatherer, look at the goodies I found. Everyone knows fruit can't be considered stolen if its just one or two.

Giro Countdown

Available @ FreebirdVelo's shop

It's May, time for the Giro. I'm celebrating by putting on pink brake hoods, but they're only staying on there for the month. I don't want to be one of THOSE women. Besides, I don't think they're going to look to hot, photos to come.

Rapha California from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Another big thing for the month of May is the opening of the Rapha Cycle Club in San Fransisco. There has never been a better excuse to head North than to visit my wallet's mortal enemy- Rapha. Love them.

Speaking of the Giro and Italy, I just discovered Capo's new Spring/Summer line up. And looky what I found- a celeste colored kit. I need a new swimsuit but this kit takes precedence over that for sure.