How Do You Gu?

Training time is here again. I always get excited when those words pop into my head, or I say them out loud to no one in particular, well maybe the dog. I become giddy at the thought of turning myself inside out and collapsing in the front yard like a sack of taters after going a little harder than I should of. I've been so sloth-like this winter, I'm seriously craving intervals (I know, I gasped when I typed it), hill repeats, and long weekend rides that make you question your sanity. I love the planning aspect too, dieting, training plans, mandatory recovery time (always a good excuse to use my parents jacuzzi and freezing ass cold pool). I need a little structure in my daily routine and this is just what I need. Bring it on bitch.

Since I'm in planning mode today I went through the energy bar/gel/snack section of our kitchen cabinet. I saw my favorites on top of the heap, but then I came across the nasty tasting ones on the bottom. I can't pass up free SWAG at events so that's how I end up with them a lot of the time. Their expiration date is coming up and I don't want to waste them so I'm saving them for pre-gym energy. Maybe I'll need some extra energy for cleaning the house, that'll work right? Whatever the case I don't want to take them on the bike because they cause me emotional distress.

I created a chart of some sort separating gels and energy food into groups. I got my favorites listed and of course the nasty ones that make me furious because I bought more than one or got greedy and grabbed 3-4 free ones at random cycling events. I know everybody has different taste, that's for sure, or else everything would be mint flavored, at least if I had my way.

THE BEST:

POWERBAR- Kona Punch, Green apple

GU- Vanilla bean, Chocolate outrage, Mint chocolate

UP FOR DEBATE:

GU- Peanut butter

(haven't tried it yet, kind of scared)

ONLY IN EMERGENCY:

HAMMER- Chocolate

NOPE NEVER AGAIN:

GU: Jet blackberry, Strawberry banana

POWERBAR: Raspberry cream

ON BIKE TASTIES FOR LONGER RIDES:

BEST:

CLIF: shot blocks, all flavors thumbs up

POWERBAR: Chocolate energy bites

(easy to eat and nummy)

THEY'RE ALRIGHT:

HONEY STINGER: Energy chews,

leave a pasty coating in mouth

NOT GOOD ON THE BIKE

BUT GOOD IF YOU'RE CRAVING

COOKIES WHILE AT THE HOUSE:

HONEY STINGER WAFFLES: Vanilla,

weird after-taste in mouth

Strawberry, I burped strawberries

for an hour after eating, I called them

Berry Burps

I love powerbars for pre-ride fuel about 2 hours before I head out on long rides. I go with the basics, chocolate, banana, and vanilla crisp. They're easy to choke down and don't cause belly issues. Clif bars are another go to for pre-ride and during rides over 40 miles.

So there you go, that's my two cents. I'm sure you have your own favorites, but if you have a favorite gel or bar other than the ones here let me know, I'm always looking for new flavors.

T-shirt Issues

Speaking of t-shirts: new designs available on the FreeBird Velo Etsy shop.

I have a confession to make.

I have a sick obsession with t-shirts. I've had this problem since I was a teenager. I remember going on vacation with my parents to Hawaii in '91. I had bought so many tees I had to buy a second suitcase to bring them home. I should of known then that I had issues. Over the years it got worse. Nowadays though a great number of my tees have been handed over to Goodwill, but my favorites have a place of honor in my closet and dresser. T-shirts are a way of reminding you and showing others were you've been. It's a way of sharing your beliefs. They're not just advertisements, they're a way to let people know your interests and sometimes a conversation starter. I compiled a list of my Top 5 t-shirts in rotation right now. If the house was on fire I would grab: Hubby, the cat, pups, bikes and these tees. I got my top 5 but I also added some special mentions, they all have a place in my heart.

All time favorite, unfortunate run in with

bleach and taco grease has put it on the bench.

Picked this up at the Rapha shop up

in San Fransisco. I love vintage vans but I love

Citroen's even more. A must have.

A small surf company from Newport beach.

Wearing this shirt is like being hugged by a

giant bunny. Super soft and cuddly.

This one is a given.

New to my line up and a close runner up

for softest tee,

Gage & Desoto/Embrocation.

Runner Ups:

Bought at Heathrow airport. I think they should pass these out as you board the plane. Everybody has one but I like that it reminds me that I need to get back to Europe, soon.

Favorite concert tee. It's in a tie with my old Pixies tee but I wear this one more. This concert was at the Palladium, which was pretty cool, but not as good as seeing them at the Hollywood Bowl where they played with the LA Philharmonic. I still think about that concert, so good.

Picked up on a family ski trip to Breckenridge. I recognized this shop from a photo in Powder magazine, or maybe it was Skiing, I can't remember. Had a cool conversation with the guy inside. The shop is so tiny it can only hold three people, so with him,me, and my Hubby it was a pretty cozy conversation.

Classic tee. Thomas Cambell is an artist/filmaker. This was one of his first movies. He helped create a whole new genre in the surfing world. Surfing everything and anything, being creative, and not being concerned with contest results. Oh, and the tee is super soft too.

Leaving Vegas Empty-handed

Took a trip to Las Vegas this weekend. It was in hopes that my Hubby could pick up a vintage moto at a price too good to be true. Unfortunately the prices were very true and we left empty handed. Hubby felt slightly depressed, and I kind of happy because I can find SWAG at any event. Got a key chain, poster and magazines. Score!

Harley Davidson Board Track Racer

(I never knew they raced motos on the boards,

you learn something new everyday.)

Another Harley Bicycle.

(There were only 5 bicycles being sold, all HD's)

Harley Davidson Early 1920's Bicycle + Light

The rest of the weekend was spent winning, loosing, winning, and loosing. I think I came out ahead though. I have money in my wallet so all is good. My Mom taught me the fine art of lurking for slot machines, so I did learn something useful this weekend. Can't wait to get back in the saddle, need to start putting some miles in these legs 'o mine. Plus I've been dying to use my Rapha rain jacket. I'm ready for some winter weather.

Yep, 1 glass of wine,

nothing but class here.

When is a Bike a Bike

When does a bike become a bike?

I've wondered about this over the past couple of months putting the finishing touches to the new Soma Double Cross. Her lonely frame would sit in the corner, waiting for random UPS deliveries: handlebar, seat post, new headset, a classy leather saddle to make her feel sophisticated, bartape. Every passing week she would get more company in the corner.

This pile of parts was obviously not a bike I thought. Nor are the aisles of brand new bikes that line the LBS's racks. You may think they are but they're not. They are merely soulless vehicles waiting for a home so they can finally realize their purpose in life. Once your booty sits down on that saddle for the first time it becomes a bike (and your credit card is swiped). I say this because I tend to humanize material products. I blame this on my Mom. She has treated her cars like babies my whole life, so it was only a matter of time that I would inherit her kookiness.

So, finally, after ages of waiting the pile of parts was ready to be dropped off at the LBS. When I went to pick it up at the end of the day it was like picking up a new little baby from the bicycle shop nursery. I knew she was going to be a special bike because on the way home there was a full moon. The kind where you expect to see a witch or Elliot and ET flying across. It was then that I agreed upon Mabel as her official name. Actually her name came about because I was kind of hungry and I was thinking about donuts. My favorite is a maple bar, her frame has a similar color to the icing. Also, she's steel and kind of heavy, she's not going to take shit from anything, so Mabel sounded like a big 'ol southern lady. Perfect.

Is it a bike now? Yes, and no. Here are a few things that I do to ensure that my bike knows it is loved, hence, becomes a bike. But first, I suggest that you go over to your bike, bend down next to the handlebar, and whisper (or scream to the heavens if you feel inclined) that you love it and that you appreciate it for everything that it does for you. Doing this after a 5-6 hour ride or after a couple glasses of wine makes it easier for those of you who doubt or are a bit inhibited, or sane.

Here's a list of a few more things that make my bike feel special and loved.

1. Bicycle has to have a name. A well thought out deserving one. One from the heart.

2. All bikes must be used. A bike needs to be ridden. I'm not a 'happy miser.' If a bike is too expensive to ride what the heck are you doing with it?

3. Bike must be in above proper working condition. I like to give my bikes personal attention. They do a lot for me so in return I take care of them. Wash, lube, tune. Doesn't hurt that I enjoy it too. A clean bike is a happy bike.

4. Enjoy the bike. All bikes inspire a smile out of me and should inspire one from you, if not go play tag football or frisbee golf you weirdo. Even in pouring rain or 45 mph winds, I can manage a smile.

That's some special machine.

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: