ANOTHER REASON I HATE ROLLERS

The end of January in sight, and my mediocre training plan is "on schedule". I have found it easier this year to have low standards and succeed rather than looking at my training log with disgust all the time. So as I start to map out my summer goals, I realize that I better put the running shoes away and get back on the bike. I got out the rollers for an easy re-introduction to my bike. As I start to spin I begin to hear a "tick tick tick tick" every time the front wheel goes around. I get off and spin the wheel by hand and NOTHING! Get back on the bike, start spinning, and "tick, tick, tick, tic," WTF!!!! I'm checking the usual suspects, computer magnet, brakes, loose spoke, NADA. This goes on for a while with plenty of F-bombs to do the trick. Then just as i'm ready to sell everything on e-bay and take up quilting, the phantom "tick" goes away and has not been heard from since. So all the rollers did on this day is show me that not only are my riding skill at a cat 4 level, but my mechanical skills suck as well. Is there AAA for bicycles? Cuz i need it!

BELOW ZERO - STIR CRAZY - OUTSIDE AT ANY COST

The last several days have been brutal cold. After several days on the rollers, and even an attempt to mix things up with a aerobics tape down stairs, I had to get out! So yesterday in total artic garb, we were out the door for a gravel road hike. Day one was not so bad for an hour, so today with slightly warmer temps, we went for a solid 1:30. That little sting on the cheeks was a perfect pick me up. It's amazing what a little fresh air can do for attitude. Also last weekend, I began a total tear down and major cleaning of all bikes. This would not be so bad if I did it more often, but I don't, so it was. The road bike is showing the miles, but she is going to have to pull her weight for a couple more seasons. Tommy is going to ride my old cross bike this summer. So road tires are on, and the seat lowered ready for the first spring like day. Handing a bike down to Re-run, has given me room in my stable for a new cross bike next year!!!!! I even have the team manager o.k. on this one, so the search is on for cool rides. Don't worry all, what in my dreams is titanium and composite, will end up next race year being steel and heavy! But just with a newer shine. Take my advice and get off the trainer and get outside. It may not help my form come memorial day, but it sure is better than staring at basement walls! Ty

MY TEAMATE IS A NEW BLOGGER

Chad Bishop has a new blog site up, so check it out. This new blog will help all the IL/IA racers keep track as to how Chad is doing as a "CAT 3" racer!!!!!!!! Because i'm sure Santa had to have made that change on his brand new 2008 licence! Didn't he?

I DON'T BELIEVE IN RESOLUTIONS, BUT MAYBE I SHOULD

One full bag of Doritos is not in here!

If you don't own a pair of these "good for you"

I have never made a new years resolution that I can remember. Sure I have had things that I've wanted to accomplish in the coming year, but never a bonified commitment to see something through. I think the main reason I shy away from them is my inevitable breakdown and failure in said task. Some past goodies in this area are as follows: Diet soda! (at least it's diet), I quit weekly and still drink it by the truck load! Learn to speak Spanish. Just got back from a trip to Mexico last week, the shoe shine man at the airport spoke better English than I could "spanglish"! And my numero uno every year, quit cussing like a sailor. Anyone who knows me can vouch that this f@#&ing hasn't ever come close to happening! Yet it is healthy to try and better ones self. So with that as my mantra, I set in place a "plan" not a resolution, to not be the fattest rider in the peleton this spring.

The first part of this has been the implementation of RUNNING into my training during the off season. Any of you riders out there that have not sucume to this illness good for you. I am positive that the pain I receive on my pitiful sub-turtle pace runs do my fitness little or no good. The only gains are that I love my bikes all the more. The second and maybe the most eye opening part of my plan has been the counting AND documentation of my daily calorie intake. As I did a small amount of research before starting, the experts say to loose weight you must only consume in the area of 1500 to 2000 calories PER DAY. The first several days I was shocked to realize that I had been inhaling 30,000 calories per day. Who knew that a complete large pizza in one sitting could hide that many calories? I am doing everything in my power to keep the count under 2000, but when you have eaten as rotten as I have for a lifetime, well....... Needless to say being hungry all the time sure hasn't helped my f@#&ing cussing, and my diet soda intake is on the rise (zero calories). Is being skinny worth all this? Will My health be better at the cost of enjoyment of life? You don't have to answer, by next month i'll be back to my pizza for breakfast eatn self. Ty