Wow, I simply cannot believe that It’s been three whole weeks since the last Weekly roundup. I apologize for the slightly lackluster performance lately, but life has got in the way. I will still update regularly, but there may be a one or two day lapse. I will also be adding some beer updates to the cycling, and hope you find that enjoyable. I give you the Weekly Roundup.
50K Loop NS: Bluenoser is thinking about all the people trying to make a comeback and it got him to thinking, which got him to post a quickie about the kings of all Dopers. Yup, the infamous Cheech And Chong! Great little ditty, Blue, but we need to get back on the training don’t we?
Harp Rider: Harp seems to be having a rough go with 2 Out Of 3 races getting postponed. Ahh, the joys of winter, or spring (?!), weather! He did, however, get in a Kind Of Ride which, when combined with his March 31st ride, seemed like a good time. Also very glad to hear the wife is doing well! Prayers for a quick recovery Mrs Harp!
Fat Cyclist: Fatty shocks the world by admitting that his Superfly Single 29” is NOT his favorite bike! So what IS his Favorite Bike Ever? Nope, not that easy… you’ll have to read for yourself!
Bunny Hop Rockstar: One of my two shouts to Cleveland this week. John, over at Bunny Hop Rockstar, sums up what living in Cleveland is like. In one of the most eloquent posts I think I’ve ever read, John compares Bike Racing And The Rust Belt. So how is living in Cleveland like the pain of racing? Check it out for yourself.
Fat Head’s Brewery: Finally, in keeping with the beer theme, North Olmsted will be getting a new brewery. One that I cannot wait to try. Matt Cole, formerly the brewer at Rocky River and now one of the owners in the Cleveland Fat Head’s, will be opening Fat Head’s Brewery on Tuesday April 7, at 11:00 am. You can find out more about them on their Fat Head’s Brewery Facebook page. Best of luck to Matt, he’s always made some insanely good beers, can’t wait to see the new place.
Well, that’s all I got’s for this week. I promise to be more on top of things! As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
02 April 2009
31 March 2009
The Beer Chronicles: Episode One, Or, Ah You Sweet Muse
I mentioned yesterday that I have decided to dabble in beer brewing once again. Who am I kidding, I decided to dabble in beer drinking once again, and the brewing tendencies came back. I started brewing sometime ago with extract. It was good, but it left something to be desired. I transitioned into the world of partials. A combination of extracts, some grains, hops, etc. Now, I've started an all-grain habit with a friend. It's like nothing I can even explain. You just have to do it to understand.
All of that said, I have decide I will share some thought on brewing, beer, and beer reviews along with the updates on cycling, fitness, weight loss (ironic, right?), humor, and the like. With that in mind, any brewers that would like to have their beer reviewed here could feel free to contact me and we can chat about it. As always, I can be contacted in the upper right hand corner of the side bar, right above the LiveStrong thermometer, or you could just click HERE. Just leave your contact info and I'll get in touch with you.
You may remember back a couple of weeks ago I paid a debt of gratitude to Larry Bell, of Bell's Brewery. Bell's has been a favorite of mine for a while, but for some reason I had only had Oberon, which was due to release yesterday through October, but I'm not getting into that right now. Nope, today's homage is to the creme de la creme, Hopslam!
Hopslam is a luscious Double Imperial IPA. It's easily one of the most amazing beers I have tried in my life. The complexity of this beer is mind numbing.
The first thing you notice off the bat is the aroma of hops. Hops abound in this 10% ABV beer, but the alcohol is well hidden. Let me say, I wish I had a tulip glass to pour this into, but alas I had to use a pint. There wasn't a whole lot of head to speak of, but the aroma permeated the air upon pouring it. It poured a dark golden honey sort of color, bordering on orange. The pour is ironic to me as the first two notes I got out of it were grapefruit (citrus) and honey. The hops took about three seconds to set in on my tongue, but came on quick. The hops were anything but offensive, they cut just enough of the sweetness to keep the beer from getting too sweet.
This beer was actually a huge shocker to me for a couple of reasons. The first is usually a 10% has a noticeable, and at times almost offensive, alcohol note or heat to it. This has no such taste or feel, at all! Actually, it make the Hopslam a bit dangerous. I could easily start drinking this beer and forget about the alcohol until the third or fourth. You know... When I realize I can't walk any longer. Two, with as much hops, you would think it would just blow our pallet clear out of your mouth. It does no such thing. The honey, which I am guessing is a sweetening agent as I have only read is used in sweetening it, balances it so nicely it drinks incredibly smooth. So smooth I could easily drink it as a session beer if it weren't for the 10% ABV and the price.
As for the price? This comes in at $18.00/ 6 pack, and is worth every penny. Seriously! You'd go to a bar and spend three bucks a bottle for fizzy yellow junk, why not drop three a piece on these, and enjoy them? The catch to this is the release. Hopslam is released once, and only once, per year. They brew it up for a January release, this year January 7, and put in in stores through February. When it's gone, it's gone... You wait till next year. There are a few places around Cleveland that are still sitting on a couple of cases, just need to know where to look, and maybe pull a "who you know" to get some.
I have a couple left in the fridge to drink up now, and have cellared a couple just to compare for future reference. I have a strong feeling I know roughly what will happen. That is, it's likely the hops will tone down, and the sweetness will likely be a little more prevalent. Other than that, only time will tell.
If any of you have tried this, or run out and get some to try, please drop a line in the comments, and let me know what you think. After all, beer also make a great recovery drink! I recommend you try one after a ride!
All of that said, I have decide I will share some thought on brewing, beer, and beer reviews along with the updates on cycling, fitness, weight loss (ironic, right?), humor, and the like. With that in mind, any brewers that would like to have their beer reviewed here could feel free to contact me and we can chat about it. As always, I can be contacted in the upper right hand corner of the side bar, right above the LiveStrong thermometer, or you could just click HERE. Just leave your contact info and I'll get in touch with you.
You may remember back a couple of weeks ago I paid a debt of gratitude to Larry Bell, of Bell's Brewery. Bell's has been a favorite of mine for a while, but for some reason I had only had Oberon, which was due to release yesterday through October, but I'm not getting into that right now. Nope, today's homage is to the creme de la creme, Hopslam!
Hopslam is a luscious Double Imperial IPA. It's easily one of the most amazing beers I have tried in my life. The complexity of this beer is mind numbing. The first thing you notice off the bat is the aroma of hops. Hops abound in this 10% ABV beer, but the alcohol is well hidden. Let me say, I wish I had a tulip glass to pour this into, but alas I had to use a pint. There wasn't a whole lot of head to speak of, but the aroma permeated the air upon pouring it. It poured a dark golden honey sort of color, bordering on orange. The pour is ironic to me as the first two notes I got out of it were grapefruit (citrus) and honey. The hops took about three seconds to set in on my tongue, but came on quick. The hops were anything but offensive, they cut just enough of the sweetness to keep the beer from getting too sweet.
This beer was actually a huge shocker to me for a couple of reasons. The first is usually a 10% has a noticeable, and at times almost offensive, alcohol note or heat to it. This has no such taste or feel, at all! Actually, it make the Hopslam a bit dangerous. I could easily start drinking this beer and forget about the alcohol until the third or fourth. You know... When I realize I can't walk any longer. Two, with as much hops, you would think it would just blow our pallet clear out of your mouth. It does no such thing. The honey, which I am guessing is a sweetening agent as I have only read is used in sweetening it, balances it so nicely it drinks incredibly smooth. So smooth I could easily drink it as a session beer if it weren't for the 10% ABV and the price.
As for the price? This comes in at $18.00/ 6 pack, and is worth every penny. Seriously! You'd go to a bar and spend three bucks a bottle for fizzy yellow junk, why not drop three a piece on these, and enjoy them? The catch to this is the release. Hopslam is released once, and only once, per year. They brew it up for a January release, this year January 7, and put in in stores through February. When it's gone, it's gone... You wait till next year. There are a few places around Cleveland that are still sitting on a couple of cases, just need to know where to look, and maybe pull a "who you know" to get some.
I have a couple left in the fridge to drink up now, and have cellared a couple just to compare for future reference. I have a strong feeling I know roughly what will happen. That is, it's likely the hops will tone down, and the sweetness will likely be a little more prevalent. Other than that, only time will tell.
If any of you have tried this, or run out and get some to try, please drop a line in the comments, and let me know what you think. After all, beer also make a great recovery drink! I recommend you try one after a ride!
30 March 2009
Beer, The Cause Of, And Solution To, All Of Life's Little Problems
A famous philosopher, Homer, once said: Here's to [beer]. The Cause of - and answer to - all of life's little problems. Never we're truer words spoke. As for the Philosopher... Not that Homer, Homer Simpson.
As for beer? Beer might just be the bane of my existence. I was doing pretty well just quitting it cold turkey. Well for sometime, actually. I used to brew and consume copious amounts of beer. I was fine giving it up. Or so I thought. I used to plow through bottles, cans, pints, all of it. I used to brew cases at a time and plow through those as well. I decided to nix the brew sometime ago now.
This caused my wife to think that I meant I also didn't want to brew. She was sorely mistaken. Well, long story short short, she tossed the home brewing gear. Yeah, I was mad, but got over it. I cut beer out for sometime actually.
Fast forward to the present. I have recently decided to rekindle my love with the frothy, hoppy, goodness that is beer. I started to enjoy, and for that matter brew, beer once again. It was a love affair that I forgot how much I actually missed. You see, there is something excellent about a good beer. I'm not talking the "get work done" kinds. PBR, High Life, etc. I'm talking about the serious, big, expensive, delicious beers. The big IPA's, the beers with "imperial" in the name, the whole ball of wax.
You may see where the problem is already. In case you don't, here we go...
Beer is fattening! Yeah, I know, SHOCKING! Right? Anyway, in trying to do the Lena Look, I'm pretty convinced that beer is not a part of it. The only up side of my life recently is that I've been SO busy that I forgot to weigh myself this week. I'm sure it would NOT be pretty, however, if I had. The bottom line? I need to get my life back in order. I need to start exercising, let alone working out, again. I need to figure out how to fit some fun into priorities before my brain explodes.
As for beer? Beer might just be the bane of my existence. I was doing pretty well just quitting it cold turkey. Well for sometime, actually. I used to brew and consume copious amounts of beer. I was fine giving it up. Or so I thought. I used to plow through bottles, cans, pints, all of it. I used to brew cases at a time and plow through those as well. I decided to nix the brew sometime ago now.
This caused my wife to think that I meant I also didn't want to brew. She was sorely mistaken. Well, long story short short, she tossed the home brewing gear. Yeah, I was mad, but got over it. I cut beer out for sometime actually.
Fast forward to the present. I have recently decided to rekindle my love with the frothy, hoppy, goodness that is beer. I started to enjoy, and for that matter brew, beer once again. It was a love affair that I forgot how much I actually missed. You see, there is something excellent about a good beer. I'm not talking the "get work done" kinds. PBR, High Life, etc. I'm talking about the serious, big, expensive, delicious beers. The big IPA's, the beers with "imperial" in the name, the whole ball of wax.
You may see where the problem is already. In case you don't, here we go...
Beer is fattening! Yeah, I know, SHOCKING! Right? Anyway, in trying to do the Lena Look, I'm pretty convinced that beer is not a part of it. The only up side of my life recently is that I've been SO busy that I forgot to weigh myself this week. I'm sure it would NOT be pretty, however, if I had. The bottom line? I need to get my life back in order. I need to start exercising, let alone working out, again. I need to figure out how to fit some fun into priorities before my brain explodes.
24 March 2009
Sorry For The Delay In Updates. Oh, BTW, Lance Fell.
So I need to apologize for the delay in posting. Here, on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, virtually every social networking site, sending out emails, and anything else I have failed, miserably, to update. For that I am sorry. I have been working two different jobs, due to the amazing US job market, to pay the bills lately. It's sad really, I haven't had the opportunity to get out on the bike even. Need to put a stop to that! Things have been crazy, and I will start up again tomorrow (or maybe Thursday) with a weekly roundup, and go from there, again.
As far as what has been going on? If you haven't heard (get the internet... or a TV) Lance fell in Spain. It appears that he might not be able to compete in the Tour dee France (Bob Roll joke, not misspell) this year. So many have focused on how awful this is, and that got me to thinking about it. What I kept coming up with was; is this really a bad thing? Seriously. I mean no disrespect whatsoever. I am a Lance fan boy! I get geeked on Lance, that sounded downright bad, but the bottom line... Will Lance be better off in the long run? I mean, he won seven tours, if there is any chance that he won't win eight, do you want to watch that? I think it would be a sad sight, cyclists everywhere watching OLN, er, VS to see Lance come in top five, or something, and not first. I know I'd be, like, "Ughhh, I really wanted to see him win." Now, I'm not saying I'd be any less a fanboy, but I'd be sad.
Furthermore, he's already done a tone of good for cycling. I watched five channels worth of news in the last two days, and each of them had a full dedicated story to Lance's crash. In a couple cases, Mellow Johnny hat and all! He's also been reported all over the radio in Cleveland. He's brought excitement back to cycling. He put it back on the map... Just sucks how it is that he got there.
Here's hoping that you get better soon, Lance!
As far as what has been going on? If you haven't heard (get the internet... or a TV) Lance fell in Spain. It appears that he might not be able to compete in the Tour dee France (Bob Roll joke, not misspell) this year. So many have focused on how awful this is, and that got me to thinking about it. What I kept coming up with was; is this really a bad thing? Seriously. I mean no disrespect whatsoever. I am a Lance fan boy! I get geeked on Lance, that sounded downright bad, but the bottom line... Will Lance be better off in the long run? I mean, he won seven tours, if there is any chance that he won't win eight, do you want to watch that? I think it would be a sad sight, cyclists everywhere watching OLN, er, VS to see Lance come in top five, or something, and not first. I know I'd be, like, "Ughhh, I really wanted to see him win." Now, I'm not saying I'd be any less a fanboy, but I'd be sad.
Furthermore, he's already done a tone of good for cycling. I watched five channels worth of news in the last two days, and each of them had a full dedicated story to Lance's crash. In a couple cases, Mellow Johnny hat and all! He's also been reported all over the radio in Cleveland. He's brought excitement back to cycling. He put it back on the map... Just sucks how it is that he got there.
Here's hoping that you get better soon, Lance!
19 March 2009
Mentally And Emotionally Checked Out For The Weekend
Everything is causing me to stress out right now. I'm one of those people who holds it all in my shoulders, neck and back of the head... It's been painful lately. Thank God for my wife's awesome back rubs, and my chiropractor. With that said I am going to take the weekend to check out mentally and emotionally. Mind you, I made this intention clear, and it has been OKed by my family. So with that in mind...
Firday I'll take some time to pound a couple of PBR's and finish the new project.
That's right, bathroom remodeling! One down and two to go. I stripped the first one completely stripped out save the shower, toilet, and sink area. All three will lose their lighting, mirrors, wallpaper, hanging cabinets, and (likely) carpet. Who the hell carpets a bathroom anyway?! For the record, yes... Sunday I did polish off a six of PBR while working (see the second picture in that series). You know what? I was down two pounds for the week... Not going to complain.
Saturday is my birthday, I plan to relax a bit, then indulgence and excess. It will be a weekend of great friends, great food, and great beers. Likely consisting of Willoughby Brewing, and Buckeye Brewing among who knows what else. Lean Look could be ugly as sin come Tuesday.
Finally I hope to get a ride in Sunday and continue the remodeling. So, with that, I'm check out for the weekend. Hope you have a good one, and enjoy yourselves. I'll catch up with you again Monday. Enjoy, and I'll have a brew for ya!
Firday I'll take some time to pound a couple of PBR's and finish the new project.
That's right, bathroom remodeling! One down and two to go. I stripped the first one completely stripped out save the shower, toilet, and sink area. All three will lose their lighting, mirrors, wallpaper, hanging cabinets, and (likely) carpet. Who the hell carpets a bathroom anyway?! For the record, yes... Sunday I did polish off a six of PBR while working (see the second picture in that series). You know what? I was down two pounds for the week... Not going to complain.Saturday is my birthday, I plan to relax a bit, then indulgence and excess. It will be a weekend of great friends, great food, and great beers. Likely consisting of Willoughby Brewing, and Buckeye Brewing among who knows what else. Lean Look could be ugly as sin come Tuesday.
Finally I hope to get a ride in Sunday and continue the remodeling. So, with that, I'm check out for the weekend. Hope you have a good one, and enjoy yourselves. I'll catch up with you again Monday. Enjoy, and I'll have a brew for ya!
LiveSTRONG: Pick A Fight & The Fat Cyclist
I have about seventy things going on right now, so please forgive me if I skip a day here and there like I did yesterday. I noticed a few new comments, and found a couple cool blogs that I want to add to the sidebar, I'll do it soon.
Now I know that I sound like a broken record, but I wanted to once again show love to The Fat Cyclist, and Lance Armstrong Foundation. As been trying to drill into anyones head who will listen, I will be riding in the Philadelphia leg of the LiveStrong Challenge. A bunch of people, some of whom I've never even met!, have already donated to the cause, and my ride. To you, thank you so much for donating to my Livestrong Challenge fundraising efforts! I am, however, still a long way off of my $2500 goal, $2070 off to be exact. If you’re reading this and you able to help by donating to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. Anything that you are able or willing to donate will help, go to a great cause, fighting cancer, and be appreciated. I was thinking about things the other day and thought, "Hmmff, I have about 285 friends on facebook. At $5 a piece that's $1425." I'm sure almost all of the people I have as friends would pony up $5. Then I was thinking along similar lines with the blog. If I had only 10 unique viewers a day, and they were willing to donate $5 to my fundraising efforts that's $50 a day. Basically what I am saying is this; If you can spare anything at all, even a few bucks, you can be part of a rock star fundraising effort on behalf of my father, Fatty's wife, and so many more people. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. The next goal I have in mind is to have $1250 (50%) of my $2500 goal in by March 31, 2009. Thanks again in advance, WIN!, and let's fight cancer. Let's kick it's ass!
On that note Fatty's wife is fighting as we speak. She is one of the two people I will be riding for, the other being my father. He was taken sixteen years ago, I promise I will write about him... soon. Serious. The point of todays story is that Lance Armstrong foundation posted a video recently. It was moving, touching, and brought back feelings that I hope my wife, children, friends, acquaintances, people who read this, and everyone never have to feel. The loss of someone to the bastard that is cancer.I watched this and it literally made me tear up. I thought of dad, Susan (Fatty's wife), grandparents, my friends five-year-old daughter, and so many more who have had this invade their bodies and their lives.
Fatty also posted a thought. Fatty posted his thoughts on What [He] Would Say To Cancer. It was, likewise, moving, touching, and brought back feelings I wouldn't wish on anyone. It's worth the read, the video is worth the watch, and the cause is worth your time. Whether you could donate, join Team Fatty, or help Lance Armstrong foundation in anyway. Please consider it, keep Susan and all those with cancer in your prayers, and fight cancer like the beast it is.
Now I know that I sound like a broken record, but I wanted to once again show love to The Fat Cyclist, and Lance Armstrong Foundation. As been trying to drill into anyones head who will listen, I will be riding in the Philadelphia leg of the LiveStrong Challenge. A bunch of people, some of whom I've never even met!, have already donated to the cause, and my ride. To you, thank you so much for donating to my Livestrong Challenge fundraising efforts! I am, however, still a long way off of my $2500 goal, $2070 off to be exact. If you’re reading this and you able to help by donating to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. Anything that you are able or willing to donate will help, go to a great cause, fighting cancer, and be appreciated. I was thinking about things the other day and thought, "Hmmff, I have about 285 friends on facebook. At $5 a piece that's $1425." I'm sure almost all of the people I have as friends would pony up $5. Then I was thinking along similar lines with the blog. If I had only 10 unique viewers a day, and they were willing to donate $5 to my fundraising efforts that's $50 a day. Basically what I am saying is this; If you can spare anything at all, even a few bucks, you can be part of a rock star fundraising effort on behalf of my father, Fatty's wife, and so many more people. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. The next goal I have in mind is to have $1250 (50%) of my $2500 goal in by March 31, 2009. Thanks again in advance, WIN!, and let's fight cancer. Let's kick it's ass!
On that note Fatty's wife is fighting as we speak. She is one of the two people I will be riding for, the other being my father. He was taken sixteen years ago, I promise I will write about him... soon. Serious. The point of todays story is that Lance Armstrong foundation posted a video recently. It was moving, touching, and brought back feelings that I hope my wife, children, friends, acquaintances, people who read this, and everyone never have to feel. The loss of someone to the bastard that is cancer.I watched this and it literally made me tear up. I thought of dad, Susan (Fatty's wife), grandparents, my friends five-year-old daughter, and so many more who have had this invade their bodies and their lives.
Fatty also posted a thought. Fatty posted his thoughts on What [He] Would Say To Cancer. It was, likewise, moving, touching, and brought back feelings I wouldn't wish on anyone. It's worth the read, the video is worth the watch, and the cause is worth your time. Whether you could donate, join Team Fatty, or help Lance Armstrong foundation in anyway. Please consider it, keep Susan and all those with cancer in your prayers, and fight cancer like the beast it is.
17 March 2009
Lean Look Numbers, Happy St Patrick's Day!
Congratulations to the siblings Nelson! That's right, Fat Cyclist won it's second Bloggie Award this year, and his sister Jodi's blog, Pistols And Popcorn, won it's first Bloggie. Again, my congratulations go out to the, now monopoly, blogging sibs!
I've got nothing else, so Happy St Patty's Day! Here's my numbers for the week, see you again tomorrow.
I can't figure out how I'm losing weight but not inches, but I'll take it... Two pounds down this week!
I've got nothing else, so Happy St Patty's Day! Here's my numbers for the week, see you again tomorrow.
Weight: 181.6
Waist: 36.5
Neck: 15.5
Body Fat % Calculation Estimate: 21
I can't figure out how I'm losing weight but not inches, but I'll take it... Two pounds down this week!
16 March 2009
Another Crazy Insane Weekend
Wow, where to even start. I guess a decent start would be I was at 180.8 on Saturday morning. Mind you, not my lowest in the last year, but lowest since November. That's a big was due to the rest of the weekend. So Saturday morning I worked out for the first time in a week. Felt like hell too. You see, if you're going to stay in shape it's important to actually try. I have been missing the ball on that one. After the workout the wife and I and the kids went to the dirty bird for our youngest one's birthday lunch. After that I did get a ride in, but it was fun not function. I got out in the park with the eldest, he's finally comfortable with his riding to get away from the confines of the local roads. It was our first time riding together where we were out on something resembling tails, the sap in me wanted to cry and I was pissed... the camera? It's broken. Dammit!
A debt of gratitude to Larry Bell, of Bell's Brewery. THANK YOU! Thank you, more than I can say for Hopslam!It's a luscious Double IPA and one of the most amazing beers I have tried in my life. Right up there with Stone. Both of these companies beers are currently in my cellar, and I am seriously into trying to clone them in the future. *More on that down the road.
Sunday was a unbearable, I woke up feeling like crap. Migraine like you wouldn't believe, pissed at the world. Had a "bug up my ass", as my dad would've said, and decided I was going to start tearing up bathrooms. This is cool, fun, and a great idea. The unfortunate side of this is I also killed a six pack of PBR while doing the work. Mind you, it was over eight hours, but I'm sure the numbers come Tuesday will suck because of it.
Likewise, this week is going to be a tough one. Saturday is my birthday, and there are already plans for indulgence and excess. It will be a weekend of great friends, great food, and great beers. Likely consisting of Willoughby Brewing, and Buckeye Brewing among Lord only knows what else. This could be a record "suck" week for the Lean Look.
Finally, a lousy way to end a weekend. I was at Bluenoser's site Sunday night and found out that he is, apparently, done with the blog. I hope that's not the case, but regardless wish all the best to Thom no matter what! Happy riding bro, if the blog goes away, it will be missed.
A debt of gratitude to Larry Bell, of Bell's Brewery. THANK YOU! Thank you, more than I can say for Hopslam!
It's a luscious Double IPA and one of the most amazing beers I have tried in my life. Right up there with Stone. Both of these companies beers are currently in my cellar, and I am seriously into trying to clone them in the future. *More on that down the road.Sunday was a unbearable, I woke up feeling like crap. Migraine like you wouldn't believe, pissed at the world. Had a "bug up my ass", as my dad would've said, and decided I was going to start tearing up bathrooms. This is cool, fun, and a great idea. The unfortunate side of this is I also killed a six pack of PBR while doing the work. Mind you, it was over eight hours, but I'm sure the numbers come Tuesday will suck because of it.
Likewise, this week is going to be a tough one. Saturday is my birthday, and there are already plans for indulgence and excess. It will be a weekend of great friends, great food, and great beers. Likely consisting of Willoughby Brewing, and Buckeye Brewing among Lord only knows what else. This could be a record "suck" week for the Lean Look.
Finally, a lousy way to end a weekend. I was at Bluenoser's site Sunday night and found out that he is, apparently, done with the blog. I hope that's not the case, but regardless wish all the best to Thom no matter what! Happy riding bro, if the blog goes away, it will be missed.
13 March 2009
The Easiest To Lose iPod Ever!
I am a total geek for technology! Further I am a raging geek for Apple technology. I have been an official Apple Geek for what seems like my entire life now. Truth of the matter, it has probably only been, like, ten or twelve years. I mean, we didn't even have computers in the classrooms at school until sixth grade. As a matter of fact, this
from The Old Computer was considered tiny at one time.
With time came smaller computers, ones that could fit in your home home. As time passed the computers got smaller and smaller. Enter iPhone. Who ever would've thought you could have a phone AND computer in your pocket! Seriously it's insane! Through all of this Apple was the king of "make it faster and smaller". Laptops; lighter, smaller, faster. Handhelds; Newton was the way to go! Newton was thee first handheld personal computer, long before Palm was a glimmer in anyones eye. I still have my sweet Apple Newton M100.
Ahhhh, the joys of technology.
Apple didn't only have the first in computers though, not by a long shot. They also had the first viable major breakthrough in music. You know where I'm going, the iPod! Never has anything blown up the way the iPod has. Even if the MP3 player you own ins't an iPod, odds are most people are calling it iPod. It's iconic, it's simple, it's a must have, and now it's über tiny!
That's right, enter the new and improved iPod Shuffle,
Courtesy Of Apple Inc now 98.36% easier to lose! OK, seriously though. I was a huge fan of my second gen Shuffle when it came out. I loved it being so small, clipping on to your belt, shirt, hat, small Koala, pocket... What, you don't have a small Koala? Don't know what you're missing. Back to the point, now, this thing is so small you could stash it anywhere. A cool thing about the new Shuffle is that they put the buttons on the earphone cord. This would make it way cool if you're using it on the trails and such (not that I would ever recommend that). Another cool thing? OK, it will speak the artist and song to you while it plays. I know, it's a bit cheesy, but it's cool. Oh, and they are now 4Gb! That's right, 1Gb and 2Gb be damned, you're officially on notice! Pick one up now for $79.
Ahhhh, the joys of technology. Now I just need to wait for the iPhone to be usable on Verizon and I'll be golden! Happy Friday the thirteenth! Catch you next week.
from The Old Computer was considered tiny at one time.With time came smaller computers, ones that could fit in your home home. As time passed the computers got smaller and smaller. Enter iPhone. Who ever would've thought you could have a phone AND computer in your pocket! Seriously it's insane! Through all of this Apple was the king of "make it faster and smaller". Laptops; lighter, smaller, faster. Handhelds; Newton was the way to go! Newton was thee first handheld personal computer, long before Palm was a glimmer in anyones eye. I still have my sweet Apple Newton M100.
Ahhhh, the joys of technology.Apple didn't only have the first in computers though, not by a long shot. They also had the first viable major breakthrough in music. You know where I'm going, the iPod! Never has anything blown up the way the iPod has. Even if the MP3 player you own ins't an iPod, odds are most people are calling it iPod. It's iconic, it's simple, it's a must have, and now it's über tiny!
That's right, enter the new and improved iPod Shuffle,
Courtesy Of Apple Inc now 98.36% easier to lose! OK, seriously though. I was a huge fan of my second gen Shuffle when it came out. I loved it being so small, clipping on to your belt, shirt, hat, small Koala, pocket... What, you don't have a small Koala? Don't know what you're missing. Back to the point, now, this thing is so small you could stash it anywhere. A cool thing about the new Shuffle is that they put the buttons on the earphone cord. This would make it way cool if you're using it on the trails and such (not that I would ever recommend that). Another cool thing? OK, it will speak the artist and song to you while it plays. I know, it's a bit cheesy, but it's cool. Oh, and they are now 4Gb! That's right, 1Gb and 2Gb be damned, you're officially on notice! Pick one up now for $79.Ahhhh, the joys of technology. Now I just need to wait for the iPhone to be usable on Verizon and I'll be golden! Happy Friday the thirteenth! Catch you next week.
11 March 2009
Weekly Roundup March 11, 2009
I’m going to warn you that this is going to be both random and delicious. Delicious? Yes, just keep reading and you’ll figure it out. I’m going to introduce a blog to the Weekly Roundup family for the first time, and I’ll give you something to chew on, pun intended, toward the end. So, enjoy and be envious, and I will give you the Weekly Roundup.
Harp Rider: For Harp, whether Just Shorts, or the Knee Warmers Are Back Harp is getting out on the bike. Sounds like he’s facing the same issues I am up in Cleveland. The temps are up & down, up & down… It pretty lousy. He’s also facing the Lean Look issues I am, up & down, up & down…
As far as the Lean Look for Harp, Harp is coming in at:
Weight: 163 lbs
Neck: 15.5 ”
Abdomen: 33.5 ”
Body Fat %: 15%
50K Loop NS: Bluenoser has had a case of Busy Days. Yup, we’re all in the midst of chaos right now. I know I feel like I have my, er, genitals in a vice. How busy is he? You’ll have to read this one for yourself to find out. How’s he doing at the Lean Look?
His measurements are currently at:
Weight: 196.6 lbs.
Neck measurement: 15.5 "
Waist measurement: 38.0 "
body fat %: 22%
Waltworks Bicycles: Ahhh, nothing like a new blog to get in the way of working! In this case, I just started catching up with some past posts from Walt over at Waltworks. Waltworks Bicycles is a one man shop in Boulder, CO that makes handmade road, mountain, cross, single speed, touring, and 29ers. I’ve decided that I’m not getting a 29er until I can afford a Waltworks. http://waltworks.com/dev/index.php
Fat Cyclist: I “think” I mentioned yesterday that Twin Six has been helping Fatty, Susan, Team Fatty, LAF raise money to fight cancer. No surprise they're at it again. You can now get your official Team Fatty kits, and gear! So whether you're riding a leg of the LiveStrong Challenge, or just want to help a good cause get to their Team Fatty page and order some FC gear for your rides this summer.
Buckeye Beer Engine: Finally, I have a feeling that this blog is going to start to incorporate beer soon, so I might as well start now. Buckeye Beer Engine prides itself on being “Brewery, Booze, Burgers – Open every day of the year.” Ugh, this could get ugly for the Lean Look. Birthday is coming up soon, going to Buckeye with the wife, a friend, and his wife soon. Please feel free to look at their CRAZY long (and yummy) beer list (it changes often) and recommend anything that I “need to try” in the comments.
Well, that’s all I got’s for this week. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
Harp Rider: For Harp, whether Just Shorts, or the Knee Warmers Are Back Harp is getting out on the bike. Sounds like he’s facing the same issues I am up in Cleveland. The temps are up & down, up & down… It pretty lousy. He’s also facing the Lean Look issues I am, up & down, up & down…
As far as the Lean Look for Harp, Harp is coming in at:
Weight: 163 lbs
Neck: 15.5 ”
Abdomen: 33.5 ”
Body Fat %: 15%
50K Loop NS: Bluenoser has had a case of Busy Days. Yup, we’re all in the midst of chaos right now. I know I feel like I have my, er, genitals in a vice. How busy is he? You’ll have to read this one for yourself to find out. How’s he doing at the Lean Look?
His measurements are currently at:
Weight: 196.6 lbs.
Neck measurement: 15.5 "
Waist measurement: 38.0 "
body fat %: 22%
Waltworks Bicycles: Ahhh, nothing like a new blog to get in the way of working! In this case, I just started catching up with some past posts from Walt over at Waltworks. Waltworks Bicycles is a one man shop in Boulder, CO that makes handmade road, mountain, cross, single speed, touring, and 29ers. I’ve decided that I’m not getting a 29er until I can afford a Waltworks. http://waltworks.com/dev/index.php
Fat Cyclist: I “think” I mentioned yesterday that Twin Six has been helping Fatty, Susan, Team Fatty, LAF raise money to fight cancer. No surprise they're at it again. You can now get your official Team Fatty kits, and gear! So whether you're riding a leg of the LiveStrong Challenge, or just want to help a good cause get to their Team Fatty page and order some FC gear for your rides this summer.
Buckeye Beer Engine: Finally, I have a feeling that this blog is going to start to incorporate beer soon, so I might as well start now. Buckeye Beer Engine prides itself on being “Brewery, Booze, Burgers – Open every day of the year.” Ugh, this could get ugly for the Lean Look. Birthday is coming up soon, going to Buckeye with the wife, a friend, and his wife soon. Please feel free to look at their CRAZY long (and yummy) beer list (it changes often) and recommend anything that I “need to try” in the comments.
Well, that’s all I got’s for this week. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
10 March 2009
Team Fatty Update, Lean Look Challenge, And Some Cool T6 Stuff.
I feel as though I sound like a broken record, but I wanted to take a minute to throw some love to The Fat Cyclist, and Lance Armstrong Foundation. As You've no doubt read in the past, I will be riding in the Philadelphia leg of the LiveStrong Challenge. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to my Livestrong Challenge fundraising efforts! I am still a long way off of my $2500 goal, $2070 off to be exact. If you’re reading this and you able to help by donating to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. Anything that you are able or willing to donate will help, go to a great cause, fighting cancer, and be appreciated. I was thinking about things the other day and thought, "Hmmff, I have about 285 friends on facebook. At $5 a piece that's $1425." I'm sure almost all of the people I have as friends would pony up $5. Then I was thinking along similar lines with the blog. If I had only 10 unique viewers a day, and they were willing to donate $5 to my fundraising efforts that's $50 a day. Basically what I am saying is this; If you can spare anything at all, even a few bucks, you can be part of a rock star fundraising effort on behalf of my father, Fatty's wife, and so many more people. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. The next goal I have in mind is to have $1250 (50%) of my $2500 goal in by March 31, 2009. Thanks again in advance, WIN!, and let's fight cancer.
OK, the reason I am posting this for nine on Tuesday, and not midnight like usual is I am hoping I don't scoop Fatty. Today is an awesome day! Some time ago now, back in November, Fat Cyclist decided to start Team Fatty: Fighting For Susan. Now there are 368 people, and counting... daily that are joining in the fight. To the tune of nearly $130,000. There's still more than three months till the Seattle event, four until San Jose, five and change until Philly, and well over seven until Austin! Can you imagine the money that we can still raise!
Back to the point, Twin Six is an amazing cycling apparel and accessory company. They have been helping Fatty, Susan, Team Fatty, LAF and have been doing so much good for a couple of years now. Well, they're at it again. Now, starting today, you can get your official Team Fatty kits, and gear! So whether you're riding a leg of the LiveStrong Challenge, or just want to help a good cause get to their Fat Cyclist or Team Fatty pages and order some FC gear for your rides.
OK, now my numbers for the Lean Look! See, I didn't forget, I'm just doing Tuesday now... Remember?
So long story short, I'm up three tenths of a pound for the week. I need to focus on doing intervals and core workouts again... I can't say the last time I did either. OK, it was Saturday, but I feel as though it's been forever. I can't wait till the weather breaks and I could get back out on the bike... OUT on the bike.
OK, the reason I am posting this for nine on Tuesday, and not midnight like usual is I am hoping I don't scoop Fatty. Today is an awesome day! Some time ago now, back in November, Fat Cyclist decided to start Team Fatty: Fighting For Susan. Now there are 368 people, and counting... daily that are joining in the fight. To the tune of nearly $130,000. There's still more than three months till the Seattle event, four until San Jose, five and change until Philly, and well over seven until Austin! Can you imagine the money that we can still raise!
Back to the point, Twin Six is an amazing cycling apparel and accessory company. They have been helping Fatty, Susan, Team Fatty, LAF and have been doing so much good for a couple of years now. Well, they're at it again. Now, starting today, you can get your official Team Fatty kits, and gear! So whether you're riding a leg of the LiveStrong Challenge, or just want to help a good cause get to their Fat Cyclist or Team Fatty pages and order some FC gear for your rides.
OK, now my numbers for the Lean Look! See, I didn't forget, I'm just doing Tuesday now... Remember?
Weight: 183.6
Waist: 36.5
Neck: 15.5
Body Fat % Calculation Estimate: 21
So long story short, I'm up three tenths of a pound for the week. I need to focus on doing intervals and core workouts again... I can't say the last time I did either. OK, it was Saturday, but I feel as though it's been forever. I can't wait till the weather breaks and I could get back out on the bike... OUT on the bike.
09 March 2009
What Might Turn Out To Be A Weekend Of Regret
If you've been reading along, you know that Bluenoser, Harp and I are reading and following a book called 
The Lean Look. Yeah... It's been going "OK". I had a slight fall off last weekend when I had to deal with a death in the family. This week there was a three parties and some brewing activities, all of which lead to problems in diet.
I am in total agreement with Fatty totally and completely with his take on Why [He] Is Fat, or why I am for that matter. I have the grazing instinct that Fatty speaks of. One of my favorite party related foods it to take a bowl of ice cream, slam a piece of cake into it, mash it all into a paste, and eat it like a thick milkshake. By the way, butter cream is the ONLY real frosting. This whipped, satin, whipped cream, etc crap? I don't buy it! It's not real frosting.
With the parties came copious amounts of alcohol. A lot of beer, my favorite, and some spirits. When "the guys get together" we tend to partake in beer. Usually, between my friends and I this means good beer. Not the Mich Ultra, or even "insert any name here" light, but grain, and hops, and water, and empty calories galore. But they are divine calories, that I think God himself would approve of.
This weekend was made all the more difficult on account I got to reinvent an old past time with a friend. We got together and made some beer. It's been a few years since I've touched anything related to brewing, but it was awesome to get back to it. I was used to brewing from extract, but my buddy and I made this from scratch. We took it from grain to beer, and now the ferment process starts. Six long weeks in the dark while the yeast does it's magic. Brewing of course poses an interesting problem. You brew, you have to drink. Ahh, sweet delicious empty calories!
What does all of this mean? Pray for me. Pray that I don't become a lard ass again. That I... Sorry, seriously... It means that it's going to be an interesting journey. Combining a few things.
We'll see what the scale has to say some Tuesday. Will this turn out to be a weekend of regret?
The Lean Look. Yeah... It's been going "OK". I had a slight fall off last weekend when I had to deal with a death in the family. This week there was a three parties and some brewing activities, all of which lead to problems in diet. I am in total agreement with Fatty totally and completely with his take on Why [He] Is Fat, or why I am for that matter. I have the grazing instinct that Fatty speaks of. One of my favorite party related foods it to take a bowl of ice cream, slam a piece of cake into it, mash it all into a paste, and eat it like a thick milkshake. By the way, butter cream is the ONLY real frosting. This whipped, satin, whipped cream, etc crap? I don't buy it! It's not real frosting.
With the parties came copious amounts of alcohol. A lot of beer, my favorite, and some spirits. When "the guys get together" we tend to partake in beer. Usually, between my friends and I this means good beer. Not the Mich Ultra, or even "insert any name here" light, but grain, and hops, and water, and empty calories galore. But they are divine calories, that I think God himself would approve of.
This weekend was made all the more difficult on account I got to reinvent an old past time with a friend. We got together and made some beer. It's been a few years since I've touched anything related to brewing, but it was awesome to get back to it. I was used to brewing from extract, but my buddy and I made this from scratch. We took it from grain to beer, and now the ferment process starts. Six long weeks in the dark while the yeast does it's magic. Brewing of course poses an interesting problem. You brew, you have to drink. Ahh, sweet delicious empty calories!
What does all of this mean? Pray for me. Pray that I don't become a lard ass again. That I... Sorry, seriously... It means that it's going to be an interesting journey. Combining a few things.
More serious about my diet, read as: what I am eating.
More serious about getting out on the bike, read as: make time whenever I can, even if it means at ungodly hours.
More serious about my time spent on the bike, read as: as the band I got from Wah says, HTFU!
We'll see what the scale has to say some Tuesday. Will this turn out to be a weekend of regret?
06 March 2009
Wow, Just Wow
We, OK I, at the Cycling Phun batcave are, OK am, speechless! It seems that GT Bicycles has a crazy new promotion for the 2009 race season. They will be giving the winner of their Golden Race Series' a special edition gold GT Bike.
http://http://www.gtisgolden.com
Ah, and there it is, in all of its golden polished glory.
It is fully loaded with the newest, lightest, and goldest parts and accessories.
There are a few catches to this bike. When you win one of the seven races you win the bike. You also get a gold GT Jersey, a $250 gift certificate, a group of hot women (called the Gold Diggers) to cheer you on, and your expenses paid into the next race. The catch to that? You have to race the next race... and win! You lose the race, you lose the bike and all that comes with it (save the $250 gift cert).
This may just be one of the coolest ideas I've heard in a while! Kudos to GT for pulling out most, if not all, of the stops.
http://http://www.gtisgolden.comAh, and there it is, in all of its golden polished glory.
It is fully loaded with the newest, lightest, and goldest parts and accessories.
There are a few catches to this bike. When you win one of the seven races you win the bike. You also get a gold GT Jersey, a $250 gift certificate, a group of hot women (called the Gold Diggers) to cheer you on, and your expenses paid into the next race. The catch to that? You have to race the next race... and win! You lose the race, you lose the bike and all that comes with it (save the $250 gift cert).
This may just be one of the coolest ideas I've heard in a while! Kudos to GT for pulling out most, if not all, of the stops.
04 March 2009
Weekly Roundup March 04, 2009
Where to start? Hmmmm, how about; Welcome to Cleveland! The weather sucks! Seriously, it’s been bitter cold and windy. Snowing and raining, and just plain INSANE! I’ve had zero free time, been working two jobs and family stuff. It’s just been a rough couple of weeks. Wanna know what’s funny? I feel the best I’ve felt in about fifteen years! Fer serious an’ stuff! I think, hope, and feel that this stands a good chance of being the best summer of my life. It’s with that stunningly great outlook that I give you the Weekly Roundup.
Harp Rider: Harp was Finally Out Again. I have to say I feel the “not being on the bike” pains… and have had a hard time finding ways to fit in interval training. Like Harp I have been doing well with the core training, so that’s cool! My thoughts and prayers go out to Harp on the tightness that is hitting home. It’s rough tight now, brother, but we’ll pull through! Kepp the chin up, fight the good fight and be there for your wife during her surgery! Again, thinking bout you guys and praying for ya!
As far as the Lean Look for Harp, Harp is coming in at:
Weight: 161 lbs
Neck: 15.5 ”
Abdomen: 33 ”
Body Fat %: 14%
50K Loop NS: Bluenoser points out that today, er yesterday, is √ Day. That’s right! √9 or three cubed, square root day! He also points out the importance of plumbers and, more important, the importance of the plumbers mentality to keep themselves safe. You’ll have to read it yourself!
His measurements are currently at:
Weight: 196.6 lbs.
Neck measurement: 16 "
Waist measurement: 37.5 "
body fat %: 22%
Cozy Beehive: My boy Ron “the engineer” over at the Cozy Beehive gave us another installment of Saturday Stupidity. This was perfect with all going on in my life this weekend. It had me rolling on the floor! Keep up the good work Ron!
Highwaymunky: Munky also had some fun with the very serious idea of Getting Bums On Saddles: A Political Plan. The question is what can we do to get people to ride? Munky has the answers… And apparently he (thinks he) is running for something?! I’d vote for him! I know this is a bit tongue in cheek, but there are some really good points to be had.
Travels With A Tin Donkey: Finally, not to be outdone, Sprocketboy is also dropping a few pounds pre race season. A post, Lance Armstrong = Jan Ullrich? points out his weight loss dilemma, and it’s a good one! I’ll stick to your Muesli for now, Sprocketboy. Best wishes on your race! (smile)
Well, that’s all I got’s for this week. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
Harp Rider: Harp was Finally Out Again. I have to say I feel the “not being on the bike” pains… and have had a hard time finding ways to fit in interval training. Like Harp I have been doing well with the core training, so that’s cool! My thoughts and prayers go out to Harp on the tightness that is hitting home. It’s rough tight now, brother, but we’ll pull through! Kepp the chin up, fight the good fight and be there for your wife during her surgery! Again, thinking bout you guys and praying for ya!
As far as the Lean Look for Harp, Harp is coming in at:
Weight: 161 lbs
Neck: 15.5 ”
Abdomen: 33 ”
Body Fat %: 14%
50K Loop NS: Bluenoser points out that today, er yesterday, is √ Day. That’s right! √9 or three cubed, square root day! He also points out the importance of plumbers and, more important, the importance of the plumbers mentality to keep themselves safe. You’ll have to read it yourself!
His measurements are currently at:
Weight: 196.6 lbs.
Neck measurement: 16 "
Waist measurement: 37.5 "
body fat %: 22%
Cozy Beehive: My boy Ron “the engineer” over at the Cozy Beehive gave us another installment of Saturday Stupidity. This was perfect with all going on in my life this weekend. It had me rolling on the floor! Keep up the good work Ron!
Highwaymunky: Munky also had some fun with the very serious idea of Getting Bums On Saddles: A Political Plan. The question is what can we do to get people to ride? Munky has the answers… And apparently he (thinks he) is running for something?! I’d vote for him! I know this is a bit tongue in cheek, but there are some really good points to be had.
Travels With A Tin Donkey: Finally, not to be outdone, Sprocketboy is also dropping a few pounds pre race season. A post, Lance Armstrong = Jan Ullrich? points out his weight loss dilemma, and it’s a good one! I’ll stick to your Muesli for now, Sprocketboy. Best wishes on your race! (smile)
Well, that’s all I got’s for this week. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
03 March 2009
Cleveland Area Rides UNITE! & Lean Look Numbers
Well "that time" is just around the corner. What, you are asking yourself, is "that time"? "That time" (this is annoying now) is pothole season in Cleveland! Why am I excited about that? I'll tell you...
You see, if you live in Cleveland you know that certain things happen during pothole season. The most important of things is that the weather starts to break. That is, it gets warm! With the warm weather the air becomes less cold & painful, the rains come to wash away the six inch base of powdered rock salt, and it becomes prime time to get back on the bike... OUTSIDE! Ahhhh, it has been too long since I've been on the road bike and for a proper ride, no less.
What I'd love to do this year is something that I have been wanting to do for a while now. I would like to get some rides together. This is where you come in. I want to set up rides, initially, in the Cleveland area. By Cleveland I am talking about a huge distance. Like West Side Cleveland, Cleveland proper, and East Side. An Example can be Lakewood rides, Mentor rides and Tow Path Rides. Another example can be Berea, Willoughby, Euclid. These are just ideas, but the point is I'm interested in a few places around Greater Cleveland.
Once I get this going, I'd love to help people publicize their rides cross country, you know... Like a ride clearing house of sorts. A resource to find a ride in your city, or in a city you're visiting but would like to get in on a ride while you are there. How cool would that be? You could find another readers local ride, and meet up while you are in their neighborhood.
Of course, I would have to insist that anyone who used this would have to understand that they are using it at their own risk, and that the blog, it's owners, it's owners families & friends, anyone who may post on the blog, etc. assume no responsibility and do not imply or express any sort of warranty, yada yada yada. If you think you might be interest, please contact me HERE and we can start to make something happen.
Also, my numbers for the Lean Look! See, I didn't forget...
You see, if you live in Cleveland you know that certain things happen during pothole season. The most important of things is that the weather starts to break. That is, it gets warm! With the warm weather the air becomes less cold & painful, the rains come to wash away the six inch base of powdered rock salt, and it becomes prime time to get back on the bike... OUTSIDE! Ahhhh, it has been too long since I've been on the road bike and for a proper ride, no less.
What I'd love to do this year is something that I have been wanting to do for a while now. I would like to get some rides together. This is where you come in. I want to set up rides, initially, in the Cleveland area. By Cleveland I am talking about a huge distance. Like West Side Cleveland, Cleveland proper, and East Side. An Example can be Lakewood rides, Mentor rides and Tow Path Rides. Another example can be Berea, Willoughby, Euclid. These are just ideas, but the point is I'm interested in a few places around Greater Cleveland.
Once I get this going, I'd love to help people publicize their rides cross country, you know... Like a ride clearing house of sorts. A resource to find a ride in your city, or in a city you're visiting but would like to get in on a ride while you are there. How cool would that be? You could find another readers local ride, and meet up while you are in their neighborhood.
Of course, I would have to insist that anyone who used this would have to understand that they are using it at their own risk, and that the blog, it's owners, it's owners families & friends, anyone who may post on the blog, etc. assume no responsibility and do not imply or express any sort of warranty, yada yada yada. If you think you might be interest, please contact me HERE and we can start to make something happen.
Also, my numbers for the Lean Look! See, I didn't forget...
Weight: 183.3
Waist: 16.5
Neck: 15.5
Body Fat % Calculation Estimate: 21
02 March 2009
Missing The Bike
I just want to say a quick thank you for the kind thoughts and words emailed or facebooked to me regarding the passing of my grandmother. Thank you so much! The funeral was very nice, and relatively happy. All things considered, of course.
Today, I am going to warn you early, is going to be a bit lame. It was a rough weekend. Got NOTHING done, and have no motivation to post. I do have something quick to say, then I'll wrap it up until tomorrow.
In the cold tundra that is the Great Lakes region of the US the winters just suck! Today there was a high of, like, twenty and crazy wind gusts. What this means is that I, not being as terribly hardcore as some, was off the bike today. I was, however, out and about in the weather. Did I mention it sucks? I am at the point of winter that almost every Clevelander gets to. You see, everyone eventually decides that they have had it with winter.
Cleveland has had a particularly long, cold, and snowy winter. We are now at an unusual point. We are at the point where most people are starting to contemplate moving south. A perfect example of this? I had the opportunity to move to AZ some years ago and did not. What the hell was I thinking?!
Here's the bottom line; I need to get in gear. I need to
Ugh... That's about all I have for now. Tomorrow we'll start anew... Hopefully things will start to turn around real soon.
Today, I am going to warn you early, is going to be a bit lame. It was a rough weekend. Got NOTHING done, and have no motivation to post. I do have something quick to say, then I'll wrap it up until tomorrow.
In the cold tundra that is the Great Lakes region of the US the winters just suck! Today there was a high of, like, twenty and crazy wind gusts. What this means is that I, not being as terribly hardcore as some, was off the bike today. I was, however, out and about in the weather. Did I mention it sucks? I am at the point of winter that almost every Clevelander gets to. You see, everyone eventually decides that they have had it with winter.
Cleveland has had a particularly long, cold, and snowy winter. We are now at an unusual point. We are at the point where most people are starting to contemplate moving south. A perfect example of this? I had the opportunity to move to AZ some years ago and did not. What the hell was I thinking?!
Here's the bottom line; I need to get in gear. I need to
1) Learn the damn rollers
2) Find the time to learn the damn rollers
3) Make enough money to allow for better training
4) Make enough money to afford better (read: professional) training
5) Get the freaking weights I've needed to get for about six months
Ugh... That's about all I have for now. Tomorrow we'll start anew... Hopefully things will start to turn around real soon.
24 February 2009
Lean Look Challenge Meets Fat Tuesday
This is, admittedly, going to be short, sweet, and to the point! Well, I'll start with this; I did my measurements and whatnot for the Lean Look challenge that I am doing with Harp and Bluenoser. My measurements for today are:
Anyway, I hope that come tomorrow those numbers will hold up. After all, today is Fat Tuesday, and that of course means Pączki!
For those of you who don't know, Pączki is a Polish treat! Originally they were made for Fat Thursday, the last Thursday before lent, in Poland. In America they've become tied into the whole Mardi Gras deal, and are a celebrated part of Fat Tuesday. They came out of Polish families trying to use all of the fat, eggs, sugar and fruit to prepare their homes for Lent. They look like a jelly doughnut, but they are far more rich than just any old plain jelly doughnut. They're simply the most delicious invention ever.
Well, that's about all I have today. Happy Fat Tuesday, catch you tomorrow!
Weight: 183.4So this puts me at my lowest weight, waist size and body fat % calculation for this year. I hope to God my neck size doesn't change, I really don't want to have, like, a six inch neck.
Waist: 36.5
Neck: 15.5
Body Fat % Calculation Estimate: 21
Anyway, I hope that come tomorrow those numbers will hold up. After all, today is Fat Tuesday, and that of course means Pączki!
For those of you who don't know, Pączki is a Polish treat! Originally they were made for Fat Thursday, the last Thursday before lent, in Poland. In America they've become tied into the whole Mardi Gras deal, and are a celebrated part of Fat Tuesday. They came out of Polish families trying to use all of the fat, eggs, sugar and fruit to prepare their homes for Lent. They look like a jelly doughnut, but they are far more rich than just any old plain jelly doughnut. They're simply the most delicious invention ever.
Well, that's about all I have today. Happy Fat Tuesday, catch you tomorrow!
23 February 2009
One Of The Greatest Women To Walk The Earth
1912-2009I know it's a pretty big statement, and I'll admit that I'm totally biased, but what you are looking at is possibly one of the greatest, coolest women who has ever walked this blue and green orb. What you have here, is my Grandma!
I kicked around long and hard whether or not I wanted to write this. You see, when it comes down to serious issues, I usually am quite introverted. I don't like to share much about my family, or personal life. I pretty much keep the blog to biking, I don't have pictures of my kids on facebook, I'm even a bit cryptic about the things I write, generally. So I mentioned to my wife that I thought I wanted to write something about my gram, and she insisted it would be a great idea. The more I thought about it, the more I liked it, so here goes.
There is a reason that I have been kinda off the map for the last week, I haven't really had it in me to be funny or cheerful. You see, a week ago this past Wednesday I found out that my grandmother had taken I'll. She come down with Pneumonia, and had to be hospitalized. For the average person this is a setback. To grandma, a spry woman of 97 years, it is potentially fatal. I knew this was the case, I was not going to deny that. The first day or two were bad, not horrible, but bad. The third day was just plain awful. I talked to my mom who was with her out of town, and she was extremely cryptic (wonder where I get it from) about what she said. She was careful to ask, "where are you right now?" My answer of, "what does it matter? How's grandma?" Was what she had been fishing for. She asked if I was in the car, I told her I was and the conversation shut down. When I got home, almost the first thing out of my mouth was that I thought grandma was not well. "Ma won't say anything about how she is, so it can't be good."
The following day, Saturday, and the rest of the weekend were pretty good. In true fashion for grandma she took a positive turn. You see, I would swear the woman is bulletproof! Through various bouts with illness including pneumonia, cancer, and Lord only knows what else, she had always pulled through. In some ways, some times, it seemed like she was better each time. So I was pretty convinced that she would likely pull through again. But this time would be different.
Early that week, she took another turn for the worse. The doctors did what they could, and then she went to Hospice. Quick Sidebar: I cannot begin to say enough good things about Hospice. I thoroughly encourage you to support your local, and national, Hospice organizations. The Doctors and Nurses who work with hospice are angels! Through my fathers ordeal with cancer, now my grandmother, other family members, friends... I just can't say enough good. She would go into hospice late Tuesday afternoon, and would pass on Wednesday afternoon. I couldn't be there, as she is out of state and there was not time and resources to do so, but from what I am told it was the most peaceful way one could ever want to go. One of my cousins said it best, "once more she's shown us all how it's done. She went out on her own terms. We're so lucky to have called her our grandmother."
She was truly amazing in every way. My father left my mother in my early childhood. My grandmother and grandfather were here every summer raising me. Not that they had to. They could've said no, my mom could have found a babysitter, and that would have been fine. That was just the kind of people they were, the kind of person she was. She gave, and gave, and gave, and all she asked in return was that I "be a good boy." Sometimes I was and, admittedly, sometimes I was not. When I realized the err of my ways, she was always there, waiting, willing to let me find the right way on my own, and encouraging me once I had. She taught me self sufficiency and, my favorite of all, how to cook. She sat the grandkids on her lap, or gathered them around sharing stories of times before there were cars, when they had iceboxes that were iceboxes, when they got their first TV, the ever so many cool things that a 97 year old would see in their lifetime.
Now, she has gone home. She has gone to be with the Father, her husband, her dad, mom, some of her sisters who have gone, and all of those that have gone before her. The world has, in my humble opinion, lost a saint of sorts. The Heavens, they've gained and angel. I wanted to write this, mainly, in hopes that someday my kids will see it. That they'll remember the good times with grandma. That they'll ask for elaborations of these stories, and that her memory will never die.
She was loved, and will be greatly, and deeply missed.
19 February 2009
Weekly Roundup February 19, 2009
I want to take a quick minute to thank everyone who has donated to my Livestrong Challenge fundraising efforts, and let new readers know that I will be participating in the Philadelphia LIVESTRONG Challenge this year. If you’re reading this and you able to help by donating to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. My next goal is to have $1250 (50%) of my $2500 goal in by March 31, 2009. Thanks again
The weather is great (sarcasm)! What makes me so sarcastic? The weatherman said “look out!” If you know anything about Cleveland you know this is not a good thing. They’re calling for a pounding! It’s with that bad news that I give you the Weekly Roundup.
50K Loop NS: Bluenoser is sort of stuck in neutral for the Lean Look challenge this week, as referenced by the Stress that he is currently feeling. Apparently he has been feeling less than stellar, and went to the doctor, turns out the stress has got him by the… Well, you get it. Stress sucks! I hope you feel better soon, Blue. His measurements are currently at:
Harp Rider: Harp, on the flip side, sucks! I’m just kidding Harp! I’m jealous of how far along Harp is. I do want to warn though, he started better, but soon I plan to be on his rear wheel, just waiting to overtake him! (wink) Week 2 is looking good so far. Harp is coming in at:
There have been a slew of updates on the Internet surrounding the MIA, er, stolen LIVESTRONG TT Bike. You can find great blog posts about the missing bike at:
Cozy Beehive: Ray had some BREAKING NEWS: Inspector Clouseau Finds Lance’s Bike. Apparently it wasn’t a Sacramento Officer after all… Silly me.
Travels With A Tin Donkey: Sprocketboy is also dropping a few posts on the once missing bike. Pointing out that Lance’s Bike Is Back. Also, big congratulations to Sprocketboy on post 250! It seems like there were so many more! Always an enjoyable read, keep up the great work.
Fat Cyclist: Finally, Fatty has been liveblogging the entire Tour of California so far! It’s been a rather enjoyable read so far, you can recap all five days of the race thus far, and read more about how Fat Cyclist readers have raised $6500 for Bob Roll shave (what’s left of) the hair on his head. It’s a riot, I recommend keeping up with it if you haven’t already.
Well, that’s it for this week. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
The weather is great (sarcasm)! What makes me so sarcastic? The weatherman said “look out!” If you know anything about Cleveland you know this is not a good thing. They’re calling for a pounding! It’s with that bad news that I give you the Weekly Roundup.
50K Loop NS: Bluenoser is sort of stuck in neutral for the Lean Look challenge this week, as referenced by the Stress that he is currently feeling. Apparently he has been feeling less than stellar, and went to the doctor, turns out the stress has got him by the… Well, you get it. Stress sucks! I hope you feel better soon, Blue. His measurements are currently at:
Weight: 194lbs.
Neck measurement: 16"
Waist measurement: 38"
body fat %: 23%
Harp Rider: Harp, on the flip side, sucks! I’m just kidding Harp! I’m jealous of how far along Harp is. I do want to warn though, he started better, but soon I plan to be on his rear wheel, just waiting to overtake him! (wink) Week 2 is looking good so far. Harp is coming in at:
Weight: 162 lbs
Neck: 16 ”
Abdomen: 32 ”
Body Fat %: 14%
There have been a slew of updates on the Internet surrounding the MIA, er, stolen LIVESTRONG TT Bike. You can find great blog posts about the missing bike at:
Cozy Beehive: Ray had some BREAKING NEWS: Inspector Clouseau Finds Lance’s Bike. Apparently it wasn’t a Sacramento Officer after all… Silly me.
Travels With A Tin Donkey: Sprocketboy is also dropping a few posts on the once missing bike. Pointing out that Lance’s Bike Is Back. Also, big congratulations to Sprocketboy on post 250! It seems like there were so many more! Always an enjoyable read, keep up the great work.
Fat Cyclist: Finally, Fatty has been liveblogging the entire Tour of California so far! It’s been a rather enjoyable read so far, you can recap all five days of the race thus far, and read more about how Fat Cyclist readers have raised $6500 for Bob Roll shave (what’s left of) the hair on his head. It’s a riot, I recommend keeping up with it if you haven’t already.
Well, that’s it for this week. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
17 February 2009
The Damned Weight Loss Challenge
Quickly before I start, things will be a bit hectic around here for the next week or so, due to some unforeseen circumstances. I apologize for this. My best suggestion will be to subscribe to the RSS if you haven't already, or check back a couple times during the day to see if I have a first thing AM post, a lunch time post, or an after dinner post. Thanks for your understanding. OH! Also, I will do the Weekly Roundup Thursday this week... cool?
So here is where the problem arises. Much like I mentioned yesterday, Monday is going to be a bad day to measure. I woke up this morning and weighed myself as I do every morning, but this time I also measured. Here's what I got.
is what I consider a proper glass. Yes that is a pint glass... and yes, seriously, three. In fairness, that was over the course of the night, from dinner on. So that may be a problem. Also Monday was great eating. Breakfast and lunch was Muesli, dinner was awesome too!
Baked Tilapia, Brussels Sprouts, and brown rice with spicy (as hell) black beans. All homemade, all mmmmm.
Ugh... This weight loss thing is going to kill me until summer comes around.
So here is where the problem arises. Much like I mentioned yesterday, Monday is going to be a bad day to measure. I woke up this morning and weighed myself as I do every morning, but this time I also measured. Here's what I got.
Weight: 184.2See the problem? I don't see how i could possibly lose four pounds overnight. Now, Sunday I did indulge in a glass (read: three) of wine. Oh, and I guess I should point out that what I consider a "proper glass of wine" may differ slightly from most. This
Waist: 36.5
Neck: 15.5
Body Fat % Calculation Estimate: 21
is what I consider a proper glass. Yes that is a pint glass... and yes, seriously, three. In fairness, that was over the course of the night, from dinner on. So that may be a problem. Also Monday was great eating. Breakfast and lunch was Muesli, dinner was awesome too!
Baked Tilapia, Brussels Sprouts, and brown rice with spicy (as hell) black beans. All homemade, all mmmmm.
Ugh... This weight loss thing is going to kill me until summer comes around.
16 February 2009
Bored? Watch The Tour Of California Live Online
Incase you're interested, and maybe don't know about Google, they are streaming the Tour live over at http://tracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Lean Look Numbers
Well, we're done with week one! I', beginning to think that I need to do measurements on Tuesday or something. It seems that every Monday I have an inflated number that drops by Tuesday morning. An example of this? Here are today's numbers:
As for today's post, check back later, and I'm sure I'll put something up this afternoon.
Weight: 188.2That's right, according to this time last week I'm up .1 pound. However, Tuesday of last I was at 185.4 so I guess we'll see what tomorrow brings. I do seem to drink less water on Sunday, for some reason, and wonder if that might have to do with it. Oh well, we'll see tomorrow.
Waist: 37
Neck: 15.5
Body Fat % Calculation Estimate: 22
As for today's post, check back later, and I'm sure I'll put something up this afternoon.
15 February 2009
Tour Of California - Sunday, Stage One
*Most if not all times are pretty rough. I'm curious how close to Fatty's observations this will be? For fun, I will avoid his posts and compare later. maybe it'll actually make this kind of fun.
18:00 EST (15:00 PST): It is wet
18:20: Cancellara is out. He has a fever.
18:25: Lot's of "BS talking". The rain is keeping the choppers and planes out of the air. No RF feeds.
Sidenotes: Dave Zabriskie doesn't have the wicked handlebar mustache. *sad*
Lance is back riding on US soil after 3 years.
18:30: Recap of the top ten after the prologue, since this all seems to be going nowhere fast.
18:35: Bob Roll asks Lance if he was pleased be the positive results so far. Same bike from Australia 1274 The number of days from last stage of the 2005 TdF to the first day this years Tour Down Under, and 27.5 is the approximate number in MILLIONS of people who died in those 1274 days. Lance chuckles at his bike being one of the bikes that Astana had stolen out of their truck. He took a minute to point out that he has a back up TT bike, and that this bike is a (basically) one of a kind. Thatg unless you keep it in you bedroom and never let ANYONE see it you'd get busted and they will get the bike back.
*This poses an interesting question in my mind. What the hell do you think you'll do with a one of Livestrong TT bike? Why even bother stealing it?
18:40: they are showing the womens race. I really need to break my promise and see what the heck Fatty has to say. I'm about to fall asleep. Sorry, but I have to look at what he's saying. I'll be back. By the way, is anyone keeping up with this?
18:50: They just announced, Mancebo, of Rock Racing fame, is in the lead.
18:55: Fatty confirms that Mancebo is, in fact, the leader. Also, I think Fatty would agree that $170 is way too much (Rock Racing) for a jersey. Also. Bobke lost more hair! You could tell in his Landis interview.
19:00: Seriously. If no one is reading this blasted thing, I'd LOVE to stop. I hate live blogging. OH! We just saw Mancebo's ass. The "A" on the ass of the Rock Racing shorts is an anarchy sign. How punk rock Mike Ball! Can I call you Mike?
19:05: First shot of the 25 or so in the chase group. Mancebo has cut his lead to just over four minutes.
Sidebar: Does anyone else thin Michael Ball may be behind Lance's bike turning up missing?
19:10: Sidebar, again: Does anyone else think the Rock Racing Cadillac's are just plain tacky?
19:15: Apparently Mancebo broke away at, about, mile five of 108. By the way, Sidebar: We're in the States... Why all the Keelometer (Km) talk? I understand that we should just go metric, but c'mon!
19:20: Gap is now three minutes. So far my fantasy standing are in the toilet!
19:25: Now the fun begins. Mancebo is in the final ten miles, and he looks like he is going to die. Into the first of three laps of the final circuit. Gap was seriously overrated! They think it was in the minute to minute ten second gap.
19:30: Yea! Only thirty more minutes, then I could be productive. This has been a bit painful. I promise that I will not do this again this week... At all!
Landis is leading the main Peloton, after dropping off the back of the chase group. OUCH! What a silly name for a team.
19:33: Mancebo crosses the finish in the first of three circuits.
19:34: The chase group dropped to a minute forty behind Mancebo as they cross the line for circuit one of three. Lance is at the back of the chase group, likely getting ready for a big finish.
19:38: They are suggesting that the chase group has actually "stopped racing". They brought the lead down enough that they are going to "let Rock Racing take this stage" and have to fight here on out. Maybe "Astana was sick of fighting", that they laid back thinking, "we're doing it all" and "if you want to catch him go". Ugh... I need more wine.
19:42: The Mancebo gap is now two plus minutes. Lance is on the front end of the chase, save Vincenzo Nibali. Nibali is right on the back wheel of Mancebo.
19:45: Now, time for a dumb comment: They should use fenders.
19:48: Mancebo wins the Yellow for the day.
19:50: The chase comes in with Lance Armstrong in the lead of the Chase group. This moves Astana to the top of the team standings.
19:54: The main peloton crosses the line, about five minutes behind.
Alright, that's all for today. A shout out to Fatty for calling Van de Walle "Vandewarladfaksldfasdfklll". Nice Fatty! I dig it. Tomorrow is Sausalito to Santa Cruz live at 12:30PM ET, 9:30AM PST. See you all tomorrow. Have a good night.
18:00 EST (15:00 PST): It is wet
18:20: Cancellara is out. He has a fever.
18:25: Lot's of "BS talking". The rain is keeping the choppers and planes out of the air. No RF feeds.
Sidenotes: Dave Zabriskie doesn't have the wicked handlebar mustache. *sad*
Lance is back riding on US soil after 3 years.
18:30: Recap of the top ten after the prologue, since this all seems to be going nowhere fast.
Fabian Cancellara SUI 4:32:909
Levi Leipheimer USA +1.204
David Zabriskie USA +2.648
Michael Rogers AUS +2.790
Thor Hushovd NOR +3.132
George Hincapie USA +3.342
Tom Boonen BEL +3.432
Mark Renshaw AUS +4.053
Svein Tuft CAN +4.155
Lance Armstrong USA +4.264
18:35: Bob Roll asks Lance if he was pleased be the positive results so far. Same bike from Australia 1274 The number of days from last stage of the 2005 TdF to the first day this years Tour Down Under, and 27.5 is the approximate number in MILLIONS of people who died in those 1274 days. Lance chuckles at his bike being one of the bikes that Astana had stolen out of their truck. He took a minute to point out that he has a back up TT bike, and that this bike is a (basically) one of a kind. Thatg unless you keep it in you bedroom and never let ANYONE see it you'd get busted and they will get the bike back.
*This poses an interesting question in my mind. What the hell do you think you'll do with a one of Livestrong TT bike? Why even bother stealing it?
18:40: they are showing the womens race. I really need to break my promise and see what the heck Fatty has to say. I'm about to fall asleep. Sorry, but I have to look at what he's saying. I'll be back. By the way, is anyone keeping up with this?
18:50: They just announced, Mancebo, of Rock Racing fame, is in the lead.
18:55: Fatty confirms that Mancebo is, in fact, the leader. Also, I think Fatty would agree that $170 is way too much (Rock Racing) for a jersey. Also. Bobke lost more hair! You could tell in his Landis interview.
19:00: Seriously. If no one is reading this blasted thing, I'd LOVE to stop. I hate live blogging. OH! We just saw Mancebo's ass. The "A" on the ass of the Rock Racing shorts is an anarchy sign. How punk rock Mike Ball! Can I call you Mike?
19:05: First shot of the 25 or so in the chase group. Mancebo has cut his lead to just over four minutes.
Sidebar: Does anyone else thin Michael Ball may be behind Lance's bike turning up missing?
19:10: Sidebar, again: Does anyone else think the Rock Racing Cadillac's are just plain tacky?
19:15: Apparently Mancebo broke away at, about, mile five of 108. By the way, Sidebar: We're in the States... Why all the Keelometer (Km) talk? I understand that we should just go metric, but c'mon!
19:20: Gap is now three minutes. So far my fantasy standing are in the toilet!
19:25: Now the fun begins. Mancebo is in the final ten miles, and he looks like he is going to die. Into the first of three laps of the final circuit. Gap was seriously overrated! They think it was in the minute to minute ten second gap.
19:30: Yea! Only thirty more minutes, then I could be productive. This has been a bit painful. I promise that I will not do this again this week... At all!
Landis is leading the main Peloton, after dropping off the back of the chase group. OUCH! What a silly name for a team.
19:33: Mancebo crosses the finish in the first of three circuits.
19:34: The chase group dropped to a minute forty behind Mancebo as they cross the line for circuit one of three. Lance is at the back of the chase group, likely getting ready for a big finish.
19:38: They are suggesting that the chase group has actually "stopped racing". They brought the lead down enough that they are going to "let Rock Racing take this stage" and have to fight here on out. Maybe "Astana was sick of fighting", that they laid back thinking, "we're doing it all" and "if you want to catch him go". Ugh... I need more wine.
19:42: The Mancebo gap is now two plus minutes. Lance is on the front end of the chase, save Vincenzo Nibali. Nibali is right on the back wheel of Mancebo.
19:45: Now, time for a dumb comment: They should use fenders.
19:48: Mancebo wins the Yellow for the day.
19:50: The chase comes in with Lance Armstrong in the lead of the Chase group. This moves Astana to the top of the team standings.
19:54: The main peloton crosses the line, about five minutes behind.
Alright, that's all for today. A shout out to Fatty for calling Van de Walle "Vandewarladfaksldfasdfklll". Nice Fatty! I dig it. Tomorrow is Sausalito to Santa Cruz live at 12:30PM ET, 9:30AM PST. See you all tomorrow. Have a good night.
(Fairly) Real Time Commentary Of The Tour Of California Sunday!
So, since I'm going to be watching it anyway, I think I'll leave some (fairly) real time commentary of the Tour of California today. Com back at 6:00 pm EST (3:00 pm PT). I've got noting better to do tonight.
14 February 2009
Some Quick Observations About Tour Of California
18:39 EST - Lance Armstrong just started his ride in the prologue of Tour of California, and is looking quite like a brick sh__ house!
Is it me, or do the Rock Racing guys look like douche bags? Further, do they need Cadillacs?
Is Floyd Landiseses beard going to create drag?
Am I the only person who is gleeful saying Vandenelde?
Is Levi Leipheimer a man or machine? He was in a perfect tuck the entire ride.
Prologue Top Five:
Is it me, or do the Rock Racing guys look like douche bags? Further, do they need Cadillacs?
Is Floyd Landiseses beard going to create drag?
Am I the only person who is gleeful saying Vandenelde?
Is Levi Leipheimer a man or machine? He was in a perfect tuck the entire ride.
Prologue Top Five:
Fabian Cancellara SUI 4:32:909Lance Armstrong came in 10th.
Levi Leipheimer USA +1.204
David Zabriskie USA +2.648
Michael Rogers AUS +2.790
Thor Hushovd NOR +3.132
13 February 2009
An Extremely Cool Topic To Leave You With For The Weekend
I want to start with a cool Phan Boy Update! (crap... now I have to add the 'Phan Boy' tag and re-update) Anyway, I'll give everyone one guess where I will be this weekend... Give up? OK, here:
That's right, Spin Bike Shop has their yearly winter clearance sale. What's on sale? What do you mean? Click the picture above and see for yourself. Better yet get in your car and get out to the Willoughby, Ohio store at 4144 Erie Street in Downtown Willoughby, or if you're west get to the Lakewood, Ohio store at 14515 Madison Avenue in Lakewood. Everything is on sale anyway, so you might as well just go. Tell them I said hello, or maybe I'll see you there...
Now, for something to leave you with over the weekend. Consider it homework, but fun, er phun. While messing around in the world of the interweb, and looking around the www.com stuff I came across something extremely cool. Extremely cool, and mind numbing this is. Apparently there is this ridiculously cool family doing a ridiculously cool thing. I'll try and give you the gist of it without ruining the story, but you have to check it out for yourself.
The Vogel's are on a journey. They have take their two kids, a tandem, two single bikes, their packs and on heck of a journey and turned it into something special. You see, as a family, they will journey from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina via the Pan American Highway. A journey that will take them approximately 20,000 miles over thirty months (two and a half years).
The Vogel children will, upon completion of the ride, will go into the Guinness World Records as the youngest persons ever to complete the journey. But that's not all, far from it really. You see, they will learn valuable life lessons along the way, and through Reach The World they will be able to take their journey into classrooms. They will be able to provide amazing, firsthand, real life lessons to children as they travel.
I encourage you to check out their site, and follow their journey. They left Alaska on June 8, 2008 and are already in Mexico City! Seriously. They are leaving regular updates, some photos, some videos, and lessons we can all take from. God speed, Vogel's. Hope your having a heck of a ride!
That's right, Spin Bike Shop has their yearly winter clearance sale. What's on sale? What do you mean? Click the picture above and see for yourself. Better yet get in your car and get out to the Willoughby, Ohio store at 4144 Erie Street in Downtown Willoughby, or if you're west get to the Lakewood, Ohio store at 14515 Madison Avenue in Lakewood. Everything is on sale anyway, so you might as well just go. Tell them I said hello, or maybe I'll see you there...Now, for something to leave you with over the weekend. Consider it homework, but fun, er phun. While messing around in the world of the interweb, and looking around the www.com stuff I came across something extremely cool. Extremely cool, and mind numbing this is. Apparently there is this ridiculously cool family doing a ridiculously cool thing. I'll try and give you the gist of it without ruining the story, but you have to check it out for yourself.
The Vogel's are on a journey. They have take their two kids, a tandem, two single bikes, their packs and on heck of a journey and turned it into something special. You see, as a family, they will journey from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina via the Pan American Highway. A journey that will take them approximately 20,000 miles over thirty months (two and a half years).
The Vogel children will, upon completion of the ride, will go into the Guinness World Records as the youngest persons ever to complete the journey. But that's not all, far from it really. You see, they will learn valuable life lessons along the way, and through Reach The World they will be able to take their journey into classrooms. They will be able to provide amazing, firsthand, real life lessons to children as they travel.
I encourage you to check out their site, and follow their journey. They left Alaska on June 8, 2008 and are already in Mexico City! Seriously. They are leaving regular updates, some photos, some videos, and lessons we can all take from. God speed, Vogel's. Hope your having a heck of a ride!
11 February 2009
Weekly Roundup February 11, 2009
The weather is great! It’s in the fifties and the snow is melting, let’s just hope it sticks around for a bit. For the sake of, at least, getting out on the road! I felt so good with the weather that working out today felt not only like a pleasure, but like a treat! So nice in fact that I can’t wait to give you the Weekly Roundup.
50K Loop NS: Bluenoser and I have once again started the Lean Look Challenge. He started his weigh in and measurements with his Finding Your Sport Part II And Lean Look Challenge post. Finding your sport has been an interesting journey into how Thom, er Bluenoser, got interested in cycling. I recommend it, it’s been a rather enjoyable read. Blue’s measurements are currently at:
Harp Rider: Harp is also participating in the Lean Look Challenge this time around, though I’m not quite sure why. I could only WISH to be in such good shape. Harp is coming in at:
As a quick reminder I am sitting at:
Highwaymunky: Munky got his brand spankin’ new Specialized Langster Monaco. It’s his New Bike 1st Ride Review and it seems like day one was a great one. I’m left wondering how flat his ride is. I know that I’m in pain just thinking about riding the hills around me on a SS, let alone a fixie. The ride? It’s a beauty, but unless you’re going across the pond, you’re not easily getting one.
Fat Cyclist: Fatty also got a A Little Something To Tide [Him] Over. His first glance at the Gary Fisher Superfly 29” SS. Complete with, very sexy, pictures of the bike. This thing is crazy hot! I would love one, in time, when it won’t kill me.
Well, that’s it for this week. I’m going to go do some more exercise, and drop some Advil to soothe the pain of working out today… pushed it nice and hard today, and it felt good.
As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
50K Loop NS: Bluenoser and I have once again started the Lean Look Challenge. He started his weigh in and measurements with his Finding Your Sport Part II And Lean Look Challenge post. Finding your sport has been an interesting journey into how Thom, er Bluenoser, got interested in cycling. I recommend it, it’s been a rather enjoyable read. Blue’s measurements are currently at:
Weight: 194 lbs.
Neck: 16"
Abdomen: 38"
body fat %: 23%
Harp Rider: Harp is also participating in the Lean Look Challenge this time around, though I’m not quite sure why. I could only WISH to be in such good shape. Harp is coming in at:
Weight: 165 lbs
Neck: 15 ½”
Abdomen: 32 ½”
Body Fat %: 13%
As a quick reminder I am sitting at:
Weight: 185.4 lbs
Neck: 15 ½”
Abdomen: 37"
Body Fat %: 22%
Highwaymunky: Munky got his brand spankin’ new Specialized Langster Monaco. It’s his New Bike 1st Ride Review and it seems like day one was a great one. I’m left wondering how flat his ride is. I know that I’m in pain just thinking about riding the hills around me on a SS, let alone a fixie. The ride? It’s a beauty, but unless you’re going across the pond, you’re not easily getting one.
Fat Cyclist: Fatty also got a A Little Something To Tide [Him] Over. His first glance at the Gary Fisher Superfly 29” SS. Complete with, very sexy, pictures of the bike. This thing is crazy hot! I would love one, in time, when it won’t kill me.
Well, that’s it for this week. I’m going to go do some more exercise, and drop some Advil to soothe the pain of working out today… pushed it nice and hard today, and it felt good.
As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
10 February 2009
As I Suspected
Yeah, so like I said yesterday, "I think [my weigh in] is skewed by a metric ton of salt, a load of carbs, and a couple beers and some wine with the wife before bed." Well, apparently I was correct. That or I lost nearly three pounds in one day?! As of Tuesday morning, my weight was down. I didn't remeasure, but I am weighing daily. Tuesday was core work, and I weight lifted today. I am hurting fiercely and loving it! I've really been focusing about 2/3 of my time on
Weight: 185.4
--Monday Measurements--
Waist: 37
Neck: 15.5
Body Fat % Calculation Estimate: 22
Weight: 185.4
--Monday Measurements--
Waist: 37
Neck: 15.5
Body Fat % Calculation Estimate: 22
09 February 2009
A New Year Means The Lean Look Challenge Re-revisited Again...
Alright, this may seem like déjà vu. I assure you, it seems like déjà vu to me too, so I assume we are OK. For those of you who are regular readers, you might remember back to A New Year Means The Lean Loon Challenge Revisited or if you really keep up you may remember back to Weekly Roundup June 18. At that time I purchased the bookThe Lean Look: Burn Fat, Tone Muscles and Transform Your Body in Twelve Weeks Using the Secrets of Professional Athletes by Paul Goldberg and Matthew Fitzgerald. Full title, yada yada, über long, etc., keep reading please.
Anyhow, I slacked off a bit, again, lately and need to get a bit more serious now to get in shape for my ride in the Philadelphia LIVESTRONG Challenge in August. Also I just generally need to be a brick shit house as soon as possible.
Once again my friend and neighbor to the (extreme) North Thom aka: Bluenoser will be joining me. But this time we'll both be joined by the one and only Harp! I will be posting my measurements and the like on Mondays by about 9:00 am. I'm not sure about Bluenoser or Harp, so be sure to keep up with their blogs.
So there you have it, the Lean Look Challenge® 2009, again! I encourage you to keep up, not only, with my progress but Bluenoser's and Harp's progress as well. it should be pretty cool, especially since Bluenoser and I are about the same height, weight, etc, I'm not entirely sure of Harp's stats right now, but I'm excited to start up again, and who knows, maybe I'll get around to getting the weight bench I've been meaning to pick up for about four months or so now, courtesy my 'lil sis'.
So here's what the numbers look like this morning. Fair warning, I'm going to redo them for tomorrow and will repost them if there is a big change. Admittedly I think there will be a pretty big drop once I get some fiber (yeah, low fiber weekend), and water. I think this is skewed by a metric ton of salt, a load of carbs, and a couple beers and some wine with the wife before bed. So, again, if it's a pretty drastic change tomorrow I'll update. For now...
The Lean Look: Burn Fat, Tone Muscles and Transform Your Body in Twelve Weeks Using the Secrets of Professional Athletes by Paul Goldberg and Matthew Fitzgerald. Full title, yada yada, über long, etc., keep reading please.Anyhow, I slacked off a bit, again, lately and need to get a bit more serious now to get in shape for my ride in the Philadelphia LIVESTRONG Challenge in August. Also I just generally need to be a brick shit house as soon as possible.
Once again my friend and neighbor to the (extreme) North Thom aka: Bluenoser will be joining me. But this time we'll both be joined by the one and only Harp! I will be posting my measurements and the like on Mondays by about 9:00 am. I'm not sure about Bluenoser or Harp, so be sure to keep up with their blogs.
So there you have it, the Lean Look Challenge® 2009, again! I encourage you to keep up, not only, with my progress but Bluenoser's and Harp's progress as well. it should be pretty cool, especially since Bluenoser and I are about the same height, weight, etc, I'm not entirely sure of Harp's stats right now, but I'm excited to start up again, and who knows, maybe I'll get around to getting the weight bench I've been meaning to pick up for about four months or so now, courtesy my 'lil sis'.
So here's what the numbers look like this morning. Fair warning, I'm going to redo them for tomorrow and will repost them if there is a big change. Admittedly I think there will be a pretty big drop once I get some fiber (yeah, low fiber weekend), and water. I think this is skewed by a metric ton of salt, a load of carbs, and a couple beers and some wine with the wife before bed. So, again, if it's a pretty drastic change tomorrow I'll update. For now...
Weight: 188.1Blech!
Waist: 37
Neck: 15.5
Body Fat % Calculation Estimate: 22
06 February 2009
Twin Six Gives Us The Best Reason To Buy New Gear... As If You Needed A Reason To Buy Twin Six Gear, Right?
Holy Twin Six gear Batman! So apparently Fatty got a call last night from the Twin Six guys. If you don’t know the Twin Six guys by now, you need to! Consider this an invite to check them out and do some good at the same time. Brent and Ryan (Twin Six) have already donated $6600 of their profits on their own Team Fatty LiveStrong Challenge page, but they felt as though that wasn’t good enough. What does this mean?
What this means is that today, Friday February 6, and today only they will be donating half of all our sales to the Lance Armstrong Challenge. Not half of their net, half of their gross for the day to their Team Fatty Page!
These guys are insane! They’re also incredibly cool. So, what can you do? You can help give Twin Six the biggest day of sales ever! To reiterate: Today, Friday, February 6, you spend ONE DOLLAR at the Twin Six site, they give a FIFTY CENT donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation via their Team Fatty Page.
What’s included? All jerseys, t-shirts, socks, wool jerseys (including the Fat Cyclist Wool Jersey, they will make 25 available tomorrow), cycling caps, everything. It also includes all Fat Cyclist merchandise: t-shirts, socks, wool jerseys, shorts, bibs, cycling caps and bottles.
Also by the magic of the Twin Six crew – Stuff That Was Out Of Stock before will magically reappear. According to Fatty Twin Six will bring back some items that have not been available for some time. “In other words, if there’s something you’ve wanted from Twin Six that hasn’t been available, check the site tomorrow. There’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for.”
So, get your spring gear, something to wear when you ride the Livestrong Challenge, or a gift for that special someone (my birthday will be coming up in mid March), and half of what you spend tomorrow going to the fight against cancer! I can’t wait to see the results!
05 February 2009
Campagnolo Announces 22-Speed Groupset
05 February 2009
Cycling Phun Phake News
Italy
The cycling world was rocked today by the announcement that Campagnolo will once again put it's competition to shame by introducing the worlds first and only 22-speed groupset! The set, due out in late 2009 for the 2010 season is rumored to be called the Campagnolo Über Super Record Compe Plus Carbone.
Campy has redesigned every bit of the transmission for the 2010 group from the levers, front and rear derailleurs, chain, cassette and crankset. Engineers from Campagnolo said, "This had to be done. once we found out that we could not make the hub twenty two inches wide to fit the likes of the 11-speed chain, we knew we had to cut something down somewhere." They continued, "This lead to the realization that the cassette would need to contain near paper thin sprockets, and the chain thickness would need to be roughly that of one side of an average link."
The new cassette, which only comes in one size 9-30, is just that. The small ring is a 9, which builds to a granny gear of 30. The chain is just under a miraculous 1/16" and resembles that of a cheep bracelet. When asked how these components will hold up under the pressure of rides like the Tour de France Campy engineers had no comment, though reporters did vaguely make out one engineer mumble, "I told you we should've tested this thing before announcing it..." in Italian.
More information is sure to follow, but rumor-mills are saying we are likely to see the 22 speed on pro bike as soon as the TdF.
Cycling Phun Phake News
Italy
The cycling world was rocked today by the announcement that Campagnolo will once again put it's competition to shame by introducing the worlds first and only 22-speed groupset! The set, due out in late 2009 for the 2010 season is rumored to be called the Campagnolo Über Super Record Compe Plus Carbone.
Campy has redesigned every bit of the transmission for the 2010 group from the levers, front and rear derailleurs, chain, cassette and crankset. Engineers from Campagnolo said, "This had to be done. once we found out that we could not make the hub twenty two inches wide to fit the likes of the 11-speed chain, we knew we had to cut something down somewhere." They continued, "This lead to the realization that the cassette would need to contain near paper thin sprockets, and the chain thickness would need to be roughly that of one side of an average link."
The new cassette, which only comes in one size 9-30, is just that. The small ring is a 9, which builds to a granny gear of 30. The chain is just under a miraculous 1/16" and resembles that of a cheep bracelet. When asked how these components will hold up under the pressure of rides like the Tour de France Campy engineers had no comment, though reporters did vaguely make out one engineer mumble, "I told you we should've tested this thing before announcing it..." in Italian.
More information is sure to follow, but rumor-mills are saying we are likely to see the 22 speed on pro bike as soon as the TdF.
04 February 2009
Weekly Roundup February 04, 2009
I want to take a quick minute to thank everyone who has donated to my Livestrong Challenge fundraising efforts. As you know, my goal is to raise $2,500 for Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) through participation in the 2009 Philadelphia leg of the Lance Armstrong Challenge. While I didn’t hit 25% of my goal by the end of January, as I hoped I might, I managed to raise $430 (17%) of my goal so far. I owe a debt of gratitude to my family, to friends, to readers of this blog… people whom I’ve never met and may, or may not, have spoke to. Thank you for your generosity.
If you’re reading this and you might like to help by donating to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. My next goal is to have $1250 (50%) of my $2500 goal in by March 31, 2009. Thanks again, and I give you the Weekly Roundup!
This week I’m going to give Bluenoser, and Harp a bit of a break. I’ll be mentioning them in upcoming weeks, likely a lot, as we will be doing the Lean Look together. If you want more info, read yesterdays entry. We go live, again, Monday February 9th!
Travels With A Tin Donkey: Sprocketboy is a wealth of knowledge. Not only when it comes to muesli, apparently, but also in aiding me with More On Winter Biking. Our friendly, and chilly, neighbors to the north had an online story about winter biking. Also, it seems as though Toronto (great city!) recently had a winter bike festival! Check at his post for more on this.
Miles And Madness: Judi seems to have the same death wish as I do. Only difference? She seems to think Rollers Are Way More Fun Than The Trainer I, on the other hand, would love to get a trainer. I’ll write more about my trainer experiences soon, but for now go and check out how well Judi is doing. Tear it up sister!
Cozy Beehive: Ron had an awesomely frightening post, I think it might be foresight into what Judi’s legs will be looking like soon. Ron touches base on the key to power: Serious Cycling=Serious Legs, Serious Legs=Serious Power. Man, I have to say, these are some serious legs! I can only hope to have this muscle tone someday.
Two congratulatory notes before I leave you…
Highway Munky: Munky just got the down payment on his first SS/Fixie. Munky says, “Nothing To See, Move Along”, I’d beg to differ. Get over to his blog and check it out.
Fat Cyclist: Too many congratulations to go out here! First off, congrats to Fatty, and his awesome team, who together raise a whopping $106,000, as of February 2nd! That’s about 25% of ALL the Livestrong Challenge money raised. The team is the top team in EVERY city! It’s amazing, and you can see more at HERE. OK, there were also the Winners Announced… for the awesome Gary Fisher Limited Edition Superfly, and Lance signed picture. Congratulations to those winners! Last but not least congratulations to Fatty, who it’s likely will soon live up to his name, for getting a certain hookup! Occasionally A Single Image Tells The Whole Story, and this is one of those stories! Fatty, take it easy man, OK? Congrats to all, and I can’t wait to meet as many fellow Team Fatty Members in Philly as possible!
Well, that’s all I got for now. Gonna go drop some Advil to dope up from the pain of working out today… pushed it a bit hard. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
If you’re reading this and you might like to help by donating to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. My next goal is to have $1250 (50%) of my $2500 goal in by March 31, 2009. Thanks again, and I give you the Weekly Roundup!
This week I’m going to give Bluenoser, and Harp a bit of a break. I’ll be mentioning them in upcoming weeks, likely a lot, as we will be doing the Lean Look together. If you want more info, read yesterdays entry. We go live, again, Monday February 9th!
Travels With A Tin Donkey: Sprocketboy is a wealth of knowledge. Not only when it comes to muesli, apparently, but also in aiding me with More On Winter Biking. Our friendly, and chilly, neighbors to the north had an online story about winter biking. Also, it seems as though Toronto (great city!) recently had a winter bike festival! Check at his post for more on this.
Miles And Madness: Judi seems to have the same death wish as I do. Only difference? She seems to think Rollers Are Way More Fun Than The Trainer I, on the other hand, would love to get a trainer. I’ll write more about my trainer experiences soon, but for now go and check out how well Judi is doing. Tear it up sister!
Cozy Beehive: Ron had an awesomely frightening post, I think it might be foresight into what Judi’s legs will be looking like soon. Ron touches base on the key to power: Serious Cycling=Serious Legs, Serious Legs=Serious Power. Man, I have to say, these are some serious legs! I can only hope to have this muscle tone someday.
Two congratulatory notes before I leave you…
Highway Munky: Munky just got the down payment on his first SS/Fixie. Munky says, “Nothing To See, Move Along”, I’d beg to differ. Get over to his blog and check it out.
Fat Cyclist: Too many congratulations to go out here! First off, congrats to Fatty, and his awesome team, who together raise a whopping $106,000, as of February 2nd! That’s about 25% of ALL the Livestrong Challenge money raised. The team is the top team in EVERY city! It’s amazing, and you can see more at HERE. OK, there were also the Winners Announced… for the awesome Gary Fisher Limited Edition Superfly, and Lance signed picture. Congratulations to those winners! Last but not least congratulations to Fatty, who it’s likely will soon live up to his name, for getting a certain hookup! Occasionally A Single Image Tells The Whole Story, and this is one of those stories! Fatty, take it easy man, OK? Congrats to all, and I can’t wait to meet as many fellow Team Fatty Members in Philly as possible!
Well, that’s all I got for now. Gonna go drop some Advil to dope up from the pain of working out today… pushed it a bit hard. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.
03 February 2009
Snow Problem, And The Lean Look Revamp
I don't feel as though I've complained about Cleveland's weather enough. That or I just haven't got my point across how much snow we have.
What is this? You ask. I'll tell you. Somewhere in that picture is a bicycle. Seriously! You don't believe me? Go on, look harder. Yup, That's a wheel sticking up perfectly straight in the more than a foot of snow that feel in one day last Wednesday. Mental note to me: Get an interview with that crazy Jill chick Up In Alaska. Find out how the hell she does it.
Anyway, it's kept me in quite a bit. I haven't been able to ride outdoors, seriously, in I can't even tell you when. OK, lie... I did New Years Eve. Regardless. I cracked out the rollers, busted up both elbows, my knee, ego, and a door. OK so I didn't fall intot he door, I hit the door but... Anyone know a good anger management treatment? If I keep the rollers, I'm sure to spend thousands on doors. I need to make some crazy cash [legally] so I could just buy the damn fluid trainer. You remember, the one I put off to buy the MTB.
Finally, the Lean Look Challenge is back on... sort of. Bluenoser, and now Harp are both in on it, and it's a go Monday February 9th! So, if you're interested in being in on it go, like, now and getThe Lean Look: Burn Fat, Tone Muscles and Transform Your Body in Twelve Weeks Using the Secrets of Professional Athletes by Paul Goldberg and Matthew Fitzgerald. Damn, I just love how verbose they made that title! As far as my weigh in for this week, let's just say starting from scratch. I'm back to my January 5th stats. The goal this time: Actually try.
What is this? You ask. I'll tell you. Somewhere in that picture is a bicycle. Seriously! You don't believe me? Go on, look harder. Yup, That's a wheel sticking up perfectly straight in the more than a foot of snow that feel in one day last Wednesday. Mental note to me: Get an interview with that crazy Jill chick Up In Alaska. Find out how the hell she does it.Anyway, it's kept me in quite a bit. I haven't been able to ride outdoors, seriously, in I can't even tell you when. OK, lie... I did New Years Eve. Regardless. I cracked out the rollers, busted up both elbows, my knee, ego, and a door. OK so I didn't fall intot he door, I hit the door but... Anyone know a good anger management treatment? If I keep the rollers, I'm sure to spend thousands on doors. I need to make some crazy cash [legally] so I could just buy the damn fluid trainer. You remember, the one I put off to buy the MTB.
Finally, the Lean Look Challenge is back on... sort of. Bluenoser, and now Harp are both in on it, and it's a go Monday February 9th! So, if you're interested in being in on it go, like, now and get
The Lean Look: Burn Fat, Tone Muscles and Transform Your Body in Twelve Weeks Using the Secrets of Professional Athletes by Paul Goldberg and Matthew Fitzgerald. Damn, I just love how verbose they made that title! As far as my weigh in for this week, let's just say starting from scratch. I'm back to my January 5th stats. The goal this time: Actually try.02 February 2009
What Pissed Me Off About The "Game That I Cannot Mention It's Real Name For Fear That NFL & NBC Will Sue The Crap Out Of Me"
First off, Happy Groundhog Day! Let me just start by saying if I don't get my way with this freakin' rodent, I might have to find, kill and eat him! That's right, I want spring! I'm ready to ride. Hell with this "six more weeks of winter" crap! Yeah, you guessed it! I'm fired up! Why? I'll tell you...
Wow, where on earth can I even start today. I guess I've kinda stuck myself with commenting on what I hated about the "Game That I Cannot Mention It's Real Name For Fear That NFL & NBC Will Sue The Crap Out Of Me", aren't I? Ehh, OK. I have so much to work wit if I go in that direction anyway. The first thing, I guess, could be considered what pissed me off about the "Game That I Cannot Mention It's Real Name For Fear That NFL & NBC Will Sue The Crap Out Of Me" pregame. You see, one of the high points of my youth was listening to Steve Perry and Journey. Well, it's dead! Yeah, Steve is gone and so is Randy "Yo Dawg!" Jackson. As a matter of fact, the ONLY two original members are Neal Schon, and Ross Valory! I hardly call it Journey. For God's sake, the new guy is some dude who doesn't even sound remotely like Perry. At least Steve Augeri sounded kind of like Perry while he was in the group!
OK, secondly, and I might be outing myself here a bit but..., Keith Olbermann?! Seriously?! I'm throwing a WTF card on him! What could Olbermann, the douche bag, bring to the table in a sporting event? To be fair, Olbermann annoys me as Limbaugh. There I said it! WHAT!? Seriously, I realize it's NBC, but what could the guy possibly bring to the table?
Half time, well, kinda. What was the final call of the half. Am I seriously the only person who saw that as a down for Pittsburgh? I mean, his knee was down at the one! Mind you, it's almost a moot point, but it's the difference between 10-7 and 17-7.
The commercials. Ugh, where to start with the commercials. People paid upwards of $3 Mil for this crap! Seriously! (God I hope Roy had nothing to do with any of the commercials I hated.) Dare I say that the highlight may have been the Doritos commercial. He threw the crystal ball through the vending machine, then the guy hit his boss in the hoo-ha with it! Wow... that was my hi-light? Ugh. Am I the only one who was left thinking: We have the most craziest nuts debt (or something similarly incoherent) that we've ever had, and these d-bag advertisers are paying what?! How much are these idiots being paid to play tonight? What did these people pay for tickets? Houston, we have [more than] a [few] problem[s].
An old friend of my wife pointed out, what I noticed, in a wicked funny way. "There are more flags in this game than at the united nations!" Couldn't have said it better myself. Admittedly, this might have been the highlight of the game for me. If not that, the safety called at 2:58. "The [aforementioned] Game XXV" was the last time a safety was called in the... you know. But back to the flags, they were a bit one sided against Phoenix.
All in all I was left less than blown away by the Supe... Er, "Game That I Cannot Mention It's Real Name For Fear That NFL & NBC Will Sue The Crap Out Of Me". HA! NFL & NBC, you thought you had me, huh? Not this guy! This guy is too smart or you. Bottom line is my boys, Phoenix, put on a hell of a game, and I still hate Pittsburgh. I think there's a lot to be said for Phoenix. A team that was the red headed step kid of the game. The underdog who, by everyone's best estimates, had no shot in hell of even getting there made me proud!
Hope you enjoyed the game as much as I did.
Wow, where on earth can I even start today. I guess I've kinda stuck myself with commenting on what I hated about the "Game That I Cannot Mention It's Real Name For Fear That NFL & NBC Will Sue The Crap Out Of Me", aren't I? Ehh, OK. I have so much to work wit if I go in that direction anyway. The first thing, I guess, could be considered what pissed me off about the "Game That I Cannot Mention It's Real Name For Fear That NFL & NBC Will Sue The Crap Out Of Me" pregame. You see, one of the high points of my youth was listening to Steve Perry and Journey. Well, it's dead! Yeah, Steve is gone and so is Randy "Yo Dawg!" Jackson. As a matter of fact, the ONLY two original members are Neal Schon, and Ross Valory! I hardly call it Journey. For God's sake, the new guy is some dude who doesn't even sound remotely like Perry. At least Steve Augeri sounded kind of like Perry while he was in the group!
OK, secondly, and I might be outing myself here a bit but..., Keith Olbermann?! Seriously?! I'm throwing a WTF card on him! What could Olbermann, the douche bag, bring to the table in a sporting event? To be fair, Olbermann annoys me as Limbaugh. There I said it! WHAT!? Seriously, I realize it's NBC, but what could the guy possibly bring to the table?
Half time, well, kinda. What was the final call of the half. Am I seriously the only person who saw that as a down for Pittsburgh? I mean, his knee was down at the one! Mind you, it's almost a moot point, but it's the difference between 10-7 and 17-7.
The commercials. Ugh, where to start with the commercials. People paid upwards of $3 Mil for this crap! Seriously! (God I hope Roy had nothing to do with any of the commercials I hated.) Dare I say that the highlight may have been the Doritos commercial. He threw the crystal ball through the vending machine, then the guy hit his boss in the hoo-ha with it! Wow... that was my hi-light? Ugh. Am I the only one who was left thinking: We have the most craziest nuts debt (or something similarly incoherent) that we've ever had, and these d-bag advertisers are paying what?! How much are these idiots being paid to play tonight? What did these people pay for tickets? Houston, we have [more than] a [few] problem[s].
An old friend of my wife pointed out, what I noticed, in a wicked funny way. "There are more flags in this game than at the united nations!" Couldn't have said it better myself. Admittedly, this might have been the highlight of the game for me. If not that, the safety called at 2:58. "The [aforementioned] Game XXV" was the last time a safety was called in the... you know. But back to the flags, they were a bit one sided against Phoenix.
All in all I was left less than blown away by the Supe... Er, "Game That I Cannot Mention It's Real Name For Fear That NFL & NBC Will Sue The Crap Out Of Me". HA! NFL & NBC, you thought you had me, huh? Not this guy! This guy is too smart or you. Bottom line is my boys, Phoenix, put on a hell of a game, and I still hate Pittsburgh. I think there's a lot to be said for Phoenix. A team that was the red headed step kid of the game. The underdog who, by everyone's best estimates, had no shot in hell of even getting there made me proud!
Hope you enjoyed the game as much as I did.
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