Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Whoa!!

$2.15

Want me to bring some home for you?

Saturday, September 23, 2006

What a Day

I went out for an easy ride with a friend who hasn't been riding much lately. We were going to meet on Canada and do the loop. I called him when I got out there but his phone was off. I didn't see him but something was going on in Woodside. Some kind of bike thing. then I saw the Delivery Man with


a bunch of the Palo Alto Chicks. They were headed out Canada as was I. Then they invited me to join them on The Tour for Woodside.

How far? 55 or 100 miles

OK, to the coast? Yes

Count me in!

We cut out a short loop on 1 but because we rode to the ride we still got in 95 miles and 8000' of climbing. And, we went slow...17.5 mph. It was a beautiful day and a great ride.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Lil' Bush

Nuked



Evolution




We did good!

Sit,
heel,
come,
sit,
stand,
down,
sit,
watch,
sit,
come,
heel...

We did great at our first lesson.

Instructor said Phanny was a little
thin though and we should feed her
a different food or maybe a fourth
meal. So, she will be putting on
some weight just like her dad in the
next couple months.





The rest of the class also did well,
except for the pups that got sent
to the big kids class because they
needed some "extra" attention.

I'll try to get some better pictures
next time. Unfortunately the class
starts as it is getting dark and I don't
think flashing everyone would be a
good idea.

Riding 4 Fun

Wow, what a concept!

Went with a couple friends Saturday. City, x GGB, up to Pt. Reyes, 1 back to city. A good 80 miles in 5 hours with 4400' of climbing. No goal other than to enjoy a ride and we couldn't have picked a better route or day. 58 at the start 76 at the finish. Not a cloud in the sky. No wind. Climbed hard cause it felt good, climbed slow and it felt great, worked hard sometimes because it felt good, did a little flat hammerfest because it felt good, cruised, drafted, chatted, enjoyed the sights. We just rode!

Joined the PV ride Sunday. Started out as a the perfect post season easy ride. But, KK couldn't let it be, and then Roger and I couldn't let him go. One thing led to another and we had a small group of dumbasses hammering. What were we thinking? It felt good? Yeah...it did.

Riding is just fun and some friendly competition is great.

I can't wait to get my cross on! Just 4 Fun!

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Better?


Is this what pillows are for?


Thursday, September 14, 2006

Leg Pain

leg pain can be due to a muscle cramp (also called a charley horse). Common causes of cramps include:

  • Muscle fatigue or strain from overuse, too much exercise, or holding a muscle in the same position for a long time
  • Dehydration or low amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood
  • Running for the first time in 12 months in preparation for your first season of cyclocross
  • Medications such as:
    • Diuretics, which can cause you to lose too much fluid or minerals
    • Statins, which lower cholesterol

Art, Marine Style




Isn't there something about Muslims gazing upon naked women?

34#

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Ooh La La


Dial up my number now
Weaving it through the wire
Switch me on
Turn me up
Don't want it Baudelaire
Just glitter lust
Switch me on
Turn me up
I want to touch you
You're just made for love


I need la la la la la la
I need ooh la la la la
I need la la la la la la
I need ooh la la la la

Coils up and round me
Teasing your poetry
Switch me on
Turn me up
Oh child of venus
You're just made for love

I need la la la la la la
I need ooh la la la la
I need la la la la la la
I need ooh la la la la.

You know I walk for days
I wanna waste some time
You wanna be so mean
You know I love to watch
I wanna love some more
It'll never be the same
A broken heel like a heart
I'll never walk again

no!

I need la la la la pa pa
I need ooh la la la la
I need la la la la la la
I need ooh la la la la

by Goldfrapp

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Economy Class

You've got to be freakin' kidding me!

So, I'm trying to get a little work done on the flight and the woman in front of me immediately slams her seat back into my lap totally violating my space!

I let out a groan load enough for her man friend to hear and he apologizes but she doesn't adjust back up even the slightest bit.

I try to read but can't concentrate.

Food comes around and I buy, that's right buy, a salad. But, I can't get my mouth over the plastic container to eat it and pieces keep falling in my lap. So, I pick it up and put it under my chin and ever so gracefully shovel it into my mouth. Good thing I got a shot glass full of water to wash it down with though. But hey, I'll just break out my litre of water, the one I always have, oh yeah, no liquids are to be brought on the plane.

I can't concentrate so my book is no good and the table is useless for doing a crossword puzzle.

I'll watch the cartoon Wild, it looks cute. But, the bobblehead in front of me can't seem to hold still. Oh, she lost something. Could be the reading glasses she dropped about half an hour ago. I tried to pick them up but couldn't reach because her seat prevented me from leaning far enough forward. Finally I offer up help, provided she move her seat. She does, and actually leaves it forward for about half an hour.

Ahhhhhh, space.

I curl up against the window and put the iPod on,


my world, stay out....wait, can I get another shot of water?

Still Learning

Phanny has got the whole sleeping in the comfy chair thing down.


She just hasn't figured out what pillows are for yet!

We went to puppy class orientation last night.
Phanny starts next Monday!

Sanctuaire

You want to get away?














This is it. I thought I booked a weekend in a rental on the Russian River. I thought it would be in Guerneville and an easy hour down to San Rafael for the race Saturday.














It was an hour from 101!

Less than 20 miles west of G'ville but on ever shrinking roads. But, it was great.

A secluded two bedroom with great views, a wonderful setting,















room for the dogs to play,

a hot tub, and lots of decks to sit, sun, drink wine, eat dinner, or just veg!

Friday, September 08, 2006

Frankenbike's little Sister

Meet Francis...Frankenbike's little sister.

Since Frank's skeleton was no longer functional I extracted all his usable organs and created Francis. She is younger, lighter, more nimble, and significantly better looking. Which, of course, makes her much more fun to mount. Now we'll just have to see how she performs under pressure.

San Rafael here we come.

Oh, and many, many, many thanks to Gebhard at Cyclepath and Cannondale for providing the customer service that will keep me loyal to both. Yes the bike was crashed and yes Cannondale had no responsibility to do anything to help me get back riding, but they helped out big time because it was the right thing to do and it helped out a cycling enthusiast.

Now I have to go wipe the tear from my eye.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Nature is Cool

Pictures from my backyard.





Sneaky and Cheeky

In case you didn't know it was a big weekend for the MIB, both good and bad.

Da Boss and Taz were in V'mont. They started the rash of problems. Da Boss's bike was crushed by the airlines and he had to go shopping the day before the race to get another and couldn't find the same cherry set-up. But Taz won the prologue and was in yellow.

Then the Delivery Man could not deliver on Saturday. He just had one of those days were it doesn't work out no matter how hard you try. He was out of contention for the Cal Cup. Taz gave up the yellow but was still in contention.

Sunday, Taz broke a spoke while contending for the Yellow.

Tough break.

So on Monday, at the Giro de San Francisco, the remaining MIB felt a little redemption was in order. We had nothing to race for other than the win. My out-laws were there and before the race told one of the guys they saw an all black podium in our future.

We're not greedy...we just want the win. But, they have always been good luck for me so maybe it was my day to get off the front and pull a rabbit out of the hat.

An early break went but got reeled back in. I got off with two others including Giganticus. We worked to get a gap but I didn't think it would stick, we just weren't getting up the hill fast enough, then we weren't working well at all. Slowly ones and twos joined, breaks from the break, I covered, and then we were caught.

About 12 to go the hill was starting to make selections. Down the back, the front of the group slowed and several of us were moving up the right. Spiney and Mad Max were bumping right in front of me, shit this is bad, nope they're leaning in, OK, going to stay up, then I'm on the ground and I hit hard. Mad Max stays up but comes back to check on me...that is how hard I went down...Spine is down, Bubba and Nolan are down. Tiny Spiney takes down three of the biggest guys in the race, Nolan is the only one to get back in.

My seat stay is bent (CAAD5...pictures later today) and helmet is in pieces (maybe that explains the neck pain yesterday), I have a little road rash but nothing broken, I get out of the street. Everyone gets up but Bubba.

Has anyone heard if he is OK?

Great, more bad luck, Mad and I are out. But Delivery, PAB, DeanO, Tofu, and MoneyMan are still in. Disco Geezers are pushing it. Stanley Morgan is working for Billy the Kid. It is getting fast near the end and things are lining up. Bell lap. Around the corner, black, black, white, black, blob.

And crossing the line...
it's ALL BLACK!
A MIB podium sweep.

PAB, DeanO and MiMa do the P/1/2 race.

One lap in XB and I are on the top of the course and hear a bang, tire blew, "two riders down" says the announcer, "One is Safeway and he was on the podium earlier", shit!

He gets up, changes wheels, and gets back in.

He gets cheeky with the pros for another dozen laps but it just isn't going to happen.

Later, after another bad crash and a restart, MiMa is also taken down. He is also OK.

Lots of "accidents", none of us seriously hurt, a podium sweep...oh, and Taz out foxed the sprinters to steal the GREEN jersey in the Green Mountain Stage Race!

She's Small

I talked to the breeder last night.

Two of her brothers weigh 42 and 39 pounds!

I think my Phanny only weighs about 30.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Uhhh....sorry 'bout that

So I'm out riding around "recovering" today and it is noon ride time.

I jump in. Corte Madera route. Never done it.

Big group. Some Webbies, a Disco Geezer, the Hipster, PVs, Maxim, lots of strong guys. Disco gets off the front with a half Webbie. Nobody interested in chasing so I go to the front and try to pull them back. I'm making some headway and get some help but cars keep pulling out in front of us on Tripp and slowing us down. The Webbie gets dropped and I think Disco actually waits for us at the top of Olive Hill. Up guardrail hill then the unknown turn and surprise it is onto Corte Madera Rd.

Starts out with a little climb, then up a little more (I have no idea what to expect so just try to keep pace with the leaders, it was much easier after someone told me my rear brake was rubbing...duhhh) then it gets flat, the hill that is. But, then it goes up again. Finally I feel an acceleration and guys are slaying themselves so I figure this must be the top. Not many went over with us but there were a couple Anons, Webbies, LeMen and Disco. Back down to Portola and regroup at Alpine. Junipero Serra to the sprint short of Page Mill.

I am about 6th in line behind Half Webbie, Porcupine, Disco, Anon, full Webbie. The pace is good but not that high. I see a couple signs as we approach PM. I can't remember where the sprint ends. But, I figure I can make it from here or at least die trying. I start an acceleration and get out in the wind up the right, since we are riding the line, and there is a big bike lane, not too windy, going harder. I am easily overtaking the leaders so I stand and go for it. Just as I do this I am abeam Disco and he pulls out of line hard and takes me all the way to the gravel.


I brake hard and yell,
whooah,
easy,
what the hell....
blah, blah, blah.

He goes for a little
then sits up and
yells something
about his wheel.
He waits for me at the light.

He asks "Hey what's up, you OK"

"Yeah, you just pulled out fast and almost pushed me into the gravel, you didn't even look"

"I didn't see you"

"I hope not, I know you were just trying to get away from the line to keep someone from getting on your wheel"

Apology from me, apology from him a hand shake and a friendly...

"I'm Dylan"

"Hi, I'm Kyle. You're Dylan Casey?"

"Yeah"

We chatted for a while, turned back north together and chatted some more. Man I felt like the stupid group ride whiner. I let the emotion of the moment get to me. He was in front and it was my responsibility to get by him without a collision.

Of course he didn't curb me intentionally.

But it is really cool that I got to ride with a Postie!

Sorry.

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Phanny = bigger every day


Art?

The Sausalito Art Show was great and we were good consumers today.

Painted by Mi Young Lee

We got a couple small things as well but you will have to come visit to see them ;)

Inlaws, routers, racing, Safeway in Yellow!

It's day 4 and there was no escape. The first day everyone is tired so sitting around napping and relaxing is encouraged. Day two I mentioned needing some advice on pruning hedges. Four hours later I had a backyard stacked with clippings 4 feet high, 6 feet deep, and 50 feet long. I'm not kidding...I'll take a picture to prove it as soon as I find my camera. Day 3 they had errands and I had a bike with my name all over it. My one hour recovery ride turned into almost a 4 hour sanity ride. But, today there was no escape. Things had to be done. Can we come along?

Uh, yeah of course, I would love the company. And so I was trapped driving, dining, shopping, gallerying, picking up, picking out, etc. Lunch at Max's and a quick trip to the bookstore. Off to some hair salon to pick up some gunk that Mom forgot. A gallery, Peet's, a yarn shop, and Apple store in B-game (they didn't have the router but Standford did). A quick trip to Cyclepath, I left the rents in the car. Popped into Piazza's. Then home to walk and water Phanny.

Off again, to the south this time.I got a great looking hunk of Fred's Sirloin from Schaub's (that's for dinner tomorrow, tonight we had southern fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy), picked up the router, and some chocolate from Swissland. Then an unplanned, but much needed, stop to pick up a mixed case of wine from my favorite shop K&L (we drank the Blason "Vencjar" from Italy tonight:

Giovanni Blason's "Top" wines are two proprietarily named wines "Venc" and "Vencjar"; Vencjar is dialect for the local wild willow plant, whose willowy branches are used to hand tie the vine's fruiting canes. Both of these wines come from a tiny 3.7-acre vineyard planted in 1950. This is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in equal parts that is layered with spicy red fruits, walnut, leather and whose sweet fine grain tannins come together in a supple, richly textured finish.
Gary recommends it and so do I.

Then a trip to the best grocery store in the world (shameless sponsor plug) But I really did shop there.

Tomorrow it is off to an art festival.

I'm just kidding around. My in-laws are great, but I am looking forward to a bike ride tomorrow! Too bad it is going to have to be short and easy and really early in the morning.

Speaking of bike ride. Is anybody watching, reading, listening?
Stage 6: The Team Classification is headed by Discovery Channel, which not only showed its strength on the ascent of La Covatilla, but also demonstrated that it has riders with options for General Classification: Brajkovic, Danielson and Beltrán.

Stage 7: Discovery Channel Team Manager, Johan Bruyneel, expressed his satisfaction at having taken over the race leadership with Janez Brajkovic: “This jersey is very important for us and, sincerely, we are also a little surprised. Brajkovic is offering us glimpses of a great champion. I have only seen details such as those we have seen today on El Morredero when watching the very best riders. I think that our rider is the future of cycling. I thought that riders such as Vinokourov and Valverde would have stood out more on a difficult finish such as we have seen today, but Brajkovic keeps offering us new surprises each day. We can only enjoy the performances he is offering”.


Oh yeah, and Dan Martin is wearing yellow in Vermont after winning the prologue!