Sir Bradley Wiggins, yep he did it

Red and Blue Lines

'One was bigger than my waist!'

'One was bigger than my waist!'
Dailymail.co.uk
Mark Duell
2013-01-06
Link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2258143/Presenter-Sian-Welby-left-stunned-measuring-cyclist-Robert-F-rstemanns-freaky-28-inch-thighs.html

"His thunderous thighs shocked the world during the London 2012 Olympics - and they’re back again.

German cyclist Robert Förstemann left ITV presenter Sian Welby speechless in Manchester when she used a tape measure to find the circumference of one of his thighs was a whopping 28 inches.

They met at the National Cycling Centre last night for round three of the Revolution Series cycling event - and Ms Welby found one of his thighs was bigger than her waist by an inch."

Click to continue reading ...

Beach Ride - Fixed

Michael and I rode to the beach from Diamond Bar.  It was a great ride.  Its been a while since Michael and I have ridden together, so the beach ride was perfect.  Perfect because we were looking for a long ride where we could just "spin" and catch up on family lives, etc.

As usual I (we) was pressed for time so we were on the road by 6 am.  We held a moderate pace, nothing to hard. There was a lot of moisture in the air, and it only got wetter as we dropped into Newport Beach.

We stopped in Newport for about 10 minutes to eat our snacks and use the restrooms.  Is it me or is there some unspoken rule that all beach bathrooms must be disgustingly dirty and gross?

The ride back wasn't too bad.  We had a mild tailwind to gently push up SART and early on we drafted behind two others until Kraemer Blvd.

Once off SART, and on the roads, fatigue started setting in.  The beach ride will do this to you and there is no time off while riding fixed.

We continued on and I held my impending leg cramps at bay as we entered Brea Canyon.  Michael, whether it was intentional or not, started to pick up the pace and we were slowly creeping from 16 mph to 19 mph and beyond before I dropped off the back.

He slowed down and I caught up just before Diamond Bar Blvd.  From there we finished up our ride and made our way back to the cars. 

More Surly Steamroller, Less Cowbell

I had hoped to race the Surly Steamroller today.  I converted it to a single speed cyclocross bike for Santa Cross at Griffith Park.  Unfortunately the kids are sick so no racing.

A few specs:

Surly Steamroller 54cm custom painted Kawasaki Green
Paul Cranks 165 mm 46 teeth
Thompson Stem and Seatpost
Cane Creek 110 Headset
Tektro 538 Brakes
Cane Creek SCR 5C Lever
Kenda K161 Tires
Bontrager Drop Bars
IRO Hubs laced up to Deep Vs
ACS 19 teeth Freewheel
Soma Saddle
Shimano M540 pedals

The Sprint

In addition to this great photo, I found this article and video regarding the Sprint.  Check it out...

MOUNTAIN FIXED: Mt. Wilson, Mt. Baldy and Mt. Palomar

It's been at least a little while since I first hopped on my track bike.  Ahhh, the beauty and simplicity, art and function, my track bike is easily becoming my GO TO Bike.

I started out riding it on my rollers in the garage, logging countless hours while listening to classic rock or Fox News in the early mornings and late evenings.  Then one day I decided to take it out on the road, Glendora Mountain Road.

I had no expectations, I just wanted to get to Sierra Madre and Glendora Mountain Road.  I did, and I kept going.  Then I made it to the gate and I kept going.  That day I made it to the maintenance shed.  I was thoroughly impressed with myself and after some time I finally made it to Mt. Baldy. 

I've been to Mt. Baldy numerous times on my track bike and I've made a few fixie friends along the way.  I have a new goal and would like to see if anyone else is interested.  I want to ride back to back to back, Mt. Wilson, then Mt. Baldy and finally finish off with Mt. Palomar.  Three mountains one track bike.

Any Takers?

Who: Anyone with a Track Bike
What: Track Bikes, Fixed Gear Only!  Brakes Highly Recommended
When: TBD, but my goal is three consecutive Saturdays
Where: Mt. Wilson, Mt. Baldy and Mt. Palomar
Why: Why Not?
How: With great effort and determination (Maybe a little craziness too)

So who is interested.  Email me at bicyclefriends@gmail.com

USA Cycling National Championships - and Fixie Show

USA Cycling National Championships Elite Track Cycling in Carson, CA.
From Sept 27 thru 30, 2012.
Come down for nonstop track racing action and the future Olympian search.  BBQ and Beer!

 FIXIE SHOW - Saturday Sept. 22, 2012 at 5 pm LAVRA is presenting an amazing opportunity for Fixie and Track Bikes to be shown at the VELO Sports Center.  Plus there will be live fierce track racing action along with a DJ and a foodie truck

Follow Link For More Information

British Cycling

Cool Picture, More Here ...

Home Depot Center USA VS Canada Black Out!

Tuesday night Michael and I headed to the Home Depot Center for some serious track racing.  I have to say, I was pretty excited as this would be my first experience at the Velodrome.

When we arrived at the Home Depot Center, and finally found parking, I noticed it was unusually dark as we made our way into the complex.  We entered the velodrome and noticed the lights were dim, but hey we were late and maybe the opening ceremony was going on! Not the case, the power went out and the emergency lights were running.

We hung out for about 10 to 15 minutes.  I snapped a few photos and was at awe by the steep banks of the velodrome. The LA Velodrome is 250 meter with a maximum inclination is 45 degrees.

The racers too seemed much larger than the typical road racers I am accustom to seeing.  They were tall with ginormous torsos, legs, arms and, well, everything else. These are the gladiators slash warrior class of the cycling world.

BLACKOUT!  I was either admiring the racers or snapping pictures or something else, I don't remember, when all the lights went out!  The velodrome was pitch black. Instantly there was a murmur of voices and the darkness was speckled with the light from cell phones and flashlights. Mike and I sat in the darkness for about 10 minutes before they were able to get the emergency lights on again.

Once the lights came on, I realized I was hungry. Mike and I were heading to the cafeteria when someone got on the PA system and announced they were having trouble keeping the lights on.  The announcer said they would try to get the lights on in the next 20 minutes but if they can't the races would be canceled.   To keep us spectators happy, they also said head to the cafeteria, and get a FREE Drink and Burger!  Mike and I were 3/4ths of the way there when they announced the FREE Drink and Burger part!  We looked at each other and then to the mass of spectators making they way in our direction.  Haha, talk about great timing we ended up first in line for the free food!

While we ate there was an exhibition track stand contest and after a few racers sprinted around the velodrome.  Two racers played cat and mouse, sprinting up and down the track.  They traded off positions and worked on their passing and blocking.  I was amazed how fast they moved around the track.

In the end, the races were canceled but despite this, it was an adventure.  I enjoyed what little I saw, and am definitely coming back in January.

That's Got to Hurt: UCI WC 2009 Sprint Semi Final

Track racing can be dangerous! Sireau goes down, Bauge recovers.