Call it a season?

Well it looks like the season is probably done for me. Broke 4-5 spokes - AGAIN! - on Gary on Saturday morning. I wonder why I keep doing that? Is it time for new wheels? New ride? Not sure the solution on this one, but I know I don't feel like going and getting it re-laced anymore this season. Got the Cougar (Trek) down for anymore ride-able days this year, but it looks like the weather going to hell in hand basket real quick this week. Maybe time to reflect on the season I've had, and set some new goals for next season. More to come. Happy Thanksgiving to all my US readers.

Kippis,

Craigers

Hello? - Oh, you're still here.

Hello everyone. I apologize for my extreme lack of posting and interaction the last couple months. My training worked it's way into a dominate roll in my life, and I fear that I've neglected a few other aspects. I come bearing good & bad news (although the good far out weighs the bad).

Let's start with the bad. I will not be competing in the Kettleman. Major reason - lack of funding. The cost was just too prohibitive at this time.

Now the good. Completed the 2010 Earthride. 71.11 miles in 5 hours & 14 seconds. My longest ride to date. This ride also put me over my riding goal of 1000 miles this season (as you can see from the ticker to your right). The old "cougar" of a bike that I ride (the '84 Trek) held up beautifully and I even got a compliment on it as being a classic. Just the one picture this year courtesy of the Big Cat, as I decided to focus more on my ride and less on other things this year. That's the Cat's ride in front of me, with the "Cougar" behind me.

On the weight front, all this training has dropped me to a svelte 225 lbs (pretty good for a 6'-4" frame that was 305 lbs 3 years ago). Training will consist of more running for a while now to get me in a little better running shape for the Turkey Trot 5 mile run coming up on Thanksgiving Day. That will be my first running event.

That's all for now. I hope everyone is still doing well.

Kippis,

Craigers

Goal #1 - Achieved

I told myself at the beginning of the year that I was going to run at lease 100 miles. As of today, I cracked that mileage and achieved that goal. Feels good. Now 2 mileage goals left for 2010. We'll see if I can crack them. Sorry I haven't posted much lately, but summer is such a busy time with work and family fun and nice long runs and rides. Gotta take advantage of these days. I still need to get pics of Roadie up. Later.

Craigers

Gary Comes Unlaced

So Gary and I are out riding yesterday morning when I hear a "POP". I wasn't a pop like I just rode over something I shouldn't have, it was different. I look between my legs to see the left arm of the v-brake kick out to the side every second or so. I also notice my wheel is wobbling like a drunk trying to leave the bar. I rode home.

Upon further review, three or four spokes were undone from the hub. I proceeded to take the wheel down the my LBS, where it is currently under going a "re-lacing". I'm also having them throw a new tire on right away seeing the current one was suffering from MTB tire pattern baldness.

On the bright side, this meant I got to take the new-old Trek 400 series out for it's inaugural "spin" (we'll just refer to it as Roadie from now on). Amazing how much difference a road bike makes in average and max speeds. At least I know that the $50.00 I spent on this beauty was worth it. I'll need to tweak a few things, probably put a different saddle on, and possibly upgrade a few components. I'll look to you, my loyal readers, (this pretty much means you Marla) for advice in this aspect.

Gary should be back to normal by tomorrow afternoon.

Opinions and Comment welcome - Please

So I'm probably going to be buying my first road bike in 20 years. I've got a great line on a late '80's Trek 400 series (dirt cheap I might add). Anyone out there have any thoughts on this bike? I've heard pretty good things about it. Please add any comments you may have about this particular ride. Thanks everybody.