To the ocean and beyond...

The county, not the beach. I got my bike repaired today. Bought a new derailleur (Deore LX this time around), but upon installation noticed that my hanger/drop out was bent. SO this is how the derailleur got stuck in the back wheel. Anyway a quick $15 hook up with the bicycle magician and she's ridin' like new. And what's even better? Her sound. No longer ratchety clank just the quiet sound of tires humming whispering those sexy secrets into my ears.

Did a nice trek out to New Egypt and back as the sun was starting to set. I wish I could have pushed her a bit further but no need to be stranded in the dark. It felt good though. It's been too long since I've ridden off the trainer (using old MTB on trainer while the Volpe was out of commission). As I've said before... awesome riding so far without having to stop. I think I passed through two lights the entire journey?

Also have a lot of progress in my road bike research. This weekend I went to Bernie's in Hamilton, Jay's in Princeton, and Knapp's in Trenton... in that order. If you look at a map you'll realize how ridiculous that is. Especially when my point of origin was East Windsor. I began with the Orbea Onix. It was a no-go. Felt okay at the shop, rode it for a while, but no. Staff was awesome though. Went through a lot of trouble to get me fitted as best as they could for a test ride. Even measured my shoulders. This was all good until I sat down on a Madone 4.5. Wowee. Although I have to say Jay's did not really go through much effort to give me an accurate judgement. They didn't even raise the seat for me, so I felt like I was on a tricycle. But the feel of the bike was already 100000% better than that of the Onix. So Onix crossed off my list. Talked to a kid there and said I should try lots of different frame styles. Directed me to Knapps. I battled the fierce memories of last week's race (sponsored by this very store) and made it to the parking lot. Went inside and test rode the Specialized Tarmac. By far the nicest bike I've ridden. It felt amazing. I liked the feel much better than the Madone. It just felt right. So I talked and mingled some, then left to get back home.

Right now, Tarmac wins. At $2,200 MSRP, it's right in my budget. I decided to move up to entry level carbon instead of upper level aluminum. If I don't drop the extra couple hundred bucks I'll hate myself in a couple of years when I'm actually ready for such a bike. So it's an investment.

Weather looks to be shitty this week, so will put old tire on the Volpe and throw her on the trainer. Decided not to do the last cross race next Sunday. Bike is running so smooth, feeling pretty good, will just save money and energy for next year's road races. I didn't want to end on a bad note, but if I were to have another malfunction this race I'd die.

Godspeed.

DNF is an awful way to spell defeat or the story of my derailed derailleur

Tolerating all the pain and anguish that goes into a cyclocross race only to come out with a DNF next to your name is well... more painful than the race itself. I was doing great the entire race, well within my goals I set. Legs were jellied from all the running and inefficient mud cadence, but still I pushed through. Out of breath, heart pounding, and bike gives up on me. I'm not sure exactly how (know it has something to do with the several pounds of grass and mud caked on my bike) but my rear derailleur found itself wedged between my spokes making my bike immobile.

I couldn't even run it or anything, I had to shoulder it and was still a ways from the finish line so swallowed my pride and took a DNF. This happened on the second half of the last lap, and in retrospect, I should have just walked it. I would have given up the place I fought so hard to attain but at least I wouldn't have this overwhelming feeling of letting myself down.

Now I have to wait on new parts (Shimano LX this time, no more road derailleur for me) before I can race again. I'll hook up the old MTB to the trainer to make sure I still maintain some physique and hopefully on November 28th I'll be able to finish the season on a better note. Some spokes were also bent, but my wheel is actually perfectly trued. It's kind of funny because last night it wasn't. So at least something good came of this jam.

Still looking at lots of bikes. Going to try to ride a Trek 2.3 this weekend, as well as an entry level Madone, and see how they measure up to the Cannondale and TCR I was looking at. May go with the Alliance 0 instead of 1 because unsure how I feel about a compact crank for road. I'll get some opinions...

upcoming Mercer Cup USGP....

Moving in with parents for a bit to save some money has already paid off. With no rent cloud constantly hovering over my head, I was able to get myself a Kinetic Road Machine trainer. I opted for the extra package with computer/accessories (who doesn't love discounted accessories?) to fine tune my work outs. Furthermore, father invested in a heart monitor that he no longer uses so am able to plan crazy exercise regiments, and intervals are so much more effective. Although I don't have any device to measure my power output, I've been using MPHs to judge the sum of my efforts. And finally I'm able to measure my cadence. I always assumed I was in the 80's but it turns out I find myself most comfortable/effective/efficient pedaling in the 90's.

Also began looking at road bikes, for real this time. Have a TCR Alliance 1 on hold for me at one shop, and hoping to check out a few others to get a feel for the perfect road monster. That's something I'm incredibly excited about... my first season doing road.

ANYWAY wanted to pre-ride Mercer today for USGP but canceled on account of the weather (as well as the number presentation). But that's okay, I'll still get my fix in tomorrow after work. Living only 5 miles from the course is very convenient for a weekend of races. While tomorrow should be rainy and crazy cross weather, Sunday will clear up (although still be undoubtedly muddy) so excited to see the two sides of cross in one event. Been training a lot and hard so hope to yield better results than the past couple of races. Going to make myself come in top 50%, and hoping to break into top 30%. Did a work out today, but tomorrow will take it very easy and hopefully legs will be feeling as they should... powerful. Well till the Mercer Cup..... . ... . . ..

so long Philly

And so I am gone from Philadelphia. Emptied out my room, set up a bunch of equipment in the free space and spent some time working on the track in progress. Drank some brews with close friends, and my arm is still sore from

Went on a ride through East Windsor/West Windsor today and found it extraordinarily nice to not have a series of red lights to deal with before I can get a workout in. Strange living at home again, but it did seem inevitable. At least I've got a job and hobbies this time around. Race Sunday. Probably last one for the season. Been training hard, expect to do better than the past few....