"Why are you always broke?"

Mr. Bianchi Axis is the latest addition to my money pit of a hobby. I recently won him on eBay, and plan to build him up to be the ultimate cross bike. Right now... looking for awesome deals on a FSA Gossamer Cranks. Also stalking this relatively inexpensive FSA Energy... Maybe the price will stay low.

Next steps? 105 rear derailleur, a 105 cassette, and then a custom wheel build. For the wheel.... not sure yet but if I can't find anything already built second hand from some crossers, I will do something like a Mavic Reflex rims, DA or DT 240 hubs, and spokes are still up in the air. But the wheels won't happen till right before cross season since I don't have that kind of money right now. All the other components will be coming from my Volpe, till I can afford to upgrade them.

Well Mr. Axis is the newest addition to my family, and I hope he's happy. I can't wait till I bring my monster to life and test the man out. First the drivetrain, then wheels, and finally a beating heart.

Is Floyd Landis poisoning my water?

I'm sure anybody who watches or listens to any kind of sports commentary has heard about the issue with Floyd Landis. I've come down with some mysterious illness (sent me home from work today so you know it's serious), and I have not ruled out Floyd Landis as a cause.

Just conjecture, but he may have read my blog and caught the bit about my not-too-awful performance at the Tour of Colts Neck. While I'm still low in the categories, he assessed my threat and didn't want me to challenge his already challenged career.

Ever since then, he may (or may not have) been micro-dosing my water with some poison until he accidently slipped up. A little too strong and now I am noticeably sick. I haven't heard anything from the press but his lack of respect for fellow cyclists doesn't put this kind of behavior past him.

Certainly nobody will be donating to his "I Didn't Try to Poison Arthur" foundation this time around.

Sagan!

Really happy for Sagan. Seeing a 20 year old cyclist win 2 consecutive stages in the Tour of California is somehow both disheartening and inspiring... I'm starting to feel old. He ranks 3rd on the GC right now and I hope he wins this tour.

Giro has also had some crazy stages recently. Been waking up at 9 every morning to catch Universal Sport's live broadcast, then reading the VeloNews streaming text updates for the ToC. Healthy diet of cycling and work.

Oh, and how about me? I'm doing just fine. My condition is definitely improving without weening for races every Sunday. Hoping to have a solid NJ State Road Race in June. Seeing riders like Sagan winning stages inspires me to push a little harder when on the bike.

Bliss to devastation

I had a pretty shameful performance at Pocono Raceway this past weekend. I fell off the pack with a handful of laps to go. The wind got me and I was finished.

I guess I also felt too happy with myself after snagging 6th at Tour of Colts Neck. I didn't expect that craziness that is crit-life to pick up from the get-go. Once I saw "11 laps to go" I thought I was going to die. Shortly after, I did.

But I kept on keeping on and found a dropped rider from QCW. We made it through the snow and wind. There's the bravery I was lacking at USGP during last year's cross season.

And finally... I just recently invested in a power meter (joule 2.0 / powertap pro+) and a coach. Once the meter gets here I will start a 12 week training program with Christian (Cycles 54). Really excited to take on this new level of training.

In non-cycling news, work is still going okay. Getting the bills paid, staying on the bike, and not living at home. Can't complain.

...to better days.