Team Mack is having a cross race near Springfield, IL this Sunday the 17th, for those of you who have been training.
Go here to download the pdf for the race.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Free Book
You can get a free download of Suze Orman's financial planning book "Women and Money" if you do it before early evening Feb. 14th. I haven't read the book so I can't comment on it.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Happy Birthday
I hope Kim S. is having a great birthday today. Happy Birthday, Kim!
Reading Chris's blog just reminded me!
Reading Chris's blog just reminded me!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Midwest press
Our IL/WI cyclists are getting some press...
A genius twist in Regina's tentative plans to (maybe) give up visiting the People.com site for lent - the site actully mentioned her plans! You said "maybe" on your blog, but now it looks like you are committed, Regina! Everyone knows and People.com is watching you! The credit for noticing that belongs to Amelia, who pointed it out in a comment on Regina's blog.
Ben was the first to notice that Jason M.'s picture (red Flatlandia jersey) from K.C. Cross Nationals in December is in the new issue of Dirt Rag, on page 13. Congrats to Jason! The article also mentions Marko LaLonde.
A genius twist in Regina's tentative plans to (maybe) give up visiting the People.com site for lent - the site actully mentioned her plans! You said "maybe" on your blog, but now it looks like you are committed, Regina! Everyone knows and People.com is watching you! The credit for noticing that belongs to Amelia, who pointed it out in a comment on Regina's blog.
Ben was the first to notice that Jason M.'s picture (red Flatlandia jersey) from K.C. Cross Nationals in December is in the new issue of Dirt Rag, on page 13. Congrats to Jason! The article also mentions Marko LaLonde.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Tips for Becoming a Roadie
I enjoyed this article by the Fat Cyclist for mtn. bikers on "Tips for Becoming a Roadie".
And in the "Related Articles" in the box to the right, is another one titled "How to get Rid of Unwanted Fitness." I was going to read that one too, but I realized I don't need to. I already have accomplished that over the last couple of months, without reading any articles ....
And in the "Related Articles" in the box to the right, is another one titled "How to get Rid of Unwanted Fitness." I was going to read that one too, but I realized I don't need to. I already have accomplished that over the last couple of months, without reading any articles ....
Monday, February 04, 2008
Skijoring?
The Chicago Tribune's Sunday Travel section (print edition) had an article about Skijoring, which I had never heard of. The online article can be found here. The print version has a picture of a dog pulling his owner on skiis! Who do I know who could try it? I thought of Julie and the miles that she and Molly have been putting in running, then I realized that that would be cheating herself out of the marathon workouts she needs. There's no way that, say, 10 miles of skijoring could possibly replace 10 miles of marathon training. But that shouldn't stop others of you with dogs over 35 lbs. from trying it! The dog pulls the skier, who also x-c skiis at the same time. The dog is trained to obey commands that allow the pair to start and stop (well, maybe slow down, not sure they can stop!) and turn, etc. The article claims that the dogs love it and that it gives them a workout.
Who is going to give it a try and then tell us about it?
I signed up for the cross banquet. I hope some of you other bloggers are going? Should be fun.
Friday night I went for a really short snowshoe before going out. I saw this sign, which for some reason seems more ominous at night in the wintertime, even though I have no intention of going swimming! I don't think I have ever really noticed it during the day or in the summer.
Saturday I went for my second x-c ski in years, for two hours. I thought I burned lots of calories but my garmin only says 600. In two hours? On the bike setting I feel like it tells me I burned more than I did (compared with what my old garmin, an older model, used to tell me), so why on the ski setting, would it be so low? I am wondering if the little skiier on the menu is a downhill skiier and maybe I should use the "running" setting for x-c skiing, like I use for snowshoeing?
Today (Sunday) I went to a new place and did an hour of snowshoeing. It said I only burned 190 calories! I got a late start, and I wanted to stay longer - I had brought a headlamp in case it got dark when I was on the trail. It was a gray day to start with. But this was a forest preserve, not a park, and they closed the parking lots at "sunset". Apparently it is very literal - the police car was in the lot with his lights flashing and his loudspeaker long before it was what I would consider "dark". So I guess they distinguish between 'sunset" and "dark", or else the guy wanted to put up the chain and the Closed sign and go home to watch the Super Bowl! I couldn't hear what the loudspeaker was saying but could guess. He came back twice more before I left, he was making the rounds of the lots. I hope the guy on skiis that asked me which direction is north found his way back to wherever he was parked! It makes me really appreciate the lakefront park I have been going to where you can park until 10:30, and which also has lights so you can go at night. There is a well lit outdoor skating rink, and enough other lights here and there that make it a pretty good nighttime experience. The new place was a welcome change though, tromping through the snow in the woods along a river. I turned off my ipod because I felt like it was more fun without it, I had a better sense of being in the woods. It was just nice to be out there. Tranquility.
Saturday night I went to see Debbie P.'s band in Highwood, and hung with the cyclists who were there. I have only ridden my bike through Highwood, I have never seen it at night. I imagine that is the case with most of you who know where I am talking about. It is quite the hopping place - a contrast driving up dark, suburban Sheridan Road, seeing hardly any cars, then cutting over to Green Bay Road and hitting this little lively pocket where you can't even find a place to park. I made it for the last set - it was fun. I like going out to see live music and I don't get to do it nearly as much as I would like.
Oh, I went to the Lane Bryant website briefly after hearing about the tragic shootings in one of their area stores on Saturday. I'm not sure why I went, I guess I saw an ad and clicked it because it had just been in the news. Since then my email inbox page has had various banner ads for that store chain, all day Sunday. I have to think there's a connection there, between visiting the site and having the ads on my email page. They are still there.
Who is going to give it a try and then tell us about it?
I signed up for the cross banquet. I hope some of you other bloggers are going? Should be fun.
Friday night I went for a really short snowshoe before going out. I saw this sign, which for some reason seems more ominous at night in the wintertime, even though I have no intention of going swimming! I don't think I have ever really noticed it during the day or in the summer.
Saturday I went for my second x-c ski in years, for two hours. I thought I burned lots of calories but my garmin only says 600. In two hours? On the bike setting I feel like it tells me I burned more than I did (compared with what my old garmin, an older model, used to tell me), so why on the ski setting, would it be so low? I am wondering if the little skiier on the menu is a downhill skiier and maybe I should use the "running" setting for x-c skiing, like I use for snowshoeing?
Today (Sunday) I went to a new place and did an hour of snowshoeing. It said I only burned 190 calories! I got a late start, and I wanted to stay longer - I had brought a headlamp in case it got dark when I was on the trail. It was a gray day to start with. But this was a forest preserve, not a park, and they closed the parking lots at "sunset". Apparently it is very literal - the police car was in the lot with his lights flashing and his loudspeaker long before it was what I would consider "dark". So I guess they distinguish between 'sunset" and "dark", or else the guy wanted to put up the chain and the Closed sign and go home to watch the Super Bowl! I couldn't hear what the loudspeaker was saying but could guess. He came back twice more before I left, he was making the rounds of the lots. I hope the guy on skiis that asked me which direction is north found his way back to wherever he was parked! It makes me really appreciate the lakefront park I have been going to where you can park until 10:30, and which also has lights so you can go at night. There is a well lit outdoor skating rink, and enough other lights here and there that make it a pretty good nighttime experience. The new place was a welcome change though, tromping through the snow in the woods along a river. I turned off my ipod because I felt like it was more fun without it, I had a better sense of being in the woods. It was just nice to be out there. Tranquility.
Saturday night I went to see Debbie P.'s band in Highwood, and hung with the cyclists who were there. I have only ridden my bike through Highwood, I have never seen it at night. I imagine that is the case with most of you who know where I am talking about. It is quite the hopping place - a contrast driving up dark, suburban Sheridan Road, seeing hardly any cars, then cutting over to Green Bay Road and hitting this little lively pocket where you can't even find a place to park. I made it for the last set - it was fun. I like going out to see live music and I don't get to do it nearly as much as I would like.
Oh, I went to the Lane Bryant website briefly after hearing about the tragic shootings in one of their area stores on Saturday. I'm not sure why I went, I guess I saw an ad and clicked it because it had just been in the news. Since then my email inbox page has had various banner ads for that store chain, all day Sunday. I have to think there's a connection there, between visiting the site and having the ads on my email page. They are still there.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Snowwwwww
You know there must be alot of snow when you stick your head out the door in the morning to get the papers and you can't see them! They were buried, in spite of there being a roof over the porch to deflect some of the snow. Then I saw a tiny piece of blue plastic Tribune sleeve peeking out, so I found them without too much digging.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Surreality
What a weird-feeling week it is turning out to be. Especially today. A 40 degree drop in temperature! Tonight I made it to Home Depot, finally. I was in there for much longer than I expected. It was getting a little colder when I went in, but I left my hat and gloves in the car, thinking that I didn't want to carry them around. Later, when I walked out a few minutes before they closed, there was a blizzard outside! Literally! The snow was blowing sideways at like 60 mph (well, not quite)!! The most surreal thing was, the snow was so bad that I had no idea where I was. I felt totally disoriented. I didn't recognize anything, and I had no idea where I was parked. It just seemed like I was in another world. I couldn't even see where to go to get out of the parking lot once I blew across the lot into the car. Everything was white and the wind was whooshing and I couldn't even see Mt. Trashmore and the park across the street. Once out on the street I still saw white and more white. I could not tell where the yellow line was. When I caught a glimpse of it peeking out I realized I was halfway into the other lane, oops!
I went to do some looking and research for some renovation and ended up with an informal lesson from the sales guy, based on his experience. ( I like learning this kind of stuff. ) This was in the bath department. Besides finding out what the best brands of faucets they carry are, in his opinion, I also found out which faucet styles guys choose and which ones they hate, as well as which ones women prefer. I found out what faucet the sales guy always shows moms with kids. (single handle, he says) I found out which granite vanity top colors men like, which one women always choose but men never do, which one old ladies like, and which one no one ever buys! As well as which one couples agree on as a compromise. Men prefer cabinets with knobs. Women go for handles, and drawers are a big plus. Light colors for women, dark for men. Men supposedly will tolerate a less than manly countertop and vanity if they like the faucet. Litttle old ladies like vanities with legs, so that they can clean underneath. I found out what vanities are likely to come apart and get moldy if they are right next to the shower. I pointed out that the bathroom cabinetry line that the guy said was real wood really wasn't. He hadn't realized that. Hmmm. Maybe he's not the Professor of the Bath.
I didn't realize how much bathroom trends have changed, I don't normally pay attention to that stuff. Some of the newer style sinks and cabinets are really cool looking, but not always so practical! Alot of the trendy vessel sinks don't have an overflow hole, for one thing. And the design of it really limits your counter space. I saw a really cool hammered copper vessel sink that the salespeople have nicknamed the "armadillo sink". Cuz it looks like it has scales, I guess. His impression is that alot of his customers were buying for rental apartments. The people buying for their own home spend alot more time making decisions, going to lots of different places, and might come back to the store 4 times before they decide on everything.
The bad thing is I had every intention of going straight to the gym from Home Depot - but I made the mistake of stopping at home. I never made it to the gym, unusual for me. I try to go every day, except on days that I get out for a ride.
Other out of the ordinary things - in the space of two days I got a request from a friend to photograph her artwork, and an offer from another friend to join the business that she is thinking about starting. I have been told that when your life isn't going the way you had planned (for example, being injured and having to change your focus on racing), other things present themselves. But sometimes people are too stubborn to recognize those things and take a different path.... As I said that I was not qualified for the photo job and didn't have the right equipment, and as I said I wasn't sure I had time to get involved in a new business, I wondered if these were things that were supposed to lead me in a new direction.... new-agey as that sounds.....
As for last weekend, I got to get out and play in the snow twice before the big melt. Saturday was 2 hours of snowshoeing in a lakefront park and on the beach, and Sunday was x-c skiing for 2.5 hours in the same place. I hadn't x-c skiied in years and years - I felt super ackward on my new skiis! I have had them for a while but didn't get to try them out last year. Different type of boots, bindings, and skinnier skiis, than I used to have. The old ones had metal edges and were wide for backcountry trailbreaking. I will miss that, but I won't miss waxing!! The new ones are waxless and I will probably use them a lot more because I can just grab them and go. If we get enough snow, that is. The boots are Rossignol and have zippers, which I could barely zip once they hit the ankle. Really a struggle. I know for sure that I am not ready to go skiing somewhere like Kettle that's really hilly. I have memories of struggling uphill at Kettle and being out of control on the downhills trying to turn at the bottom and miss trees!
Those crazy snowshoers....
I went to do some looking and research for some renovation and ended up with an informal lesson from the sales guy, based on his experience. ( I like learning this kind of stuff. ) This was in the bath department. Besides finding out what the best brands of faucets they carry are, in his opinion, I also found out which faucet styles guys choose and which ones they hate, as well as which ones women prefer. I found out what faucet the sales guy always shows moms with kids. (single handle, he says) I found out which granite vanity top colors men like, which one women always choose but men never do, which one old ladies like, and which one no one ever buys! As well as which one couples agree on as a compromise. Men prefer cabinets with knobs. Women go for handles, and drawers are a big plus. Light colors for women, dark for men. Men supposedly will tolerate a less than manly countertop and vanity if they like the faucet. Litttle old ladies like vanities with legs, so that they can clean underneath. I found out what vanities are likely to come apart and get moldy if they are right next to the shower. I pointed out that the bathroom cabinetry line that the guy said was real wood really wasn't. He hadn't realized that. Hmmm. Maybe he's not the Professor of the Bath.
I didn't realize how much bathroom trends have changed, I don't normally pay attention to that stuff. Some of the newer style sinks and cabinets are really cool looking, but not always so practical! Alot of the trendy vessel sinks don't have an overflow hole, for one thing. And the design of it really limits your counter space. I saw a really cool hammered copper vessel sink that the salespeople have nicknamed the "armadillo sink". Cuz it looks like it has scales, I guess. His impression is that alot of his customers were buying for rental apartments. The people buying for their own home spend alot more time making decisions, going to lots of different places, and might come back to the store 4 times before they decide on everything.
The bad thing is I had every intention of going straight to the gym from Home Depot - but I made the mistake of stopping at home. I never made it to the gym, unusual for me. I try to go every day, except on days that I get out for a ride.
Other out of the ordinary things - in the space of two days I got a request from a friend to photograph her artwork, and an offer from another friend to join the business that she is thinking about starting. I have been told that when your life isn't going the way you had planned (for example, being injured and having to change your focus on racing), other things present themselves. But sometimes people are too stubborn to recognize those things and take a different path.... As I said that I was not qualified for the photo job and didn't have the right equipment, and as I said I wasn't sure I had time to get involved in a new business, I wondered if these were things that were supposed to lead me in a new direction.... new-agey as that sounds.....
As for last weekend, I got to get out and play in the snow twice before the big melt. Saturday was 2 hours of snowshoeing in a lakefront park and on the beach, and Sunday was x-c skiing for 2.5 hours in the same place. I hadn't x-c skiied in years and years - I felt super ackward on my new skiis! I have had them for a while but didn't get to try them out last year. Different type of boots, bindings, and skinnier skiis, than I used to have. The old ones had metal edges and were wide for backcountry trailbreaking. I will miss that, but I won't miss waxing!! The new ones are waxless and I will probably use them a lot more because I can just grab them and go. If we get enough snow, that is. The boots are Rossignol and have zippers, which I could barely zip once they hit the ankle. Really a struggle. I know for sure that I am not ready to go skiing somewhere like Kettle that's really hilly. I have memories of struggling uphill at Kettle and being out of control on the downhills trying to turn at the bottom and miss trees!
Those crazy snowshoers....
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Cool Hunting - Puma Bicycle and World Bicycle Relief
I get an email newsletter called Cool Hunting Daily about what's new and cool. I opened the January 25th issue, and the first thing I saw was an article about a new Puma urban mobility bike (customized by an artist) that they are auctioning off on Ebay to benefit World Bicycle Relief. Pretty cool.
Also, congrats to Julie on the great profile of her recent accomplishments on the Chicago Bike Racing site Friday.
(Regarding Pam spray to prevent mud from sticking, mentioned in Julie's interview, there was a also product for a while called Mud-Off that was meant to do the same thing. Does anyone remember it? I won a big spray bottle of it once at a race, which I think I still have. I carried a can of Pam to some of the races this year, but forgot to use it when it would have helped the most!)
And, thanks to Ben for his Friday blog link to a fun bike video that had me laughing every time I watched it. I sent it out to a bunch of non-blog readers and alot of them liked it too. Even if you have already seen it, watch it again and smile.
Also, congrats to Julie on the great profile of her recent accomplishments on the Chicago Bike Racing site Friday.
(Regarding Pam spray to prevent mud from sticking, mentioned in Julie's interview, there was a also product for a while called Mud-Off that was meant to do the same thing. Does anyone remember it? I won a big spray bottle of it once at a race, which I think I still have. I carried a can of Pam to some of the races this year, but forgot to use it when it would have helped the most!)
And, thanks to Ben for his Friday blog link to a fun bike video that had me laughing every time I watched it. I sent it out to a bunch of non-blog readers and alot of them liked it too. Even if you have already seen it, watch it again and smile.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Is Blue the New Green?
An article in the Chicago Tribune's Tempo section (print edition, Thursday 1/24) discusses whether or not blue is going to overtake green as the environmental movement's new hue. A trendspotter is quoted as saying that "green is used up, played out and weighed down by associations with the "beards and sandals" activists of yesteryear." Blue, on the other hand, strikes her as fresh, distinctive and relevant.
On a different note, a friend sent me a link to a video of a police motorcycle contest. Even if you don't ride a motorcycle, you have to appreciate this guy's handling skills! I don't think he knocked over a single cone. The Police Harley he is riding probably weighs 800 lbs, but he makes it look much lighter. I had to watch this one a couple of times. (Good thing they don't use that course for the license test.) It'd be interesting to see how he'd do out on the trail on an mtb, if he had the fitness to go with the skills.
I ran across an ad for the the Police Bike Store when I googled "police Harley", looking for a pic. This site sells police bicycles and accessories. It's a whole world that I have never thought much about. Check out the police bike lights, complete with sirens! They also sell a Fuji helmet with an integrated lighting system. I wonder why there isn't a commuter version of that on the market - maybe there is? Too heavy?
On a different note, a friend sent me a link to a video of a police motorcycle contest. Even if you don't ride a motorcycle, you have to appreciate this guy's handling skills! I don't think he knocked over a single cone. The Police Harley he is riding probably weighs 800 lbs, but he makes it look much lighter. I had to watch this one a couple of times. (Good thing they don't use that course for the license test.) It'd be interesting to see how he'd do out on the trail on an mtb, if he had the fitness to go with the skills.
I ran across an ad for the the Police Bike Store when I googled "police Harley", looking for a pic. This site sells police bicycles and accessories. It's a whole world that I have never thought much about. Check out the police bike lights, complete with sirens! They also sell a Fuji helmet with an integrated lighting system. I wonder why there isn't a commuter version of that on the market - maybe there is? Too heavy?
Friday, January 18, 2008
Cycling on ESPN
There's a long feature on Slipstream on espn.com. Complete with witty comments from Dave Zabriskie. They are profiling Jonathan Vaughter's efforts to have a successful "clean team".
Fore
I am not a golfer. I imagine most readers aren't either. But I read that this is really fun and addictive, so I had to pass it along for those of you who need one more computer time-waster! It's called World Golf Tour. It works in a browser - you don't have to download anything. Supposedly you can play with your friends. I only have tried the tutorial. Check it out, if for no other reason than to see some refreshing greenness and sunlight on one of the coldest days of the year. You can even hear the birds chirp.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Like Pulling Teeth
I might have a chance to sell some stuff at a friend's table at the bike swap this weekend. I have always had a hard time parting with bike stuff, I always think I might need it. I haven't taken the time necessary to get organized and sell stuff in the past. And bikes are just hard to part with, period!! If I go to the swap it's a chance to start getting rid of stuff I thought I would use but haven't.
I have never sold anything at a swap or on ebay, and I am wondering which way would bring a better price? Most of the stuff I would sell is in brand new condition, but older, except for a few used things like suspension forks and saddles. I have used parts, too, but I really don't have time between now and Saturday to dig them out and get them cleaned up and ready to sell.
An example would be top of the line road racing clinchers that are older, but brand new in the box. If they retailed for $60ish, what can I get for them? Would I do better on Ebay or at the Swap? Craigslist? What about a set of older, but never used, shimano road racing wheels? I'm not sure if I should just keep them if I can't get a decent price, and have extra wheels. But that's the logic I have always used, leading to a crowded basement ... and mavic is working really well for me right now.
How does clothing do at a swap? Mostly new stuff that didn't fit and couldn't be returned. Are people only interested in parts or is it worth it to bring a few pieces of clothing?
At a swap, do most people have only a price on the sign, or do they add an "or best offer" on their sign?
For a whole bike, is a swap better or ebay? If it's a nice bike that might have some fans, I would think more people would see it on ebay.
There is so much stuff I dont know any more. I miss hanging out at a shop and learning from everyone there.
It boils down to, what is the best way to sell bike stuff? is it worth it to make the effort to go through everything and take some of it to the swap? The timing is not the best for me, I have other things I should be doing.
if anyone has experience with this, any comments or suggestions would be helpful!
Maybe if I do sell some stuff I can get one of those cordless inflators Julie saw in her mechanic's class. Oh, wait, that would be getting more stuff!
I have never sold anything at a swap or on ebay, and I am wondering which way would bring a better price? Most of the stuff I would sell is in brand new condition, but older, except for a few used things like suspension forks and saddles. I have used parts, too, but I really don't have time between now and Saturday to dig them out and get them cleaned up and ready to sell.
An example would be top of the line road racing clinchers that are older, but brand new in the box. If they retailed for $60ish, what can I get for them? Would I do better on Ebay or at the Swap? Craigslist? What about a set of older, but never used, shimano road racing wheels? I'm not sure if I should just keep them if I can't get a decent price, and have extra wheels. But that's the logic I have always used, leading to a crowded basement ... and mavic is working really well for me right now.
How does clothing do at a swap? Mostly new stuff that didn't fit and couldn't be returned. Are people only interested in parts or is it worth it to bring a few pieces of clothing?
At a swap, do most people have only a price on the sign, or do they add an "or best offer" on their sign?
For a whole bike, is a swap better or ebay? If it's a nice bike that might have some fans, I would think more people would see it on ebay.
There is so much stuff I dont know any more. I miss hanging out at a shop and learning from everyone there.
It boils down to, what is the best way to sell bike stuff? is it worth it to make the effort to go through everything and take some of it to the swap? The timing is not the best for me, I have other things I should be doing.
if anyone has experience with this, any comments or suggestions would be helpful!
Maybe if I do sell some stuff I can get one of those cordless inflators Julie saw in her mechanic's class. Oh, wait, that would be getting more stuff!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Remembering
Columnist Julie Deardorf has an article in the Q section (page 6) of the Chicago Tribune print edition today (Sunday) in rememberance of regional athletes who died in the past year. She mentions both Beth and Pieter of XXX-Athletico racing, who each died racing their bikes in 2007.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Watch this
I just got an email telling me to watch this video before it gets pulled from YouTube. I have not heard about this before, and I don't know how much truth there is to it, but it's worth watching.
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