tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70766965167392941822024-03-13T23:53:22.313-07:00Sono molto stanco!waffle, outsight, inspiration.
There are simply too many things about bicycles to not say something from time to timeAnother opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-52821030815509560462011-01-23T10:31:00.001-08:002011-01-24T07:00:46.092-08:00The simplest things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/TT2UE_SF5kI/AAAAAAAAAME/0jXjUKbyodo/s1600/IMG_1053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/TT2UE_SF5kI/AAAAAAAAAME/0jXjUKbyodo/s400/IMG_1053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565767527927506498" /></a><br />Winter riding. Every year pretty much everyone I know knows that you should be riding slowly. Truth is, those same people -along with myself- never relax enough to actually do it properly.<br />This year though, I've forced myself to slow down. Along with the obvious benefits of base fitness I can build on all year there have been some completely unforeseen outcomes.<br />The lack of obsession with getting it done has meant I've been able to do more exploring in the last month than I've done in the last five years. Dots have been joined and new loops present themselves with incredible regularity.<br />As the heart rate is kept low on the hills, you can raise your head from the stem and enjoy the views. Even the small, split second rolling vistas unfolding and disappearing before your eyes bring new appreciation of all too familiar lanes.<br />Do these rides in company and these are the truly social rides. Even the aforementioned climbs are taken at a pace steady enough not to break the conversational flow. Worlds are put to rights, holidays, racing and big summer rides discussed, planned and dreamt of; minds cleated; friendships consolidated and spirits raised higher than the single figure temperatures have any right to allow.<br />Why has it taken me too many years to discover this? It just goes to prove there is always so much to learn. Even in the least obviously inspirational season.<br />I just wish we could do it without needing to wash the bike every time!Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-16235026662040333212011-01-18T11:08:00.001-08:002011-01-18T11:08:40.047-08:00New year, new deal<img width='640' src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/TTXlNOaO_JI/AAAAAAAAAMA/zsNKCW_TE_s/img_5.jpg'><br>Lots of things change. Life is just like that. <br />Along with the usual no fags, riding more, not giving up riding with vigour once the racing heads south after Easter there is a hugely positive change in my life this year. <br />I've been into it for a while, even Geekily obsessing over details I had no right to understand. <br />I may not be properly fluent as yet but it's a proper honest start. <br />Yup, I have finally begin to drink coffee. <br /><br />Maybe in a years time I can be welcoming on the Olympic year with a maccoato. <br /><br />Ciao bella. Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-75844288570759050902011-01-09T06:39:00.001-08:002011-01-09T06:39:54.139-08:00Making the effort<img width='640' src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/TSnIuF-XWFI/AAAAAAAAAL8/4-h1gHxIwtA/img_3.jpg'><br>A quick spin from the office resulted in a ride that was one of the most fun, and inspirational in a long time. <br />Sometimes, despite the forecast, precipitation and naysayers, just getting out there is the best thing you can do. <br />Try it some time, you may surprise yourself. <br />Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-36537751160591025542011-01-09T06:36:00.003-08:002011-01-09T06:36:43.254-08:00Mickey gets aero<img width='640' src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/TSnH-S7oGTI/AAAAAAAAAL4/rLGjaJnkl9E/img_2.jpg'><br>Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-83918877994604502522011-01-09T06:36:00.001-08:002011-01-09T06:36:17.403-08:00Mickey gets cold<img width='640' src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/TSnH3-l61PI/AAAAAAAAAL0/8CH4XpPcYxU/img.jpg'><br>Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-85968543328576777612011-01-09T06:35:00.001-08:002011-01-09T06:44:17.698-08:00Appologies for the goreSadly, the big season opener ended up a bit of a damp squib thanks to some bizarre climatic conditions. <br />Despite waiting till ten to leave, hoping the sloppy ice and frosty roads would be neutered the Coastal Clog was just not meant to be. <br />Eight miles in between Newdigate and Rusper, Smythe decided being upright was over rated. After a few shimmies his prefered location appeared to be on the floor perpendicular to my front wheel. In slow motion, I realised I needed to take DA down with me. One for all and all that!<br />Everyone loves surface water resting on ice, how else can you ruin 650 quids worth of tights in four seconds. <br />Ho hum, at least it wasn't raining......<br />Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-5179451057682031022011-01-09T00:29:00.001-08:002011-01-09T06:43:53.512-08:00The train windowSitting here, watching the slowly waking Sunday world of suburban Surrey come to life, it's as if the awakening matches my own re emergence - just in time to get excited about the classics. <br />Each year, post April, the interest wains. I love many other races, the 2010 giro was epic, almost daily but I don't think I'm alone in holding the northern classics very close to my heart. <br />My train arrives in eight minutes, from where ill meet a sorry bunch of riders, most of whom will not have ridden enough to make the subsequent 100 miles fly by. For that I am grateful, but today will be the kickstart we all need and many plans for the months ahead will be firmed up in the next five hours. <br />And right on cue, the sun peaks above the horizon. <br />Consider the hat doffed. Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-9247282213135572962010-05-13T13:55:00.001-07:002010-05-13T14:05:57.802-07:00Imagery<div>As well as a love for cycling, i also have a passion for photography.</div><div><br /></div><div>While there will be plenty of snaps, i will also put up some pictures i feel that convey something of the often hidden beauty of our sport. With an insight that comes from a deep held passion i hope these photos go someway to convey something of the inside of pro bike racing.</div><div><br /></div><div>In previous posts i have shown some of the action that goes on in feed zones but with these three images I hope i have managed to portray some of the magic that captivates true cycling fans.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-xn_UsAF2I/AAAAAAAAALc/usQF2wagQSY/s1600/close-up-saxo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-xn_UsAF2I/AAAAAAAAALc/usQF2wagQSY/s400/close-up-saxo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470861984930994018" /></a>the devil is in the detail: Saxo Bank's bio-degradable bidons awaiting distribution along with the riders snap.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-xn-5fjDMI/AAAAAAAAALU/DzL5NPmCv7I/s1600/muzzit_argyle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-xn-5fjDMI/AAAAAAAAALU/DzL5NPmCv7I/s400/muzzit_argyle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470861977631001794" /></a>For Garmin Transitions, image is as important as performance.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-xn-ae2xBI/AAAAAAAAALM/fIp3mVvd7x0/s1600/muzits_racked.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-xn-ae2xBI/AAAAAAAAALM/fIp3mVvd7x0/s400/muzits_racked.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470861969306600466" /></a>Classy simplicity both in design and racking methodology.Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-31986516807135199982010-05-12T16:06:00.000-07:002010-05-13T08:22:09.576-07:00blatant lifted shot but amazing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races10/giro10/giro10st04-pour.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 1000px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 694px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races10/giro10/giro10st04-pour.jpg" /></a><br />Stolen from Pez. <div>best cycling image i've seen in a while.</div><div><br /></div><div></div>Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-80899418220438490212010-05-12T15:52:00.000-07:002010-05-12T16:01:38.055-07:00Whats in the baggie mister?We actually managed to get hold of a couple of mussettes from the guys at Garmin Transitions and snaffles an Astana one from the approaching paws of a Flemish child.<div>Its amazing how different the more modern teams noggin was compared to the old school boys</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-syE5gqVyI/AAAAAAAAAK8/Ww_ko9dj_yg/s1600/feedzone+blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-syE5gqVyI/AAAAAAAAAK8/Ww_ko9dj_yg/s320/feedzone+blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470521232110278434" /></a>Garmins food is a prime example of high tech energy food, and its the stuff the marketing boys want us to buy into.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-syEvFtu_I/AAAAAAAAAK0/f_rXMh9tLhg/s1600/feedzone+blog_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-syEvFtu_I/AAAAAAAAAK0/f_rXMh9tLhg/s320/feedzone+blog_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470521229312900082" /></a>Its in stark contrast to the old school flavours favoured by the riders at Astana. There was also a bidon in this bag, but the young Flandrian boy we snatched this away from got that first.<div>Its worth noting the as yet unreleased Burner gel from Science in Sport. An energy gelwith Cartanine (or something) to help burn fat as well as giving you the usual boost.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-syEIJswhI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-6VSsf5fGLA/s1600/feedzone+blog_5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-syEIJswhI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-6VSsf5fGLA/s320/feedzone+blog_5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470521218860630546" /></a>nutella and banana<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-syDWfLZJI/AAAAAAAAAKk/zJwRVIvBRwk/s1600/feedzone+blog_6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-syDWfLZJI/AAAAAAAAAKk/zJwRVIvBRwk/s320/feedzone+blog_6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470521205528945810" /></a>Apricot jam and banana<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-syDIdP7eI/AAAAAAAAAKc/tJLJ0unaAZk/s1600/feedzone+blog_7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-syDIdP7eI/AAAAAAAAAKc/tJLJ0unaAZk/s320/feedzone+blog_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470521201762758114" /></a>bad photo of a great rice pudding cake.</div><div><br /></div><div>In all honesty, the Astana bag food was really rather delicious, especially the rice cake.</div><div>Bon apetit.<br /><div>.</div></div>Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-87446706542877739272010-05-12T15:46:00.000-07:002010-05-12T15:52:10.452-07:00Flanders feed 2<div><br /></div>Here are some more images from the second feed zone.<div>Team Sky had just lined out the peleton after the Mollenburg following Boonen and Breschels attack.</div><div><br /></div><div>This feed was 200yds before a 3K pave section.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-swlAlgJtI/AAAAAAAAAKU/o5hR5ruB_I8/s1600/feedzone+blog_13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-swlAlgJtI/AAAAAAAAAKU/o5hR5ruB_I8/s320/feedzone+blog_13.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470519584742188754" /></a>This Caisse d'Pagne rider was still in the early break - just!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-swk-fmg7I/AAAAAAAAAKM/V12F8KUqnlo/s1600/feedzone+blog_12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-swk-fmg7I/AAAAAAAAAKM/V12F8KUqnlo/s320/feedzone+blog_12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470519584180569010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-swkYWmWtI/AAAAAAAAAKE/edI-nLQGLLA/s1600/feedzone+blog_17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-swkYWmWtI/AAAAAAAAAKE/edI-nLQGLLA/s320/feedzone+blog_17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470519573942262482" /></a>Yes he was in the lead group...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-swj12DHXI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/OsF-xPJoCaE/s1600/feedzone+blog_16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-swj12DHXI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/OsF-xPJoCaE/s320/feedzone+blog_16.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470519564678929778" /></a>But behing big George<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-swjscyCTI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ExSiVCUaRrw/s1600/feedzone+blog_15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-swjscyCTI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ExSiVCUaRrw/s320/feedzone+blog_15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470519562157033778" /></a>and a way behind the big man.Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-12159789270861600912010-05-12T15:26:00.000-07:002010-05-12T15:45:30.879-07:00Rone van Vlaanderen feed zones<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The first weekend in April saw myself and a couple of fellow peddlers make the annual pilgramage.<div>After a wet day doing the sportive on Saturday, we spent the next day following the race.</div><div>Rather than the usual Kwaermont or Muur mayhem we decide to do things a bit differently. We left the start and then followed the action at a coupe of feed zones, before chipping off to the finish to watch Fab get the win.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know it was a while ago, but rather than let the images languish on my hard drive, this new blog seems as good a place as any to share the imagery I captured.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-suSqw_3GI/AAAAAAAAAJs/LadGeHZGkg4/s1600/feedzone+blog_11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-suSqw_3GI/AAAAAAAAAJs/LadGeHZGkg4/s320/feedzone+blog_11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470517070623923298" /></a>This sort of thing is always amazing to watch first hand<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-suSPTYD7I/AAAAAAAAAJk/ngOrrUUUn_U/s1600/feedzone+blog_10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-suSPTYD7I/AAAAAAAAAJk/ngOrrUUUn_U/s320/feedzone+blog_10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470517063251922866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-suRiiYkaI/AAAAAAAAAJc/I-3g1GyRNIY/s1600/feedzone+blog_9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-suRiiYkaI/AAAAAAAAAJc/I-3g1GyRNIY/s320/feedzone+blog_9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470517051235275170" /></a>The camaraderie between swannies was interesting to see<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-suRASdM2I/AAAAAAAAAJU/YHppfz5-hPg/s1600/feedzone+blog_8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yqvDodHtN0o/S-suRASdM2I/AAAAAAAAAJU/YHppfz5-hPg/s320/feedzone+blog_8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470517042041664354" /></a>Even the riders not watching like to get in on the action.<div>Garmins under 23 squad riders are based locally.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><br /><br /></div>Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7076696516739294182.post-63340041244478476722010-05-12T14:46:00.000-07:002010-05-12T15:25:00.051-07:00welcome on boardI've been reading other peoples blogs plenty of late. It amazes me that normal folks often have far more interesting views and pictures than more 'standard' media when it comes to insights into all types of cycling.<div>It got me thinking, i take a few snaps from time to time and its often said i have an opinion, so i thought i might as well join in.</div><div>So, welcome to what will sometimes be a busy blog but, no doubt, there will also be plenty of times when the posts are a lot more sparsely spaced.</div><div>There will even be a few things completely unrelated to cycling; just like real life i suppose.</div><div>I hope someone reads it.....</div>Another opinionated cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283655543338535506noreply@blogger.com0