Friday, January 30, 2009

Lance Armstrong's Tour Down Under Twitter Conference

(Not Fatcyclist Fake News Service) January 24, 2009

Lance Armstrong Reconsiders Re-Retirement

After the conclusion of the Tour Down Under, Lance Armstrong called a Twitter Conference to answer Press questions and to continue his quest for world domination through Twitter. A transcript follows:

LA – Thank you all for coming today. As you know, I will answer your questions, but I reserve the right to answer verbally or through Twitter or both, so I hope you are all among the 40,000 Twittee followers I have. So, let’s go.

Reporter – Lance, I mean, Mr. Armstrong, I am wondering . . .

LA Twitter – I’m at a press conference and a guy is asking me a question. 1 second ago from TwitterBerry

Reporter – How do you think the Tour Down Under went and how is your racing fitness?

LA – I think it went great. We accomplished everything we set out to do with this race. I brought a lot of attention and fundraising to LiveStrong, I got a really cool bike free from Trek, and I raced exceptionally well for being 37 years old and 3 years since my last professional bike race.

LA Twitter – Didn’t this guy come to any of the other 342 press conferences I held in Australia? 1 second ago from TwitterBerry

Reporter – What race is next on your calendar?

LA – I’m not absolutely sure. Frankly, I’m having some second thoughts.

[A gasp is audible in the crowd – The Trek representative faints.]

Reporter – Can you explain?

LA - Look, bike racing is tough, really tough. I don’t know if you knew this before, but it turns out it is the middle of summer in Australia. I couldn’t help but notice that the beaches are covered with warm sand and hot girls. It occurred to me as I was in yet another break-away this week that this time last year I was a legend, I was drinking margaritas and I had a private jet waiting for me at the airport. That’s all still true except now I’m on a bike trying to stay ahead of 23 year old studs in 100 degree heat.

LA Twitter – Someone remind me to get the jet waxed before we head home. 1 second ago from TwitterBerry

Reporter – Are you saying that you might re-retire?

LA – I don’t know. You know most guys in the racing pack are hoping for a better contract or an endorsement, or they’re training for a big win, but at the end of the day, the best they can possible hope for is to be almost as successful as I am right now, so why should I keep doing this? Do you know how fast those guys go?

LA Twitter – I was just thinking about how fun it was to beat College and Carmichael up every climb, and how much easier it was than anything I did in the last week. 1 second ago from TwitterBerry

Reporter – This is official then? You are retired again?

LA – I’m not saying anything is official. I’m saying that when I want to come ride my bike at a pro-level race, I’ll do it, and when I want to have some Tex-Mex and a brewski with the bro’s, I’m going to do that.

LA Twitter – Someone remind me to order in some Chuy’s. 1 second ago from TwitterBerry

Reporter – Are you concerned that your attitude towards racing may impact your ability to win?

LA – Have you seen me ride my bike?

LA Twitter – Has this guy seen me ride my bike? 1 second ago from TwitterBerry

Reporter – Last question. Are you concerned that Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin will be forced to discuss other racers if you don’t appear on the start line?

LA – That hasn’t been a problem for the last three years. This should keep them going for the next few. Now, ladies and gentlemen, I’m firing up the jet and going to ride my bike someplace where a 60% effort is enough to put everyone else in a world of hurt. Frankly, it shouldn’t be hard to find.

LA Twitter – Skip the waxing and get that jet fired up. We’re heading out to grab some Tex-Mex and some cycling buddies. 1 second ago from TwitterBerry

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Q & A with Dr. Spalm

Dr. Spalm - It is an extraordinary coincidence that your name is also an obscure cycling term. Did you feel compelled to become a vaguely European cycling consultant because of your name?
Curious in Spokane

Dear Curious - I am pleased to hear that you are aware of the cycling affiliation with my name. It is indeed an obscure term as one of the Team Two Wheel riders recently informed me that even among Spokane's equivalent of the tifosi, it was an unknown term. As I have always had a very, highly personal way of explaining the term in person, I will instead refer you to the Urban Dictionary definition:

Spalm - To apply ointment or lubricant to the undercarriage of oneself to prevent chafing or sores. Before going running, Penelope spalmed her nether regions to avoid chafing from her ass cheeks rubbing together (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=spalm).

I would not personally use the term "ass cheeks", because I prefer the term "buttockal lobes", but then that is the term my mother always uses, so you will have to excuse me. You can tell, however, that this is a real word because it has its own page in the Urban Dictionary and it is cited right there so you can check it.

In any case, the answer to your question is "no," I did not feel compelled in my career choice. Rather, I let my natural inclinations lead me to my career choice and I changed my name to match. It had been my childhood nickname, much as Rider 2 is also known as "Quicksilver" among some portion of the local riding population (and yes, Quicksilver, movie magic really is made when you combine Kevin Bacon, Nelson Vails and the tumult of the messenger bike scene). The origin of my nickname is best left to the mists of time, but suffice it to say that everyone involved has received either therapy or time in detention, so it all turned out okay.

Much to my surprise, it turns out it is relatively easy to change one's name in most states and since I was not changing my name to evade creditors, this time, the judge banged the gavel and I have been Dr. Spalm ever since. Now onto more cycling questions.

Dr. Spalm - Your answers are as clear as the mud falling from Sven Nys as he outkicks Lars Boom. Is there a reason for this? Also, does Spokane really have "tifosi"?
Confused in Spokane

Dear Confused - Your question would imply you are one of the fixed gear crowd, because no one else outside of Belgium would make a convoluted reference to Messers. Nys and Boom. My question to you would be, why do fixed gear cyclists enjoy cyclo-cross so much? Do you not notice that those gentlemen, as well as most of those winning such races stateside, use not only gears, but also carbon tubular wheelsets and the newest, lightest, most expensive technology? I applaud the ethos of the fixie, but I would appreciate greater consistency in the application of these principles. For example, you would shudder at the addition of a cupholder to your beloved fixie, and yet most of you spend your time commuting to local bars. Well, not a question I can answer now.

As for Spokane tifosi, I concede that this may not be strictly true in the strictest sense of the word. Tifosi are generally the knowledgeable fans of a particular soccer club, formula one team or a particular cyclist. For instance, the subject of an upcoming post, Paulo Bettini, has his own Cricket Tifosi. But, I believe in the broader sense of the word, we Spokanites may also be lacking, as the word is most commonly applied to the old men in corner cafes smoking cigarettes and arguing about the race of the day. Here in Spokane we have old men, we have cigarette smokers, we have establishments that could reasonably resemble an equivalent of a corner cafe, and lastly, we have people who discuss the races of the day, but I am not personally aware of the coming together of all of these elements. The day the Swinging Door announces pitcher specials for Milan-San Remo, we will know the tifosi have arrived. They will have to smoke outside, but you get the idea.

Thank you kindly for your questions. I will look forward to conversing at my standard by-the-word rate at a future date.
Sincerely,
Dr. Spalm

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Ride Thought

This photo isn't very good, but BikeSnob (http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com) has made it acceptable to post fuzzy photos on cycling blogs. We are simply walking in the footsteps of giants.

It's hard to see, but the sign on the side of this mini-van says "Home School Book Store". Is it fitting that people who go to school not at a school would have a bookstore that is not at a bookstore? There are things I don't understand about home schooling, for instance isn't the dating scene a bit awkward, but I sincerely like the idea of a home school bookstore in a minivan. It just seems right.

From Rides


Maybe it's not a good idea to have a camera along on a ride.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Q & A with the Cycling Widow

Question - I am interested in hitting my peak for a 45-mile, hilly race in June, so I understand I should be building base miles right now. How long should I be riding right now in January and February? The weather is a bit tough where I live for rides longer than 2-3 hours.

Answer - This is a very good question for all cyclists. How many hours should you be spending on your bike in January and February? I have a question for you. How many hours should you be spending with your children during January and February? How many home projects should you be putting off in January and February? If you have no children and no home projects, then by all means you should be ridding your ass off this time of year, otherwise, let's talk priorities!

Question - I have seen pictures of the CSC/Saxo Bank riders standing in a cold pool after riding, which apparently has some training benefit. Can you explain what soaking in a cold pool after a training ride does physiologically?

Answer - Do you seriously have time to stand in a cold pool after riding?! You are spending enough time on that bike that I cannot imagine you are considering doing anything but getting off the thing and spending time with your children. You do realize that one of their parents has to help with homework, get meals ready, and keep this house together? Cold pool? How about frosty reception!

Question - I have a knee issue that comes up every year when I get back on my bike. It usually goes away when I back off the miles a bit and stretch regularly, but one of my riding buddies suggest that I go to a yoga class 2-3 times a week to help with my flexibility and joint strength. Would you agree?

Answer - By all means, go to a yoga class two or three times a week to balance out all that time you spend by yourself and with your cycling buddies. That should be a great cure! You should also think about standing in a cold pool followed by a lengthy massage. Just live the dream and pretend you are a full-time professional cyclist. Or at least the dream that your "hobby" deserves to soak up every minute and every dollar you have!

Question - Cycling Widow, you seem a bit bitter. Is there anything we can do, that is, anything that doesn't involve riding our bikes less?

Answer - I think the question speaks for itself.

Team Two Wheel Disclaimer - The above post does not represent the views of any of the spouses of team riders, or the spouses or significant others of any riders we personally know. We are blessed to have tremendously beautiful, smart and supportive spouses, but we have heard stories about less fortunate souls. Our prayers are with them.

Monday, January 26, 2009

A Photo Essay of my Sunday Ride

A photo essay is like a tone poem, except in this case there is no music and no poetry. Also, I am taking liberties and commenting liberally on the photos.

Bike is ready, although an hour after I intended to leave. See the flag. The wind was blowing. It was 25F when I left. I should have hit the trainer.

From Rides


A couple of miles into my ride, I came across my first of many animal contacts. This is not a great picture, but I was afraid the bald eagle would fly away if I got closer. It is sitting in a deer carcass. Across the street was a group of 20-30 turkeys.

From Rides


Does it look cold? Hangman Road a bit past Hatch Road.

From Rides


I can see the sun. Why can't it see me? Has it forsaken me since I stopped believing in it?

From Rides


Umm, the road is going uphill. Wouldn't it be better if I went home now?

From Rides


Last summer the Valley Chapel Road was closed here all summer. Here is why. Look carefully and you can see the 30-40 feet of concrete between asphalt stretches. That is the bridge that was replaced.

From Rides


Here is the reason for the bridge. This is just shy of the spring run-off level. Nothing in the stream bed all summer. Couldn't we have just hopped across it instead of having the road blocked off for 3-4 months? Does one of the county commissioners own a bridge building company?

From Rides


Beauty shot.

From Rides


The bottom of the Valley Chapel Hill. My friend Bob says this hill has three parts. I will prove him wrong in a future post.

From Rides

Sunday's Ride - Part 2

Rather than putting up the world's longest post, I have split my ride report into two. The second part appears first so that they will be in correct order when the first part appears. Trust me, it will work.

Ride Report continued:

More Hill

From Rides


Deer in the road. I was moving so slowly I snuck up on it.

From Rides


Did I mention it was cold?

From Rides


Bald eagles, turkeys, hawks, lots of deer and . . . Texas Longhorns?

From Rides


The last of Valley Chapel hill. It's about 17 miles long. No, not really, but it felt like it today.

From Rides


This is not ideal. That is the setting sun.

From Rides


Here was my shortcut home. Since I survived, I guess it was a good idea, but that is not a dirt road right now. It is an ice road with gravel in places.

From Rides


The last mile home on H 195. Yes, those are headlights, which means the sun is setting and the temperature is dropping rapidly. Did I mention that it was cold?

From Rides


This is a horrible picture, but there is a layer of ice about a 1/4" thick on the entire inside of the water bottle. I have had the valve ice up before, but nothing like this. I think it is safe to say that it was too cold for a ride today.

From Rides


I really wanted to get outside for a ride today because I am lacking enthusiasm for winter. Last week's ride was invigorating, but it was 32F and sunny. Today's high was 25F and it was overcast. Okay, I'm still glad I went, but it makes me look forward to a balmy 40F for rides in a month or so.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Trainer Moments

On the trainer watching the DVD of the 2005 Tour de France, Stage 16 from Mourenx to Pau, over the Col d'Aubisque. Cadel Evans is alone over the top and as he starts the descent.

Phil - Recall that this is the descent where Cadel Evans crashed while training for the Tour de France a couple of years ago and broke his collar bone.

Paul - That was, I believe, his seventh broken collar bone. I think he is safe today though, because at this point he has more metal than bone in there.

Phil - He needs to be careful when it rains though, he is in danger of rusting.

Later, as Cadel Evans starts the descent of the Col du Soulor, Paul mentions Cadel's seven broken collar bones again and Phil pops up with this bon mot:

Phil - When he travels now he sets off alarms with the metal holding together his collar bone. He needs to carry a paper with him to explain to security. Let's hope he doesn't crash again today.

Those guys are funny. I wish they were doing the call on the Super Bowl next week.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

New Equipment

This is the first of 7,000 postings regarding bike equipment, but this is one about something relatively mundane. When I got on my trainer last, and no, I can't tell you when that was because I am training in secret right now, but anyway, when I got on my trainer the last time, I noticed I was getting some, well, numbness. And, as anyone who spends time on a trainer knows, numbness can come with the territory, but this was a bit different and it seemed like the pressure points were a bit off. My sense was that the seat was sloped down a bit. This resulted in getting out a level to check it.

I should note here that I have a teammate who rivals Eddy Merckx for the title of "Mr. Millimeter". His super-power is knowing to the millimeter how his bike is supposed to feel, so that if the seat is up or down, or I suppose the padding is denser or less dense due to the air temperature, he senses it and it must be adjusted. Now, to his credit, this is not a daily thing, because, frankly, he is a good mechanic and his bike is within his micrometer tolerances every day. He must take care of the various barometric pressure adjustments before he wheels out of the garage, but I digress.

So, I got out the level and sure enough, the seat was a bit nose up. Not a lot, but enough that it was probably the cause of my "issue." So, I had my allen wrench at the ready and loosened the bolt on the seat post.

From Misc Bike Pics


I am used to this process, so I loosened and tried to slide the nose of the seat lightly. No go. I pushed a bit harder and realized that the nut must need to be a bit looser. Again, no movement. It turns out that I had forgotten to readjust my thinking from current bike stuff to "old" bike stuff. Here is a better picture of the seat post.

From Misc Bike Pics
This is a Campagnolo seat post, circa 1991 or 1992. It wasn't the nicest Campy seat post in those days, but it well represented the state of technology in that era. The issue, it turns out, is that the seat post mechanism for adjusting the seat involves a series of large teeth that match up, so that if the bolt is even slightly holding the pieces together, the seat won't move. Probably nice, but the downside is slight adjustments are simply not possible, only in the increments set by the teeth. Also, as a result, there is almost no fore-aft.

Today, the adjustment on a modern seat post is much more faceted and can be done in the tiniest of increments. That is not only good for Mr. Millimeter, it is good for everyone.

This leads to my pitch for the day. The new equipment really is nice. There really are differences between equipment of ten years ago (not to mention 20) and today. Today's stuff is usually stronger and lighter and more adjustable. Bike geeks who like the latest and greatest (guilty) enjoy the state of the art, but the truth is that in every price point the equipment is so much nicer than even the really expensive stuff of a few years ago that it is amazing. My guess is that the bottom of the line Trek 1.2 would be head and shoulders above the bikes that Greg Lemond used to win the Tour de France. Sure, Lance is still riding the top of the line, but it is cool to think about how nice, how strong, how light, how dependable, how adjustable and how rideable almost all the bikes are today. Whether it's Lance's, or yours, or the next one added to the stable.
Rider 3

From Misc Bike Pics

Friday, January 23, 2009

Musings on the Morning Ride Dinner

This blog is an experiment for the three riders who make up Team Two Wheel. None of us has ever blogged or had any experience with this process. That is why it was a surprise to me, when I read the Terms and Conditions of starting a Blogger blog, that I was required to use the words "Musing", "Random" or "Miscellaneous" in our blog on a regular basis. Up until now I had assumed that "Random Musings about . . ." or "Miscellaneous Thoughts on . . ." was just a lazy bloggers way of justifying not having enough substance about one topic to fill a post. Oh well, since the credo of Team Two Wheel must include something about playing by the rules, we are certainly not going to deviate from our obligation to provide "Random Miscellaneous Musings."

To that end, let us muse about a ritual known as the "Annual Morning Ride Dinner." Dr. Spalm, as a student of languages, might point out that the casual observer would be struck by the "random" collection of words here, but those in the cycling circles in Spokane understand completely. The Morning Ride was begun and has been organized by a local rider, Bill Bender, since the end of World War II (I might not be right on this, but I think they started riding at 5.45 am because of a hold-over on black-out restrictions). In any case, this group of primarly South Hill residents met at a secret location for all of the important points of a group bike ride: sandbagging, trash talk, meaningless shows of testosterone, and checking out new bike equipment. But they also celebrate the camaraderie of riding together. There is an elemental human satisfaction in seeing a group of people regularly to keep up in at least a loose way on each others conditions, careers, kids and new cycling gear.

The communications of the Morning Ride are a microcosm of society's communications. From the earlier telegrams, to party-line telephonic communications, mimeographs, and now, amazingly, widespread use of the internets in the form of list servers and google groups. The spread of communication has grown the ride from its very close-knit beginnings, to a wider group due to the looser restrictions on the spread of electronic communications. Nonetheless, if you show up for a Morning Ride, you had better be able to ride. This group not only doesn't have a "no drop" rule, they seem to have a "mandatory drop" rule. The guys at the front just can't go home to the wife and kids unless someone was left as a quivering mass somewhere in the depths of Hangman Valley. If nothing else, it is up to the climbers to set things right on the way up Hatch Road.

Well, these things are all set aside once a year for a winter time gathering. All the important elements of a group of guys getting together for a meal are present here: sandbagging, trash talk, meaningless shows of testosterone, and discussing new bike equipment. The other thing that takes place is the sole award given by this group to one of its members for the Most Improved Rider of the season. The award winner receives a sculpture, in recent years a lamp, made of broken and discarded bike parts made by Mark Buescher. The decision process is shrouded in secrecy, as there is not an official vote, although there is lobbying during the course of the season, it is hard to tell its effectiveness. There is no question though, the Buescher original is valued.

This year the winner was Steve Weinberger, a local physical therapist who overcame an early season injury to rise through the ranks to become this year's Most Improved. Steve is a quiet guy, so it is hard to imagine he did any lobbying except for that done by his legs. As Rider Two says, "Bikes don't lie."

It would be nice to put together a list of winners from prior years, but this blog post has met the statutory requirement for musing, so that will have to wait for another day. If you have a picture of one of the Buescher originals, or a list of prior Most Improved winners, e-mail us and look for more random thoughts on the Morning Ride later.
Rider Three

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Dr. Spalm's Cycling and Ettiquette Advice Column

Welcome to the last source of useless cycling information, arcane racing trivia and etiquette advice you will ever need. We are very excited to have secured the services of the renowned cycling expert, Dr. Spalm, who has graciously agreed to answer our reader questions. Or at least all of those that can reasonably be discussed in a semi-family-appropriate fashion. Keep in mind that Dr. Spalm's family includes a wide selection of ne'er-do-wells, black sheep and librarians, so he is not put off by much.

In light of the recent return to cycling of a famous grand tour winner, we thought we would answer this question that was posed to us in Two Wheel Transit while we were looking for some winter riding shoes:

Dear Dr. Spalm - You seem vaguely european, so I think you can help me with this. I see that Ivan Basso is returning to the ranks of professional cycling. I have heard Signore Basso called both Birillo and Tranquilo. I have watched enough cycling to understand the basics like peloton and grand depart, but what is Ivan telling us?
Sincerely, Confused in Spokane.

Dear Confused - This is a fascinating question, so thank you for asking. Also, because I get paid by the word, I am likely to use fillers in starting and ending most of my questions. As regards Ivan Basso, these were not terms that you heard Phil and Paul tossing around in a fevered pitch as Ivan crossed a Giro mountain pass. Their comments are sufficiently confusing that not even Dr. Spalm can explain some of them.

Tranquilo, as you might deduce if you were a student of languages, as is Dr. Spalm, translates roughly to "tranquil". This is like Nyquil, in that if you have enough of either you are asleep, but it is a more peaceful and less drug-induced state. Maybe drug-induced is the wrong phrase to use here. Anyway, it means that one is at peace with him or herself. Signore Basso declared himself "tranquilo" when he was accused of doping to boost his cycling performance. He was "tranquilo" because he knew the truth of the matter and he was not bothered by such baseless and frivolous accusations. Next, he told us that he was no longer tranquilo and instead he was Birillo. Now, you might think this means that his next mental state was that of a scrubbing cleanser pad. Instead, it meant that he was, in fact, his dog.

Thank you for asking.

Team Two Wheel has pointed out that my contract does allow wordiness, but prohibits obliqueness. So, I will, at my normal per word charge provide a bit more explanation.

In the examination of a blood doping lab in Spain, there were a number of bags of blood with code names on them. One or more of these bags were labelled "Birillo", which just happened to be the name of Ivan Basso's dog. Ivan was, of course, shocked and surprised by the enormous coincidence. Despite his shock and suprise, he was also "tranquilo". Signore Basso was next shocked and surprised to find out that it is relatively easy to take a DNA test of both Ivan's blood and Birillo's blood and determine whether it was the Basso family dog that was blood doping or someone else. I hypothesize that he has less "tranquilo" at this point.

Rather than accept the potential shame of having a doping dog, Ivan confessed that he had considered blood doping, went so far as to have bags of blood stored in a medical lab 2,000 kilometers from home (HMO restrictions, I'm sure), but he had never, ever actually used any unsporting chemical or blood advantages to, for instance, transform over one winter from the back of the time trail pack to the very front. Thankfully, he saw the light before crossing over to the dark side.

So, to wrap up for my fellow students of language, tranquilo = I'm sure that my secrets are safe; Birillo = It is far better for me to confess to thinking about doping than have anyone think my dog is a doper.

Yours in Cycling, Dr. Spalm

Shop Ride

We are talking about having a shop ride out of Two Wheel Transit every month once the weather is reasonable. The plan is for a pleasant, no-drop ride of 15 - 20 miles leaving from and returning to the shop. If you are interested, let the guys in the shop know or e-mail one of us.
Rider 3

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

First Ride

Our first ride since becoming a team took place Sunday morning under what I think was the first blue sky of 2009. 11 am conditions: 32 degrees, sunny, roads mostly clear of snow, but plenty of gravel and grit. I left my house thankful that black asphalt absorbs enough heat to melt the left-over snow and ice after multiple plows.

From Rides


We agreed to meet at the intersection of Thorpe Road and H 195. From there, we were turning west and heading uphill. I remember times when this is one of those hills that increases your breathing, but was hardly considered a climb. Thankfully, I have a long memory. Wanting to hide my lack of fitness and not feel strung out in the first five minutes of the ride, I called Rider 2 to say that I would meet them up the hill at the next intersection. Fumbling to answer the call, I could hear Rider 2 reporting to Rider 1, "That must be Rider 3 calling to say he is late." If it weren't so regularly true, I would say that it was insulting. Putting aside this slight, I told him the revised plan. Thankfully technology then allowed us to begin one of the important elements of a ride before we had even gotten face-to-face: trash-talking.

We can debate at length which is more important to a ride, trash talking or sandbagging, but I firmly believe each has a role. In this case, it was, "Sure, go ahead, take your 28 on up the hill and we'll see if we can catch you!" I'm sure that this wasn't intended to point out the differences in the speed we ascend, but . . . well, maybe it was. In any case, I headed up the hill and started thinking of my excuses so that I could get on with the next important element of the ride. I didn't get much sleep last night; I spent a LOT of time on the trainer yesterday; did I mention the soreness in my knee, my back, my hamstrings, my quads, and my lungs? I was set just in time.

From Rides

From here, we made our way towards Cheney. We discussed the weather, the condition of the roads and early season riding. Since the Team Two Wheel is very much a nascent entity, I thought we should explore some team rules. The first one I suggested was that we all agree to ride the first 1,000 kilometers of the season in our small chainring so that we could "spin" the way the Euro's suggest. Rider 1 quickly stated his opposition. Rider 2 quickly stated his amazement that he had a small chainring. He wasn't familiar with it, as the chain had last visited it when the mechanic was installing the derailleur. No matter; it gave us something to talk about for a few miles as we rounded up towards Betz Road.

From Rides
For anyone not familiar with Betz Road, here it is in its snow covered January state. It is largely empty road that doesn't appear to go to or from anywhere, making it perfect for cycling.

The rest of the ride was uneventful. About two hours total, all friendly and a minimum of pacelines due to traffic on the run back to town on the Cheney-Spokane Road. We told a few bad jokes, discussed the topics of the day and thoroughly enjoyed being outside on our bikes on January 18 despite record snows in our area just a month earlier. Here was my indication it was time to get riding and stop worrying about anything else. More later.
Rider 3

From Rides

Monday, January 19, 2009

It's Official

It's now official, or at least unofficially official. Two Wheel Transit has agreed to be the primary sponsor of a new cycling team in Spokane. We are three riders with long-time associations with the bike shop and its owner, Stephan Loveland, and we will serve as cycling ambassadors for the shop. We will be organizing some group rides, testing some products, sharing some cycling tips, revealing our favorite rides around the area and continuing our collective obsession with riding bikes.

The team is made up of three riders. Rider 1 is a serious rider, sometimes racer and a former professional cycling team manager. Rider 2 is a serious rider, often-times racer and former bike shop employee. Rider 3 is a less serious rider, occasional racer and due to a distinctly non-cycling size, serves as a defacto cycling product tester.

If you know Sesame Street, you may be saying to yourself, "One of these things is not like the other . . .", and you are right. Rider 1 & 2 have to wait at the top of every hill for me, and at every finish line now that I think about it, but we nonetheless share a lot of cycling philosophy. We recognize that bikes don't lie, we try to ride and race smart, we love the exhaustion that comes from hours in the saddle and we respect the difference between going for a ride and pinning on a number.

Together, we are pleased to be Team Two Wheel and we are looking forward to the 2009 cycling season.
Rider 3

Monday, January 5, 2009

And so it begins

Welcome to the Team Two Wheel blogsite.

Fortitudine Vincimus. By endurance we shall conquer.

More to follow.
Rider 3