Every gram counts

Inspired by a documentary about the cyclist from Texas who need not be named...I have been thinking about some goodies to lighten up the superfly. Sure, at 23 lbs. she is mighty light but I believe with some research and careful selection of weight loss vs. coin I think I can get her down below 22 lbs.

In addition to the weight of the bike I'll be watching what I eat. Not starving myself but thinking carefully about what I SHOULD be eating. Drinking season, both in regards to fatty Starbucks beverages and adult beverages is now over.

Madone Flavor of the Day

Part two. Isn't she pretty?

Get out the Calculator!

As a typical boy (aside from the excessive body hair and the ability to speak in tongues) raised in the United States I was very into sports like Baseball, Basketball and Football. And since many of the sports in the US are tedious and difficult to watch I became fascinated with statistics.

So it is mildly interesting to look back and see what you have done — as well as to think about what I wish to accomplish in the new year.

2007
Cycling: 1139mi (began cycling in July), 189.27mi/mo avg, 262mi/mo max, longest ride 52.5mi (avg 16.36 mph)
Running: 432mi, 36mi/mo avg, longest run 8.3mi.

2008
Cycling: 3563mi 296mi/mo avg, 478mi/mo max, longest ride 71.5mi. (avg 17.09 mph)
Running: 73.67mi, 6.1mi/mo avg,longest run 6.4mi.

These numbers are somewhat impressive compared to the once overweight fatass that sat on the couch all the time, but extremely unimpressive compared to all my new acquaintances who bury my ass on every ride. This weird line of thought was inspired by my Nike+ log-in screen that displayed my rather unimpressive year as a runner.

Madone Flavor of the Day

Here is my most recent creation.

Current Training Regiment

This is how I'm getting on with my training...

Christmas

Dear Santa,

Please bring me this.

Inspiration for 2009

An old webisode of the Two Johns' Podcast referenced this film from France, it is called Le Vélo de Ghislain Lambert. John G mentioned he had watched it while in France. The cinematography is stunning and I really love this era of cycling. I just purchased a used copy off Amazon, so Merry early Christmas to me!

UPDATE: My copy has arrived! There is only one problem...Amazon's description of the movie said there were English subtitles and unfortunately there are none! So I am using every ounce of my high school French to keep up, which is difficult because the visuals are so stunning and there are many thick accents, some belonging to cyclists that are Italian, etc.

I do love the film. It is a bittersweet story that is far from a Hollywood tale. While filled with many comedic moments it uses your laughter to draw you into a character that is very real and not always a good guy.