Ride on
Ride safe
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Death of My Riding
Why is it when you start to work at a bike shop you stop riding as much. I am not racing at all this year I am lucky if I get in 100 miles a week these days. I haven't ridden my cross bike lately. I got a Peggoretti Lugino and it only sees the road once a week. My Look 595 Ultra sits in the shop like a statue. I really miss riding 6 hours at a time on my days off I have so much crap to do. I live six blocks from work and don't even have a commuter bike to ride into work so I walk or drive. I need to start riding again and getting back to a decent level so I can go on no drop rides. oh well we will see what happens. Other than that I am really excited for cross season even if I am not racing it is still fun to see all the new people doing it. I mean there are so many people doing it now. The only thing I fear is it becoming like road and mtb races. Snotty and full of assholes!!! Let's hope it keeps its fun side! Peace out and as always
Thursday, January 3, 2008
2007 in review!!!
I guess I will go with the trendy "how was my year, like you really care" in review. Well in the personal life it kind of sucked. I lost my Grandmother, my dog Ursala, and my dog Tonka. I am still kind of numb about the whole grandmother issue. I have had a girlfriend half the time due to her schooling and my bike riding. That one is about the shittiest of all of them. As for cycling I really increased my riding time. I went from maybe 30-50 miles a week, to 120+ on average a week. I am riding a great deal more and am sponsored by Banning's Bikes. I received a new road bike which everyone is probably sick of hearing about. I only have to say that 2007 sucked as far as injuries and loss of bicycles. I got four eye infections in one shot. I fucked up my shoulder in a race. I fucked up my arms and legs, as well as smoking my 29'er in a wreck on the loop. I spent about two weeks off the bike in the summer for a re-occurring ankle injury.
In the professional category it was kind of weird, I took over late 2006 as the HNIC next to the owner, and got put on salary, which was nice. I felt like I accomplished a great deal as far as production increase, cutting of costs and running basically a skeleton crew. I mean next to the owner I am the only person in this company that doesn't just have few duties. I ship, receive, do all pick ups and deliveries that do not get done by freight companies. I reclaim all screens, I do most of the coating, burning and washing out all screens. I have taken on the responsibility of most of the film in the last three months. I over see all production, I am the fourth man if the crew needs me back there. I am in charge of supply inventory. I feel like I took on a great deal which is always rewarding for me, yet at the same time I do not feel appreciated. I know that the Boss Man really does appreciate me, and I know that the company can not afford big bonuses or raises. I know that bonuses are not to be expected, hence the name bonuses, as in extra. Here comes the but, I got huge ones the last two years, (2006, 2005, Christmas and summer) for doing one 1/5 of what I do now, with less stress, and less time in at the shop. I know that in a time of inflation and economic struggle, just having a job that is salary is a blessing, and I know I am being ungrateful, I just sometimes feel this way. Let's hope that this year is different, hint, hint Ron!!!!
On a whole the year kind of blew. It felt like everything was just getting worse and worse, as the year went on. I am happy that Jenna and I are still together, I am happy that all of my friends are still alive and doing well. I am grateful for all of you and hope that 2008 brings a bigger and better year. I know cheesy, but for fucks sake, I am trying to be positive here people.
In the professional category it was kind of weird, I took over late 2006 as the HNIC next to the owner, and got put on salary, which was nice. I felt like I accomplished a great deal as far as production increase, cutting of costs and running basically a skeleton crew. I mean next to the owner I am the only person in this company that doesn't just have few duties. I ship, receive, do all pick ups and deliveries that do not get done by freight companies. I reclaim all screens, I do most of the coating, burning and washing out all screens. I have taken on the responsibility of most of the film in the last three months. I over see all production, I am the fourth man if the crew needs me back there. I am in charge of supply inventory. I feel like I took on a great deal which is always rewarding for me, yet at the same time I do not feel appreciated. I know that the Boss Man really does appreciate me, and I know that the company can not afford big bonuses or raises. I know that bonuses are not to be expected, hence the name bonuses, as in extra. Here comes the but, I got huge ones the last two years, (2006, 2005, Christmas and summer) for doing one 1/5 of what I do now, with less stress, and less time in at the shop. I know that in a time of inflation and economic struggle, just having a job that is salary is a blessing, and I know I am being ungrateful, I just sometimes feel this way. Let's hope that this year is different, hint, hint Ron!!!!
On a whole the year kind of blew. It felt like everything was just getting worse and worse, as the year went on. I am happy that Jenna and I are still together, I am happy that all of my friends are still alive and doing well. I am grateful for all of you and hope that 2008 brings a bigger and better year. I know cheesy, but for fucks sake, I am trying to be positive here people.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
I don't want to be a snob!!!!!
So yeah I have been noticing lately that there are a great many cycling snobs out there.
I have been getting more and more upset at the scenster kids that are so fucking cookie cutter, cliquish, ass hat I think I am better than you little shits. They act as if they invented fixies or riding them around town. They act as if they are better then the daily business commuter who treks thirty miles on a geared bike everyday both ways. They rape the cycling world of its classic bikes so that can have their Colonago fixie. They all wear the exact same thing, black chucks, tight women's pants, messenger bags, tri-spoke wheels, blah, blah, blah. They are the new "New Punk" kids, let us be different by all looking the exact same. Mash SF is just one more testament to how fucking lame these kids are. Let's ride around town doing the exact same skid stop thru the whole movie. Like none of us that have ridden a fixie have ever had close calls, now we need a movie showing it.
So then on the other side I am also sick of the roadies. They all act as if riding anything other than a road bike is a joke. If it is not all carbon or less than 15 pounds it is lame. If you ride your bike just for fun, what is that. Got to train, got to get in miles, got to always race. Trekking across the country is lame. Bikes should only be used for racing blah blah blah. We all talk shit about what clothes are the best and how much TREK, LOOK,BIANCI WHATEVER SUCKS.
Oh and let me not even get started on MTB guys. "Spandex warriors don't know pain til they have ridden off road". These fucking ass clowns never even ride stuff that their bikes are designed for. Yeah I personally need 6 inches of travel to ride the loop. That type of suspension is for real MTB trails not the Loop or Whiting Ranch, or even the Luge out at Modejska Canyon. Sure it makes it nice, but for fuck sakes I, or some of my personal friends have done one or all of those trials on a Cross-bike.
And you god damn single-speeders. I understand the love, hell I wasn't allowed to ride gears for the first six months I rode off road. I loved it and still love it. But some of you act as if you are a fucking god, and look down on geared riders. So what, fucking relax, yes I am sure that your penis, and or vagina ,to be PC, is bigger than everyone else's. I am sure that if you rode gears you would kick my ass up a hill. Or if we all went single we could all feel your joy, but they make gears and sell them so why not fucking get a bike with them and try and relax for awhile on a group ride rather than constantly being out of breathe. Just a thought here, if you didn't want to talk to others while you road why the fuck did you come on the group ride.
I love riding my bike but I get really annoyed by all of this. I personally ride every style. I had every type of bike up until recently. I personally feel that people, including me, get caught up in the "stuff" and forget about the ride. Shut up and go fucking ride.
I have been getting more and more upset at the scenster kids that are so fucking cookie cutter, cliquish, ass hat I think I am better than you little shits. They act as if they invented fixies or riding them around town. They act as if they are better then the daily business commuter who treks thirty miles on a geared bike everyday both ways. They rape the cycling world of its classic bikes so that can have their Colonago fixie. They all wear the exact same thing, black chucks, tight women's pants, messenger bags, tri-spoke wheels, blah, blah, blah. They are the new "New Punk" kids, let us be different by all looking the exact same. Mash SF is just one more testament to how fucking lame these kids are. Let's ride around town doing the exact same skid stop thru the whole movie. Like none of us that have ridden a fixie have ever had close calls, now we need a movie showing it.
So then on the other side I am also sick of the roadies. They all act as if riding anything other than a road bike is a joke. If it is not all carbon or less than 15 pounds it is lame. If you ride your bike just for fun, what is that. Got to train, got to get in miles, got to always race. Trekking across the country is lame. Bikes should only be used for racing blah blah blah. We all talk shit about what clothes are the best and how much TREK, LOOK,BIANCI WHATEVER SUCKS.
Oh and let me not even get started on MTB guys. "Spandex warriors don't know pain til they have ridden off road". These fucking ass clowns never even ride stuff that their bikes are designed for. Yeah I personally need 6 inches of travel to ride the loop. That type of suspension is for real MTB trails not the Loop or Whiting Ranch, or even the Luge out at Modejska Canyon. Sure it makes it nice, but for fuck sakes I, or some of my personal friends have done one or all of those trials on a Cross-bike.
And you god damn single-speeders. I understand the love, hell I wasn't allowed to ride gears for the first six months I rode off road. I loved it and still love it. But some of you act as if you are a fucking god, and look down on geared riders. So what, fucking relax, yes I am sure that your penis, and or vagina ,to be PC, is bigger than everyone else's. I am sure that if you rode gears you would kick my ass up a hill. Or if we all went single we could all feel your joy, but they make gears and sell them so why not fucking get a bike with them and try and relax for awhile on a group ride rather than constantly being out of breathe. Just a thought here, if you didn't want to talk to others while you road why the fuck did you come on the group ride.
I love riding my bike but I get really annoyed by all of this. I personally ride every style. I had every type of bike up until recently. I personally feel that people, including me, get caught up in the "stuff" and forget about the ride. Shut up and go fucking ride.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thank god I am racing????
I haven't raced in over a month. I know disgusting, but hey shit happens and has it been happening to me!!!
Let me see the last time I raced was October 20th. I went into the race feeling good and wrecked. Fucked up my shoulder, out for the rest of the week. That same day the fires started in O.C. and stopped me from riding all week long. Finally air clears up 10-29, Monday and I end up with not one, not two but four Cornial Ulcers in my right eye. Well that takes me off the bike for two weeks. Considering the first week I was stuck at home with the lights off due to the massive migrains strong light gave me, I say it was pretty serious. I also had to put drops and an ointment in my eye for two weeks. Yes I said ointment. This stuff had the consistancy of Neosporin and would blur my vision in my right eye for an hour.
So once that is all over with and I can start wearing contacts again now that it is now November. Infact it is the week of the 11th-17th. I decide on Thursday the 15th that it would be a good idea to go ride offroad since my optometrist says it is okay. I am feeling good and am pushing right along. I am almost done with the loop and at the top of the Luge. I am following Hugo (bad move I later fnd out) and we are gaining speed. I am spinning out on a 48-11 on a 29er. I go off the first little step off and fly to the left side of the trail. I then go off the next step off and sail right along to stick my front wheel in a rut. I go OTB (Over The Bars) and demolish the bike, as well as my self.
So I figure give it a week and I should be good. I figure I will go race the 25th of November. Eeeeghghghghghgh!!!! Nope I go ride the morning of my birthday (23rd for those of you who don't know). It is a nice easy 42 miles at about 22mph down to Sunset Beach and back. Somehow I pulled my IT band. Put me in so much pain that I had to spend the whole next day, hungover as well, icing it so I could walk. Sunday it still hurt and I did a nice easy ride around town to stretch it. About 30 mile to Cal Poly and back. It felt okay but jumping and or running on it out of the question.
So this week I gear up for the weekend. Start back up the old training regiment. I put in 80-90 miles on Monday,Lincoln to Batavia, to Taft, to Cannon, to Santiago Canyon, to the 133 to PCH, to the River trail, to home. Did it in about five hours. Tuesday spent an hour on the rollers to get the acid out of the legs. Wedensday a relax day. Today going to go ride the Loop. But hey hold on the race this week is in Bakersfield. Fuck that I am not going to drive to Spracktown. No fucking way in hell.
A.) It is Bakersfield
B) It is Bakersfield
C) I ain't got the cash for that gas
D) it is Bakersfield
I hate that town and I will not drive there. If I wanted to race in Sprack alley I would go to Costa Mesa and race up and down Hamilton.
So Maybe I will get to race next week.
Let me see the last time I raced was October 20th. I went into the race feeling good and wrecked. Fucked up my shoulder, out for the rest of the week. That same day the fires started in O.C. and stopped me from riding all week long. Finally air clears up 10-29, Monday and I end up with not one, not two but four Cornial Ulcers in my right eye. Well that takes me off the bike for two weeks. Considering the first week I was stuck at home with the lights off due to the massive migrains strong light gave me, I say it was pretty serious. I also had to put drops and an ointment in my eye for two weeks. Yes I said ointment. This stuff had the consistancy of Neosporin and would blur my vision in my right eye for an hour.
So once that is all over with and I can start wearing contacts again now that it is now November. Infact it is the week of the 11th-17th. I decide on Thursday the 15th that it would be a good idea to go ride offroad since my optometrist says it is okay. I am feeling good and am pushing right along. I am almost done with the loop and at the top of the Luge. I am following Hugo (bad move I later fnd out) and we are gaining speed. I am spinning out on a 48-11 on a 29er. I go off the first little step off and fly to the left side of the trail. I then go off the next step off and sail right along to stick my front wheel in a rut. I go OTB (Over The Bars) and demolish the bike, as well as my self.
So I figure give it a week and I should be good. I figure I will go race the 25th of November. Eeeeghghghghghgh!!!! Nope I go ride the morning of my birthday (23rd for those of you who don't know). It is a nice easy 42 miles at about 22mph down to Sunset Beach and back. Somehow I pulled my IT band. Put me in so much pain that I had to spend the whole next day, hungover as well, icing it so I could walk. Sunday it still hurt and I did a nice easy ride around town to stretch it. About 30 mile to Cal Poly and back. It felt okay but jumping and or running on it out of the question.
So this week I gear up for the weekend. Start back up the old training regiment. I put in 80-90 miles on Monday,Lincoln to Batavia, to Taft, to Cannon, to Santiago Canyon, to the 133 to PCH, to the River trail, to home. Did it in about five hours. Tuesday spent an hour on the rollers to get the acid out of the legs. Wedensday a relax day. Today going to go ride the Loop. But hey hold on the race this week is in Bakersfield. Fuck that I am not going to drive to Spracktown. No fucking way in hell.
A.) It is Bakersfield
B) It is Bakersfield
C) I ain't got the cash for that gas
D) it is Bakersfield
I hate that town and I will not drive there. If I wanted to race in Sprack alley I would go to Costa Mesa and race up and down Hamilton.
So Maybe I will get to race next week.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Lets Ride
So people have been asking me what my new bike looks like? Well it looks like this...
This is actually before we cut the seatmast and put my wheels on it but that is damn near finished. I fucking love it and I might quit my job so I can ride it more. I am not joking I might go get a shitty part time job just to pay the bills and then go ride this bad boy around.
On another note I have been missing riding off road lately. I think I am going to go ride the loop tonight if I can figure out someway to mount my damn NR light to my bike.
still trying to figure that one out. Well it is off to go get that done.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Cut it short.
So the old lady says to me "I like your writing style, you go blah blah blah I had a bad week, oh yeah the boys at the shop now call me Bobke. Just cut it off at the end, no explanation nothing just Bobke."
So here is the explanation of the Bobke name, we are sitting there at the shop watching the crash video with Bob Roll narrating, when Cheddar turns to me and says "hey you look like him." To which my girlfriend says "oh my god you really do." So now all the boys call me Bobke. So there is the story not that exciting really. That is why I cut it short.
On a positive note I got to finally put miles on my new road bike.(Look 595 pro team with Chorus kit, Easton EA90 SL rims, Easton EA90 stem and bars) It is awesome. Put about 130 miles on in three days. I know not that much but still a blast. The damn thing is so responsive. It just wants to go, and in corners it tracks like it was on rails. No effort leaning it over, you actually have to kind of pull yourself back. I have to say that the only thing I do not like about the bike is the ass hatchet for a seat that it has. The seat is really only good for 45 miles before it started to tear up my t'aint. I did about 60 miles on Monday and when I got done it felt like someone hit my taint with an aluminum baseball bat. I am going to give it another two weeks to see if it needs significant break in time, after that it is going to the dumpster gods and I am going back to a Fizik Aireone.
So here is the explanation of the Bobke name, we are sitting there at the shop watching the crash video with Bob Roll narrating, when Cheddar turns to me and says "hey you look like him." To which my girlfriend says "oh my god you really do." So now all the boys call me Bobke. So there is the story not that exciting really. That is why I cut it short.
On a positive note I got to finally put miles on my new road bike.(Look 595 pro team with Chorus kit, Easton EA90 SL rims, Easton EA90 stem and bars) It is awesome. Put about 130 miles on in three days. I know not that much but still a blast. The damn thing is so responsive. It just wants to go, and in corners it tracks like it was on rails. No effort leaning it over, you actually have to kind of pull yourself back. I have to say that the only thing I do not like about the bike is the ass hatchet for a seat that it has. The seat is really only good for 45 miles before it started to tear up my t'aint. I did about 60 miles on Monday and when I got done it felt like someone hit my taint with an aluminum baseball bat. I am going to give it another two weeks to see if it needs significant break in time, after that it is going to the dumpster gods and I am going back to a Fizik Aireone.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Take the good the bad!
So this week starts off excellent, I get a brand new bike on Monday. I got a Look 595 pro tour white. It is beautiful, chorus kit Easton EA90 bars, wheels, and stem, profile bottle cages. I love it and yet have not ridden it yet. Why you ask? Oh it is not out of choice, let me assure you. I also on Monday got infections in my right eye. I know am fighting three cornial ulcers. I have the responsibility of putting drops in my eyes all day today. I can't ride because my eye hurts like hell from light changes, it goes in and out of focus, it is always blurry. I feel like a mutant walking around one eye closed tightly and grimacing at any change in light. So yeah that is my week so far. I hope this shit clears up fast so I can ride or I am going to fucking snap. Oh on another note the boys at the old bike shop have named me Bobke. So yeah it is a good week so far.
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