It just reminds me, snow is knocking on the Door!

Hill Training
 

Diavolo, you are absolutely correct on the ultimate hill training. Mount Diablo is a crazy training hill. I usually use the Marin Headlines because I like the views, cows, coffee stops!

Have you ever hear of the NorCal Aids Bike Ride? It's a multi day ride, but in the valley area (Sacramento, Davis). I'm thinking of doing a ride, I just need to make sure it does't come too close to my holiday time.

Hi Yellow Band, I really love that video. The guy that puts on the ride is a cookie! Love the hair cut! Too many years of wearing a helmet.

Take care everyone! Happy riding.

Throw Down Bike
 

I just test rode my new "throw down bike" for the coming winter. The Trek 2:1
I'm getting it at a very good price (>$1000), it has "okay" components, it's light in weight and I won't feel bad for trashing it. I changed in bars and put clipless peddles. I pick it up tomorrow and go for a ride to break it in!

Where is Everyone!
 

I guess everyone is asleep for the winter! Well, it was a very beautiful day in San Francisco. I did a 44 mile route in Marin, CA. It was great! I hope everyone is doing well and talk with you all soon.

Nov.26 in Pittsburgh
 

This is the first of 12 hills on the ride dubbed the DirtyDozen. This particular hill is in my neighborhood. More people fall than actually make it up the hill. You can not pull on the handlebars, as the hill is so steep, the front tire will lift off the road surface and you fall, It's hard to not pull.

Wow, that was great to watch. Thanks for posting. Of course, it took me until minute 6 to figure out that turning down the sound would save my ears from that annoying cow bell! :blink:

Reminds me of the time with one of my friends on the trail. She and I were still relatively new mountain bikers. She was in front of me heading up a hill. It was like slow motion, her front tire lifting up...I swear it looks like she completely flipped backwards. It wasn't a big deal since we were just on dirt, but I can still see it. Funny.

It's on again. Today I start my training in earnest for the AIDS/Lifecycle. 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Ready, set, go.

:sunglass:It is like falling in slow motion. That's me at the base of the hill around 4:00, I have the high density yellow vest on and the red helmet. I clearly fall in slow motion. I eventually made it up, but didn't see it on here. Did you see the tandum bicycle at 5:46.....KOOL. First time we had a tandum climbing the dirty dozen.

I don't know if the cow bells are a Pittsburgh thing or not. They come to the races too. I recall hearing the cow bell at Pitt's Wm BB games...Anyhow, at least it was warm this year. Last year we had snow.

I would expect you have to have your tempo just right and have just the right line to get up that sucker. Impressive you did so!

Yes, I noticed the tandum. Very cool!

As an aside, I walked a new trail today with my dog. It was really nice out. Warm sun, about 63 degrees. Made me really miss my bike! I need to get back out on that dirt!

Did you see the guy wearing the Pig nose? Well, you are outside and walking distances. That will soon lead to the bicycle. I'm glad to hear this!

Yes, I loved that!

Also, thank you. It was a solid 50 minutes up and down a pretty steep hill (wooded area). I called my g.f. afterwards and told her how great it felt to be able to do that much for that long. And of course the dog was thrilled!

That was AWESOME to watch!

Hi everyone!!
 

Look at this cool Christmas present I got. I'll only use it a few times, BUT
it was a wonderful way to make a donation to an organization I am involved in (Bike http://bike-pgh.org/wp-content/uploa.../09/valet1.jpgPittsburgh) In the mean time, I'll pontificate about the day when I can bicycle up to the door at work and have my Bicycle VALET parked. Happy New Year Too!

No Rain in Sight
 

Well, what can I say? A 45 mile ride through the North Bay, almost 70 degrees, great tan lines! I'm in heaven! I've been racking up the miles weekly because it's been great weather. I know we need the rain, but damn it's been so nice to ride with a short sleeve jersey, shorts and regular gloves.

Hope all is well with everyone and I hope everyone had a great holiday.

Armstrong Doping Investigation Dropped
 

Love this! Had me smiling the whole way through. Are you connected to this book in some way?

Emotionally only! It [the link] was sent to me via twitter along with an ad for tubo tax. The book will be out soon so us seasoned riders can give it to our newbie friends who are going to convert to bicycle commutes.

I expect there will be quite a bit more as gasoline inches up to $5 a gallon.

I thought I'd share the trailer.

Yes, I saw where it said it is coming out in Spring, 2012. I tucked that into the back of my head as something to look for in a month or two. Thanks.

In case anyone missed it, Contador was stripped of his titles. Retroactive two year ban ends in August, 2012, so obviously he will not be riding in the Tour this year.

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireSto...etire-15531558

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/s...w/11945235.cms

Any titles that he won over that time were removed. However, I personally would like to see it going forward, as you suggest.

Drug Bans
 

I'm a real hard ass about drug use in sports. Cycling is very, very close to my heart and has been for many years. I personally believe anyone and I mean anyone found to be using banded drugs should never be allowed to race again.
That is my opinion and I take responsibility for my opinion. I LOVE CYCLING!

Issues with Cycling Shoes
 

I have a question for everyone, has anyone had any issues with the joint on the "big toes"? I'm talking about the joint located at the ball of the foot. I'm almost positive it's from my cycling shoes. I wear Specialize, they're about 4 years old. I've had a "fit kit" done for cleat adjustment, I've loosen up the velcro straps so that there is no pressure and the main strap is never too tight. How I know it's from cycling is because when I'm off the bike for about three days, my toes feel no pain. Open to advise.

SF I have that pain in both toes there is a name for the condition. I got in from years of over flexing when I walked -ran at work. Seems that all my stress I put on my feet. I still walk a lot at work now and I feel it when I'm in a hurry. It doesn't hurt all the time but when I massage my feet. & get to the under part of the big toe joint I hit the roof. Very painful. Its not in any of the othet toes
I can't wear flip-flops anymore pain start at ten paces when i wear them. Ill find out the name. Btw it doesn't happen when I'm hiking ( no stress) :)

It's earth day and 41 degrees. I refused to take the car grocery shopping so I put on my winter coat, gloves and rode my bicycle.

In January, a 41 degree day would seem balmy.:seeingstars:

Here is my problem with riding my bike. I am a runner and I run almost everyday. I have never had this problem when I run. But when I ride my bike, I set out on a course I map for myself , for example 7 miles then turn around come back. But what happens is I can never gauge what is a good distance for me that day. I always end up going out and I feel good then I turn around and seems like I lose my energy and it's like a biking marathon to get home. Or I do the opposite , I am almost home but I feel like I can go for 10 more miles. Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions. It's so much easier to know how far I want to run on any given day, the second I put my running shoes on I make that decision.

Sorry I didn't see this before now. No, I have never had this problem. However, I have had the problem of all of my toes going numb. I started getting a larger shoe, always wear the thinnest socks (even in winter), and making sure the velcro straps are quite loose. I have always assumed it was a wide foot thing, as this has helped some. I hope your problem has resolved itself.

I'm sorry, but I don't have an answer for you. I only do trail riding and somehow I just "know" what I can handle that day. I guess it is like your running? Have you not been riding long? Maybe it is just getting to know your body or something?

Your shoes are too old for one, but I am going to guess that you're hitting the pedal wrong or, have sciatica. I have sciatica in my left leg and my left food will cramp regularly. It's not the shoes, the fitting, but it happens on climbs.

Someone as strong as your are, I would suspect that the real issue is nutrition, you're just bonking because you aren't used to how to do it on a bike. You have to sip some water every 10 minutes and I usually sip some electrolytes every 15 minutes. I eat something every 45. All that and I hit the wall brutally on the AIDS/Lifecycle training ride today. Too hot and I didn't have enough electrolytes.

Hitting the Wall
 

My week consists of riding my road bike four days and running three days with two separate days for rest. So my week really consists of nine days and I leave my rest days open. I usually do 40-65 mile rides after a rest day.

When I run, I'm pushing only myself, my body and the forces of nature be it gravity, rain, wind warm weather. But when I'm cycling, I'm pushing myself and my machine on two tires (110 PSI) against all of the above and the Laws of Physics. Make sure your nutrition will feed you, keep you strong and injury free.

I always route out my rides. I also have different rides within rides. I can decide to do a 20 mile ride, if I fell strong I can mix in a 5 mile extension or if I'm feeling crazy and I'll go across the bridge and do a 40 miler. I also throw in a favorite place to stop for lunch,coffee, bike shop, or just little distractions to make my rides fun and enjoyable because that is why I ride. Hope this helps?

Bike Cam Captures Hit and Run Accident
 

http://autos.aol.com/article/video-b...6pLid%3D156511

It almost looks like it was done on purpose (I don't believe that is the thinking, though).

Also, butch content (in the video), for those interested.

better than any lock
 

This is fantastic! Thanks for posting.

this gives *DROPPING IN* a new meaning
 

I know that part of Old Tunnel. It wouldn't be my first choice for routes, yikes!