Tuesday, July 8, 2008

When it rains it pours

I have recently noticed how complacent you become when your equipment works. However, as of late, I have been repeatedly reminded of how frustrating, disheartening, and expensive this bike racing thing can be. It all started when the night before the Tour of Ohio, when I discovered that my carbon steerer tube was cracked. I hate carbon steerer tubes, in my opionion they are not worth the weight savings. I could deal with this. However, a week ago tomorrow, I destroyed my rear wheel and was officially out of rear wheels, but thanks to my gracious boss and friend I am still rolling on some Ksyrium SL's. Once again...crisis averted with not too much out of pocket costs. Then while adjusting stem and headset because of some wierd flex...I noticed that the bolt in the stem had sheared off, we removed the bolt but the threads were trashed. Now I am running a 130 Thomson instead of my usual 120, but I can deal until I replace it. Then today the icing on the cake, I don't know what caused it, a bad shift, carelessness on my part, or something else, but my big chain ring is drastically bent and needs replaced. This was my breaking point....I lost it and didn't even want to ride, however, now that I have had time to relax and take a couple deep breaths I am slightly less upset. I will fix this tomorrow and then pray that nothing else goes wrong and I get through this NRC event in Louisville. I am in desperate need of a new bike, I have been racing this one hard for almost 2 years. However,the funds will not be available until mid to late August so I will just have to cope and hope for the best. But like the title of this awesome blog says...."Keep on Keepin' On!" Plus like I always say, "It's not what you ride,it's how you ride it."
Keep training all, I will see you on the roads, hopefully with everything in working order.

Monday, July 7, 2008

I'm Back! (and very bored)

First off, all of you faithful readers I know it has been a very long time. This affects some of you personally I know, especially Mr. Gaz. Now that there is a new title to this blog it obviously means that your PS3 alias is no longer valid, sorry.

Since the last post, I had knee surgery, won little 5, and switched from the MOB to Nuvo. I have been racing a decent amount and have got a taste of what it is like to race with bigger dogs than the ones who show up to races in Indiana. Haven't gotten a "W" yet but have a couple decent results with big hopes for the rest of the summer. I just hope that my 4th of July festivities did not damage my fitness too much. I should be fine as long as I keep the mullet, granted it is not as Euro as Mr. Knapps but I am working on it. I am heading to Louisville this weekend for a couple of crits, one of which is an NRC event. It just sucks that I don't get to compete with the big boys since it is only a Pro/1 event. I am still a lowly "2" and need just a few more results to get that to the one. Whatever, why my friends are out suffering against the likes of Toyota United I will be on the sidelines as an interested spectator. Also, since my race is 2/3 event it is a great chance for a good result, maybe even that coveted "W", and some decent bank.