You can't make this shit up...

Two instant classics from my most recent club ride...

Heard "that noise" and saw my friend, who was riding in front of me, jump.  I figured it was because her tire blew and she was trying to control the bike.  So I yell out, "Awwww... you blew a tire!"  And she says, "Really?"  Then I realize I'm slowing down and everyone is passing me and pointing.  Uh huh.  I look down at my front tire and exclaim, "Oh shit, it's me!"

Needed to patch the nice slice in the tire.  I didn't have any $1 bills.  My friend was carrying a $20 she owed me for something I picked up for her at the bike shop.  So, yeah... I rode the rest of the day with that 20 bucks  plugging up my tire.  And we laughed our asses off about it!  

Flat tire clinic & first tube/tire change...

Excellent Flat Tire Clinic at Bike Generation!

And, just a few days later I got to put my new skills to work!
It was ugly... but I finally figured it out and did it by myself!
Yay me!

Benefits of a Bicycle diagram

IT'S THE LAW!

Week long recovery...

A little more than a week ago I wrote that I "rode with the old dogs" and I mentioned that it was very cold that morning.  Well, apparently I have really softened since leaving the brutal snow and cold of New York when I was a kid because that ride really did a number on me.  The temperature must have been upper 40's or low 50's with searing wind.  I was all excited to try out the arm warmers that I bought awhile back.  So, after the ride

I wound up not feeling well for a few days and finally went to the doctor. After a nebulizer treatment, a round of steroids, and puffing a bit on an inhaler, I'm finally back to my semi-normal self.  I had an allergic/asthmatic reaction and had bronchospasms from exerting in the cold.  Yeah, can you say "Floridian"?  

Lesson learned... be careful about riding in the cold.  And since I'm probably going to do it anyway, at least wear a jacket.  

"Shit Cyclists Say" video by PeopleForBikes.org...

Abso-fuckin-lutely hysterical!!!  I hope I never sound like this!  Ha ha!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMCkuqL9IcM

List of Don’ts for Women Riders | The Hub | Bicycling.com

Real rules for women cyclists back in 1895... hysterical!
http://bicycling.com/blogs/thehub/2012/01/11/19th-century-ride-etiquette-for-women/?cm_mmc=BicyclingNL-_-784650-_-01202012-_-19th_century_ride_etiquette_for_women#.TxmA92bu8UE.email

The 2012 Epic Cycle Schedule - Cycling - NBC Sports

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42453562/ns/sports-cycling/

From Facebook...

FB status from 1/19/2012...

"Watching mini-coverage of the Tour Down Under and my mouth dropped to the floor when my daughter explained to me "that bike guy is 'attacking' another bike guy because he's trying to win"!  Uh huh, that's right, honey... watch out Phil Liggett, my 6 year old may steal your job! Ha ha!"

"I just hope she realizes that 'attacking' has competitive meaning in cycling.  I can hear the phone call from her teacher now... so she said someone was 'attacking' someone else?!!  LOL!"

Pro Road Cycling Season kickoff...

Watching highlights of the Tour Down Under this week on NBC Sports Network (formerly Versus).

This is the first UCI event of the season... so we're off and rolling!

It's good to hear Phil Liggett's wonderful voice again!  

Just trying to figure out all the changes in team sponsors and riders from last year!

The “I Didn’t See the Cyclist” Defense | Road Rights | Bicycling.com

Another excellent article from "Road Rights"...
http://bicycling.com/blogs/roadrights/2012/01/18/the-%E2%80%9Cignorance-is-bliss%E2%80%9D-defense/?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-Bicycling-_-Content-Blog-_-RR-Ignorance#.TxgQ3DGzk2Y.email

Riding with the old dogs...

Rode with the old dogs this morning.  Boca Raton Bicycle Club's Saturday AM ride.  Tried to keep up with some 70 year olds with calves as big as grapefruits!  LOL!

It was actually the best BRBC ride I've done so far.  I moved up to the 17-19 mph group, but we didn't maintain those speeds for long because of a seriously stiff headwind and really cold temperatures.  Well, you know, cold by South Florida standards.  The paceline splintered almost immediately after we set out and I just kept riding on whoever's wheel was in front of me that wasn't slowing me down.  I feel awesome on the new bike and really enjoyed myself, except for not being able to feel my fingers and toes due to the chilly weather.  I actually took my first turn pulling at the front and it was a blast!  

I did find out a scary tidbit of info though.  At our rest stop, some of the folks were talking about the Senior Games.  I asked a few questions because I thought it sounded really interesting.  Turns out you have to be 50 to compete in it.  But, it's called the "Senior" Games.  Qualification age:  50.  WTF?  I am just 8 years away from that and I don't think that makes you a "Senior"!!  Arrgghhh!  A bit of a rude awakening!  LOL!

This is awesome... and all true!!!

THE UNIVERSAL TRUTHS OF CYCLING...

http://18milesperhour.tumblr.com/universaltruthsofcycling

A must read for all cyclists!!!  ;-D

A bit morbid... but still great!

New Tarmac baby!  ;-D

Cool clinic at Bike Gen...

Flat Tire/Shoes & Pedals/Etc.!

Bike Generation, Deerfield Beach... Thursday 1/26/12... 7pm!

My fave LBS... should be good stuff!

http://bicyclegeneration.com/

Delray Beach Twilight Festival...

Just popped up on active.com and it looks interesting...

Delray Beach Twilight Festival... Downtown Delray Beach... March 9-11... Professional & Amateur Races and a Health & Lifestyle Festival.
http://www.delraybeachtwilight.com/

It's on the calendar!