Over the past week I've noticed that a lot of my friends have been writing about the books that they are reading or have read that they enjoyed. As some people know, 40+ hours of my week is immersed in the business of the written word. I grew up reading and listening to the radio while others watched TV. Most of my early years were spent stretched on our lawn with book in hand and my trusty 'Canadian Tire Special' radio tuned to the CBC.
During the past few years I've read many books about cycling, be it 'how-to's' or memoirs. For the sake of jumping on the bandwagon I thought I'd list a few that have made an impression on me and have a place on my shelves. This list is not in any order.
1. Inside the Postal Bus - Michael Barry
2. The Lance Armstrong Performance Program - Armstrong & Carmichael
3. The Immortal Class - Travis Culley
4. Barnett's Manual - Jon Barnett
5. A Significant Other - Matt Rendell
6. The Rider - Tim Krabbe
7. Ten Points - Bill Strickland
8. Roadie: The Misunderstood Life of a Bike Racer - Jamie Smith
9. Lance Armstrong's War - Daniel Coyle
10. The Flying Scotsman - Graeme Obree
If you've read any of these and have something to share, please do so. I'm always up for discussing books and getting recommendations. I now need to finish 'We might as well Win' - Johan Bruyneel.
Keep the rubber side down.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Sunday riders
This past weekend looked to be the best yet for riding. The temperatures weren't going to hit levels of peeling paint and the wind a nice gentle breeze. A friend of mine is doing a charity ride from Toronto to Montreal and has training rides each weekend. He asked if I wanted to join them on the 100km on Sunday, in which I promptly agreed as the ride was going through areas I have yet ventured to by bike.
We started at a reasonable time of 10am with the sun glowing bright and a mild temperature of 73. As I was riding with my friend I knew that the pace would be a little slower than what I was used to which was part of the reason I agreed to do it. Our group was about eight strong and I met some really terrific people. They had planned a break at the 50km mark which was to include a BBQ as the usual store had been closed and the organizers wanted to make sure the riders were fueled.
The first 50km had gentle rolling hills with beautiful farms and cows that said hello when you passed. We made it to the BBQ and were greeted with smiles, chicken, salad, water and Gatorade. We spoke to some of the other riders and left feeling recharged and happy. Upon departure, 2 of our original group decided to stay a little longer so we were down to six. It wasn't long before our smiles turned to frowns and then concern.
Within 10km, two storm fronts started to move in really quickly and both heading towards us. No sooner did we group and start to make decisions on evasive action the sky opened up, lightning came down and the wind drove rain and hail into our eyes. With no shelter close, I put the team behind me and had them draft each other hoping to find shelter sooner than later. After battling for 15mins we came up on a government building and without hesitation turned down the drive. The building was a converted farmhouse with an ample wrap around porch that provided us with the shelter we had been craving. Within minutes of assessing our equipment a security truck showed up to see if we were alright. Expecting to hear that we weren't allowed on the property I was ready with my smile and sales persona. The guard said we could stay as long as needed and then offered us some coffee to help warm us up. Needless to say, we readily agreed and ten minutes later sat on the porch with coffee in hand talking with our new found friend. After introductions we learned the history of the building and the surrounding town in which he had once been on the town board.
Luckily for us the storm passed as quickly as it came and we were back on our bikes as the sun dried us off. We each made note of our friends name and agreed we would all send a letter of thanks when we got home. Hopefully he is opening six letters of appreciation this week.
It wasn't long before one of our group had a mechanical failure. He was faced with a broken chain and no spare links. I was able to rig it using one of my spares even though it was a different size. He decided to call a friend to pick him up after a few minutes of really slow riding and sounds when the jerry rigged link went through the cog.
The last 30km were pretty uneventful and by the end we were dry and full of stories that transpired throughout the day.
I wasn't too thrilled that one of my bikes got soaked and covered in sand, but my mechanic is stripping it down as we speak to double check everything, and make me feel better. In all I'm glad I did the ride as I met some great people and for the most part had a terrific ride in another area outside of Toronto I was unfamiliar with.
We started at a reasonable time of 10am with the sun glowing bright and a mild temperature of 73. As I was riding with my friend I knew that the pace would be a little slower than what I was used to which was part of the reason I agreed to do it. Our group was about eight strong and I met some really terrific people. They had planned a break at the 50km mark which was to include a BBQ as the usual store had been closed and the organizers wanted to make sure the riders were fueled.
The first 50km had gentle rolling hills with beautiful farms and cows that said hello when you passed. We made it to the BBQ and were greeted with smiles, chicken, salad, water and Gatorade. We spoke to some of the other riders and left feeling recharged and happy. Upon departure, 2 of our original group decided to stay a little longer so we were down to six. It wasn't long before our smiles turned to frowns and then concern.
Within 10km, two storm fronts started to move in really quickly and both heading towards us. No sooner did we group and start to make decisions on evasive action the sky opened up, lightning came down and the wind drove rain and hail into our eyes. With no shelter close, I put the team behind me and had them draft each other hoping to find shelter sooner than later. After battling for 15mins we came up on a government building and without hesitation turned down the drive. The building was a converted farmhouse with an ample wrap around porch that provided us with the shelter we had been craving. Within minutes of assessing our equipment a security truck showed up to see if we were alright. Expecting to hear that we weren't allowed on the property I was ready with my smile and sales persona. The guard said we could stay as long as needed and then offered us some coffee to help warm us up. Needless to say, we readily agreed and ten minutes later sat on the porch with coffee in hand talking with our new found friend. After introductions we learned the history of the building and the surrounding town in which he had once been on the town board.
Luckily for us the storm passed as quickly as it came and we were back on our bikes as the sun dried us off. We each made note of our friends name and agreed we would all send a letter of thanks when we got home. Hopefully he is opening six letters of appreciation this week.
It wasn't long before one of our group had a mechanical failure. He was faced with a broken chain and no spare links. I was able to rig it using one of my spares even though it was a different size. He decided to call a friend to pick him up after a few minutes of really slow riding and sounds when the jerry rigged link went through the cog.
The last 30km were pretty uneventful and by the end we were dry and full of stories that transpired throughout the day.
I wasn't too thrilled that one of my bikes got soaked and covered in sand, but my mechanic is stripping it down as we speak to double check everything, and make me feel better. In all I'm glad I did the ride as I met some great people and for the most part had a terrific ride in another area outside of Toronto I was unfamiliar with.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Time flies
I hadn't realized how long it had been since the last time I had posted until a friend sent me an email making sure everything was alright. I apoligize to you all and I'll fill you in on my time consuming antics.
Last week, the great city Toronto in which I call home held a crit race in the downtown core. First of all, this is the first city sanctioned one held in 20 years and it was on a Friday. They shut down major streets in the middle of rush hour for all us cycle crazy people. The turnout was terrific and started bike month off right. The overwhelming comment I heard throughout the races was 'Gezz, these guys are going fast!' I should mention before going any further that I did not participate for the sole reason of all the other racers safety. Like most crits, there were a few crashes which were punctuated by the collective gasp from the crowd.
On another note a good friend of mine lost his road bike in a unfortunate accident. Thankfully he was unhurt but his ride got destroyed. I decided he needed to get back on the road quickly and not let this ruin his season. Many years ago I found myself in a bind and without asking this friend came to my side and got me through it. This time I was able to help him and thank him for his support. I have a frame I bought last year in which I promised my friend that once I built up he could take it for a spin. We spent nights talking about the right groupo, bars and particulars that should compliment the body. He was the one that first showed me the frame in which I fell in love with. I spent two weeks ordering the components and putting it together. During that time I gave him one of my other bikes to ride, not letting him know what I was up to with the other frame. Last week I gave him a call and asked him to come over for dinner and a chat. Once I put a drink infront of him and had him seated on the couch, I wheeled the bike from the other room and showed it to him. He was happy that I had finally built up the frame and with the components we had decided on. He asked if he could take it for a ride, in which I told him ' as often as you want, it's yours.' Without getting too sappy, we skipped dinner and hit the road.
This is what has been keeping me busy for the last little while, but it looks as if some time will be freeing up soon, in which I'll be able to come back to posting on a regular basis.
Keep the rubber side down my friends.
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