Another slice of the racing life outside of racing…

Last week, my newest buddy from the “bike industry,” Bruce Dickman, stopped through Memphis on his way to Texas. He handed out some ProGold samples (I’m diggin the bike wash and the shop wipes), had a few beers, and tried on a compression shirt that someone gave him (thank gawd he didn’t test the tights as well)

When I awoke the Thursday after Cyclocrunk, I was a little discouraged that it was 50, windy, and damp/halfass raining outside. I needed to squeeze in at least two hours of riding before work, so I suited up and headed out on my Arlington loop. Somewhere about 45 minutes in, I was grinding my way straight into a north wind that would occasionally gust clouds of cold rain and road water into my face. I was immediately struck with the thought of how differently some of us live life compared to the “normal” population that doesn’t ride a bike when it’s cold, wet, and windy outside.

I still wonder about which of us are really the ones that are abnormal.

Once I was safe and warm at work, I received most of the last of the parts needed to finish off the new CX bike- SRAM Red shifters and a rear derailleur. Also on the upgrade list- new brake pads (yes, last weekend’s racing wore the stock ones out), new brake cables (yes, it also rusted the stock cables), Gore sealed housing (in white), a lighter, short/compact Profile Design handlebar, and fresh Lizard Skins white tape. The only thing I lack now is a saddle/seatpost (still using the one off of my road bike). I should get some action shots of it today at Spookycross.

Speaking of, it’ll be a tough race. Women 1/2/3s race with the 1/2/3 men, so that means 55 minutes of ass-hauling. Seeing as all other promoters this season have seen it fit to keep my races under 40 minutes, the extra 15-20 is going to be painful.

Recover well…