Thursday, October 30, 2008

Enjoy

I stood at the backdoor this afternoon fully geared up with my cheap plastic rain jacket from Performance contemplating if I should ride or not in the now steady rain. I didn't feel a compulsive neurotic desire to train. I needed to ride:
  • These are the last few precious days before daylight saving time ends during the work week where I can enjoy a ride in the evening.
  • My ex is harassing me over some financial loose ends in the divorce. It's brought up some emotions. Riding my bike always helps me clear my head.
  • My inspirational boyfriend commutes to work rain or shine all year long at night. He likes riding in the the rain. I've raced in the rain. Why do I skip training in it? It's not like I'll melt like the wicked witch.
  • I ate a big lunch and I'm in weight loss mode again. When I'm on the lose weight bandwagon I have to seize the day. It takes work.
  • Because I can. Fat Cyclist's wife Susan is losing her battle with cancer. His blog has been a part of my cycling life for a while now. His latest was about appreciating the small moments in our lives-- how did I want to spend my time? On my bike.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Larry Nolan, World Champion

I've seen Larry beat up on guys half his age repeatedly on the road, characteristically getting to the front and drilling it with a grimace on his face. I feel so lucky to have raced on Tuesdays with Larry in charge. He freely offers advice and support and he is a good person to boot. I am very proud and awe inspired. We have such talent in Norcal.


2008 UCI Masters Track Worlds, Australia

Lawrence "The Nolanator" Nolan

6th 500 Meter Time Trial
1st 2000 Meter Pursuit
1st 7500 Meter Scratch Race
1st Match Sprints
1st Points Race

More info?
Larry's Blog
Results and Video

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Mystery Rider

It's been a lovely week off for me. I've gotten in lots on riding in the beautiful fall weather. On Thursday, I joined the Wheelmen on their weekly breakfast ride. We started up the bike trail heading out for breakfast in Rocklin.

A rider I didn't recognize joined us, with a retro euro-fabulous white kit and sleek light blue carbon machine to match. Looking at the legs I would guess him to be about 30, looking at the face about 85 years old.

The advanced age wasn't what caught my attention, it was the way he rode.
He held himself with control and finesse-- suplesse that takes decades in the saddle to hone. He seemed weightless on his bike and moved around the group effortlessly. The upper body was completely relaxed, shoulders down and arms bent. He balanced his weight on that sweet spot when out of the saddle. His bike wasn't weighed down with do-dads and gizmos. A very elegant rider. This was form that couldn't be bread out of someone. It made the rest of us look like bumbling oafs.

When I got a chance I said to him, "You are a very nice rider. How long have you raced?"

He grinned and replied "You speak French?" Sadly, I told him no and we continued talking in a limited way. It turns out that he had raced professionally in France since the age of 14.