Hey Man, Like My New Bike? Episode 1

Hey Man, Like my new bike? You don't see many of these models out there. I can tell you its really light, but the handling is a bit twitchy.



What's that you say? Something seems to be missing? Oh yeah, the frame - in case you can't tell from the picture this bike is a full suspension Voodoo Canzo 29. Do you like the matte kelly green paint? Yeah, me too. It goes good with the white fork.



(this is a web picture, the real thing is conspicously absent at my house)

Some of you may remember this post where I struggle with what size to get while simulatanteously coming to terms with losing a full inch of height when I measured myself(I didn't have an inch to spare). If I continue to shrink at this rate I may wind up a jockey, maybe an Ostrich jockey.

In the meantime I've got another week to wait on my frame because I changed the order from a medium to a small. I deliberated over the choice for weeks. A couple 5'9 Conzo riders from mtbr.com recommended a medium. One Canzo rider offered to give me advice based on top tube measurements so I did the Competitive Cyclist online fit calculator (that thing just confused me more) and sent him and Voodoo all the measurements. When I didn't hear from either for awhile (which is kinda concerning coming from Voodoo) I went with the medium. Then Advice Guy emails me back and says based on everything I gave him (including top tube measurements of my current bikes) he would recommend a small.

My frame had not shipped from Bike29 so I was able to change to a small. The shop guy talked to me about my size concerns. He had every reason to convince me a medium was fine since he already had one on the way, but he ended up recommending a small.

For the record: I called Rassy's because I saw them on the Voodoo distributor (BTI) list. Greg was surprised they were even on the list, he said they hardly order anything from them and ultimately told me to go with online if it was a good deal. I'm not sure what to make of that, but I know that I love that bike shop.

I still have two more shipments of stuff before the Green Latern can be born. I'm hoping I can get her built up with at least some test time before heading to Womble.

Waiting is torture.

Gauntlet, Part 3 (or 4?)

Grrr.

Depending on which scale I believe I've either lost nothing this week or I might have even gained a pound. I'm not all that surprised, even though I started a killer new weighlifting program I'm not getting as much cardio work as I should. The Cheeseburgers stayed away this week, but they sent their rough and tumble cousin, Pizza, to whoop my butt pretty good Saturday night.

Speaking of butt whoopin' I got a good one Friday from my first giant set work out. I was right to fear it. It doesn't just want your body, it wants your soul too. It is heavy on deadlifts, which are an incredible all body exercise that gives special attention to the glutes....so my buttmuscle was incredibly stiff and sore the next day. Spending 7 hours sitting on bleachers watching Katie's volleyball team didn't exactly soften the blow. I kept asking *butt* no one took me up on my request for a butt massage. Sometimes you just can't catch a break.

I've done Workout B now too. I don't think its as hard as A. It goes: (10-12 reps) front squat, underhand lat pulldown, step-up, push press, rest 60 seconds - do it again 3 more times. Another giant set (20 reps): squat, wide grip lat pull down, step-up, shoulder press, rest 60 seconds, do it again. Lastly 2 sets of 20 swiss ball crunches. Now, gasp for air, puke if you need to and cry.

This week should be better for cardio, bike miles will come easy starting with a 63 mile gravel road race this Sunday. The CIRREM course is top secret but it will start in Cumming and take full advantage of the hilly, rolling terrain just southeast of town. Nick and I have struck a "turtle alliance" for this "race" meaning we're just going to ride it together for fun, waiting for each other if necessary, and not worry about finishing DFL (that's dead f@#$! last for those not familiar with the lingo). I told him holding hands to cross the finish was optional. I hope no one shows up with a finish line tape or we might not be able to break it and will have to drop out in the final millimeter.

The Best 12 Minutes You'll Spend All Day

Watch this story, even if you don't like golf - watch this story. Even if you're not into sports or you if you think you're too busy - take the time and watch the story. Believe in reincarnation? Are you sure? Maybe not so much anymore.

Anyway, I guarantee it will be the best 12 minutes you invest on the www today. You might want to have a tissue handy.

Kyle Lograsso @ Yahoo! Video

HBO Real Sports has a reunion story on this month with Kyle, 6 now, that includes his struggles with his dad being deployed in Iraq. Not to give too much away, but they are able to film his reunion with dad (who doubles as caddy) and it is just about as touching as it gets.

I have a new hero and he's a 5-6 year old kid who happens to also be a spooky good golfer.