Tony Swenson has compiled a complete training guide and workbook for anyone stupid enough to train for a triathlon: The Total Triathlon Almanac 5. I’m that stupid guy. I’ve only gotten through the first 30 or so pages, but what I have read has been extremely informative from my perspective (my perspective being one between a former couch potato and a weekend warrior). Swenson addresses the training needs of beginners, intermediate, and advanced athletes. He has combined the efforts and training modules of top triathlon athletes to create a well rounded approach to competing. The almanac is half book and half workbook to give you the information to get on track, and then a home to keep track of your progress. Very nice feature.
Every cyclist knows the feeling when you ride through an intersection or pass a driveway, and seeing the oncoming driver not see you. You immediately perk up and make yourself big, and then you try talk to the driver in your head by saying something like “you better look up and make eye contact w/ me”, and then something like “if you hit me I’m going to sue you for everything you’ve got”.
You might even be using some expletives in your head.
Yesterday at the least likely spot on my ride I was pushing myself at 26 mph in the hammer as hard as I could when this car shot out in front of me. On her damn cell phone the lady slams on her breaks when she sees me. This does nothing for me because she’s now completely tee’d me up, and I’m less than 20 feet away and closing. I squeeze as hard as I can on both breaks, and within a second my back tire skids out from under me and then the front tire putting me at a 45 degree angle, and perpendicular, sliding towards her car. My bike slowed and the forward momentum of my body pushed me backup to 90 degrees and I whipped my front wheel 90 degrees in hopes to recover parallel to the road. I missed breaking a leg, or worse, and her front bumper by a couple of inches.
My heart rate monitor spiked from 180 to 195 immediately and I couldn’t stop shaking. And when this lady pulled up next to me at the intersection she didn’t have the decency to roll down her window and apologize. So the light turned green and I gave her the bird as I went on my way.
This applies to everyone: get off the damn phone! There is no need to be talking on the phone when you drive. Wait until you get to your destination and make that call.
This week’s Rosie Award goes to people who drive while talking on the phone, and those damn girls who try and text message while driving. You know who you are!
Not quite the BG S-works, but $135 cheaper and only few hundred grams heavier. This Comp shoe from Specialized is a great mid-range shoe for road bikes. This shoe has stiff reinforced carbon plate sole (Specialized brags a -7.0 on the stiffness index–what the hell is that). The plates are 3 bolt Shimano compatible, so you won’t have problems finding the right pedal.
This shoe includes plenty of ventilation and extremely comfortable in-sole. Specialized boasts Body Geometry science behind the comfort and fit. I also like the two velecro straps and m-lock buckle for a secure fit.
If you are counting grams this shoe is probably not for you, but any of the BG Pro line offer a significantly lighter shoe without compromising on comfort. Most of the weight reduction comes from lighter materials and loosing the velecro straps and m-lock buckles.
Love the shoes! If you can’t test the shoes before you buy then you MUST check out the informative and engaging Body Geometry site. It includes digital animation of your inner-self (skeletal, muscular, nervous, and blood flow) views in different riding modes (climbing, spinning, standing and coasting). This site rocks!
FYI - If you are disgusted by Nike’s handling of the Michael Vick dog fighting scandal like I am then Specialized is such a better way to spend your $$$.
