I am back.... better than ever.

I have been letting y'all down. It wasn't completely my fault. Not only have I not had Internet service my crusty laptop died. Today I fixed part of the issue and bought a new computer, whew.... I finally have the computer I have always wanted and I am ready to start the next chapter.

I have been thinking about taking some computer arts classes down at MiraCosta. No time like the present. My computer will no longer hold me back. It's black just like I like my cars.

Any guesses what it is......

I am going to head home now and start transfering the files I managed to save on my external hard drive.  

So here is the story....

First off the sickness took a lot out of me (including not riding, not working out, etc.). Too make matters worse I was becoming more lazy by the day. I decided to cancel my cable and unfortunately that included my internet. Needless to say I was lost. My house doesn't have phone lines so I can't use my modem and there aren't too many "wireless" networks in my neighborhood.

I am an internet nomad. I use my friends internet when I visit or sometimes use my neighbors connection (when I can). I'll try to post when I possible. I am working on a new connection, cross your fingers.

B&L's Holiday party is the weekend! It's always a good time. Plus I am going to a concert tomorrow night, the 94.9 Holiday Hootenany. I am looking forward to Pinback and Queens of the Stone Age. The other bands I am not quite familiar with but, should be fun.

Well.....Let's see.

Yes, I am alive. I have been battling a month long strain of Bronchitis/ Allergy sickness. It started out just like a cold then progressively got worse. Cough, Nasal Congestion, Chest Congestion. Two weeks ago I was coughing on average 40 times a day. Today I have coughed once. I might have just jinxed myself. Other than that my weeks have been normal.

I worked for Jens at the conclusion of the 12 hours of Temecula series. The race is at Vail Lake in Temecula. The series consists of 3 races on slightly different courses. Jens raced his first 12 hour race (let alone his first MTB race) here in January and won! The second race (in June-ish), after placing an awesome 11th at the 24 hours in the Old Pueblo, Jens got 2nd place! Last month's race was the hardest by far. The climbing was brutal. Jens battled back and forth between 1st and 2nd. He finished the race in 2nd and clenched 1st place (Sport) in the series! Congrats Jens, I couldn't have done it without you! (hehehehehe.....)

More in awhile I need coffee.

I have been unplugged lately.....

My normal computer is having difficulties connecting with the internet so tonight I am rocking the tablet pc. I am working on my connection and should be 100% next week. What does that mean for you? You will be able to read my blog and see updates.

Thanksgiving is coming up! Everyone have plans? I am yet again avoiding the family and spending the day with friends. I will undoubtedly see the fam during the holidays just not for Turkey Day.I should ride there just so I can burn the calories I will be taking in.

Humberto, Dainty and I stopped at The Port after work this evening. I learned 3 things;

1) 3 beers are plenty 4 beers are too much.
2) Dainty is way too sensitive when he drinks.
3) Amber Marsh likes to dance to ABBA.

This weekend is 12 hours of Temecula! Come on out and support Jens (Solo) and Julia (Team)!

I just found this video from Interbike 2007. It's an interview by Dirt Rag with Jeremy SyCip (and Don Walker from the handmade bike show). He talks a litle about the Javaboy and their business. Definitely one of my favorite artists.

I am back on the bike....sort of.


I have been taking it easy and just doing some short road rides before work. The Queen of Neoprene adjusted me the other day (Yes, she does have a chiropractic license).

Other than that things are pretty mello. The shop has stayed busy past the sale. No big drama there lately. The week is young though.

Jensypoo is racing next weekend, 12 hours of Temecula. He and Dainty rode out there last week. Dainty claims the course really difficult. I just hope the past air quality doesn't damper Jens' performance. Brent raced yesterday (Redline Cup in Boulder, CO), he finished in a strong 14th. Especially strong when he is racing against the top 20 Pro's that don't have regular jobs. He is racing again today in Colorado (Boulder Cup), both races are UCI races.

Where to begin.........

Here is a synopsis;

• I wrecked my MTB three weeks ago (straight over the bars). My back has ached ever since and when I say "ached" I mean I couldn't bend without it hurting.
• The next day I rode with Chicken Little, wrecked again...
• Commuted to work (my back feels fine on the road).
• B&L has been crazy busy.
• My neighborhood was in a voluntary evacuation.
• I've been house sitting in Vista which was also in voluntary evac.
• The shop closed for two days because of the fires, plus Solana Beach was in mandatory evac.
• My Dad and Step Mom are in town for the weekend.
• Tomorrow is going to be another crazy Saturday...

My weekend includes working, dinner plans and my 6 year old nephews birthday. Busy.

I'll be back soon and fill you in with the stories... Like how my Dad doesn't know how to eat edamame.

Ultra fine print.... No Zipp, No Speedplay, No Oakley and No 2008 bikes (2008 bikes are 10% off). One discounted item per customer and No refunds on that one discounted item. Items must be in stock at one of the two stores.

Looking for a bike? Looking to buy that cool new pair of Carbon/ Ti Look Keo pedals? Need a Giro Advantage Aero helmet?

Come on in!

Brent is killing it out there! He raced two races in Ohio last weekend and podiumed both.

Good Job Brent!

1 Barry Wicks (Kona - Your Key Mortgage Team)                1.04.57
2 Joachim Parbo (CCV Protek)                                    0.42
3 Brent Prenzlow (Alan North America)                           0.51
4 Ryan Leach (GPOA-Cannondale)                                  
5 Molly Cameron (Vanilla Bicycles)                              
6 Taylor Carrington (Turin - Powerbar)                          0.56
7 Tristan Schouten (Planet Bike)                                
8 Brandon Dwight (Boulder Cycle Sport)                          2.20
9 Steve Tilford (Team HRRC/The Trek Stores/KCXNationals.com)    2.34
10 Nathan Chown (handlebars CC/kona Canada)

Race #2 for the SoCal Cross series was yesterday. Brent took his 4th win of the season (2nd win for the series) in the Elite/ Pro category!

I finished his "A" bike on Friday so he was able to do a shakedown ride on Saturday and race it on Sunday. His "A" bike is an Alan Cross X. It's built with a mix of Miche, Campagnolo, Pro logo and Selcof. He is rolling on Challenge tubulars and clipped in with Crank Brothers 4ti eggbeaters.

It was a long day, what can I say...I'm a dork.

I just finished Brent's new Alan Cyclocross "B" bike.

He raced the first SoCal Cross race of the season and Won! The race was in Fullerton, according to other racers the couse was nice but covered in thick slow grass. That didn't stop BP.

Good Job Brent!

Couple photos from Interbike....

30 Haro demo bikes stolen

---

Hey gang, Over the weekend (9/29-9/30), the trailer and rental Penske van were broken into while parked here at Haro's Vista headquarters. About 30 used mountain bikes were stolen that were used at Interbike On Dirt Demo last week. Whatever dirt bags did this knew that there were bikes back there since the gates are locked. They also cherry picked, leaving a few single speed rigid 29ers behind.

4 Werx Sonix (crema color)
1 Sonix LT (Grey)
5 Sonix S (copper)
4 Werx Xeons (Pearl White...2 have 650b wheels)
4 Xeon S (Grey)
3 Mary SS 29er (1 ginger, 1 lt blue, 1 green)
5 Mary XC 29er (4 tangerine, 1 green)
1 Thread One (green/black fade)
1 Flightline Expert (cream color)
1 alloy 29er hardtail prototype; black with green graphics, green RST M29 fork
1 Masi CXR cross bike

If anyone has any information or sees Haro bikes listed anywhere, please let me know right away. Please spread the word. (gordon at probikesupport dot com)

Cyclocross is coming......

First race out here is at, for the first year, Interbike. Brent will be rocking it out there hopefully on his new bikes that I am in the process of building right now. He switched from Celo Pacific this year to Team Alan (pron. "elan").

ALAN NORTH AMERICA CYCLING TEAM

September 12, 2007
Stellina Sport, LLC is very proud and excited to announce the new 2007-2008 Alan North America Cyclocross Team. This upstart team will be targeting as many North American UCI races as possible including the USGP of Cyclocross Series, Verge New England Series, Verge Mid-Atlantic Series, as well as the SoCal Prestige Series, and local California, Virginia, Georgia, New England, and Colorado races. Hopes are high for podium finishes at the National Championship in Kansas.

Leading the team will be Brent Prenzlow of Carlsbad, California formerly of Celo-Pacific. Brent brings a wealth of experience and results to the table and will be defending his title in the SoCal Prestige Cyclocross Series. Brent, who placed 3rd in the 2006 US Cyclocross National Championships Masters 34-39, has 68 career cyclocross wins as an elite racer and is a 6-time California State Champion. Brent will be joined by rider/team manager Tyler Johnson formerly of Richard Sachs, and CCA Kona. Tyler is a former U-23 bronze medalist at the Cyclocross National Championships in Baltimore, and has collected one UCI victory and numerous podium appearances in UCI races. Rounding out the Elite team will be NORBA standout Christian Favata, up and coming Georgia rider Jamie Pair, and a pair of strong U-23's, Virginians Jeff Buckles and Stu Louder.

Alan, whose bikes boast 20 Cyclocross World titles, will be providing the team with Pearl White Alan 12K Blade carbon monocoque frames and Xtreme DCS aluminum frames with full carbon monocoque forks. "Alan's cyclocross geometry and materials are spot on for high level cyclocross racing. Because the frames are made in 20 traditional sizes, Alan cross bikes offer virtually custom sizing." says rider/ manager Tyler Johnson. The team will be outfitting the bikes with Supertype deep section carbon wheels, Primato cranks, cassettes, and chains all from Italian manufacturer MICHE. Helping to keep the team upright and moving forward will be Challenge Grifo tires, which will be supplied in 3 different tread types to accommodate all conditions. "The Team unanimously acknowledged Challenge tires as the best tubulars for cross racing and we are very happy with the generous support and help we are receiving from the company. Their passion for the sport is fantastic", said Chris Snead, Co-Owner of Stellina Sport. Italian maker, Selcof will provide bars, stem and seatposts to trim out the cockpit, and the riders will pilot there bikes onboard Prologo Choice and Nago saddles. Clipping in and out of Crank Brothers pedals, the riders will spring over the mud and barriers in Lake Shoes and gloves. Stopping will be handled with the combo of TRP Carbon 950 brakes and top mounts, JagWire Sleek Pro Cross Lite cartridge holders and wires, and SwissStop Yellow King brake pads. Verge Sports kits will be keeping all the riders looking good and hopefully warm and dry all season. Rudy project will provide helmets and glasses to keep our heads safe and the sun and mud out of our eyes.

I heard something tonight, at the Track, that I never thought I would here....

I B&L customer (and first time track racer) walked past us, after we greeted him he said "I think I prefer Triathlons". Nice.

__________________________________________________________________

I heard some great news this evening. There is a new Mike Doughty album arriving early 2008, Golden Delicious! He will be in my hometown of Louisville Kentucky on November 10th (Phoenix Hill Tavern). I think I might try and make that show.....My buddy Alan and I saw Soul Coughing at Pheonix Hill may moons ago. I need to see if he wants to meet me there.


----------------
Now playing: Mike Doughty - Grey Ghost (Here's the hidden message. Eat your greens. Read "Everything and Nothing" by Borges. Thanks for listening. Mike)
via FoxyTunes

Saturday was G.I. Nate's going away BBQ. The group had scheduled a poker game, I gave them my money as usual. I am going to miss the kid, I wish him well.

Sunday was, if nothing else, was productive. Ride in the morning, laundry in the afternoon and a ride with Indiana Jones and Santa. It started off fine but, somewhere in the middle Santa's EPO kicked in. We rode the 17 mile loop, North Hodges plus Highland Valley Trail.

View Larger Map


----------------
Now playing: Kings of Leon - Arizona
via FoxyTunes

Lots on my plate lately.....

Friends have been in town (5pence & June), Friend moving away (Chicken Sympathizer), The shop has been busy (2008's are rolling in) and Trying to ride. Needless to say I have been a little mental...


(007 and 5pence)

I met 5pence about a year ago, just before his wedding. The first time I met them I knew we would get along, especially since they live thousands of miles away (Jersey, UK). They are friends with my buddy 007. I come to find out ED knows him from way back in the day. Ironically old 5pence used to be a triathlete, funny thing is he always makes fun of triathletes.... He even had an afro and wore a Speedo. Just what he didn't need, for me to have some ammo, I love it.

The Chicken Sympathizer organized a cruise downtown on Sunday. I met up with them at Adams Avenue Bikes. There were about 20 riders and we rode down to Sea Port Village and then up to Balboa Park. Good times. We finished the ride at the shop to have breakfast. I then drove back to Encinitas, or as I like to call it "Civilization", to cruise with The Colonel and The Legs.
We have built a bunch of 08 Specialized bikes this week, If you have been thinking about a new bike you should come down and check them out. Plus we received some Look 555 bikes. Not to sound too much like an advertisement but, they are a smokin deal. Full Ultegra 10spd, carbon frame, carbon fork, carbon post for $2100.

(Why does he need a hair dryer when he doesn't have much hair)

I have ridden my bike to work 3 days this week not including tomorrow. Monday instead of riding home I drove down to Jensypoo's house with Dainty. We rode our bikes to Dao Son for some really good Thai food (Chicken Sympathizer was with) and then we went to LiveWire for some refreshments. They amazingly had Oaked Arrogant Bastard on tap, sweet.

That's it for now. Interbike is in two weeks, Poker on Saturday, Sunday MTB ride it's non-stop for awhile.


----------------
Now playing: Kanye West Feat. Jay-Z & J. Ivy - Never Let Me Down
via FoxyTunes

This is my grueling commute to work by bicycle. Eat your heart out long distance travelers.....And yes that is ocean.


View Larger Map

Labor Day weekend is over....In a couple ways I am glad.

Friday was excellent just as any day off should be. Roll out of bed, cruise to the Pannikin for some breakfast with friends, Go for a cruise with the colonel and megs, hang out on the deck and then walk to dinner with friends.

Saturday was blazing hot here on the coast. Thankfully I had to work (mostly in AC). After work Dainty, Average sized Breyer, Mitch and I walked over to Tidewater for a tasty beverage. I got the call and I was off to C'bad for dinner and amusement. The colonel and I schooled the brits at darts, the ladies came in a close second (close to third that is).

Sunday I don't know what I was thinking. I agreed to ride with a couple buddies. It was an "easy" day for them, I not looking forward to this. 60 miles in the saddle, 90 degrees and 3 fast riders do not equal fun when you are out of shape and over weight by 40 pounds. I hung in and cracked on the way back through C'bad. My eyes were bloodshot and I was dizzy from the heat. i went home after getting a smoothie and passed out at home for 2 hours. BTW if you are ever invited to ride with Hubert, don't believe he hype. He is not a slow rider.

I few of us met at Stone Brewery for a movie, Office Space. If you haven't heard yet Stone is playing movies on their 11 foot screen in the gardens. So far I have seen "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "Office Space".


----------------
Now playing: Hail Social - Get In The Car
via FoxyTunes

There is a new blog in town.....

B&L has their own blog, The B&L Bikes Daily Fix. Check it out.

Chicken Little is running it. Go look at the pictures of the 2008 Electra Balloon bikes.

----------------
Now playing: Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues
via FoxyTunes

I have been housesitting (more like plant and cat sitting) for the past week. I have been neglecting my updates, never fear. While nosing through the piles of REI bags, Crate and Barrel boxes and cat food containers, I found out that the Queen of Neoprene owns a computer. That's where I am right now.

The shop has been slammed lately, it's not even peak season. The other day I was at the coffee shop (go figure, right?). I heard two cyclists talking about shopping for new bikes. one of the cyclists had been by a shop in La Mesa and left disgruntled since no one spoke to him "not even Hello". The other cyclist mentioned he had heard good things about B&L. Mind you I wasn't wearing any work related or cycling related shirt. i didn't recognize either rider. While they were dicussing their upcoming visit to B&L, a "racer" heard them talking and recommended they stop by B&L. I don't know any particulars (B&L South? Did they buy a bike? etc.) but, it was great hearing positive criticism from "joe public".


I am grateful for many things; One~ I am excited to go to work everyday Two~ I have great friends/family & I appreciate every single one of them Three~ I am grateful for the life I have.

Why so philosophical? I have realized lately, I am a bad communicator. I get caught up with "now" and forget to stay in contact with family and friends. I think about them each and everyday but, never get around to calling them or even emailing them. I need to work on that. Maybe they will read this blog and understand...maybe not.

Some times your on, some times you are off....

My legs felt like bricks tonight. Good showing though; Cinnamon Star, Geri, OMR and I rode a little over 16 miles (I forgot to turn my GPS back on after "the flat". Enjoyed it, Thanks guys!


View Larger Map

Part 1

Midnight Madness has come and gone. It was quite possibly the best one yet.

It started normal enough until Cinnamon decided to try on a Tri outfit, too bad there weren't pictures......Oh wait.
Wow! Glad that was the only photo.....
Is that Sasquatch coming from behind the Green Door?

12 of us met at B&L last night for a night of adventure. Cinnamon Star, Dainty, Jensifer, Tee-Bahg, The Colonel, Megs the Legs and B to name a few. As tradition we carpooled to the LiveWire on El Cajon Blvd, ordered up a few beverages and began our trek to the "ride". The group really hadn't warmed up yet and kept splitting into three distinctive groups. We regrouped at the start line and rolled into the mass. I forgot to mention Dainty had half a Chicken suit on and Tee-Bahg was Bad Santa. Ms. B and her little angels were wearing pixie wings, I on the other hand was in "Evil" uniform.
To be continued. It's blazing in my house, it doesn't help sitting with the computer.

----------------
Now playing: The Floating Men - Another Maybe Someday
via FoxyTunes

I'm famous!

Black Mountain Cycles

Varley is opening a shop in Point Reyes (NorCal), Black Mountain Cycles. I had been giving him caca for not showing the MTB trails up there.

The title says it all....

I don't know where this came from, who they are but they are priceless..

It's that time of year.....

Saturday August 18th. We usually meet a little earlier in North Park, have a few cocktails and cruise down. The ride back to the cars is a sobering ride, believe me.

Come on out!

Lutzker is officially old.

Last Saturday was Lutzker's birthday, ironically 10 years later Dainty was born on the same day. Coincidence? I think not. Both are short, balding and have bad tan lines. Doppelganger?.......

Although I have no pictures from Lutzker's bash, I do have some extremely mediocre low res photo's from Dinner with Dainty. About 20 people showed up to Masuo's for some delectable "S" (Sushi, Sapporo's and Sake).Some familar faces to the PBS blog; Jensy, Mr. Smooth (and the missus), BGaJ (If you have to ask you don't want to know), Boy Band, MattNey (pronounced Mat Knee) to name a few.

Here are my sub par photo's some with frames (when I say sub par I mean really shitty).


White tarsh Breyer with Dainty and Nicole.
Dainty & RL.

White Trash Breyer (Dainty's brother)

Dedicated to my boss.....

Here is a blurry mess; Jensy, SM (The hot Breyer) a blurry Jorge and WT's wife Heather.

MattNey in full force.

True Multi-tasker.

Tour schmour, yes I am watching it, no I am not going to critique everything that is going on in it.

Tomorrow is Track night! Roller Queen and GI Nate are racing. Come on down, have a beer and harass the racers with me.

Lots of Birthdays this week....

*Crazy Mary (hottie from Starbucks) turns 21 today
*Megs the Legs turns 23 on Wednesday
*Dainty is 30 on Saturday

Happy Birthday Kids!!!

The shop is killing it right now. We have been packed the past couple weeks, not to mention today.

It's a bad picture I know but, this is the latest rendition of my Diesel (SyCip singlespeed). Most of you have heard about my trip up to NorCal to pick it up. It's been updated with disc tabs and a new powdercoat (John Deere green with gold metal flake).

I rode it last Thursday on the night ride and Sunday for a quick ride in the late morning.

That's about it right now.

iTunes:
Modest Mouse "Polar Opposites"

Socks:
DeFeet "Woolie Boolie"

Bike in the stand:
Cannondale "Bad Boy"

Yes that is what you think it is. Sorry ladies, he is not single.

Thank goodness! I can eat again and just in time. M&M's wedding was this weekend. I wouldn't be able to hold in my anger if I hadn't been able to enjoy the PCG at the reception.

Speaking of M&M, I went to the bachelor party last Thursday. Needless to say details will be withheld but, here are some highlights. The night was named "Drinking & Driving".

+We drank at the Limey's house
+We raced at K1 Speed (Carlsbad)
+We drank at Tom Giblin's.
+We drank at Coyote Bar (+added bonuses**, and a slightly intoxicated "Force"). Sorry Daggs.

I stopped drinking around midnight to sober up and drive The Fitz home. I had commandeered his phone earlier in the night since he was using it as a hockey puck. I texted "Legs" (He was fine, I was driving him home, she could go to bed, He loved her, blah, blah). I hope I one day find a girl like her. They are an awesome couple. I am really glad they are friends.

The night was definitely tame by most bachelor party standards but, was a great time.



This was my lunch today, The San Clemente pizza from Pizza Port. It's basically Taco Pizza (Mmmmm....).



Since I have been sick the last week and not really up to date on the web, I forgot to mention my trip to mecca (The SyCip factory). Chicken Little and I drove up to Santa Rosa last weekend. After battling San Fran traffic and 101 North Bay traffic, we arrived at SyCip around 4:30 (empty gas tank and empty stomach). Jeremy was waiting for us. I got to pick my decal color for my SS. I had given them artistic control of the color as long as it stayed green. Jay picked "John Deere" green with a gold nugget top coat. It's amazing! It's pearlescent in the sunlight. I looked at my options for the decals and settled on light blue. Great choice, the bike looks awesome (I even found some light blue Oury grips for accent). When we finished with the frame, we followed him to one of the local MTB spots, Annadel State Park. How many of us can say we have ridden with one of our "heroes". Jeremy has handmade all five of my frames, each and every one has a place in my heart. Unfortunately I was famished and exhausted. I was making stupid mistakes and bonking hard. Not really the condition I was hoping to be in. Jermey, CL and I headed back to town for a burger and brew. Jay SyCip stopped by to visit.

Either way it was a great trail and I can't wait to go back there and ride it again. The park boasts 30 miles of singletrack, all perfectly groomed from what I saw. Who is up for a road trip?

Saturday I woke up in Mill Valley. A little town very similar to Encinitas, Mill Valley is at the base of Mt. Tam (the birthplace of MTBing). I walked into town and found a coffee shop, Mill Valley Coffee. Around the corner was a bike shop Jeremy had recommended, Mill Valley Cycleworks. I walked in a few minutes after they opened. I had to pinch myself I thought I was in the twilight zone. The bikes, clothing, service department and fit area looked exactly like B&L. One of the sales guy reconfirmed my plans for riding a nearby park. Jay & Jeremy told us to checkout China Camp in San Rafael.

China Camp State Park is located in San Rafael and looks out over the bay. Most of the trails we rode had awesome views to the south, SF way out in the mist.

That's it for now. I am watching the tour coverage and don't want to miss the crash.

Happy 4th!

How did you spend your day? lounging at the beach? Go for a bike ride? Spend time with family?

What did I do? Same thing I have done for the past three days (aside from mistakenly going to the track last night).

Yep, my stomach has been upset since Sunday it was from exhaustion from my trip, among other things. I haven't been able to hold down solid food in 3 days. Needless to say my energy level is below normal. I am feeling better, right now.....maybe I should try and make some of this. If I haven't called you back give me a day or so, I am busy making pepto smoothies.

I did do something patriotic today, I watched Rocky I- IV in succession.

YO, I did it Adrian!!!!!

This looks tempting.....

Cyclingnews Coverage on the 2008 Specialized MTB lineup

Movie night should include a movie both of us should enjoy....right?

Maybe if I allowed her in my house, I could pick. Not likely. Today's pick; "Pride & Prejudice". I was hopeful, Keira Knightley is in it. Can't be bad right? Nope. Bad might be a strong word, unwatchable is a better word. Unfortunately I haven't read the book so I didn't know what I was in for. If I had maybe I would have thought better. Oh well, there was dinner involved.

The two Chickens, Delicate, and I hopped into the toaster on wheels and headed up to the Rim Nordic MTB race on Sunday. We rolled into the parking lot to find the not as dainty Breyer and James. He races for the B&L tri team as well as Xterra and MTB endurance races. I on the other hand watched the races and yelled encouraging words at the racers....ha. I also took it upon myself to taste some of the snacks offered at the venue (see undercooked cheeseburger). The SS race started at noon. Chicken Sympathizer was the first to pass on the first lap, then Chicken Little. I was amazed to see "not as Dainty" pass before "Dainty". Luckily for DD his brother wasn't in the same category. CS ended up winning the SS expert race (3 minutes before the first placed Sport geared guy), CL placed 4th and Dainty in 7th. NAD placed 3rd in the SS Sport class and James won his category in the geared sport race. Congrat's to all the guys!

It's weird looking out my front door and not seeing her.....

Is your car/ truck/ bike a boy or a girl? Does it have a name?

My car is Java.
1. Subaru calls her Java Black Pearl.
2. She is definitely caffenated (ie. fast, quick movements, etc).

She is in for a major tuneup before it's too late. At 99,000 miles it's time for Timing belts. I am also going for the rest of the equation (idler pulleys, idler belts, water pump, etc.). $$$$

I took her down to my buddy Charlie's place, Charlie's Foreign Car. I had called Subaru to get an estimate for the work. They wanted over $1500 for the work. Charlie hooked me up for considerably less. Most of the cost is labor and even though I am a mechanic I have my boundaries with cars. I trust these guys and appreciate their abilities.

Track night was special....

Race Summary:

+ Delicate and I run by In-n-Out. 2 cheeseburgers each.
+ Delicate and I show up and sit down with Mark & Paula Allen (Power couple of the tri world, inside joke). Don Ho and Collarbone even made an appearance! Don Ho being my boss I had to make a jab, right?
+ Just as we finish the burgers and enjoy the race G.I. Nate gets caught up in a wreck and goes down pretty hard. A few scratches, road rash and a cracked helmet later.
+ We met QTBL's sister to be named "Mouthy Maloof" for the time being.

Lefty's:

+ Delicate and I roll up. QTBL, MM and Ted have found a table. We get our beers and sit down.
+ DD pulls the insult of the hour out, "Mouthy Maloof" instantly becomes "Rachel Ray". Wow she did not like that. Douchebags aplenty. She tore DD a new one. Good times.
+ The "Voice" shows up and keeps us in stitches until Dave forces us off the premises. Weekly occurence.

Good lord it was not a dull Tuesday at the track. I love it here.

Congrats Jens, 2nd place! (first loser to some...just kidding)

Good Lord it was hot out there! Some were claiming mid-nineties, I can believe it. Jens pulled 9 laps off, amazingly I might add. The course was just short of 10 miles and 1400 ft of elevation. Yikes.

I sent him out with my GPS for his first six laps, charged it (Thanks Paul) and his last lap. The data is impressive, I just haven't figured out how to upload the data to blogger or the web for that matter.

My asshole ways worked yet again to force another rider to keep going. Our next door racer (Paul from LA) wanted to quit after 4 laps. I gave him some Advil for his back pain, lubed his chain, polished his bike and rolled it out. "Paul your bike is ready, get on." Works like a charm every time. He finished 6 laps.

Jens and I are leaving for Temecula in 7 hours. As usual I can't sleep. I don't know why I get nervous about a race, especially when it's not me racing.

Come on out if you are in the neighborhood.

12 hours of Temecula, 9am to 9pm.

Count the chins......

Contrary to this photo, since I started riding my bike to work I have lost 3 pounds. Now when is it going to leave my neck....

Lots going on.....

*"24 Solo" was great. It showed the pain and anguish of participating in a 24 hour race. It also showed the humorous side as well.
*I rode a blisteringly slow 80 miles on Friday. (Maybe it was in ceremony of the Fall of Turner; see next point)
*Nytro was sold to a friend of a friend (Reign of Turner is no more). CVT's last day was Friday 6/8.
*Tracy finally made it out to Track night. I think he had a good time, especially since most of the night was spent making fun of Jensypoo and not him. Boyband also made an appearance to root on N8.
*Etc.

I think Chicken Little and I are taking a Road Trip next week. Jeremy says my frame should be finished mid next week. We are going to drive up and pick up the frame on Friday. Make a long weekend out of it. The SyCip boys might even show us the trails!

I have to get back to the repairs. I am up to my eyeballs in PBS work.


Bike in the stand:
Paisley Fillet brazed Road

Socks:
Chrome Royales

iTunes:
Pixies "Hey"

B&L has a new website including an online store, Check it out!

www.blbikes.com

Let me summarize my day....

+Woke up early for a MTB ride but, my traveling partner was late.
+We rode the one place that I dread each and everytime I ride there.
+Bjorn, Kerri, Matt, Geri and I all got citations for attempting to ride a trail we have been riding for 7 years. Although I did burn 1467 calories per my Edge 205.
+Matt, Chris, Geri and I stopped by Stone Brewery for brunch and a brew. Matt got lost on the way. Triple Dry hopped Ruination IPA is delicious for breakfast.
+I got a call from some buddies to ride our cruisers down to the Fiesta del Sol celebration in Solana Beach.
+As soon as we pulled into my driveway, I rolled down to their apartment by the beach. They weren't there.
+I met them on the 101 and ran into Bjorn at Filibertos on the way there.
+Fiesta del Sol was a bust but, Chiefs was spectacular as usual.

That's about it. I am going to sleep well tonight....