Ride for 6-28-08

Just how good is the SVR? It's so good I thought I'd share this pic... it appears that this group is enjoying a grand old time!!! The Rocketman is giving us some instruction on bike maintenance while we look on... notice the causal nature of the group? we're as laid back as can be... It kinda reminds me of a SAG stop... but for the SVR, our SAG stop is usually Mac's... this stop was a bit early.

Here’s a question… what’s a rider to do for 2 weeks off the bike? Here’s a hint, Gene Autry had it right, get “Back In The Saddle Again!” Yep, I hope to join the SVR on this Saturday. I’ll let the other riders do some Peter Frampton as they “Show Me The Way” and go off the front… mostly because I’ll be thinking of the great song by The Police of “Don’t Stand (ride) So Close To Me” and I’ll be sure to heed the words of Lynrd Skynrd in “Gimme Three Steps (bike links)” as we ride down 5 Forks.

Hopefully, we’ll have a large group to ride as we “get back” to normal. I’ll declare my intentions.. I’m going to spin this Saturday.. .that means, I’ll will take a few short cuts and be content to sweep the route. I won’t be in any hurry to “get’r dun”, so I won’t be in a rush…. just a nice spin in the small ring… sa-weet!!! it’ll be my first ride in 14 days.. so, I’m sure any fitness I thought I had has been lost to never-never land.

So, if you’re inclined to join us… come on out… we have something for everyone!!! The group departs from the parking lot at New Spring at 0800 sharp.

Best of luck to Bob as he competes in the Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky!!! Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Rowland on the birth of their second child!!!

The Sweeper

6-21-08

Riders,
If you don't mind, I think I'll sit this one out....for others of you wanting to ride, come join those who chose to ride this Saturday... the group has a wheels up time at 0800 from the parking lot of New Springs... for those who may need an organized metric, you should check out the Bee Buzzin' Tour in Greenwood, SC....

And we have a bike for sale... here are the facts...

For Sale
2006 Litespeed Siena 51cm
Great road bike with amazing speed! Retails for over $4000.00 I am sad to see her go but need to sell. Post a comment and I'll hook up the seller and the buyer...for more pictures or answer questions. Asking $1800.Real Design carbon fork 170mm crank, 53/39 Truvative Rouleur Full Shimano Ultegra 6600 STI Groupset Mavic MA3 rims laced to Ultegra 10spd hubs, Vittoria Rubino Pro/Diamante tires 12x27 cassette Serfas Terrazo saddle Thompson 31.8 seatpost ITM Mantis stem, 10cm Bontrager bars, 43 outside-to-outside Geometry: Top-tube: 51cm Seat-tube: 45.5/ 47 to top of collar 96cm wheelbase

Thanks to Big Dave for the following translation of last weeks ride report.... It's nice to have an SVR rider who can spin such a story...

“I want to thank my pit crew, the guys in the shop and my wife Debbie. We had a good bike today and I feel like the number 31 Accelerade, Zipp Wheels, Carolina Triathlon , P2C Cervelo had a chance to get into victory lane today. We always enjoy coming to this ride and the folks here in Anderson are a good group of people. I’m not sure exactly what happened out there, but from what I could tell, we were running full tilt down the back stretch. I was running 5th and gettin’ a good push from the 88, Dave Bartoski. The number 9 Cervelo of Fred Tolly got a run on the 24 of Brooks Keys. He got up there beside him and made it two wide going down the straightaway. Then the Number 20 of Tony Catalfomo got a run on Tolly and took the air off his rear tire, getting him loose. Fred made a good effort but couldn’t hang onto it and spun out pushing Brooks into the apron. Next thing I know, Tony’s sliding across the pavement, the number 99 of Bob Ashby gets collected and I have nowhere to go.. And as I go around, the 88 is flying over top of me. All I can say is thanks to the crew here for reacting quickly and averting the rest of the riders from getting involved. It took a while before I felt ok enough to put down my window net so I went to the infield care center. Andrea Storie did a great job of making sure I was ok and a special thanks to the number 42 of Renalto Honfi, number 5 Russ Lott and the 2 of Steve Pugh. They’re all great riders stood by my side. No hard feelings towards the number 9 team. He’s a standup guy and has even brought some stuff to my garage to help me repair my engine. It’s just a shame that we had such a great race going this morning and a racing incident had to happen and wad up a bunch of good bikes. Thanks to the race directors for instituting these safer helmets. It probably saved my life. I’ll probably miss qualifying on Tuesday night but hope to be back out on the track within the next few weeks.”

In all seriousness, I'm glad everyone is ok and thanks to everyone who pitched in to help out. It's great to know that we are surrounded by a good group of people. Thanks!

Here's a email reply from our international rider, Renato..... and I echo his remarks!!!

"Hello everybody I am glad to know that everyone is good after have fallen.

It happens, it is just the way it is!!!

It happened with me some time ago and may be happen again, but in the end the day it is what make us feel a live. I still prefer stay on the bike riding even having chance to fall than stayin home afraid to live. See you guys riding"

Mike "I'll Be Back" Madden

Ride for 6-14-08

It's bad luck to be superstitious, so you guys be careful on the day before Saturday... it's the dreaded Friday, the 13th.. DOH!!! I never should have mentioned it!!!! Good thing we don't ride on Fridays, right???

Props to BIG George... winning a Dauphine stage... (thanks Steve for telling me... somehow, I've been distracted!!!) Back in the day, a group of ECCC members (when there was a club) met George.. he came to our meeting.. and we sat around the table chatting for about an hour... if I remember, it was after Lance's second victory... and during the tour, Phil would say.. WOW, LOOK AT BIG GEORGE CLIMB!!! so, we asked him how he made the transition to being able to climb... and he said... "I did more hill climbs in training!!!!" George is the nicest cyclist and hopefully, we'll see him take another TdF stage!!! maybe the Queen's Stage???

So, here's the real business... THE ride announcement

Riders take your mark… get set.. GO!!!! Okay, that’s not exactly how the SVR (Saturday Velo Ride) starts… but, it is an attention getter, eh? So, if you’re finished riding the mountains of Vermont, done with paddling down the Grand Canyon, riding the dude range rustling cattle, Oly distance tri events, or family obligations (aka swim meets and enjoying grand kids)… join us for the ride of the week… (NOTE: if you’re headed for Charleston for a Bball camp, watch the ankles… they don’t heal as quickly when you’re old!!! if you're headed for NC for some outdoor activity.. watch for the wild animals... they live in the woods!!!)

Compared to last Saturday, the weather should be cooler … and last week, the group was HUGE … so, if you rode last weekend, come back and bring another rider… For this weekend, should we or should we not include Simms Mill Rd???

As usual, the group meets EARLY in the parking lot of New Spring Church to roll out at 0800 SHARP… rumor has it, that perhaps 2 or more of the SVR regulars need MORE miles that we usually provide… they may even start EARLIER… so, you guys talk amongst yourselves and figure out where the “main” group will meet you on the road… and because we’re such creatures of habit… you already know the exact route we’ll be on Saturday morning!!!

The group rides at various speeds... some fast guys go off the front... some regular guys take the middle... and those who burn matches early...(aka going to Mac's the first time)... usually ride at the back... I think I know where I'll be.... how about you?

So, see you in the parking lot, on the road, in the paceline or at the stops… take your pick

10 Percenter...

Ride for 6-7-08 and a Request

Riders,
Start your hydration plan and get out the sunscreen... we're riding Saturday morning.. in the sunshine and the HEAT!!! So, if you're not vacationing, resting for the Festival of Flowers tri, or busy with the family, come join the other riders in the area for the SVR (Saturday Velo Ride)... We depart at 0800 SHARP from the parking lot of New Springs Church... we'll stick to the usual and customary route of 43 mile give or take... and depending on how much jaw-boning there is in P-ton... we might talk the whole group into riding Simms Mill like we did 2 weeks ago... Confession time... I'm not one for changing the route.. but, Simms Mill was a blast!!!! even for a non-climber like me!!!! and depending on time, temperature, fluid status and who's up for what, perhaps we'll visit Mac's for a second time?

Here's a special request.... from someone looking to join our "roadie ranks".. and I quote... " Hi all, I am an injured marathoner and would like to start cycling/tri's. So, I am in good shape, but know zilch about a bike. I am looking for a good used women's 53cm, possibly 54cm road bike.... any possible leads on a good bike would be most welcomed!!! Please post a comment and we'll hook buyer and seller up for the exchange...

This just in.... for this Saturday, BridgeRunner (aka Reggie) will run short on time.. so he's going to take few short cuts to allow his timely return to the home front... his route is 33 miles or so.. and he's riding straight through.. not much time for bumping gums, story tellin' etc... that man is on a schedule!!!!

Who's in???

Now, rumor has it .... and the proof is in this pic (thanks to Spidey)... that Wheel-less is going aero... full aero with this helmet!!!! just think how fast he'll be next time?? of course, to be fast on the bike.. you have to GET on the bike??? the other story... which as some facts.. he stood us up for the TNR... (TRUE).. but said he went out and did interval training?? (can I get a witness to that???)... the real question is... doesn't a 19.4 mile ride from P-ton to the turn off road count as an interval??? it does for ME!!!!