Doping...

Ricco, Contador, Bonds, McGuire, Landis... they all suck. I think that Cavendish has the best comment I have ever seen:

“Obviously I hope he does recover well, but I really do hope he becomes someone’s bitch in prison.”

No comment necessary there. When is it going to stop? Will the UCI really play hard-ball? No one believes these guys anymore. I can't recall of anyone who had a positive test, denied, use and then was found to be innocent...I'm sure there are some folks in that category but it usually leads to supporting the use of doping products. I saw in the news that Bonds was going to trial. I hope he goes down. At least McGuire has helped many charities when/after he played. I don't think Bonds ever did anything for anyone but himself. Not that that should allow McGuire to skirt by but perhaps he should get some leniency. I could be wrong as well... it's been known to happen (just ask my wife).

I'm also a fan of Armstrong. I hope that he's in that small category of guys who are believed (by most) to have doped, always denied it... and never shown to be guilty - too bad you can't prove innocence. I pray he is never proven to be a doper.

Ricco, though, doing self-transfusions. WTF is that?

Real Speed

OK so I used to tell people that the thing I liked about cycling, other than the benefits of being very fit, was the sense of speed and control (and being a bit on the edge) while diggin into a corner in a criterium. I don't know if I still think that after crashing heavily last year and breaking my collarbone in multiple places.

I have a new definition of the feeling of speed and control - A Porsche C4 Carrara. I believe it was 1 2003, but it really doesn't matter. A friend of mine just found a very-low-mileage one and just took delivery. He took me out yesterday and all I can say is "Wow." Straight-line speed, braking, cornering - all truly exceptional.

I wonder if I could get one w/o my wife knowing about it. Hmmmm.

Almost Christmas

Tired

Today I was hoping to do a hard 3.5 hr ride on that same route I did last Saturday. Today would be my 20th day of riding in a row without any days off. I do have a few easy rides sprinkled in, such as Friday, but I've been reading more of Hunter Allen's work and he preaches riding more. Period. SO I've been trying in this off-season to do just that. Here are some pics.

Veteran's Day Ride

Thanks to all our veteran's out there - thanks to them I can ride when I want (within limits of family and work). I work with the guvmint so I had the day off. Too bad I've been pretty tired last couple of days due to training lately so I was limited to a couple of hours or so. Couldn't have had a better day - nice and sunny, probably 55 degrees or so. I'm a summer person but I'll take this.

Fall Training

Been trying to stick to a FTP building plan this fall. 2x20s seem to be working, along with some longer & harder weekend rides. Hopefully the work will pay off next spring.

Nice Fall Day

Did a 75 miler through an area east of West Point, VA along Route 14. The wind was kicking me in the face on the wa to the turnaround point but luckily was at my back for the return leg. That doesn't seem to be the norm - usually seems to be in my face the whole ride. No traffic once I get out on Rt 14 - very nice.