visualize and document

Some closure

2007-07-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well...I was finally able to see a doctor that is VERY familiar with the sport of cycling. She came highly recommended and I was super anxious to have a sit-down to discuss the issue I've been having.

Earlier in the week I had an EMG/nerve conductive test where everything checked out. Sooo...as far as the machine and that neurologist could see, I didn't have nerve damage in my leg. So I could rule that out.

After some initial explanations, stretches, and tests with Dr. Wilson, she was able to give some thoughts on what may be causing my problem of strain and numbness in my left leg. Despite the symptoms and pains I described, she doubted it could be external Iliac artery endofibrosis as I previously thought. Very small chance it "could" be...but she doubted it. Her feelings shifted more to the mechanics and motoring functions of my leg...

During one of the stretches I showed her the slight "hole / indent" that had suddenly appeared on my left thigh. I explained that I wasn't sure if this had been there all along...and I'm just paranoid. Or, if that maybe something is wrong...and this is a sign of it...

A red flag went up immediately when I showed her this. Whats funny is I showed this hole to another doctor a week before...who described it as "nothing", and that your left leg just happened to not be symmetrical to your right...

So this hole developed from the Rectus femoris muscle somehow separating slightly from the Saratorius. How the hell did that happen? I have no clue. But when I over-did it in my racing a few weeks ago...this is definitely where the pain was coming from ever since. So something in that area is definitely wrong.

Still not sure how this developed...and we're gonna look into it futher with some tests and treatment. So I'm 1/2 way there. I know something is wrong. How it got that way, I don't quite know yet. But hopefully we can figure it out and I can return to some ass-kicking form :)

What the hell?

2007-06-19T07:10:00.001-07:00

I thought only the Caisse d'Epargne ProTour team had access to the new carbon Pinarello Princes!!! Guess not!

Some dude in the Cat 123 race was aboard one! A bit too swoopy for my liking...but definitely a new Italian exotic!

Shot taken by Marco at the Harlem Crit this weekend

"Our situation has not improved..."

2007-06-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

Quick...who said that?

Sean Connery...Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade:

So yeah...my situation of "numb leg" has not improved. Although, I'm starting make some headway. Went on a 35 mile ride last night to test things out...and as soon as I hit Fairview Lake climb with some decent pace...the left leg gets laaaazy. 5 miles later the leg is fine...and for the remainder of the ride I'm pounding it out on the climbs...

Got some xrays back yesterday documenting some spinal views. Front view - fine. Side view - ok. My spine is a "litte" out of posture...but nothing crazy. According to the doctor, this "could" be causing a pinched nerve. Maybe. Do you trust a doctor with a tattoo above her ass?????

Going to see Mike Fraysee within the next couple days for a fitment evaluation...maybe he can add some advice for the situation.

Another doc appointment next Wednesday for another opinion. And hopefully hooking up with a NYC doc who used to work with USPS. Supposedly owning one of two cold laser machines in existance....hmmmmm....

I don't know who this guy is...and I dunno if its the camera angle. Is it just me or is he 'effin huge!

Photo from Aleksey Urusov

New product

2007-06-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

We launched a new product a few weeks ago. Winner of a 2007 MDEA...

Check it out here

Maybe a cause...

2007-06-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

After this weekend's poor performance resulting in even more "numbing" of my leg...I began to research some causes. Thanks to much info and input from fellow team members...I have compiled a list of some doctors to check out. Lets hope someone can shed some light on my situation...

Some of the best info has been from Tom at Atlantic Cyclery...who, as he describes, has been getting the same sensations in his leg...although for a much longer time. He has attributed his pain to External Iliac artery endofibrosis...a condition that seems to only affect cyclists...

I had briefly read about this a few months back...as Bobby Lea of Toyota United had undergone surgery to correct an artery that distributes blood to the leg. It sounded interesting at the time...but I was still convinced my leg issues were just cramps...

And they still might be...my arteries may be working just fine...and perhaps my problem is due to something else. Buuut, I have switched saddles...to no avail. So even if the Aspide was pinching something to restrict bloodflow...it should have been corrected by now...

Time will tell...I have an appointment Friday...

Engine is good, Leg (singular) is not...

2007-06-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

So I came to the realization yesterday that I'm just gonna have to take time off from racing. Last week during my poor crit performances...my left leg was in agony. I am starting to think its a torn muscle that has just gotten worse during this season. This past week I was using the heating pad everynight...and also during work hours. I was hoping it would help just slightly...for my race on Saturday...

I woke up Saturday thinking: "Well...it doesn't feel "too" bad...so lets give it a shot." Drove out to Pennsylvania and realized the course was perfectly suited for me. Long descent...big climb. Did two slow warmup laps and my leg felt "ok". My right felt amazing...but pedaling with one leg just wasn't an option. Sooooo...race starts...60 guys in my field. Hit the downhill...cruising. Hit the uphill...cruising. The group was splitting apart first time up the climb. Riders were dropping like crazy. I was 5th wheel and just going with the tempo...no need to put in much effort yet. Guys around me are gasping for air...and I'm fine. I think: "ok, the engine is good...lets see if the piston in question can hold up..."

Second time up the climb...same deal...no sweat...

Third lap and we are heading on the descent. Before the big climb there is a slight rise. I was mostly in the 53x17 on previous laps. Although this time around...my left leg got the slight strain feeling. Oh no...please go away...please go away...

We hit the big climb again and about 1/4 of the way up my left leg gives out like it has been. But with no flats to recover...I was dropping fast. At this point I'm basically pushing everything with my right leg...just trying to "throw" my left leg over with each pedal stroke. "Well that sucks" I thought, "looks like I'll just be spinning the rest of the race..."

With still about 5 laps to go I got hooked up with a group that had been dropped. Descended with them but on the climb got dropped from that group too. Soooo demoralizing. You are riding next to these guys and you're just breathing regular...while everyone else is on their last breath...pumping the bike back and forth. Yet, you cannot even climb with them because your left leg has been broken down to just a piece of flesh and bones that you are dragging along for the ride...

Oh well...I ended up in 40th place...quite disappointing. But, it gave me the harsh reality that I need to take time for this to hopefully recover. The more I race...the worse it gets.

No this isn't China...its Mount Penn, Pennsylvania!

The best part of my Saturday. Sitting down to a loooong overdue meal at Chick-Fil-A

Action shots!

2007-06-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Some great shots from this past weekend at Velophotos

Cruising down the back part of the course...the guy in front of me went down shortly after with a few others. I was lucky to avoid that one...

Westwood guy suffering...and me blurred out...

Ricola Twilight

2007-05-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the Ricola Pro 1/2 race. Perfect night...and even better that I could do a little recovery ride over to the race as its only about 10 miles (by bike) from where I work. My pictures kind of suck...but these guys were flying! Its a super fast big-ring course so trying to capture the action with my point-and-shoot digital was a tough task.

I got there about 15 minutes after the start and the race was already split into 3 groups! Pretty cool to always see a Navigator or Colavita pro in the moves...they never miss a beat. I guess it was inevitable that a rider from that team would take it. And...they did. With about 8 laps remaining a small group of about 7 rides came off the front. Two Navigators, Colavita, Kelley...hmm, a few others. With 1 lapt to go...a Navigator rider attacked that group...and barely stayed away to take the sprint. A fun night altogether.

Navigators controlling things early on...

Ken Harris didn't make the selection...

Colavita solo move about mid-way in...

Winner of Bear Mountain in the orange and Jared Bunde of GS Mengoni in the second group on the road...

Navigators put in a final move to cause a split...and take the win (although I don't know which Navigator rider specifically)

Flat, fast, and 4 corners...

2007-05-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

A week without an update...boohoo. What did I learn this week? I hate crits. Why? Because I SUCK at them. I'm just not a crit guy...I need to admit that. Road Racing is my thing and I need to stick with it. The Great Neck Crit sucked, the Manville Crit sucked, and the USBHOF crit on Saturday sucked.

I realize I'm not the most risky rider in the corners...which doesn't help...but I just can't understand why I'm not good at riding a crit. I'm in shape, have a decent sprint, and usually stay near the front.

Of course it didn't help my chances on both Fri and Sat when my left leg started acting up and giving me pain...

Saturday I finished in the top 20 (maybe 15)...but literally lap after lap was just filled with pain from my left thigh. Short of seeing a doctor I'm not sure what to do. I stretch...I warm-up...I rest it. Its not like I'm putting in 4+ hours each day on the bike to constantly agitate it. What sucks is my right leg is fresh as can be...if only my left leg was that way I'd be golden!

This week I'm going SUUUUUPER easy in the hopes that my leg can regenerate for next Saturday. Mount Penn RR on Saturday should be good. Some climbing...some rolling hills...count me in!

Stick to the climbing buddy...

Contemplating the discipline I hate...

Great Neck and beyond...

2007-05-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday gave me a chance to help out with the Cam-Am challenge hosted by Skylands. A great event for the juniors...and I had a great time helping out. If anyone is interested in the results...you can check them out here.

Sunday was a crit in Great Neck, Long Island. I signed up for it last minute thinking it would be a good place to score some upgrade points. Beautiful day...and the course wasn't too bad...although not really suited for me. Altogether about .6 of a mile...4 corners...a slight downhill, and slight uphill. My race was about 40 guys or so...decent turnout.

It started off quickly right from the gun...with a front group including myself forming. The remaining 25+ riders got blown out the back. Like clockwork, about 5 laps into the race my left leg starts bothering me. I'm able to sort of shake it off...but it still persists for the remainder of the race. On about lap 10 three guys crash in front of me on turn 3. One rider's bike kicks up and breaks on of my back spokes (I didn't realize this till after the race). So, for the whole race I keep hearing a "clicking" noise coming from the rear...

The course was pretty tight to move ahead...and I was lacking a little on the agression that day. Final lap comes up and I'm about 12th in line...which is where I stayed. Tried to make a move on turn 2 and 3...but to no avail. A few of the riders were taking some sketchy turns...and I think subconsiously that kept me at bay. Oh well...no top 10 result.

Yesterday I fitted my new Fizik Arione saddle and went out for a nice 25 mile spin. Felt good...initially more comfortable than my Aspide. Weight is 243g vs 188 for the Aspide...so I gained a little weight, hehe. Not sure if this will help with my leg...but the overall color scheme looks better now :-)

Warm temps...

2007-05-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

Nothing really new to report on. I missed the Bear Mountain registration this past weekend...so unfortunately I could not attend. Definitely think I could have been competitive with the climbing involved...but I guess I'll have to wait till the Fall edition.

My form has been coming along...slowly. Last weekend I went for a longer training ride on Saturday...and felt like shit on Sunday and Monday. My legs basically felt poisoned. Kept trying to stretch and massage them for some better circulation.

Tonight I couldn't make it to the Augusta series race...so I opted for the Tuesday night ride with Watchung. Felt great overall. Pretty uneventful except for the old woman crashing her Subaru. I was about last man in the group when she drove past. "POP" (her front wheel hitting a ditch...then, "WHAM!"...head-on into a telephone pole. We all turned around to check on her and luckily she was fine. Not a scratch...can't say the same for the car though...

Anyway...possible rain tomorrow but maybe I can fit in a short ride. Probably no training on Thurs or Fri. Helping with the Can-Am on Saturday...and *hopefully* I can fit in a race on Sunday! Some shots from a nice cruise last weekend...

Staring off into Swartswood Lake:

My tour guide last weekend...

Sunrise Mountain RR

2007-05-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a replacement for the usual Augusta Tuesday training series. There is a park road in Stokes State Forest that climbs to the top of Sunrise Mountain...4.6 miles. Elevation at the top is around 1500 ft...although you don't climb that much obviously. Turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day...super sunny...temps in the mid 70s'...beautiful! Managed to sneak out of work early to cruise home and change. The start of the race is about 12 miles from home so I was able to get a good warmup in on the way over.

The race is set up like this: 2 qualifier races...top half of each field is combined into a final race where the prize money is. My first race was maybe 25+ riders. Race starts and its a pretty good tempo up the climb. I'm managing to stay in the top 5-6 and away from getting caught out on the back. Most of the riders around are juniors...all of which are cat 2's and 3's. The first 3.5 miles are sort of rolling...with the last mile more of a true mountain switchback terrain. The race splits up on these switchbacks...with a hard tempo up to the line. A few attacks came about on the last ramp to the finish...none of them put in by me, lol. I finish in 5th...

Ride back down the mountain to do it again! The second qualifier race happens and its all set up for the final race. Surprisingly, the initial tempo of the last race wasn't as fast as the first. But I think I made a tactical error of leaving it in the big ring the whole way up. I should have been more fluidly spinning on the 39. So I'm still staying in the top 5 and as we approach the final switch backs the pace pics up. A few riders swarm by on either side and I'm getting pushed back a few places.

We start the final climb and my left leg starts to cramp. Uh oh...not this shit again. I'm dropping off the pace as I watch the group in front ride off. WTF!!!!! My stupid left leg always does this to me. I dunno if its fore-aft positioning, cleats, diet, I suck...or what...but my left leg cramps on 90% of the rides these days. Racing or not. So anyway...I just spin up to the line. No prize money for me.

If anyone has input on cramps...let me know. It only happens in my left quad...

Enjoy your night...

Jiminy Peak RR

2007-05-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Embarked Saturday morning around 6:30am for the trip to Jiminy Peak in Mass. I've been waiting for this race for the past month...in that I knew it had some climbing in it. Three hours later we arrived (thanks for the company!). Weather - great; registration, super fast; legs - feeling good. Did a quick warmup and then lined up for the cat4 race - 125 riders. Had one teammate in the race...so that was good to have Paul in there with me. The race consisted of 3 laps...30K each.

First two laps were pretty uneventful. Except for the officials stopping the race! LOL. One lap in a few riders were tossing water bottles into the grass. WTF...is that "really" necessary? So a few guys admit, they are DQ'ed...and we resume. A few breaks go off the front on the next two laps...but both are brought back. They never got out of sight...so they were always on the mind of the teams leading the chase. The race basically came down to the final climb...when everything came back together.

Before the final uphill...there is a fast right hand turn off of a downhill. I was told to stay in the top 10 around this turn...and then shit would go ballistic up the climb. It did...unfortunately I was about 30th guy in line. As the climb started I sprinted past a few riders trying desperately to reach the front of the race. The climb has an initial rise...flattens...and the pitches up to the finish. As I reached the flat section a group of about 17 had "just" nipped off the front. There was no one helping me pull, and I just could not close the gap up to those riders. Crossed the line in 20th. I keep thinking back: "If only I was in the top 10 around that turn..."

It was hard to move up the field the entire race...but I did have a few chances to pop out at the front on the final lap...but hung back thinking to conserve a bit more energy. When I get those chances next time...I'm taking them. Some pics from Saturday:

effin' old

2007-05-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

While on the subject of teaching...I figured I'd post up some retro sketches that have been on the walls forever. The room I teach in is pretty old...its like a neglected room that isn't really part of the design department. So there is stuff in there that was probably left in the 80's...and well, just left there. These old foam-core mini models, some others made from thin acrylic, ancient magazines...etc. I wish I had the power (and time) to totally give the room a makeover. But, being an adjunct I don't really have that power.

Anyway...these three sketches were probably done by guys with mullets sometime in the mid-80's. The corvette sections may be the newest...perhaps the first two were done by someone in bell-bottoms. Last sketch was one of mine that has been lying around in that room for at least a year, lol. I seriously think that the design department does not know this room exists. It just appears on the course listing and on my contract...with myself and the students only knowing about it. The janitors come in everynight to empty the trash...but nothing else. Maybe next semester I'll propose a revamp!

Kean...ouuut

2007-05-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

The spring semester has come to a close at Kean. Totally flew by...although it was a week longer than in the past. I experiemented with a few new ideas this semester...which definitely seemed to help out the interior designers. I'm glad...because I tend to weigh the course on my own background...product design. Below are some glimpses of the final photoshop renderings that were turned in...11x17 prints...and a digital file of course! A few students were rocking the textures...which was awesome to see:

An old gift...

2007-04-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

A few years ago my parents got me a Mothers Clay bar cleaning kit for my car. At the time I had my RX7 and for one reason or another...never ended up using the clay bar. Perhaps it was the fact that the paint sucked so bad that it wasn't worth it. Well, the paint wasn't "that" bad...but black + no clear coat = bitch to clean.

Fast forward to '07. I still had that unopened cleaner kit. Since its been one year with Sora, I decided to crack it open and give it a try. Super simple to use, and you can "feel" the results happening. So happy I finally gave it a shot. I dedicated the whole of my Sunday to the one year super cleaning. Morning wash...late morning clay bar session...and evening waxing with NXT.

I'm really happy with the results. Sometimes its a bit difficult to see the effort in the white paint...but in the right light the pearl sparkles and reflections shine

I forgot how good they feel...

2007-04-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

No racing this weekend...but managed to get some good training in. Saturday was a good climbing route with Kevin...including a hard tempo and reconnoissance of Sunrise Mountain. Hopefully this will aid in my bid for a good finish at Jiminy Peak next weekend. Good temps the entire day...and the rain held off till after I pulled in the driveway...sweeet.

Sunday was just a 30 mile semi-spin getting used to the Xlite Aero's and new toobies. Thanks to Jason for helping show me the non-frustrating mounting process of Tufo tape :) ...and also for recognizing that my derailleur hanger was bent! lol

New pics of the ride:

Music Matters

2007-04-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

Faithless kicked so much ass last night!!! I was so psyched leading up to the concert and they sure didn't disappoint. Seeing Maxi Jazz come out in a black trench-coat was insane...everyone went ballistic. And the first words out of his mouth being "I only smoke weed when I neeeed to..." ...sooo awesome!

So much energy to behold...I could have stayed in Webster Hall the entire night.

Definitely check out two of their newer vids on youtube...great visuals along with the beats...

Music Matters
and
Bombs

Ode to Sora

2007-04-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

Dude...its been one year...already! I've now had the G for one year. Time flies. Its been a great car so far. Totally reliable, quick, and stylin'! And best of all I can fit my bike INSIDE. I LOVE to see all the racer's turn in disbelief when I pull the 5900 out from the trunk...even with the back wheel attached, haha. Anyway...here's to many more enjoyable miles, burnouts, drifts, slow cruises, road trips, and slow washes on warm days. No regrets!

Warmth...finally!

2007-04-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Lets hope winter is finally behind us and we can jump right into summer. The weekend proved to be nice and warm...perfect for some racing.

Saturday morning was the 2007 Cherry Blossom Challenge. Similar course to that of the the early season Branchbrook series. A little brisk in the morning...but thankfully not bitter cold. Don't know the exact number...but there was about 60 guys or so in our field. And despite some sketchy riders...thanfully there were no crashes! None that I saw anyway.

The first few laps had some attacking going on...although I was just sitting comfortably in the field. Westwood Velo was really active...although IMHO wasting a bit of energy. I actually thought one of the moves went away...but they must have been swallowed up with about 3 laps to go.

Bell lap comes around and I'm about mid pack. Luckily for me Andrew and Erik helped me get to the front. Erik made a great pull to put me inside the top 10. At this point there was about, hmmmm, 500 meters to go. I was seriously considering going for it when Erik pulled off. Something inside of me said "wait"...but thinking back maybe I should have gone...

The sprint starts and I have decent positioning...but not tucked in the slipstream so much. So we all go at the line...and I end up 7th. Not too bad considering I'm not a sprinter...but I should have had better tactics leading up to that finale. I felt great the whole race...but just couldn't put the power doing in the final surge...

I'll just have to wait for the more hilly races to score better points...

Hopefully I can find some pictures from the event. After the race I put in some more training...40 miles through Gladstone and Stirling. Finally I could get some tan-lines back!!!

Progress...

2007-04-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

Feeling good after some rides on the trainer the past few days. My legs were feeling a bit "stale" leading up to...and after the race on Saturday. Not sure what it was due to...overtraining, not the right nutrition...not sure. Anyway...some intervals on the trainer the past two nights have cleared that up. I'm starting to feel stronger again.

The weather has definitely not been cooperating lately. Rain the past two nights has forced me to the rollers. Anyway...hoping to make it to the Cherry Blossom race on Saturday...possibly Rahway on Sunday. The weather finally looks nice!

Found some pics on the web from a few weeks back. Here's the race when I went down at the end. In the royal blue...

Race Report: Mount Joy, PA

2007-04-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

So I woke up at 5am Saturday morning to make the trip down to Lancaster County, PA for the Mount Joy road race. I was looking forward to it in that:
A) Saturday was supposed to be the warmest day in a while (53 degrees woohoo!)
B) The term Mount Joy would maybe refer to a "mountain" in the course...
C) Because of the "mountain" this would make the race better for me...

Well, after a quick 2 hour drive...I arrived to find that Mount Joy is not really a "mount". There was a little hill in town...but I soon realized this course would not have the climbing I would like...

I register and head out on the course for a warm up and to scope it out. Temps are low 40's now...but with the sun its actually not too bad. The course is nice...a short / steep climb...but I doubted that it would make too much of a natural selection in the group. I meet up with Brian for a quick spin...but then realize its 9am and they are calling the riders to the line. Shit! I still had to dump my jacket and some other stuff in my car...

Hurry hurry hurry and I line up with the 76 other riders...all the way at the back. Crap...exactly where I don't want to be. The race starts and for the first two laps I'm trying to make my way forward...slowly and surely. The double line rule is in effect so that makes it harder to move to the front of the group.

Three laps go by and little by little riders have shed off the back...I guess they couldn't hang on the climb...which, btw, we were climbing sooooo slowly. Bell lap comes around and I'm feeling great...but I'm still midpack. I was able to pass a few rider coming up the climb for the last time...and settle in for the descent before the finish.

Leading up the finish was a slight rise. Sensing I was still a bit too far back I tried a move on the inside to make my way to the front. At that time...some midget in a System6 was suffering and cracked...totally boxing me in. After losing some momentum (and quite a few places) I grabbed a wheel and swung to the outside. Finishing straight comes and I made a good dash to the line and passed quite a few riders...but alas it was too late. The rider that slowed me down really cost me a top 5 finish. Pretty sure I sneaked in the top 20...but I haven't seen the results posted yet.

Anyway, I was hoping for a better result...but they'll come. This wasn't the ideal course for me after all. I promised myself last year I would never line up at the back of a field ever again...always be punctual! But this time I misjudged it. Never again! More reports to follow...

Recap!

2007-04-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

So lets start over again. I had all intentions of using this blog as my main cycling diary for the season...but I haven't been doing so. Mainly because I had a rough start to the season and lost motivation for blogging as I had other things to concentrate on.

To play catch up:
March 10th: Branchbrook Race. Crash! Two guys went down in front of me...no where to go. Sucks because it was 1K before the line...I was in great position. Pulled right calf muscle and sore left knee. Thankfully the next weekend racing was cancelled because of snow. I was sore for a few days though. Maybe it was good to get one crash out of the way early in the season ;-)

March 24th: Branchbrook. Felt great...had good positioning in the sprint. Started it too early and got swallowed up by a few guys at the end. 7th place.

March 27: Augusta. Finally a warm day! 70 degrees! 4th in the B race...10th overall in the handicap. This was my first time riding the course. I liked it...but as usually I was wishing for more hills.

March 31: Branchbrook. Had great positioning in the end and was careful to choose my line after the crash that took me down a few weeks prior. Grabbed a few wheels and then it was time to GO! Got third. Was hoping for 2nd...but got nipped by a Colavita rider on the line.

April 3: Augusta. Felt kind of crappy leading up. Everyone in my office was sick...so I'm sure I had a little "something" Anyway, the race went well...Got 7th in the B race. A good training race.

Got my first upgrade and now I'm determined to be a 3 by the end of the summer. Hoping to target some hillier races in May and June. Haven't really come across any pictures posted of the races...although everytime I look into the crowd there are cameras raised. I hope to post up some visuals when I find them.

More updates and thoughts to come!!!

Lovin' the SRAM

2007-03-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

Managed to get some good training in this past Sunday...and better acquainted with the SRAM group. I had signed up to help with the U19 clinic at the park...so the 10 mile ride over was really the first "road" experience with the double-tap. I'm really liking it. Besides the aesthetics shown below, the shifting is great, and the brakes are soooo much better than my Ultegra 9speed from before...

The hood ergonomics are great! I was a little skeptical...even after feeling the hoods at the shop. But the designers must have went through quite a few foam studies to get these right. The shift in textures on the rubber fall in all the right places.

Anyway...the U19 clinic turned out great. After some ice-chipping and shoveling the course was clear! It could have warmed up more...but that would have been too convenient. Went out for a small training ride with Dave, Andrew, and Erik...came back to do the adult race...and the rode home. A 12 mile cold-ass headwind...yippie.

First race is this weekend...early Saturday morning. Can't wait!

A shot from the clinic, me in the blue:

Got the bike back!

2007-03-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

New build! Thanks to Sussex Bike for helping with frame handling and the build. Can't wait to take it out for some good training rides and racing. Got on the rollers tonight to test out the SRAM. Likin' it so far. Tomorrow I will be heling with a junior race so I'll ride over and see how it feels out on the road. Hope it won't get too shitted up from the road grits. Come on rain and wash them away!!!

Anyway...some pics of the revised Trek!

Decided!

2007-02-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

Got my frame back from Trek so that means build up time! After much contemplation, I've decided to upgrade from my current Ultegra 9speed to SRAM Force 10 speed. The new kid on the block, but its been highly praised and seems on par with DA 10...even a bit lighter. So maybe it'll take a few miles to get used to the new shifting...but I'm sure I'll like it. I've been able to feel the ergonomics of the hoods and test the mechanism a few times in the shop...all felt nice. Originally I planned to do my opening race of the season on Saturday, but the build-up will have to come first. Can't wait!

And if you're into Chuck Norris...he stars in the new Mountain Dew commercial!

Finally...

2007-02-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

After having my Audiovox for close to 3 years, I finally got a new cell phone. LG recently released their VX 8600 and IMO is the nicest choice in the Verizon collection. Slim, lightweight, and pretty stealth. Enjoying it so far...even my Haddaway - "What Is Love" ring...and not just a ring-tone...a real sound projection :-)

Prismacolor

2007-02-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

Some random sketches of mine from the semester thus far...

Heat wave!

2007-02-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

Wow...it got up to 46 degrees today! Should be like that tomorrow as well. Unfortunately I'm still confined to the rollers. Thinking about what early season races I want to attend. First one of the Branchbrook series starts March 3rd...week and a half away!

Got my Veloflex tubulars today...sweeeeet. Still waiting on the 5900 to come back from Trek...I'm getting antsy. My POS steel "rollers-only" bike is a bitch to ride outside, haha. I should have got something else in the beginning of winter for better outdoor riding. Live and learn...

A shot from the daily nightly session:

weekend riding

2007-02-19T16:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday proved to be slightly warmer than the days surrounding it. Ventured down to Gladstone where its a whopping 5 degrees warmer to put in some more base miles. There is a local 7 mile loop that provides some good climbing and rolling...so I tackled that 6 times. The thing that is nice about this loop is diversity. A nice steady 1/2 mile climb, undulating terrain following, another 1/2 mile steady climb, and flat time-trial-esque run in to the start/finish. Through the block of Gladstone itself are a few nice, open stretches perfect for some sprint intervals.

Following that I took a little spin through Bedminster for a remaining 6 mile spin. Didn't realize how slow I was spinning until I got passed by a Northeastern Hardware rider, haha. Ah well...a Cat1 :-)

A few items...

2007-02-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

Since purchasing my Bontrager carbon wheels a few months back, I've been deciding which tubulars to run on them. After much research (and trying to find the best deal), I will most likely go with Veloflex Carbon. Italian, handmade, reliable, and relatively well priced...as far as tubulars are concerned:

I have sort of come to the conclusion that I will still use my 5900 as my race bike of '07. Thats not to say I won't purchase something new (when a deal comes along)...but I've come to the realization that its still a good ride. With that said, the stem and handlebars will get replaced. Most likely with Deda Newton:

And Thomson X2 stem:

Might upgrade to 10speed as well...So that should tide me over :-)

Keeping her clean...

2007-02-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

Damn its been cold! Even with the increasing light towards 5pm...it would be too cold to hop out on the bike anyway. It hasn't really gotten above 22 or so since Sunday. So because of that I've still been hitting the rollers every night. My tolerance for cold this year has definitely gone up...but anything below 25 and I just can't keep my fingers and toes from going numb.

Its been hard keeing the G35 clean too with this cold weather. Anytime I've attempted to wash it...the water freezes the second it hits the car! The other morning I was semi-successful in using super hot water. That allowed me about 10 seconds per section to scrub with the mit before it froze again. And once again...my fingers and toes are numb in a matter of minutes, haha.

Ordered some socks about two weeks ago...but one pair was backordered. They came in the mail today...Always a welcome surprise when something arrives unexpectedly...

It goes quick...

2007-02-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

I had made mention a few posts down that I'm rearranging my usual "quick" breakfast....opting for some healthier (and tastier) products. Soooo, here's what I've been having most mornings. I must admit I feel better. I think in the past the sugar rush from my cupcakes would wake me up...but by the time I got to work, I'd come down off the high...big time. Anyway...my tummy is liking the new change...

Been increasing the workout schedule on the rollers. Still doing 5x5 min intervals...with either 2 min spin or 5 min resistance spin in between. Been setting the resistance level to 2...which equates to a nice workout when pushing the 53x16. The burn is there! Usually putting in 70-80 minutes a night...really the only time I have. I guess I could hop on in the morning...but ummm, well....I dunno if thats gonna happen :-)

Visuals

2007-02-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

Some iterations for a recent invite that I did. Not the chosen ones...but I think they still turned out pretty nice :-) I definitely liked the way the brown/blue was working...sort of giving off a winter tone. I should really compile a website to sell all the cards I have done over the years. Then maybe I can retire before 30...

Was it worth it? hmmmmm

2007-02-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

I was dying to get "outside" and ride. This shitty weather wasn't gonna stop me. Despite the 3inches or so of snow we received last night...the morning sun "seemed" to be helping. I rolled out around 9:20 to find the roads in decent condition, but a few sketchy spots on the shoulders. Anyway...no one turned up for the 10am meeting point...so I continued on solo thru the backroads of Allamuchy. Altogether a ride of about 37 miles. Felt good...although my fingers were numb on several instances...and that kept me from carrying on.

I did manage one spectacular aerial crash on my own...just a lapse of concentration while adjusting my glove...combined with hitting a snow covered pot-hole. LOL. Oh well...no harm done.

Some Salty shots post ride...

After being back on my back-up bike for a few rides...I'm starting to think the front end is stiffer than my 5900. The old school combo of alu Cinelli stem/Profile bars is feeling better than my Carbon ITM/alu ITM stem. Maybe its time to get some new alu bars (Deda/Easton) when the 5900 gets assembled again...

2007!

2007-02-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

Recevied my clothing order for the Skylands Team for 2007. Essentially the same kit as '06...but I needed a few extras. Washing the same jersey and shorts after every use would be too tough for a lazy guy like me, haha. Anyway...totally psyched about getting the season underway.

Training has still been going well although it has mostly consisted of interval training on the rollers in the evenings. Been outside on a few steady distance loops...but its still been hella cold. Hope to get out with the guys tomorrow...although the high should only be 24. crap...

Ended up sending my 5900 away for some warranty work on the headset/fork. Due to the conical shaped tubing used for the steerer-tube...I can't just replace it myself. So anyway...since its free they'll hook me up with a new fork and headset. Won't be oversized like before...but it should be back to new! Below illustrates the uncommon fork used...

Anyway...I'm counting the days till I get her back. In the meantime I'll be re-acquainted with me old bike and the old school downtubes!

More rollers...boooooring

2007-01-23T19:31:00.000-08:00

I'm so bad at updating this thing...I literally just lie around and cycle when I come home from work. So you'd THINK that I could manage enough time to post up something interesting once a night. Buuuut, no. Anyway...been getting back in the groove of nightly interval sessions on the rollers. Scored some thougth to be extinct bands for my resistance unit...so I'm good to go. Now if only I could manage to sneak outside for some REAL riding!

So I've been switching my diet around a bit. Forever I have always had my chocolate cupcake in the morning with a glass of milk. Once in a while this would be accompanied by a granola bar. For now though, I'm sticking to plain yogurt/honey/granola/banana mixture. Much tastier and a good change in health. Working out so far. Got inspired by having it at a cafe last week...and have since been hooked.

Now if I only had enough time to freshly grind my new bag of Cafe Humana Costa Rican coffee in the morning I'd be in heaven. But that would mean I'd have to wake up earlier...

Oh no...not again

2006-12-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

Wow...been forever since I've updated!!! New year will bring a new commitment to blogging...I hope. Like I mentioned before...I hope to mostly concentrate the blog around my cycling progress in '07. Lately I've been doing my best to fit in some decent base miles for next season. Group rides on the weekends...rollers weekday nights. I was lucky enough to have off this Holiday week and could squeeze in a few 3 hour rides...

I still don't have a true "plan" for my training...sort of taking bits from here and there. I've been documenting everything in Excel for now...but hope to eventually convert over to a more official online Website

Some interesting news is that our Team may land a bike sponsor. Which "could" be great! I say "could" because it depends on who sponsors us...and that would hopefully lead to some discounted framesets/complete bikes. Word is VanDessel is in the running. They have a new carbon frame which is looking pretty sweet. It won't land in the US though until April at the earliest...bummer.

And got the new rims on the G a few weeks ago...Love the look!!!

Finally...I test

2006-11-19T17:25:00.000-08:00

A cold yet lovely weekend. Sure enough Jason hooked me up with a set of X Lite Aero tubulars to try out for the weekend. And I must say...just standing still the 5900 never looked so good!

I got in a solo ride of 35 miles on Saturday. And a training ride of 60 mi today with some teammates.

Impressions:
1) Great road feel. The tubular tires IMO felt better than the regular clinchers. A little less "bouncy" and I felt more connected to the road.
2) Super comfy wheel. Its carbon...so it soaks up the vibrations...
3) Although comfy...they are very stiff. Standing up gave a slightly different feel...but a good one. Not sloppy at all...
4) Braking with the cork pads was a bit sketchy. Not sure if its the pads, the wheels, or the pads not being broken in. But I new of this issue beforehand...
5) Could be a bit lighter. IMO they are indeed light...1400g. But some other comparable wheels are 150-200g lighter. But then again the others cost a few hundred more $ as well...

For the price...they are a good deal. I loved them...and in a way dread going back to my clincher rims, haha. But hey...thats what everyone does :)

On my mind...

2006-11-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

Well...still taking it all in from my recent trip to Japan. Such an amazing experience...especially the hospitality of a Japanese corporation. A lot to think about. We shall see what the future holds...

Anyway...found some recent pics from a race a few weeks ago. Super cold day! Me in the white helmet...

Coming in for second place...

Pretty excited about this weekend. Just found out Jason at Sussex Bike has a pair of Bontrager Xlite carbon aero's to try out. Can't wait to finally experience the tubulars. Hope the weather stays nice for the weekend...so I can put in some good training miles with the wheels. Interested in noticing a difference (both aero and climbing) when compared to my standard Race X Lite clinchers. Some say the clinchers have less rolling resistance...but the tubs have a better road feel. The speedo will tell the truth...

Erik-san!

2006-11-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well, back from my unplanned, quick, but thoroughly enjoyable trip to Japan. A truly amazing experience thanks to the people at Matsushita MEW. Wow. Although I have been there twice before...this proved to be a memorable learning experience in terms of how a Japanese company works. We will see what the future holds. Onto the pics!

First order of business when I arrived...Okonomiyaki with Yamauchi-san!

The city of Osaka from my hotel room..

After two days in Osaka...a trip to Tokyo via Shinkansen...the VERY fast train...

A view of Tokyo from the Panasonic building in Ginza...

Shrine on a Saturday morning...

A view from Roppongi Hills...The two towers of expensive apartments...

Entry to shrine number 2...

The Edo/Tokyo museum. Which, in a way...kind of looks like a giant robotic dog...don't you think?

Cameras in Akihabara we will never see here...

Rice cookers we will never see here...

Beauty products we will never see here...

The view from the Abiko balcony...

Weekend training

2006-11-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

My random pic of the day...

This weekend turned out to be pretty nice. Could have been a bit warmer (high 40's), but then again it is November. Anyway...managed to put in 35 miles on both Saturday and Sunday. On Sat it was hitting the hills of Fairview Lake, Mt, Benevolence, etc...basically to stay warm, haha. No real intervals...just enjoying the ride at a decent tempo. Today I stuck to the rolling/flat terrain of Allamuchy for some interval workouts. A few 5 minute hard efforts with recovery in between. Bumped into a teammate who was also out for a spin...providing a little extra motivation.

So maybe the rollers tomorrow...but then I'm outta town till next Sunday. I will have pics from my trip to Japan!!!

Greed

2006-11-02T19:22:00.000-08:00

Couldn't ride at all last night due to my teaching responsibilities...which, by the way went well. Thankfully the flourescent lights weren't killing my eyes like usual.

Anyway, got back on the rollers tonight for an hour session. So I wanted to continue analyzing my current equipment and note any upgrades/changes that I can make for the upcoming season. To start off I have an '03 Trek 5900. Well, more like a 5700 because of my Ultegra drivetrain. Anyway, its been bombproof and superb over the last 3.5 years. The RaceXLite wheels have been just as durable...aside from that Chrysler Crossfire snapping my rear in half.

So I want to make it clear that this bike is not/will not hold me back in ANY WAY. If I do get something new...its due to my own greed and desire to just have something new and different. Granted, there are lighter and stiffer frames now...but in a real world race how much difference will that really make. The bike has 12,000 miles on it and will get sent back to Trek for a new headset this winter.

The current ride...

One thing I would like to upgrade is the stem. I had weighed this one time and it was a whopping 198grams. Thats an effin' pig. Especially when there are Easton or Deda stems like this that shave off 70grams.

More room for improvement would be wheels. The RaceXLites are great...but investing in some Reynolds Stratus DV's would be killer. Lighter, more Aero...

And then there's always the temptation of a new bike altogether. Do I need it? No. Do I want it? Yeah, kind of. So we have two candidates. There's nothing to say I wouldn't want to stick with Trek...but honestly I don't really dig the Madone's.

Tested by Tour Magazine to have the stiffest bottom bracket (along with the Canyon F10) is the Cannondale SystemSix. Carbon front triangle mated with an Alu rear. $4700 (with DA...pic shows SRM)

And then there is the Specialized TarmacSL. All carbon...lighter than the 'Dale. Placing second to it in that same Tour Mag stiffness test. Probably a few hundred more in price...same componentry and wheels.

Its a toss-up. The SystemSix is a little cheaper...The Tarmac is lighter. Both have similar geometries with the top tubes being a .5cm difference. And contrary to a lot of riders, I totally dig the Tarmac curvature. Would be nice to have leave the Trek at work as my main training/crit bike...and have another for road races.

Ah well...a new 5K bike would certainly be money wasted in the eyes of some. But when I consider that I'm young, have no debt, no bills, etc...I can treat myself :)

Porn or Music

2006-10-31T16:58:00.000-08:00

Ok...so back to the cycling diary. The past two weeks I haven't got out much. A few short 15 milers after work last week before it got dark. Those were pretty much the last "weekday" rides I'll have till March maybe. Now with daylight savings in full effect...I'll just spend my evenings on the rollers with the occasional weekend rides if its not "too" cold. Man, I'm such a wuss.

Anyway...can't say I've really had a "start" to the winter training. The past week and a half have been spent with an hour each night on the rollers. At this point I'm mostly just breaking a sweat. Haven't really put together a structured workout. With some travel in the next two weeks I hope that during/right after Thanksgiving I can hit them harder. For now it has mostly been some spinning and intervals. 4 x 10 minute sessions of intervals during a 60 min ride. 5 minute spin in between. I do have to say that using the 5900 on the rollers has been way more tolerable than my beater bike...even with my saddle complaints...

And on the subject of rollers...there limited things to do:
1) Listen to music (which I am bored of my music, need to hook up the streaming)
2) Watch TV or a movie (but mentally I get too into it...not being able to focus on the spinnning)
3) Watch porn. Have yet to try it...but makes sense. Mindless visual action...enough to keep you busy...but not distracting.

Cast your vote. And a shot to keep you entertained. Damn, my tan is gone...

And speaking of Art

2006-10-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this site...especially the *Jestograffx* section. Fun stuff...

Aerosol Blues

2006-10-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

Randomly came across a postcard handout while leaving the design building at Kean last night. Not sure if the exhibit will be any good...but it is dubbed as a "New look at graffiti / Aerosol art"...featuring quite a few artists. Will run from November 9-30th. The gallery website was listed on the back of the card...although nothing yet of this new show. If you are brave enough to stroll through Newark perhaps it would be worth a look, lol. I'm not...

Snow drifting

2006-10-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

With winter approaching I decided to order some dedicated snow tires/rims for tha G. Decided to go with the stealth look of matte black 5zigens. Kind of ironic how I always wanted to buy them as "good" rims for my TurboII...but now they end up being the "winter" rim for the G. Oh well. Next step is to buy some snows. Looking at either Blizzak LM-22's...or Dunlop M3's...both pretty pricey!

Quick photoshop...

Early xmas...

Now the really messed up part is I got these rims at $160 per wheel. Which is a pretty good deal considering they are lightweight 17's. Now, the rims I am looking at for my bike are around $1500. Granted they are carbon and lightweight (and two less!)...but its funny how in terms of proportionate material...the vehicle rims far outweigh those of the bike. But yet the price is very much the opposite. As Roe would say: "Whatever..." ...I'll buy them anyway...

5-Axis Freedom of Expression

2006-10-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Pretty cool article found here on Chris Bangle, current Chief of Design at BMW. Lots of praise and hate for the guy...but the interview captures some rad insights into design, perception, and emotion. Definitely worth a read...

Race report: Tour de Lake [Hopatcong]

2006-10-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

So I had two options for Saturday:
1) Stay home and prepare my lecture for Monday...ughhhhhh
2) Race!

Not much of a choice there...haha. Opted to take part in the 40 mile race starting in Mt Arlington and going through the surrounding (and undulating) areas. Quite a chilly morning but at least it was sunny. A few teamates showed up as well so that was cool. Our field wasn't large at all and the first 15 miles or so were pretty stress-free.

The race became more animated on Edison Road (the big climb of the day). Shortly after the first switchback, a Team Bulldog rider launched an attack that opened the gap. Andreas and myself set a pace...and 3/4 of the way up the climb caught him. In the process everyone else but one rider was dropped. For the next 10 miles it was the four of us taking turns. About 8-10 miles from the finish the Bulldog rider and myself got a slight gap, worked together...and held it to the finish. In the slighty uphill sprint, he got me. I honestly didn't have much more to give. But 2nd place wasn't bad at all.

Now, the real surprise was who the guy was. I looked on their team homepage to realize that he was indeed ranked #1 NJ CAT3 Road racer last year!!! WTF! lol. Anyway, I was glad to hang with him and get complimented for almost dropping him on the last climb. Who knows what form he's been on this year...but for myself I felt it to be a cool accomplishment.

The highlight of the day was the Kamikaze move by Andreas. After getting dropped just before the summit of the climb, he barrelled down the descent and blew by all of us a mile later. Luckily I could sit back and watch the other two chase :-)

Ass man

2006-10-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

So while I'm on the current topic of equipment...I wanted to switch to my normal bike and the dilemma of possibly getting a new saddle. My current San Marco "Angel" Aspide Arrowhead has been so-so. I've had it for two years...but this past year it started to bother me a bit. Nothing crazy like incurable saddle sores...but a little bit of fatigue under my left quad.

Reasons I do like it:
1) Light...180 grams with ti rails
2) Gotta love the color combo
3) Cutout helps the little guy. At least thats what I tell myself.

So back to the problem...which could be two things:
1) Slightly different position on the bike. On the flats I've pushed a bit more forward this year...resulting in a slightly more aero tuck and resting further forward on the saddle. Only my left side feels it...so obviously I've favoring that side.
2) Or my ass/quad is suddently not agreeing with the shape below...

The curve I outline in red is where its coming from. The San Marco Era saddle I have has a similar curve...although a bit fatter. I firmly believe it is NOT the minimal nature of the Aspide that is causing my discomfort...but more the actual curvature.

So I am thinking of trying a new saddle with a much different curve in that area. Options I am thinking of:
1) Selle Italia SLR
2) Fizik Arione

Both minimal (the SLR much more so)...but they have a much different profile in that area. This winter will hopefully give me more clarity...

Winter notes...

2006-10-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned a few posts down...I'm hoping to use this blog as a cycling training diary this next year. Hell, why not start now. Can't say I won't be putting in any design news...but it'll be good to document the progress on the bike. With the daylight minimizing more and more each day...I find myself hopping on the rollers each night instead of the usual spin after work.

What I want to start off doing is analyzing my current indoor equipment...and what I hope to replace/reuse for this winter. I should be posting my goals to start off...but I'm still sorting those out. For the past few winters I have been using my old trusty lugged steel Faggin frame from God knows when. Quill stem, downtubes, etc. I have always used this for the rollers to collect the sweat and dust that I don't wanna get on my other bike.

Things I need to do to it:
1) Recheck the measurements. I did some fine tuning on the Trek this year for positioning. I will need to match the Faggin as close as possible so I'm comfy and not totally awkward when switching bikes...

2) Swap saddles. Currently have the San Marco Era on here...and the Aspide arrowhead on the Trek. Can't say I really like either...but 50mins of sitting on the Era and I'm sore. A new saddle could affect some positioning (like a Brooks)...but maybe it'll be worth it.

3) Decide on componentry. As you can tell from the pic...this shit is old. Which, for an indoor machine...I don't "really" care. But...if I put '07 D/A on the Trek...I can use the Ultegra 9speed on here. Could be an option.

As it is currently:

The rollers I've had for a WHILE. Unfortunately two years ago on of the belts for the resistance unit snapped and I can't seem to find a replacement. While the rollers are great for a better road feel...I would like to add some resistance to it. So I am thinking of purchasing a new trainer. Reasons:
1) Resistance settings

2) Transportability

Thinking of just picking up something under $200. Nashbar or Performance perhaps:

So thats a quick review for now. Hopefully tomorrow I can continue on the equipment and outline some goals for the winter training...

More pics

2006-10-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Some more pics were posted from the race I attended last weekend. Guess I was never taking pulls at the front, lol. Which was part of my plan...so long as everyone else was happy to do the work, muhahahaha.

In the Blue with white helmet

Hitting the climb

3vT Road Race

2006-10-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

Drove up to Baltic, Conn today to take part in the Three Village Road Race. Wow...what an awesome course. Every inch of the 10 mile loop was freshly paved...with some nice undulating hills and two steeper "climbs" which suited me perfectly. Beautiful scenery, leaves changing, so inspiring. Plus, it took an hour less than expected to drive up...which ruled.

Legs felt great. Field was about 50 riders which was minimized to about 13 of us after the first climb. We stayed together until the second time up the climb and then there were about 10. I tried to position myself as best possible before the finish (at the top of a climb). Did almost everything right and I was ready to attack when we rounded the corner. Two guys went on the slightly flat section leading to the first hairpin. I chased...but I wasn't able to close the gap to 2nd up the hill. Oh well...next time! Anyway, 3rd was acceptable, hehe.

Coming across the line. Photography thanks to litte bro Paolo:

Small crit, fun race

2006-09-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

Great weekend race. A small crit at Augusta resulted in a 3rd place finish. Awesome that the rain held off. Only thing that sucked was flatting on the 5th lap...dammit! Luckily Kevin gave me a wheel and I was able to rejoin the lead group. So no, he's not trying to mount me from behind...just giving a good 'ol director sportif push, haha. Anyway...wish there were more Season Xtenders! Might be able to squeeze in one or two more USCF races before packing it in for winter.

Lacking

2006-09-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

Wow...it has been forever since I've updated this. Thanks to an IM from VT Gordon last night, I suddenly remebered that I DO have a blog. A Combination of business, laziness, and forgetfulness that has kept me from logging entries. Most of the past month has just been concentrated on training and racing. Finally found my passion racing so I've been making the most of it. Even despite some crashes.

I think starting off 2007 I will launch a blog only focused on my training and racing. Seems like most of the stuff I'm posting is bike related anyway. So that'll be a good online documentation of progress and failures. Otherwise it feels like I'm always struggling to post something of interest. Anyway...just got a call...have to leave. Some pics from Tour of Basking Ridge...turning in a 7th place finish:

Sweden represent

2006-07-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

On my way to Sussex Bike on Friday, I snapped a pic of the Sussex Motel. I don't care either way...but I REALLY want to know how long the sign has been there. And if it came before Ikea, haha...because it looks kind of old. The funny thing is my team wear for Skyland Cycling is the same blue and yellow...and I just realized that RIGHT NOW, lol...

JUNO what I mean

2006-07-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

Last year I went searching for a nice, stylish pair of dress shoes. Kind of with a low profile...pointy toe area. Found them at JUNO in Soho. For some reason I still cannont find a website for the store. Anyway...due to a buy one/get one free deal, I ended up getting a pair of shoes that were by far my favorite pair ever. Soooo comfy, light, and agile. I'm too lazy to link the entry...but its in my blog from last July.

So now that a year has passed I wanted to find something very similar to my favorite pair as they are now starting to show some wear. Luckily, I found them. And this time around...I decided to buy two pair (something I regretted not doing last time around). Pretty much the same cut as the last ones...although without perforations in the material. All in all I'm happy! And yet again it was buy one/get one free, woohoo!

Summa-time white:

Casual brown:

Unforgettable

2006-07-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

For those that didn't catch yesterday's Stage 17 of the Tour de France...you seriously missed one of the greatest days of Le Tour...ever. I mean of ALL TIME. Shit...it was probably one of the greatest days of sport ever recorded. After following feverishly with Live Updates during the day, I literally had goosebumps watching the primetime coverage on OLN.

After bonking spectacularly on stage 16 in the race lead, Floyd Landis recovered to put in an effort only comparable to the daring escapes of Eddy Merckx in the late 60's and early 70's. You can read more about the stage here

Absolutely amazing.

Photo credit:FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

July 4th

2006-07-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

A few days late...but some pics from a very fun-filled 4 day weekend!

View from Brooklyn before dark

Macy's 30th celebration

More...

Dizzy at Point Pleasant

The kiddie Ferris wheel

Where's my mom?

WOW

2006-06-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Quite possibly the most dramatic day in professional cycling history. Operation Puerto has exploded to implicate some of the biggest names in cycling involved in the Madrid Doping ring.

Jan Ullrich
Ivan Basso
Francisco Mancebo
Alberto Contador
Tyler Hamilton (who is already serving a ban for using EPO)
...and most of the Astana Wurth team (formerly Liberty Seguros)

All the riders listed above have been withdrawm from The Tour de France...which starts tomorrow...

Mancebo said today he will end his career...wow

absolutely insane!

Judge

2006-06-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Lack of blogging lately due to obligations for RESI awards from Residential Systems. My first experience being a judge for a design competition! And I must say...it is tiring! Yikes...so much stuff to look through and so many descriptions to read. Cool seeing some of the new products and technology for home entertainment though :)

Shitty weather the past few days...rain rain rain. Sun poked through just a tad today to snap off a quick pic:

Ignore the furniture...

2006-06-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

Spent lunchtime on Thursday checking out a few condo's. One in particular was nice. New hardwood floors, real tiles in the kitchen, garage, and a HUGE basement. Priced decently (for NJ anyway). Still thinking about it. Whats more important is life in general. Is this a wise investment? Will I be living here for a while? Will I still be at this job for a while? decisions decisions...

Anyway...some pics:

Scale

2006-06-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

Big...

And small...

Three stations apart on NJ Transit Gladstone line...

Passer by...

2006-06-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Took part in the Tour of HighBridge last Sunday. Beautiful day...good temps...although didn't feel as strong as usual. Came away with a good learning experience as I hope to compete in some other Cat 4/5 races this season. Need to get more training in gear! Two quick snapshots rolling away from the start line next to the eventual winner. Me in the white helmet / orange shorts:

ok...some things I learned:
1) Find out when your race is...I waited around ALL DAY and it turns out the Cat 4/5 race was next to last. Could have spent my day more wisely, haha.
2) Warm up wayyyyyyyyy more. I only did one lap of the course and a light spin. Next time I should do at least 10-15 hard warm up miles...break a good sweat...and then be read. Although I passed a butt-load of riders up the first and second climbs...that initial shock I payed for later. Which wouldn't have happened if I got that over with in the warm up.
3) Suffer more. I "just" missed the lead break because I let up slightly the second time up the steeper section of the climb. If I had hung on it would have been easy descending in the slipstream. Just have to put in that little bit more of effort to follow the wheel before the road tips :)

Altogether a good learning experience. Tour of Basking Ridge may be next. In the meantime I'll be training harder!

Did you drink your pimp juice today?

2006-06-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

One again little bro Paolo scores with the ladies. This time its Dazza Del Rio

Great Discovery

2006-06-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

For the past two years I've used the trusty Civic hatch for the daily driver. The awesome thing about this is I could store my bike inside by folding down the rear seats. An easy in-out maneuver...so I could put in some miles after work. I LOVED the fact that I can keep inside, locked up...as opposed to an exterior bike rack.

During my contemplation of purchasing the G, I did everything to find out if my 5900 could fit inside the car. Trunk measurements, peering in showroom models, asking friends and other owners. In theory...it seemed to work. But when looking at a trunk in person...it looked too shallow. Today was the day of truth...could the G house my passion?

And the answer was...........................................................

YES! It fits! wooohooo. With a little more finesse than plopping it in the civic, it fit snug. Only part that needed removal was the front wheel. Which was necessary in the civic anyway. I'm super happy.

Soaking

2006-06-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

I forgot how riding in the rain can be so fun! Aside from the shoulders of roads filling up with gobs of water...my 35 mile drenching ride after work today went well. Climbing the ridges of Hunterdon County in the rain was awesome :-) ...was tempted to bring along the camera...but I didn't feel like taking the risk of ruining the FX9...

Random sketches..........................

Why?

2006-05-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

During late summer/fall of '05, I designed a new calibration product...replacing its predecessor. Today we received the new, finished version. Not too bad...but not ideal. When we finished our end of the project...color specs were given as well as membrane artwork for the touchpad (see last rendering). Both of which seemed to be ignored in favor of new choices. A little too close to Makita for my tastes, hehe. Oh well...can't win 'em all.

At least nothing was changed pertaining to overall form and two-shot :) ...One more product out there in production!

Poison

2006-05-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

A great weekend of riding made even better with some new shades. My '06 Briko Poison's!!! Bought exactly 10 years after my first pair of Briko's in 1996. Kind of bringing back the retro sports style a bit. Love them! Good deal on them found here at BikeNashbar

Modeled by yours truly...

Jay-Dee-Em YO!

2006-05-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

First mod to the G...JDM Nissan clear corners. Normally I tend not to care for these. And yeah, I'm sure at one point in my life I've even called them "ricey". But with the Ivory Pearl...it works.

Moshi Moshi clear...

Sayonara amber...

Skyline + Skyline

Silly, but cool...

2006-05-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

I don't know exactly what these things are called...A static composition tricking your eyes...

I do recall a lecture in Hancock one year. Where Bobby-D showed a series of color blocks...and the end result that your eyes translated was totally different as opposed to not viewing them in succession...

Holy Crap!

2006-05-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

After hardly racing AT ALL this year...Jan Ullrich puts in a fine performance to win Stage 11 of the Giro. If he can only continue to lose weight for the mountains of Le Tour in July...he'll be unstoppable!!!

So for another useless ironic comparison. I noticed the spare tire cover on the Toyota Rav4 and Pfizer's Caduet logo to be awfully similar, hahaha. Obviously not totally alike...but funny how they both possess virtually the same shapes that sandwich the logos...

Random

2006-05-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

Song stuck in my head...Jamiroquai - Seven Days

And Duncan Sheik - On a High

Random picture of they day...courtesy or some bored FC owner at Rx7Club...Dorifto Desu!

Hands off my Volks!

2006-05-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

Saw this on Autoblog...effin' awesome:

Semester...over!

2006-05-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

A busy few days have kept me away from blogging...have to get back into the habit! So this week marked the end of the spring semester at Kean. Congradulations to the 06 graduates! Hard to believe this was my 6th semester of teaching! 3 years! haha. The final project dealt with a quick footwear exercise integrating photoshop into the deliverables: see .pdf a few entries below. Anyway...a few of the finals below. As a whole they turned out nicely...especially for only learning photoshop rendering two months ago!

She's here! She's here!!!

2006-04-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

After only having to wait 80 days (as opposed to the usual 90, hehe), I finally picked up my 2006 G35 coupe today!!!!!!!!!!!! Couldn't have asked for a more sunny, and serene morning while taking it out for the first cruise. It was seriously the most calming, yet fun drive I have ever had. Still have 1100 miles before I can lay down that initial burnout, hehe.

She shall be named Sora......Japanese for "sky". As in Nissan Skyline...which it is!

My rare hard-top...the cause for my special order, haha!

The trademark Round Skyline tail-lights

Right side

Revvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

ID poster

2006-04-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

Pretty cool poster on campus for the Kean ID and Graphic Design departments. Much more eye-catching and modern than any other promo pieces I've seen relating to Kean's ID. Wonder who did it?

Finals Time

2006-04-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

Drawing for Designers final project available!
For a step-by-step .pdf ,download here:
DFD Final

Will be posting up some of the completed works in two weeks time...

Escort...or Irrigation?

2006-04-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

Best company slogan ever!

And some good news on the G35 front. Got my VIN # on Friday which means the car is made!!! wooohooo. So hopefully it will have a safe trip from Japan...I can't wait!!! A few years ago (in '03) when the G was first released...we received a huge poster advertisement in the Sunday paper. At that time, I thought: "hmmm, cool poster...I should save it..."

Just the other day I remembered that I still had this poster somewhere. After going through my old stash of car mags...I found it!!! Pretty ironic!

Happy Easter!

2006-04-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Celebrated it with an awesome 70 mile ride through the hills of NJ and Penn. Nice temps...although a bit cool. Felt great and put all that food from last night to good use! Snapshots below:

Some cherry blossoms for AK

Gettin' funky with a barn...

My passage into Pennsyltucky...oops, I mean Pennsylvania. No toll!

Delaware Water Gap

A view into Sailorsburg after a nice climb...

Center of Stroudsburg...

No one tubing today...

In the words of JP: "No shame man...no shame..." Thats right...I rock the Acqua Sapone Zebra shorts!

Alike

2006-04-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

I'm always trying to pay close attention to details...and try to point out similarities or ironicies in design or everyday life. Most of the time, it comes off as annoying to whomever I am with, haha...but I can't help it!

So anyway...sometimes I find myself saying: "oh, they copied..." or "hmmm, isn't that a little too similar?" But to be honest sometimes the creative process just flows in that direction. There could have been two firms on opposite ends of the globe. Different cultures, languages, upbringings...yet may end up with a similar aesthetic or end result when given a design challenge. Possible...yes. Probable...no. Recently there have been ads PLASTERED all over the NYC subways for The Bahamas. Cool, upbeat graphics. Most are not as busy as this one below...but overall I like them. Below that is the icon for Design Studio Press. If you're into art and design...go to their site NOW and buy some DVD's. I own a few...amazing stuff.

Is there a point to all this? ........no. Just found it interesting ;-)

How about "G" for Guys!

2006-04-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Gizmodo, I came to learn about these USB heating gloves. Which, IMO is an awesome concept. Why? Because my fingers and hands FREEZE in the office in winter time. I've discussed this with a few friends and co-workers who's hands also get cold. And a few of those were indeed males...we get cold hands too.

Sure...I might not dig the soft, pastel colors...but I think I might get a pair of these. In preparation for next winter!!!

Linework

2006-03-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

Another Wednesday night of DFD gone by. This week was conquering some perspective layouts and cleaning up some linework in preparation for Photoshop colorings. I'm excited to see some of the digital renderings of next week. Good job everyone!

New Feature?

2006-03-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

Some of you might know of Duncan Sheik...or even may be fans of his. Best known for his '96 song "Barely Beathing"...his new album "White Limousine" is quite unique. In addition to the album cd, an accompanying cd/software called "Live" allows the listener to remix and tweak each song to their liking.

Everyone that listens now has the ability to mute or pronounce, as well as manipulate any instruments in the song...or replace them with electronic textures and sounds instead. Honestly I don't own the album yet...but after hearing a few tracks I may pick it up. Can't say I'll even use the remixing disc...but it seems to be a pretty cool feature for the everyday-Joe who wants to play wtih some tunes :)

Set of 3

2006-03-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

Nothing of note to talk about...so instead a set of circular patterns over the past few days:

A few hundred in the bag so far...

2006-03-26T15:28:00.000-08:00

A great weekend for getting in some more early season miles on the bike! Yesterday was a nice 45 miles through the country roads of Somerset County. A cool 48 degrees...but no wind...which was awesome.

Today, on the other hand...was colder, windier, and cloudier. The first 20 miles were great...sun poking through...slight breeze. The last 20 miles suuuuuuuuuucked. Suddenly I had a headwind whichever direction I turned...temp dropped to about 35, and no more sun...ugh. Luckily I had a double caffinated Tangerine PowerGel to keep me company. Still a decent ride overall. Only problem is my Flight Deck is acting quirky...it told me I was doing 75 mph at one point. I wish! Unfortunately I was only doing about 22 mph when that occurred, haha.

Pic from tonight...these hills are my training ground:

ouch!

2006-03-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

Try not to let this happen to your bike. Death occured at Spring and Thompson in SOHO. Wonder how long its been there! haha:

Chicken or Egg

2006-03-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

I was recently intrigued by a toaster I saw...and of course now I can't find an image of it, lol. Anyway...the bottom "pod" was soft and curvy. The thing that caught my eye was the very intense part line. It was not just a simple extrusion cut in one direction to separate two halves. It bounced up and down while wrapping around the form. Upon showing this to our engineer, it brought on a discussion as to which came first...the form...or the parting line.

A few free minutes allowed me to explore the concept of defining a part line before you start to carve out the form. Via 3dsketches in Solidworks. Worked out pretty well...I hope to apply this more often! It would sure save our engineer some work, hahaha.

A quickie render:

New purchases

2006-03-19T15:06:00.000-08:00

Two new items in my ownership. The latest Hotel Costes album by Stephane Pompougnac. Awesome tunes. Probably the best "lounge-chill" that is currently in my collection. Although Later-Vol.1 is close :) Anyway...definitely check it out!!!

Went shopping on Saturday in Soho with the intention of buying a spring-time jacket, and a new pair of jeans. The jeans didn't happen...the $250 pairs at G-Star were NOT gonna be purchased, haha. Buuut, I did score a perfect jacket. Kind of wanted the slim, sporty, "FILA-like" style...and managed to find what I was looking for at Club Monaco.

Pic taken in the dressing room...as a momento to review at a later time to decide if I "really" wanted it. But, threw that plan away and made the impulse buy :)

Picture of the Day

2006-03-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

While cruising back from NY state two weeks ago...I noticed a restaurant
name on a road sign. Thinking: "hmmmm, this place must be a DIVE..." We
took that exit and stopped. To my surprise, it was actually quite...nice.
Sort of "upscale" as far as mountain cabin restaurants go, haha.

But honestly...who names a place "The Log Jam". Did that connotation just
start in the 80's? Maybe this place was established before then? Is
there some other "proper" connotation I am missing? I should have
mustered up the courage to ask the manager: "Sooo...I know this might be
logging country and all...but whats with the name?" I'll stop there
before this entry turns bad...

Glass Man

2006-03-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

Definitely check out Dale Chihuly. An well-known glass artist/designer with an amazing portfolio of work. The chandelier section of the website is soooooo cool...very "medusa"!

Quite a few years old...but worth a look!!!

Spring break Assignment

2006-03-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

Yeah...I'm bad. Giving an assignment over spring break! haha

Had to put together a p-shop tutorial for some students to follow. Some snap-shots below. A step by step process in adding some quick color to a line sketch. Pretty happy with how it came out considering it was a minute-and-a-half sketch in the beginning. If anyone wants the full .pdf, just let me know!

Random Friday sketch

2006-03-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

A doodle from mid-afternoon @ work. Threw it into photoshop for some color...although I don't like it. Kind of got uninspired 5 minutes in, haha.

Its about time...

2006-03-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

After being an adjunct for 3 years...I finally had some extra time to get a faculty ID! Not that it will really bring me more benefits (maybe some good Apple discounts)...but always good to have. Thankfully this doesn't have an expiration date either :)

Will make a nice addition to my VT passport................but will the benefits surpass all those "student" movie prices since graduation?!?!?! muhahahahaha

Also...can't remember where I saw this site...maybe on some design blog the other day... Simple and hip interface with room for glamour shots: LifeStyle Design

And ode to nature

2006-03-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

Found some art inspiration in the most unlikely of places this weekend. Some cool paintings by an unknown artist inspired the work below. Just some of my illustrator doodles :) Hope to turn it into a series...maybe a bit more "nature techno!"

Comiccon

2006-02-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

When does your younger brother become your hero? When he gets a picture and autograph with Aria Giovanni!!!!!!!!! So maybe there aren't all nerds at Comiccon afterall, hmmmm. Go PAUL!

Thursday

2006-02-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

We have some new friends in the office:

Thanks to Roe for an awesome employee lunch!!! John, I owned you in ping-pong. But he did have one of the funniest quotes I've ever heard.............pm me if you wanna know, lol.

Nothing more to report on.........lates

Tour Guide

2006-02-21T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today was a long lunch...and it was super nice of my boss' realtor wife to show me some condo/townhouses for sale in The Hills! Can't say I was overly impressed...but altogether they were pretty nice places. All with a garage.........of course!!! Pools and tennis courts around every bend. Even a Dairy Queen in the campus mall :)

Some snapshots below:

Its that time again...

2006-02-20T16:06:00.000-08:00

To hop on the rollers and get cycling!!! The cold weather has been pretty uninspirational lately...but thankfully I can still break a sweat indoors. First week will be all small chain-ring intervals to get the motion back in the legs...40 minutes a set. Followed by a week of more intense big-ring intervals and climbing simulations. With the Tour of California going on now...I'm ready to start the yearly build-up!!!

New Product

2006-02-18T09:51:00.000-08:00

Can't really say what it is yet...but its small...fits in your pocket...and will help lots of people. We designed it late summer...hopefully should be out soon. These were just some initial first runs...the production plastic will look much better. And with the addition of an LED where that tiny hole is...it should look wayyyyyyyyyy COOL!!!

Would have liked to add some more form...but when competing with a few AA batteries...the batteries won!