tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91013404328178964192012-01-08T17:16:50.370-08:00Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.comBlogger401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-75224105229136706622008-12-06T21:39:00.000-08:002008-12-07T12:47:05.626-08:00

For a treat that's a lot better for you than the bacon cinnamon rolls from the other day, try this. It's a half-ass attempt of the Thai apple salad I get at the restaurant (Lamai's Thai Kitchen) down the street.Mix,the juice from 2 limesabout a table spoon of sesame oilaround a table spoon of peanut buttera couple teaspoons of sugarand a teaspoon or so of soy sauceI don't measure things. Anyway

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-27610671858567599672008-12-05T12:17:00.000-08:002008-12-05T12:27:57.080-08:00

Last night, during the Red Wings intermission, I dusted off the Bowflex and got started. They say the first step is always the hardest. I'm pretty sure "they" lied. The second step, the one that got me out of bed this morning was much harder. My arms, chest, back, stomach, etc, etc are in some pain. I enjoy strength training but it's not something I usually do during the riding season. That's

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-17322143492358497542008-12-03T08:21:00.000-08:002008-12-03T08:34:21.224-08:00

I'm not sure I've actually ridden a bike since my last post. Not exactly sure why. I've got my road wheel in to Spin Street Cycles to get fixed. Once it's back, I'm on the trainer. Last year I used the cyclocross bike on the trainer and didn't really seem to get as good a workout. Hopefully, having the road bike back will see an increase in intensity. If anyone is still looking to get me a

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-37845299139203474392008-08-21T17:46:00.000-07:002008-08-21T17:53:31.888-07:00

I haven't been up to a whole lot lately. I thought if I didn't have anything interesting to add, a least I could make the look interesting.I'm just starting to get over a bad case of gout flare-up. Time to cut out the high fructose corn syrup. We've been Up North a few times since the last post. We had a nice time on the river and had some new visitors and guests. I've got a new project at work.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-31544108534678338152008-07-19T17:55:00.000-07:002008-07-19T17:59:44.137-07:00

... and accomplished it! Even though it was arbitrary, I thought it was reasonable. When I set it, based on the results from last year's results, I thought if I accomplished it I would land a podium spot. It didn't work out that way. But the goal was tough and I'm proud I got 'er done.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-75213611636617659172008-07-18T16:52:00.000-07:002008-07-18T17:02:51.976-07:00

We had to stop by Playmakers to pick-up some nutritional items for tomorrow's race. Luckily, they were having a "sidewalk" sale. I found the best flip-flops (yes, better than John Kerry's) evah.The little circular brown thingy is a cap. Each flip-flops sole has a flask. Portable tequila, yep, that's how I roll.Speaking of comfortable, functional and on sale (does Art Vans ever not have a sale?)

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-58984345047576393922008-07-15T11:19:00.000-07:002008-07-15T11:20:37.307-07:00

I know it’s been awhile, so I’ll try and catch you up. The new training plan is going pretty well. I had a small hiccup over the 4th of July weekend. It seemed more convenient to hang-out and drink beer than train. It’s OK, we had a good time. We got the kayaks out for the first time in along time. The weekend of the 4th isn’t the most ideal time to paddle down the AuSable but it was nice

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-84979640800250743382008-06-25T12:49:00.000-07:002008-06-25T13:13:08.034-07:00

I've hired USAC expert level coach David Grigsby to help me hold onto 2nd place in the CPS series. Should be fun to have a plan to focus on while out riding. Could be interesting with seven and a half hours of riding on the plan for the rest of the week and storms in the forecast every day.I have on tap for tonight an hour and twenty minutes off-road with two simulated race starts and 5x3 minute

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-85879051859480532982008-06-23T11:50:00.000-07:002008-06-23T11:59:19.223-07:00

As much fun as it's all been, I'm glad it's finally over. The reception was a good time (check the pictures on Flickr), the food must have been pretty good because it went quick and the drinks we're, well, drinks so you know they were good. The wedding, reception, parties and everything were perfect, I wouldn't have missed them for the world, but it's time to get back to something that resembles

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-16198216400078537772008-06-18T06:11:00.000-07:002008-06-18T06:25:05.143-07:00

Sorry, I haven't been real motivated.The Hanson Hills race, from what seems like a long time ago, was a bust. It was a race I should have finished high, I didn't. I wasn't feeling well and I couldn't eat or drink prior to the race. I did get the hole shot and stayed with the leaders for the first mile. I lost them mid way through the first hill. My heart spiked and I blew-up (better than threw-up

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-12848803850165396632008-05-29T13:27:00.000-07:002008-05-29T13:33:02.011-07:00

Click the Flickr link or box to the right for some more Key West photos, more still on the way. Click here and enter keywest for the password to see the professional wedding photos.I was looking at the traffic sources for my blog and found a couple interesting Google searches that found their way here:addison rose riding: could be fun, watch out for the prickers.benefit of shoe trees: I guess

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-68191846298418036542008-05-29T13:02:00.001-07:002008-05-29T13:25:34.067-07:00

No rest for the weary. We headed up North this weekend. The weather was perfect, warm afternoons and cool nights. Rose (Andrea's mom), Scott and Ben (not the Key West Ben) came up, as well. We had some good camp fires, an awesome cookout and a couple great rides. Friday, around dusk, I went to check to make sure my marker flags were up at the driveway so Scott and Ben could find the place. On the

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-24323265300581839712008-05-21T08:21:00.000-07:002008-05-21T08:36:16.128-07:00

It was an awesome trip and a perfect wedding. We got to visit with friends and family, had a few cocktails, ate some great food and had a really fun time. No rest for the weary, however. The lawn is out of control, the house is a disaster area and the dogs are in need of much attention (although they must have a good time because they slept the full first two days they were home).Once the lawn is

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-70216341623599793842008-05-08T09:12:00.000-07:002008-05-08T09:55:46.000-07:00

Well we finally made it. After a plane leaving an hour late, missing a connection and a 4 hour Atlanta layover we found paradise.We saw a beautiful sunset on the plane on the way in. I didn't get a picture of that.Our first stop was, naturally, Capt Tony's.Ben was playin', bonus.When Ben got too inebriated (he wasn't the only one) to play, we headed next door. I'm not sure what it's called but it

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-50762294582635339942008-05-06T13:51:00.001-07:002008-05-06T14:08:07.873-07:00

Sunday was the Fort Custer Stampede, it's a good race on a fun trail I'm familiar with. Luckily, My fitness, skills and confidence are starting to come back. But I rode the race way, way too conservative. Something like a wild maverick pandering to a new base. I was on the new race bike for the first time, ever. I must have screwed-up something when I changed the grips over from the Superlight

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-28891955853758171262008-05-01T10:50:00.000-07:002008-05-01T13:32:50.181-07:00

I saw this at the Detroit Free Press this afternoon.It's only a few miles from our cabin. I don't know the story behind the tree. We usually tell new visitors that everyone throws them up there and the Amish come and pick-out the ones they like when they need a new pair.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-32119578576487088392008-05-01T06:29:00.000-07:002008-05-01T13:33:42.241-07:00

So the plan was to run a 5k at the beginning and end of the season, without training, as a fitness gauge.That was a stupid plan!Sunday I "ran" the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. During the "run" I never really taxed my cardiovascular system so this is a poor gauge for aerobic fitness. I did tax some muscles in my leg I had forgotten all about. They were in a groove for the first mile and a half

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-27386646791382301412008-04-25T19:09:00.000-07:002008-04-25T19:13:55.640-07:00

I don't necessarily condone what they're doing but you can't dispute the skill.I'm sure glad I don't have to drive in NYC.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-65846288894873714582008-04-25T06:58:00.000-07:002008-04-25T12:03:59.078-07:00

(Photo: Roberto Zingales)I read this another blog the other day:A Zen master teacher saw five of his students return from the market, riding their bicycles. When they dismounted, the teacher asked the students, “Why are you riding your bicycles?”The first student replied, “The bicycle is carrying this sack of potatoes, I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back! The teacher praised the

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-50583068814557965302008-04-24T11:38:00.000-07:002008-04-24T11:44:56.812-07:00

I was looking over the Feeling Right blog and came across this nifty chart detailing some of the health benefits of certain fruits and vegetables. Looks like I need to stock up on some apples with their magical lung capacity increasing properties.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-59190405899834891552008-04-24T06:29:00.000-07:002008-04-24T06:51:00.417-07:00

With the first race out of the way it's time to get down to business. And the business for Tuesday was recovery. We had a nice recovery ride at Bennett park after work. It was nice to go out and take it easy. I think with the in race saddle adjustments my saddle was moved from its prime position and stressed my knees. They weren't real happy on Monday and Tuesday but their getting better everyday

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-79149270683445686872008-04-21T11:14:00.000-07:002008-04-21T11:50:53.821-07:00

The first race of the season is over and I finished but it was a struggle. The old race bike, which is better suited for Yankee Springs, has had an issue with the brakes dragging for awhile. But it's been tolerable, at least it was until just recently. It's something I could fix, if I had the right tools and some brake fluid. Anyway, I decided to suffer through the brake drag on Sunday so I could

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-3204758914695241112008-04-16T17:44:00.000-07:002008-04-16T17:54:33.805-07:00

Andrea and I hit Bennett Park after work tonight. It's nice having a trail so close, it'll be heaven when we get Anderson Park done, options are nice. For being as wet as it is out there the trail was amazingly dry. It was our first time on this new trail. It's quite twisty, especially the Hard Woods section, it reminded me a lot of Randy's Maze at Burchfield Park. There was quite a bit of small

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-52701848962597459662008-04-15T18:40:00.001-07:002008-04-15T18:49:59.066-07:00

Don picked this little lass up in Key West last year while she was mixing herself a cocktail from the drinks others discarded in various garbage cans along Duval St.Unfortunately, she was recently picked-up by one of Key West's finest for trespassing. It's unknown whether she will be released from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Stock Island Detention Center prior to his return next month to

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-72531367513818936582008-04-15T12:06:00.001-07:002008-04-16T19:32:38.955-07:00

Haven't updated in awhile, haven't done much in awhile. Last Saturday, the 5th, Andrea and I got out to Burchfield to do a couple hours of trail work. A ton of people showed-up and it turned out to be quite productive. We cleared all the trails that were above water.We finished so quickly we had time to sneak out to Rose Lake for a "ride" the first of the season. There's not enough GPS in the

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-50646747358966742002008-03-15T10:36:00.001-07:002008-04-09T07:30:33.820-07:00

After the butt woopin the Spartans put on Northern Michigan last night, we went out drinking with the Yoopers until the wee hours of the morning (or at least midnight). When I got up this morning I figured we'd just take a "leisurely" ride on the Riverwalk. Unfortunately, the Riverwalk lived up to its name, the river was flowing right over it. Worried what diseases we'd get riding through the Red

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-65722830052606829552008-03-14T14:42:00.000-07:002008-03-14T14:43:40.588-07:00

Apparently, people couldn't post anonymous comments to my blog. While I fixed that, I think. So, go wild!

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-80115028189941077952008-03-14T13:18:00.000-07:002008-03-14T13:28:47.896-07:00

Have you heard of this guy Jonathan Lee Riches? He's locked up in South Carolina for wire fraud. Apparently, he occasionally gets as bored as I do. While I waste time surfing "teh interwebs" he's filed over a thousand lawsuits in federal district courts nationwide. Here's some summaries from Justia:Riches et al v. Vick et al August 3, 2007Plaintiff a/k/a "Credit Card Czar" d/b/a "The

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-32066319263103680162008-03-13T16:39:00.000-07:002008-03-14T04:38:01.185-07:00

Had a haircut and a little pre-Key West fake-and-bake after work. So I had to get in a quick weight training session before the Wings/Stars game. With a short time limit and in the spirit of resting the legs after yesterday's ride I stuck to an upper body routine.Chest PressShoulder PressLat PulldownCrunches on the BallStanding CurlPec DecFrench PressBack Hyper-extensionTrunk RotationSeated

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-31365837297564521092008-03-12T17:18:00.000-07:002008-03-12T17:27:41.026-07:00

I got 15 miles in on the mountain bike tonight. I averaged .6mph under my target. That was disappointing but I had my first crash, causing the first bruise of the season. Stupid me going too slow over ice without having the foresight to unclip from the pedals before hand. It was nice and muddy, cold and wet. My feet took over a half-hour to thaw, now if the trails would thaw we'd be all set.My

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-680210576524297452008-03-11T17:48:00.000-07:002008-03-11T18:11:59.438-07:00

No, that's not how long it's been since my last post. That's how long until the first race of the season, Yankee Springs. It's been a rough couple weeks. Not enough snow for skiing but too much snow and ice for riding. I've been completely uninspired for the past few weeks, I haven't done squat but 12 and 22 ounce curls. I guess I've been being generous, just giving my competition a chance to

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-17506734302858512162008-01-12T14:44:00.000-08:002008-03-12T13:48:47.202-07:00

New bike's in, WOO HOO!

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-91190668241279670122008-01-08T08:20:00.000-08:002008-01-08T08:22:36.780-08:00

I had a picture published in the latest VeloNews gallery.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-28673530094069289842008-01-08T07:51:00.000-08:002008-01-08T08:08:09.095-08:00

We had a nice low-key Christmas. We visited many of the local relatives and had a few cocktails. The week of Christmas was scheduled as a rest week in the training plan. It's a good thing because we spent an awful lot of time in the car. The day after Christmas we headed down to Southeast Missouri to visit with more of my family. Michigan, Florida, Alaska, Nevada, Kansas, Illinois and Missouri

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-89494873435503148442007-12-22T21:52:00.000-08:002007-12-22T22:20:14.434-08:00

With the unseasonably warm temperature we've had the past few days, my front yard was nearly void of snow. So I pulled the bike off the trainer, loaded it in the car, put n the winter riding gear, put the puppies away for nap and headed out for Rose Lake. Got out to the rail and there was a little more snow than home, still, it looked rideable. So I got the bike ready, put on my gear and headed

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-2624552177667935712007-12-17T17:52:00.000-08:002007-12-17T18:10:27.893-08:00

With the big snow storm this weekend, we're stuck indoors. I spent about 15 minutes shoveling snow yesterday and can hardly move today. What I can't understand is the machine at the gym that mimics Ahrnold's Good Mornings I can almost lift the entire stack. I realize the movements aren't exactly the same but come on. 15 minutes lifting light snow and I'm reduced to walking like Fred

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-68429939403115506502007-12-17T12:19:00.000-08:002007-12-17T12:28:13.073-08:00

Andrea and I got a nice ride in at Rose Lake Saturday before the storm hit. It was nice to get out on the Mt Bike again but after the dumping of snow we got Sunday it might be awhile before we can get out again. The trail was in excellent condition. There was very little snow and no ice. =The winter is probably the best time of year to ride Rose Lake, sand is easier to ride when it's frozen. It's

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-32390421592527822512007-12-17T08:27:00.000-08:002007-12-17T12:13:28.558-08:00

Andrea and I have joined a new local team. Team Revolution Cycles/MMBA Mid-State Chapter will be sponsored by Revolution Cycles of East Lansing and Michigan State University Sports and Nutrition with support from Rocky Mountain Bicycles through their ambassador program. The incentive from accountability should do wonders for our training program.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-28265976872348804072007-11-26T17:37:00.000-08:002007-11-26T17:51:17.495-08:00

Riding:I haven't been doing much. I started riding in the Kisscross cyclocross series. I crashed out the first race. The second race I managed to finish but I somehow hurt my ankle. I could hardly walk for a week and ended up visiting urgent care. It's the first doctor's visit I've made in the last 10 years, so it must have hurt bad. I had X-Rays, blood tests and plenty of poking and prodding and

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101340432817896419.post-86196601195741632992007-10-25T17:31:00.000-07:002007-10-26T07:30:09.292-07:00

I knew the limit screws on my rear derailer were out of adjustment, but it didn't really matter.So I'm out on training ride, coming down a hill, toward a stop light. Speed, about 20, down shifting getting ready to stop. Forgetting the limit screws, I shifted too my lowest gear, throwing the chain into the spokes which sent me sliding down a hill uncontrollably. Luckily, I didn't go down. But my

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06821937407990886817noreply@blogger.com1