Sometimes Doing the Right Thing is Fun

Wednesday night I worked the roller races at Triumph Brewery in New Hope. If you have been reading (and I hope you have) this is a broken record to you.

The new part of this story is that the event is over and it was about 800 pounds of awesome stuffed into an 80 pound bag. That is to say that it was overflowing with awesomeness.

In an earlier version of velorambling I called out Kacey Manderfield with this pic.


She answered with this.


And this.





Here is where Kacey took it to the next level. She challenged K.C.

The battle of the the Kacey/K.C.'s was on.

Now normally K.C. wears these stars and stripes



Apparently if you call her out (and it is for a cause she believes in) she transforms into this.



Yes they raced like this. It was an epic battle.

Any time there is costumes involved there is fun.

I threw the challenge down, Kacey picked it up and jammed it down my throat.

The moral of this story is Ms. Manderfield is a competitor, and if your gonna challenge her you better be prepared. Maybe that is why she has the drive to be an international track racer. That and the fact that she isnt afraid to do a round of car-bombs before racing.


Work Hard Play Hard.

There was plenty of other racing going on besides the Kasey/K.C. battle.

The men were duking it out as well. The announcer really liked Matt D's bike.



The final podium looked like this.


Yeah they had to celebrate.

Now here is where proper credit is due. Since I was other wise occupied and he is a PRO, all of the pic's in this posting were lifted off of Anthony Skorochod at cyclingcaptured.com.

Lastly but not leastly.... This benefitted the Young Survival Coalition. Check out this organization. They are worth supporting. Watch the video on the home page. 2:17 in is when it really started hitting me hard.

Sunday it's off to the Handmade Bicycle Show. All bicycles are handmade so maybe this should be called the Artisan Bicycle Show. Regardless I am looking forward to checking out all the eye-candy.

The memory card is empty and the battery is charged so I anticipate a picture heavy post at the beginnig of the week. Check the bottom of the page or if your a big tech dork like me you can check my twitter feed. I will post a bunch of photos there throughout the day.

Until later; Hasta la Bye Bye

Wednesday Quote

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." Barrack Obama

This reminds me of when I worked for Joe Montgomery. Joe stated that the ONLY thing constant is change. He was wise in many ways.

Speaking of change. Last week I posted a pic about the benefits of Lard.

Well I was over at my friend The Green Laker's blog when I saw these gems.




I felt it was my civic duty to steal them and repost them.

These came from a UK mag called VIZ. The best I can figure this is a British kind of Mad Magazine. Only Snarkier because they are British. The short amount of time I spent looking at the site has pretty much insured that this will be a good time toilet.


That pic makes me glad I can stand to do most of my business. YIKES!

Finally that pic reminds me of this clip I saw and, Well, I've been more abnormal ever since I've seen it. Sorry to leave you on this note but it scarred me and I feel compelled to share the scarring.

Be careful it's like a train crash you almost can't look away.

The Week Ahead

Lysol??? Really??? Read this ad and be AMAZED!

Wait a second my retina's are burning from that last ad. I need a moment.

Ok. I think I've stopped laughing enough to be able to type.

Now onto good things happening this week. On Wednesday night I will be helping out with Roller Racing at Triumph Brewing Company. This event is in a Brewery and benefits Young Survival Coalition. YSC is an organization that helps women with breast cancer diagnosed under the age of 40.

So to recap we have good beer and as Stacey says "Women have them...men love them!!!" So we all have a reason to support this cause.



Mix this in with a good week of bicycle peddling and I will be ready for a Sunday excursion to the NAHBS.

The MAN from Bicycle Pro, CW, and myself will be making a run. With this much cool stuff on display, you cant keep a bike dork like yours truly away.

I'm Jonesing to see this from the fine folks at Retrotec.



And this.



These bikes have always made my knees weak and my liver quiver. I know it was the bikes because Bourbon and I had not formed a friendship when I first started coveting these bicycles.

There are a *&%^pot full of other cool builders and distributors displaying here. I spent a few minutes re-refreshing the homepage to profile different vendors, or you could do it the easy way and just click the exhibitors link at the top. Frankly I think my way is more fun.

They sold out every available vendor booth. As the "kids" say this is gonna be "off the chain" At least that's what the "kids" said an eon ago.

I still cant stop laughing like Beavis at that Lysol Ad.

This pic doesnt suck, and has nothing to do with this post.

I was at Planet Bike NJ today and talking to Dave Gnar. He showed me a video trailer that he has been working on. It got me to thinking about all of the talented people that I know. Not pro's but riders. I surfed around and found some good SHTUFF. Check it out. First up Daves trailer.

BREAKING FREE GR2 VIDEO TRAILER from Dave Gnar Raffa on Vimeo.

That stair gap is hella cool!

I like to break Ray's junk, only cuz he can take it. He gets teased relentlessly but he is a rider. Ray works at Bicycle Pro in the Dirty Jerzee. Here's to you Pro-Stalker.



Just cuz Ray is 80 pounds of awesome in a 20 pound bag we'll get a double dose.



My fellow bike peddler at Giant Jeff Stephens has one super talented kid. This is the next generation.

Watertown Skatepark from ryan stephens on Vimeo.

While I am talking about my brethren at Giant I would be remiss not to mention Jeremy. Him and his boys can throw down. Check him out at Liquid Dirt.

Intergalactic Wild Thing from Jeremy Combs on Vimeo.

Jeremy figures he's been playing too much DJ Hero. He may be right. Anyone who shows up to a mtn ride dressed like Mike D from the Beasties deserves respect.

Perusing Jeremy's site reminded me that I need to give a shout out to Jake. Jake is the Giant company photographer. Without Jake I wouldnt have any current pic's of me riding. Like this one.



And this one



Work hard Play Hard.

Now this video may start off being narrated by Jeff Lenosky, but the reason I am posting it is that there are a couple of shots of John Nicholson. John Is Co-Owner of Cycle Works in Stanhope Joisee. He also happens to be one HELL of a good rider and Mechanic. If Lenosky trusts him to wrench on his bike than you can too. I do.



Stacey has a full time job, is a mom and still found time to put this website together. Why did she do it? Because she loves cycling. Nuff Said!

http://velochicks.com/

Do you have any good Pics or good videos? Send em to me I will post em up.

Now this isn't from anyone I know.

For years I thought that Rosie O'Donnell was over rated. The only funny thing I remember her saying from back in the day that was funny was

"Golf is not a sport, Golf is men in ugly pants walking."

Then I saw this. I have to admit that this is FUNNY.

Wednesday Quote Cancer SUCKS

This Buddha can see for miles and miles and miles

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C

Mari Byrd posted this quote up and it struck a chord with me.

Have you ever been moved by someone you never met? Truly honestly moved.

If you have followed my ramblings for a while you have heard me speak of the Tour de Pink (TDP). If you haven’t check here. TDP supports the Young Survival Coalition. Please click through and learn about YSC. They support women under 40 who have, or had breast cancer.



The fine ladies at Giant for Women introduced me to the YSC. It is a cause that they believe in and support. They help TDP on a logistical level but they also personally believe in the cause. Giant for Women believes that they can help to make a difference. I have seen the commitment first hand.

I find it hard to believe that there is a person alive who has no connection to cancer.

Cancer has affected many people in my life and has taken some of my closest relatives. Cancer SUCKS. It screws up people’s lives, and not just the people who have the disease.

Riding in the Tour de Pink was a very moving experience for me. I got to ride my bike which was great, but the time spent off the bike was the part that moved me. I spent time with people my age, and younger who were charming, positive, adorable, and upbeat. OH and they had CANCER.

Alright time to bring this rambling thought train back on the rails.

Randi Rosenberg is a woman that I never met. She is also a founding member of the YSC. Randi died this week. It appears the world is a little better place because of her.

Heidi Adams wrote a very moving tribute to Randi on the LIVESTRONG blog. Please click through and read it. She did a better job then I ever could.

I read this and was shaken. This woman was selfless and influential. She has helped so many people that she has never met.

Randi this is for you.




Come out to Support the YSC this coming Wednesday February 24th at Triumph Brewery in New Hope for Championship Roller Racing. This event will be a fun cycling release in this snowy winter and will be raising money for the YSC. Additionally they will be selling “Ribbons for Randi” to manage expenses for her young daughter.

Now to really come full circle. I read the quote above and it made me think of Randi. A woman I have never met. A woman who helped so many people to LIVE!

Thank you Randi.

Whose candle can you help to light? The help won’t diminish your flame, and just might make it brighter.

LIGHT A FLAME!

Some More Classic Pic's

UMMMMM WHAT? The Lard Information Council?

This edition of Classic Pic's is brought to you because I still have some great pics from the Early 1900's to share, and it will save me from having to write.

Feast your eyes on these.


I have this one saved as Cycling Club 1900. Looks like it could have been taken at one of the Tweed Rides


Terrot 1906 These look perfect for touring the French Alps.


"A Hold Up" 1908 This is some of the most bizarre Ad Copy ever. From a hold up, to car fare, to a nest egg? "It is rude to point, but he points it. nevertheless"


Yale 1908 "Reduces the Riders Efforts a Full 50%" SOLD I'll take two!


I have this one listed as "Lion D'OR" 1910, but the ad clearly says 1890. It would mess with my chronology to change it so I am running with the 1910 date.
Very cool that it states that it has "Pneus Michelin" Pneumatic Michelin tires from the 1890's, COOL.

Now the Final thought for the day. Cyclists are always obsessing over their weight. I watched a pro take third at the Philly Race 156 miles, in 6 hours and then push his plate away at dinner only half eaten.

He was watching his weight.

What? You just rode 156 miles in 6 hours? Can't you eat whatever you want? I guess thats why I'm not rail thin, and why he went on to win a stage in the Tour de Suisse two weeks later.

Well your dieting is OVER just follow this simple plan


As the Ad says No Diet No Baths No Exercise.

Sweet, I can be skinny, smelly and out of shape. My prayers have been answered.

Until Wednesday, which is tomorrow. Dang, how did it get so late?

The New School

View from the top of Rock Store. (see below)

Controversy is afoot at VeloRambling. After posting Wednesdays Quote, Russell sent me this note.

"As a biologist, this quote left me scratching my head.

“In wine there is wisdom,
In beer there is freedom and
In water there is bacteria” Benjamin Franklin

While it is funny, it can't be accurate in its attribution to Ben Franklin. The term "bacteria" wasn't coined until well after Ben's death. The term originated in the 1830's. Bacteria, and microorganisms in general, weren't associated with disease until much later in the late 1800s. It wasn't until the early 20th century that it gained wide spread acceptance. Our grandparents were probably born into an era where sterilization just wasn't on the radar screen. I'm not trying to make anything of it, I mostly find it pretty interesting from a biologist point of view."

Now first things first....

Seriously I have a friend that is a Biologist? A real live professional Biologist. Wow! Even though Russell is a Biologist we wont hold this against him. We could hold his choice in Brother In-Laws against him, but he had no choice in that. We will look past the fact that I am friends with the shady Brother In-Law, and that's how I know Russell.

Now although Russell makes a compelling case there are two things going against him.

1. The crack research and legal team here at VeloRambling has said that this should be true. I really dont want to tick those guys off, they could make my life HELL.

And B. Rob "The Hammer" Hacker gave me that quote, and did you notice he's "The Hammer"

3. So Russell may technically be correct, but I dont want "The Hammer" to fall on me. So the quote stands.

D. "The Hammer" 1 Russell (and his facts) 0

Now onto our regularly scheduled programming.....



While at the Mothership last week I had the chance to meet and ride with the newly signed, tattooed wonder; Downhiller Duncan Riffle. Not only did Duncan smack us all downhill; DUH! He was the first to the top of the climb as well.

The second day of two wheeled pursuits I chose to try to tame Temper once again. (She was a dirty girl)


While I was having my way with Temper; Out on the tarmac the tattooed one wasn’t content just handing us MTB wannabe’s our rear-ends. He proceeded to do the same thing to the roadies up the famous Rock Store climb.


You have to respect a DH’er who doesn’t just go downhill fast and leave it at that.
Homeboy must train ALOT. Not that I’m saying beating a bunch of pasty, doughy sales reps up a hill is any feat, but there were real legitimate “fast” guys on both of these rides. And he still handed everyone their butts.

There just might be hope for the young un’s. Maybe they really don’t make em like they used to.
They just may be making em BETTER.

Here is a preview of the hard work we do..

Wednesday Quote The Beer Edition

Total Non Sequitor? Probably but I’m ok with it. Its written on a "Shiner Beers" blackboard at least.


“Beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy” Benjamin Franklin

I posted this up on FB the other day and the response was quick. Apparently people like Beer and believe that Ben Franklin was a smart man.

Russell responded with a statement that Ben was a bit of a ladies man.

But more importantly Rob “The Hammer” Hacker followed up with this beauty

“In wine there is wisdom,
In beer there is freedom and
In water there is bacteria” Benjamin Franklin

This is definitive proof from one of our founding fathers that beer is indeed proper hydration. I have always maintained that beer was an acceptable post ride beverage because there is water in beer.
Besides why drink too much water, fish pee in water. Think about that for a while.


I was searching for a good pic of Benjamin Franklin with a beer when this popped up in my Google search. How could I not use it?


I have heard rumor that there are socks with this saying on it. I would count on the faithful readers to point me toward these.
***Update*** Man you guys are fast. They are Sockguy "Bevy" socks


They would make my feet happy and Steve martin always said happy feet were good.




Finally this informative piece that I found over at A Continuous Lean



All that talk of Coal made me thirsty, I'm off to find my Talking Homer Simpson Bottle Opener. "MMMMMMMM BEER"

Cyclocrossers are the new RAD

The cyclocross worlds got me thinking about the cyclocross races I attended and worked this year. These races are fun. They kind of remind me of the early days of mountain bike racing. Minus that funny smell in the air.

Everyone seems to be having a good time.

The racers


Emmett moments before tearing peoples legs off and on her way to 2nd place.

The spectators

These guys are shifty and a bag full of awesomeness.

And the announcers


If Richard is announcing your having fun.

There is a healthy appreciation for the lighter side of things. I am not sure if it is because of the mud,


the fact that it’s a short season, or that every race has a beer garden.

MMMM Beer!

Sure some of the athletes take the racing seriously but when they aren’t on the course even they seem to have a good time. I wouldn’t get in Tim Johnson’s way on the course but off the course he is a good guy to chat and have a Red Bull with.

Is that a Red Bull in your belt or are you just happy?

Maybe these folks remember that they are racing because they really like to ride.

If you’re racing anything this year, please try to bring your cyclocross attitude with you. Maybe even try to incorporate Stevil’s patent pending “Beer Hand Down” technique. You just might have more fun and brighten someone’s day.

I just finished up the week of meetings at the Mothership. Riding was good, meetings were good, and cavorting with my distant brothers and sisters was what the Dr. ordered.

The trip ended on an awesome note while Ben Mot, the New Girl and myself were having a chilled adult beverage in the hotel lobby and this came on.


We laughed so hard we caused a scene. I think I suffered internal damage, and it wasnt just the influence of the Adult Beverage.

"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen."-Louis L'Amour, novelist (1908-1988)

This quote embodies one of the many fine reasons to ride a bicycle...

Being outside and experiencing nature. If you care to, you can stop and look around, taking in the many sites and wonders provided by Mother Nature. It got me thinking of all the places my eyeballs have taken in from behind the bars.


This was taken in the Malibu Hills. A standard shot but look closer and those trails and roads are just calling your name. Begging to be explored.


Taken from the lifts in Keystone Co. These trails were exceptional. They had everything from Super D training with J-Lo, to dropping downhill in the full-face and armor, with some good old boys.


This ones from Sienna Italy. Just down the street from where we stopped for lunch and shortly after we entered the gates of the walled city, and probably about the time we lost Diggity.


This one is from Martha’s Vineyard,taken during a press camp from where they filmed the beach scene's from Jaws. I led 4 groups of journalists on rides and we stopped every time on the way back and did the bridge jump. Honestly I think the last time I did it was as good as the first.


Taken from the chairlift in Park City Utah. What goes up must come down and going down on five inches of fully active suspension travel was just what the doctor ordered. I didn’t disobey the doctor.


Pic by Jake Orness
That’s the Legend PK, the man known as J-Fon and myself going up.


This is taken from just above the Hoover dam, on the Nevada side. Imagine Dennis’s surprise when he quickly uploaded some pics and emailed them too his girl. He went scrambling to re-check his pics when he received a message back a few minutes later that said “Why did you send me a picture of Gary peeing?” Luckily he did the right thing and promptly forwarded the pic to me.


The view down from the top of the Galibier. Just two days before this pic I was turned around due to 30 degree temps and accumulating snow. It’s a good story; buy me a beer sometime and I’ll bore you by relating it in excruciating detail.



Taken after climbing to the top of the Furkapass in Switzerland where the snow was still fresh in July. I had the pleasure of following Todd Tanner Ex World Cup MTB downhiller and 4 other fast dudes downhill pace line style for 15 minutes of 50 plus mph descending. That’ll get the adrenaline flowing.


This one was taken out the window of my soccer-mom mobile while driving away from an unexpected super technical XC ride with a bunch of my brethren just outside Providence RI.

Wherever you are riding next; five miles from the house or 500 miles from the house do yourself a favor. When you’re looking around for a moment; STOP! Don’t worry about your average speed, your maximum wattage, or your heart rate. Look around, take in your surroundings.

Hopefully it adds something to your ride. If it does you can thank me, if it doesn’t and you want to curse me; get in line.

What do all of these pics have in common?

They were all taken while out riding a bicycle, and they were all taken while I was “working”. I love working in the bicycle industry.