Good bye dear friend

Last week we sold the "cookie bus" our 2001 VW Eurovan Westfalia. The family had lots of very fine memories with the car and I am admittedly having some sellers remorse. This car was a great machine for camping, bike racing, hauling the kids etc. Nothing else quite like it. Actually, I can't believe I am doing a blog post on it. I guess it is just that kind of car.



The main problem with it, was that although it was a 7 passenger vehicle, only 4 of the seats (2 of which are the driver/front passenger seats) have shoulder straps, and thus carrying extra kids (that require boosters) is impossible.

Alas, the purchaser was extremely happy and I know that they (it was a family) will create new memories.

Training while sick

It can be done, but is it worth the risk?

Many of us, me included, feel a psychologically need to exercise that can often lead us to make poor decisions regarding our health.

I try my hardest to tell myself that it's ok to take a break, but I get so anxious about it (which is crazy, since this is technically the "off season" anyway).

Case in point. last week I was fighting an upper respiratory "head cold". We had a break in the weather last week and I wasn't feeling great, but I thought I was feeling 'good enough'. Plus, I figured I could sweat it out. Unfortunately, my plan backfired and I'm only now starting to feel better.

Everybody is different, but I think for me as long as my cold is in my head and I work out inside (lightly) I'm usually ok.

I found some pretty good tips here.

New Wheels...

I 'commissioned' Cyclepath to build me some new wheels for my 29er. They were just competed and I brought them home tonight... I can't wait for it to dry up so I can take them for a spin.

Specs are as follow:

Paul Single Speed Disc Hubs
DT Swiss Champion Double Butted spokes
Stans ZTR 355 rims

1800 grams (w/o tires, rotors or a SS freewheel)

My old wheels are actually not SS specific. I'm going to save them for a future project (disc brake cross bike maybe????)

Sheldon Brown: Rest in Peace

I just heard the news that Sheldon Brown passed away last night from a heart attack.

Brown was something of a living legend in the cycling community (especially to bike nerds such as myself), known mostly for his website that was packed with vast amounts of bike information. Although I didn't know the man, I've used his resources (on his website) quite extensively. He's a giant in the cycling word, and will be missed.

Here’s the message about his passing as posted to SheldonBrown.com:

“Dear…friends and customers,It is with heavy hearts that we convey to you the news that Sheldon Brown has passed away. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time. The cycling community has lost one of it’s most passionate members.”