These Days.

Monday morning and straight into that 'floaty' week between Xmas and the New Year. Christmas was a good time, the first one spent abroad and not wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Weird. So Kat and I jumped a big bird in the sky and went across to Virginia to spend it with her friends and family. Flight was smooth with the only hiccup being my numb-skullery and reading the flight movie guide wrong, getting to watch this instead of this. Tragedy. Actually, speaking of guitars, just before we left Kat bought a Yamaha semi acoustic in back ass black. Actually a sweet little rig and I have been enjoying getting my fingertips all calloused-up again. And revisiting a guitar shop after so many years since the 'band days' I was like a kid in a candy store, playing with all the effects pedals and getting all goggle-eyed over all the sweet rigs. A Joe Strummer edition Telecaster was at the top of my list without a doubt.

So getting back to Xmas, once more Kat wins the 'greatest girlfriend in the world' award with her thoughtful gift giving and generosity, and I pretty much flipped out when unwrapped a pair of Reynolds carbon tubulars! Haven't got any pics to put up yet but they are super mean, 46mm deep and only 1250gr on some smooth rolling White Industries hubs. Can't wait to race these puppies.

So out training before Xmas I came across these guys. Real life reindeer. Okay, maybe not. I believe mule deer is the accurate term, but pretty cool nonetheless.

Days like this....perfect. Although it's been cold, it hasn't stopped the wheels turning.

My new winter alternate activity, snow-shoeing. Thanks Santa. Tough work actually and I can't wait to hit up some local trails instead of the trainer when things get snowy.

Coming back home last night I was pretty shocked to read this about Zirbel testing positive for DHEA. I guess until the B sample is released only then we will know the full picture. I don't really know Tom personally, but I have certainly raced against him a bunch both locally here in CO and on the NRC circus and he seems like a level headed and nice guy. Plus he waves if you see him out training. So I hope it all turns out for the best whatever the outcome may be. Just reinforces how careful you have to be with what you put in the tank though....over 'n' out...cw

All I Want For Christmas.

Bad Ass.

Wez Gets Pez'd.

Putting Tassie on the map....

Wishful Thinking.

Adventure On The High Seas....Okay Maybe Not Then.

Pretty amusing I think.

With Thanks.

So to finish off a great weekend Kat and I wrapped some presents this afternoon. Not just any Xmas presents, but those for our 'family in need' that we 'adopted' through the Salvation Army. It took us a few good hours thanks to the generosity of all our friends and family that chipped in and helped out with gifts. We thank you all so much and are sure the family are going to get a huge surprise on December the 25th......

Convert.

Kat joins the red team.....nice.

Road Block.

Armadillo hopping. Arkansas. Circa 2008. Pic taken by B Raby.

Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time.....

Mung bean noodles. Two thumbs down. May also be good as crack filler, insulation or hobby glue.

Oh Snap......It's Damn Cold Here Right Now.

I don't think I could have explained it any clearer than the title. Yes there has been some new experiences faced over the last few weeks. Try -14C mornings, driving in on ice and snow and frozen fingers in a matter of minutes. The driving on the snow is the scary one. Sure I'm accustom to a little drift and slide from the mtb days, but being in a car totally out of control is different. Much more care needs to be taken, and it seems at least 4 times a day I see a fire truck or ambulance scream up the street to what surely is another snowy road accident. Tread carefully! Thankfully this week I have been able to mix it up with the bus, unlike the last snow storm where I almost aced myself hard on the scooter......not good folks....ice IS slippery.

On the training front I have a recovery week this week which I am pretty psyched about after spending plenty of hours last week on the computrainer. Crappy weather or no crappy weather, work has to be done. So last week I also saw a muscle specialist for an electromyography assessment. A what you say??? Basically stuck a bunch of electrodes to my lower back and hips and measured the firing sequences and intensities during different movements and on the bike. Why you ask? All in name of efficiency. The body is very good at compensating for muscle imbalances and weaknesses. Over time we might have no idea we have fallen into bad habits which ultimately can be limiting performance. Even past crashes and falls can cause major issues internally that we never see once the superficial scabs have healed. So after a couple of hours we learned a bunch, including that my lower back is more relaxed on a bike doing efforts than standing relaxed. Weird.

Verdict anyone? Personally, I dont mind it.....out..cw