Are you new to cycling?  Have I got a crash course manual for you!  Pick up a copy of BikeSnob - Systematically & Mercilessly Realigning The World of Cycling and read it immediately.  BikeSnob NYC covers all the bases - from cycling's humble beginnings to the modern day hipster.  BikeSnobNYC packs it all in with sharp wit and a shotgun approach leaving no one safe!  This book is perfect for all cycling enthusiasts and an excellent education for non-cycling types.  The chapter on etiquette for non-cyclists should be required reading for anyone who does not own or ride a bike.  If you want to check out more on BikeSnobNYC go to his blog here.

Not sure what is next on the literary horizon - any suggestions?

Ridley X-Night ISP

River Run 2011

Just finished up The Man Who Cycled The World by Mark Beaumont. This is the true story of one man's quest to break the record for cycling around the world...or at least that's what is says on the back jacket.  Mark chronicles his time on the road - on and off the bike.  It is an interesting read and moves along quickly as Mark pedals his way around the globe.  Starting in Paris, Mark rode for 194 days and 17 hours to circumnavigate  the globe.  His story has epic highs, talking of the kindness and generosity of complete strangers, and chronicles his experiences with our strange, wonderful, and sometimes absurdly comical world.  Along with the highs, Mark also details the dark side of his travels - dealing with the harsh reality of being on the road in foreign lands, mechanical failures, and dealing with the issues and logistics of trying to circumnavigate the globe against the clock.

This is the first book that Mark has written and is honest and sometimes humorous in its' delivery; like being told a story from a good friend over a pint.  You can feel his moments of joy and you suffer along with him when the days are hard.  Overall, a great book for  cycling fans and travellers alike.

Since his first adventure, Mark has gone on to a "summit to summit" climb and cycle of the America's and is currently rowing on a 6 man expedition in the Canadian Arctic.  All of his adventures help raise money for charity and he seems to be a pretty good all around guy... so go out and buy his books and check him out online!

Next on the docket, Bike Snob NYC's book, Bike Snob Systematically & Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling.

2012 Niner Jet 9 RDO

Got Maui on the brain....

Cleaning up my files I came across a pic of my golf cart from a clients golf tourney.  Our goal was to drink a beer a hole...I succeeded but had to put my cart mate to bed before dinner...just looking at this makes me thirsty.  As a side note, this was in Saskatoon and Big Rock was not readily available, sorry boys!

2011 BMC Impec - watch for the 2012's, they are HOT!!

Looking back at my blog, I saw my New Years Revolution post and I figured today was a good day to scorecard.   Here is where I am at with my 2011 goals....

1 - Ride My Bikes

I LOVE riding bikes - mountain and road.  This year I want to ride at least 3000km's.  I want to ride with my family, I want to ride with my friends.  I want to ride my bike to work more and park the car.  I want to ride in a road "shop ride".  I want to ride in different places, and I want to ride fast.  I want to ride when it rains, when it snows, and when it is blistering hot.  I want to ride in the spring when the air is cool and brisk, and I want to ride in the fall when the leaves are falling off the trees.  I want to ride the rubber off my tires and the fat off my ass.

4000 km's and counting!!  I think I have this one covered - I have ridden through a set of tires and a tube or two of DZ-Nuts.  I have taken my kids on rides through Fish Creek and even dragged the Mrs. and my two year old over some dirt.  I took my bike to Vegas and rode in Red Rocks.  I have ridden in the rain, snow, and the heat.  I have ridden in the spring and I am going strong in the fall...the only thing I am missing is the shop ride and I am still pulling a piano tied to my ass.  The shop ride may have to wait till 2012, the piano is a work in progress....

2 - Have a Glass Of Wine

I am a big wine guy.  This year I want to focus on building my cellar (bottles not actual bricks and mortar). I want to go to more tastings, try new regions and varieties.  I want to enjoy my wine and expand my knowledge from grape to glass.  I want to enjoy a glass more often but drink quality over quantity.  I want to have a glass of wine with friends and family more often.

There is no question, I have fulfilled this in spades.  At my current rate I may have a 2012 resolution to cut back my boozing...Current fave is 2007 Blackbird Vineyards Paramour, wow is it ever deelish!

3 - Get Creative

This one I am going to enjoy as it is very simple and rewarding.  Read more books - the classics, fiction, non fiction, books outside of my normal scope of reading, reread my fav's...just read more often.   Listen to more music - live music especially!  Take more pictures - photo's of people, places, objects...whatever catches my eye - just get shooting!  Enjoy more art - galleries, exhibitions, and museums - just get out and see what others have created with their passions.  WATCH LESS TV!

I have been reading a pile of books...the last few are...


A Discovery of Witches – Deborah Harkness
Boy Racer – Mark Cavendish
The Girl With With The Dragon Tattoo – Stieg Larson
The Girl Who  Played With Fire – Sieg Larson

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest – Stieg Larson

Water For Elephants – Sara Gruen

Throne of Fire – Rick Riordin

A Million Little Pieces – James Frey

Shiver – Maggie Stiefvater

Linger – Maggie Stiefvater

Forever - Maggie Stiefvater

Divergent – Veronica Roth

My Friend Leonard – James Frey

I have a pile more in the cue...so far the current fave is A Million Little Pieces...even if Oprah got her shit in a bun!

As for photography, I haven't shot as much as I like but I am getting inspired by my friends who are shooting absolutly amazing stuff.  I will get cracking here.

Lastly, I cannot watch less TV.  My best friend landed a co-host spot on The Daily Planet, so I intent to watch more!!

4 - Inspire My Children

I consider myself to be a good Dad and I love being a Dad.  I want to be the greatest Dad ever.  I want to really open my kids eyes up to the world around us - to marvel and enjoy in the wonder of the world.  I want them to respect the unknown, but not fear it.  I want to nurture their passions and give them the freedom and support to try new things... and I plan on playing with my kids more too!


I can happily say I am doing this...

Well - that is it so far...four months left to pick up the slack!

Big Wheel

 

 

2012 Wilier Zero 7

As my blog takes shape, I felt it best to explain some of the content that makes up my blog.  Today we are going to discuss my "Daily Commute ITT".  Just what the heck is this you ask?  Well, let me tell you...

In an effort to reduce my carbon footprint and my waistline, I have enlisted my trusty steed to get me back and forth to work.  So each day that my schedule allows, I set out to cycle the 20 km's to my office and then return home via the same 20 km's at the end of the day.  I am very fortunate that my commute allows me to cycle 15 of the 20 km's through Fish Creek Park.  The remaining 5 k are spread out between residential and commercial area's - there are a few hills each way with the biggest being on my ride home right before I have the 1km drag race back to my door.  This hill is a long, 5% grade with a small section at the top coming in at 6% - not a killer by any stretch of the imagination but still a formidable nemesis after being a desk jockey all afternoon.

After a few commutes back and forth, the ride became kinda dull and it started to become more function than fun.  It was then that I decided to change my commute to an Individual Time Trial.  Each day I set out to best my time from door to door.  I have my "To Work" time and my "To Home" time.  I may get into work a hot sweaty mess, but the ITT has really changed my daily commute from a snooze cruise to all out war.  I push myself to the limit in hopes of shaving precious seconds off my current records.  It has been some of the most fun I have had on my bike in awhile!

As of today I have broken the 40 minute mark on both ends of my ITT.  My goal before the wretched white stuff flies is to get to 35 minutes...you will have to watch the numbers and see if that happens!  In the meantime, keep the rubber side down.

Tob