December?

So it's two days before Christmas in Western PA and I'm out road biking?? What the f*ck? I'll take it, nnnooooooo problem.

It was a bit nip (mid to high 40's) with a steady wind that made the flats the worst part of the ride. Place I usually TT along at 20 or 22 mph I was going freaking 17 mph!! Yikes!!



The ride had plenty o'climbing and that was nice to keep the legs warm, BUT the descents were damn cold and seemed stiffin' up the muscles PDQ.

This is not bitching by any means. December 23rd in WPA and I'm riding out side- BRING ON GLOBAL WARMING!!!!!! Take a gulp of what fresh air is left and hit the road man, for we might not be here next year!



Why is it that I NEVER have road bike lust? When I was using my Jamis Nova as the main road bike I longed for a REAL road bike. Then 3 years ago I got my Trek 2200 with 105/Ultegra and carbone(r) seat stays and I've never looked back. Damn fine machine and all I need for training. Mountain bike lust is another story. I swear I could ride a new mountain bike EVERY year and not be happy.

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Beer News: Bought some Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA today. Hands down one of the WORST beers I've ever had. Bills itself as an IPA. Tastes like a German Pilsner (which I hate). Freaking Munich Malt is it it, I JUS KNOW IT!! I've liked some of DFH's "big beers" but god damn this shit is swill!!!! I was so pissed, that Wifey gave me the go ahead to go buy some Sierra Nevada Porter and I felt the need to e mail Dogfish Head to tell them that this beer sucks some serious rod.

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Has anybody heard ANYTHING good about the Cannondale 29er?? The more I see and read it seems like a shit bike to me. Decent frame with bad tire clearance and a "shit for the bird parts" package. Don't get me wrong I dig a LOT of Cannondales (Scalpel, Rush, etc,). But the more I read it seems that this bike reeks of rushing out the door to be on the 2-Niner band wagon. Oh yeah, and make a limited amount, talk it up and make it the 2006/7 "must have", because none are available"

I mean look at the Gary Fisher Paragon. THAT is a good bike/parts deal Like $1700 for some seriously good part including a SERVICEABLE Rock Shox Reba. Sorry, rant off. I just hate seeing crap passed off as this year's must have. Give me a Niner Air 9, Orbea, or Salsa ANY DAY. Rant off.

I will say my buddy John got the C/Dale and I have a feeling he'll do the bike up pretty sweet. The reviews I've read basically target the parts, and the lack of tire clearance. Other than that all the "glowing" remarks pretty much say what MOST 29ers do- Roll fast, roll great through rock gardens, etc., etc.,

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Oh well, here we are the eve before Christmas eve, I got beer in my belly, soon to be followed by some Mexican food (for the 2nd night in a row). All is good. Except for Wifey refusing to wrap her own presents. :)

Hope all of you have a great holiday. KoKo, Jason, Rick, the Jeffs, Andy, Dicky, John, Tom, Alan, Graham, Adam, Marc, Spot Paul, Brent, Ryan, Buddy, Davis, Matt D., Travis, Yancy, All my Bikeman.com teammates, etc., etc., Thanks for reading Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, etc.,

Later.