Heart Breaker, Wind Stopper

I woke up to a couple more inches of snow today. Joy. Funny thing is, I think the Western PA area got more than we did up here. Can't say I'm sorry about that, OR sorry about missing out on all NFL playoff madness that surely is surely bringing the area to it's knees.

Looks like some of the snow has started to melt off the main roads, which should make it easier for me to get out to the snow packed gravel soon. Maybe before the weekend, but I'm not holding my breath. Whenever I do, I did get my grubby mitz on a Craft Wind Stopper base layer.

While I am a dummy, I am not the dummy in the pic. Although I wish I was built like this dummy. Except for the pasty, gray/tan skin.

I've been wanting one of these for a long time, and just couldn't part with the dough. But then through the magic of the Web I found a killer deal at 6pm.com. One of the last in my size, delivered for $55. Killer. Glad I ordered it when I did, because my size is no longer available. Score.

So, I slowly gather gear to make my winter riding experience more tolerable. Now all I have to do is the acutal riding. Easier said than done these days. Today I had to climb on the trainer and was UUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNmotivated. Still got in an hour of big ring, "strength" intervals, but the REAL interval that I should have done, didn't come close to happening. This is why I suck. But hey I do have sweet new base layer! There is that.

On a side note, I did get around to getting at least one wheel of studded up on the Jake. I needed to make a brake adjustment to the canti's and then of course somehow f*cked up the entire rear brake. Cantilever brakes are the worst invention EVER. I wanted a bike to ride the dirt and gravel roads, but I have no idea why I didn't hold out for a Vaya, other disc brake cross bike. or just get a damn rigid mountain bike. But noooo, I had to get this one. Then on top of all that the tire won't seat right. In the process of getting that straightened out, my tube punctures. Good grief. I should have left it all alone! Grrrrrr. OK cantilever brake hate rant over. Sorry. 10:22 PM EDIT: I sort of got the brake issue solved, so that is good. And sadly solved the tire issue... Upon investigation there is a rip in the bead, and bulges when the tire inflates. CURSES!!! Now to see if I can return the damn thing. By the time I get another one winter will be freaking over. Again, I should have just left well enough alone. LOL! 11:44 A.M. EDIT: Thanks to Davis at Bikeman.com for helping me with the tire issue. Big props to Bikeman.com.

Later.