Velominati Community Profile Archive

Velominatus: eightzero

Order: Gray Order Velominatus

Location: Seattle, WA

Social: Website / /

An old man with a bike.

@eightzero's activity:

Update: You can watch the live stream (assuming it works from the velodrome) on the Velominati channel at USTREAM. When you log in, you’ll first see my little test video of my puppy eating grass. Please disregard me yelling at it. That never happened.I have always considered myself to have a good imagination, something I attribute half to my...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. 41.9; I say Frank will amaze even himself. I’m off to “Flying Wheels” a local ride of 100 miles tomorrow. Considering that I spent last night coughing up pieces of lung, this might be the impossible century for me. »

The mighty VSP generator has been switched on once again. The mil-spec hydraulic fluid has been changed since the Giro. A new power take-off belt has also been installed. And the punch card reader has been refurbished.Broome and Berti are already riding the Critérium du Dauphiné. The top contenders prefer the Dauphiné for the decent recovery all...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. VSP PICKS: 1. TJ 2. Sagan 3. Dan Martin 4. Ryder Hejedahl 5. Faboo »

The Bike. It is the central tool in pursuit of our craft. A Velominatus meticulously maintains their bicycles and adorns them with the essential, yet minimal, accoutrement. The Rules specify the principles of good taste in configuration and setup of our machines, but within those principles lies almost infinite room for personal taste.It seems in s...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. @scaler911 I can understand the need for tuning, and “adequate” is indeed subjective. For sure there is good/better/best from all manufacturers. I will take it on faith that the install was correct and that there were no crashes or lack of maintenence…. »

  2. @Ron Yup. And the 180mm crank is on a 110 bolt pattern for a 50×34 compact. 11×28 in the rear on a short cage. I’m a big guy. See the pic opf #1 posted as the first post in this thread. It has a 23cm head tube! »

  3. @frank I’m gonna go out on a limb here. The Gruppo/groupsan/broset discussion only goes so far. One selects the components for their function (see my often ignored comments about the Bike being a “system”) and because you like the fit or perhaps even u… »

After much debate and consideration (read: we got piss drunk after a ride, and started thinking about the next ride) and in full cooperation with the Keepers, we announce the first Stage Cogal, July 27 and 28, 2013 in Packwood, WA.We adhere strictly to the guiding principles of The Cogal: free to all, open to all. These events are about community,...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. After much debate and consideration (read: we got piss drunk after a ride, and started thinking about the next ride) and in full cooperation with the Keepers, we announce the first Stage Cogal, July 27 and 28, 2013 in Packwood, WA.

    We adhere strictly to the guiding principles of The Cogal: free to all, open to all. These events are about community, and our love of the Bike. And of suffering. To those ends, even the casual observer will see what we have planned for routes is, in a word, a motherfucker.

    Cogals shall be long. And they are all about the bike. It is what you are doing that day. Well, we have extrapolated that to The V-to-V concept on this one, mates. V-to-V: volcano to volcano. These rides are not only long, but we tossed in some vertical. I, for one, am not a climber. But when it is What I Am Doing That Day, it will get it done (I roll a 180mm 50×34 compact connected to a 11×28 for just such emergencies.) As a 2 day stage Cogal, it is what you are doing that weekend.

    Day V1 is Packwood to Windy Ridge overlooking (and in) the blast zone of Mt. St. Helens. This route is generally used by a local bike club as a “High Pass Challenge” but we may modify their course a bit. In accordance with Rule #55, we will first ride UP the volcano, then we will ride DOWN the volcano. Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1331324

    Day V2 is Packwood to Paradise on Ti’Swak (or Mt. Rainier to you non-natives) via Stevens Canyon road. I defy anoyone anywhere to find a more beautiful climb, starting at the Grove of the Founders on the east side of the national park. Only exceptions might be the Monuments, like Alpe d’Huez, or the Stelvio, but only because of their associated cycling lore. Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1331326

    Once at the top, you have the option of a Rule #55 descent to Packwood. However, even the most casual observers of these routes will note a significant departure from any other Cogal:

    They are out in the middle of fucking nowhere.

    Thus, some support will be provided. On Day V1, some neutral, on the road support will be available, soley for transport of fuel and water. There simply are no cafes or shops, so to do these rides, the Keepers’ (or most likely the Keeper’s agent, @eightzero) will have arranged means to refuel for the participants. It may be van support, some caching of supplies, or a combination. On Day V2, there will be neutral fuel/water support on the climb, and an offer of transport of bags to the lodge at paradise the day of the ride. Some of us will be staying at the lodge to Get Shitfaced(tm) with a special keg, in full compliance with the rule of the Cogal requiring post-ride recovery malted beverage consumption. You may ride down, then drive up to join us if you wish, and/or then depart on your own schedule.

    Note (and this is very important) the summer schedule for these places fills up quickly and early. Summers are short and spectacular in the PacNW, and people line up to take advantage. The Lodge at Paradise has limited availability, so sign up early. Make early plans for staying in Packwood. For out of towners, SeaTac and Portland International (PDX) offer easy access, but there is an entry fee to the National Park. There are several lodging options in Packwood. We plan an early start both days; and the ride starts on time.

    Then prepare to meet The Man With The Hammer.

    We ride. VLVV.

    Event Details

    Loading Map....

    Date/Time
    Date - July 27, 2013 - July 28, 2013
    9:05 AM - 6:30 PM

    Location
    Butter Butte Coffee Company

    Cogal Details
    Route Details

    Ride Classification

  2. After much debate and consideration (read: we got piss drunk after a ride, and started thinking about the next ride) and in full cooperation with the Keepers, we announce the first Stage Cogal, July 27 and 28, 2013 in Packwood, WA.

    We adhere strictly to the guiding principles of The Cogal: free to all, open to all. These events are about community, and our love of the Bike. And of suffering. To those ends, even the casual observer will see what we have planned for routes is, in a word, a motherfucker.

    Cogals shall be long. And they are all about the bike. It is what you are doing that day. Well, we have extrapolated that to The V-to-V concept on this one, mates. V-to-V: volcano to volcano. These rides are not only long, but we tossed in some vertical. I, for one, am not a climber. But when it is What I Am Doing That Day, it will get it done (I roll a 180mm 50×34 compact connected to a 11×28 for just such emergencies.) As a 2 day stage Cogal, it is what you are doing that weekend.

    Day V1 is Packwood to Windy Ridge overlooking (and in) the blast zone of Mt. St. Helens. This route is generally used by a local bike club as a “High Pass Challenge” but we may modify their course a bit. In accordance with Rule #55, we will first ride UP the volcano, then we will ride DOWN the volcano. Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1331324

    Day V2 is Packwood to Paradise on Ti’Swak (or Mt. Rainier to you non-natives) via Stevens Canyon road. I defy anoyone anywhere to find a more beautiful climb, starting at the Grove of the Founders on the east side of the national park. Only exceptions might be the Monuments, like Alpe d’Huez, or the Stelvio, but only because of their associated cycling lore. Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1331326

    Once at the top, you have the option of a Rule #55 descent to Packwood. However, even the most casual observers of these routes will note a significant departure from any other Cogal:

    They are out in the middle of fucking nowhere.

    Thus, some support will be provided. On Day V1, some neutral, on the road support will be available, soley for transport of fuel and water. There simply are no cafes or shops, so to do these rides, the Keepers’ (or most likely the Keeper’s agent, @eightzero) will have arranged means to refuel for the participants. It may be van support, some caching of supplies, or a combination. On Day V2, there will be neutral fuel/water support on the climb, and an offer of transport of bags to the lodge at paradise the day of the ride. Some of us will be staying at the lodge to Get Shitfaced(tm) with a special keg, in full compliance with the rule of the Cogal requiring post-ride recovery malted beverage consumption. You may ride down, then drive up to join us if you wish, and/or then depart on your own schedule.

    Note (and this is very important) the summer schedule for these places fills up quickly and early. Summers are short and spectacular in the PacNW, and people line up to take advantage. The Lodge at Paradise has limited availability, so sign up early. Make early plans for staying in Packwood. For out of towners, SeaTac and Portland International (PDX) offer easy access, but there is an entry fee to the National Park. There are several lodging options in Packwood. We plan an early start both days; and the ride starts on time.

    Then prepare to meet The Man With The Hammer.

    We ride. VLVV.

    Event Details

    Loading Map....

    Date/Time
    Date - July 27, 2013 - July 28, 2013
    9:05 AM - 6:30 PM

    Location
    Butter Butte Coffee Company

    Cogal Details
    Route Details

    Ride Classification

Every once in a while, you stumble across a quote that changes your outlook on how you approach life. Of course, this requires that one does a good deal of “reading”, which is a problem for me, as reading anything that isn’t Cycling-related feels the same as doing “work”. I do the odd bit of it nevertheless, and in a r...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. Still a prized possession. And no, I don’t know why it uploaded rotated. You get the idea. »

  2. @frank Here’s my plan. Find his address. Find his favorite charity. Send him a copy of the book, with a prepaid return mailer. Include a receipt for a donation made to his charity. A win-win even if it doesn’t come back. »

  3. @G’rilla Didn’t say The Prophet would be the only one signing. »

  4. My new mission in life: Getting this as a hard cover, and getting it signed by The Prophet. »

Addiction is typically defined as a bad thing. Addiction to drugs, to alcohol, sex or even work is usually portrayed as a condition to be battled, to overcome. The same sources may recommend a strict regime of regular exercise and healthy living as the perfect antidote to the bad addictions that befall an overwhelming majority of the general popul...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. Concur. And since I am addicted to food, cycling is something of a natural fit. Oh, and I’m addicted to sleeping and hot women too. »

The Bike. It is the central tool in pursuit of our craft. A Velominatus meticulously maintains their bicycles and adorns them with the essential, yet minimal, accoutrement. The Rules specify the principles of good taste in configuration and setup of our machines, but within those principles lies almost infinite room for personal taste.It seems in s...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. Road »

  2. Riad tubeless update: Read (cracked) wheel replaced. Neuvation made good on the warranty even though technically it was a few weeks past the one year limit. I remounted the hutchison fusion 3 and topped it off with fresh sealant. So far so good. Less of a… »

Twiggo is dreaming of a Giro-Tour double. He has sent out mixed messages about his Tour ambitions. Will he use the Giro as the ultimate Tour preparation or will be burn all his matches in May and hope he can find another pack for July? He has abandoned his successful 2012 Tour run-up strategy of winning every stage race he entered the previous spri...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. Fuck DeLuca. And oh, cycling is *so* mcuh cleaner now. The new generation is *so* all about clean racing and no doping. We’ve turned a corner. I’m shocked, *shocked* there’s gambling going on in here. »

In most situations, silence is an ominous thing that signals impending doom. Having never been in any danger myself, I base this largely on my experience watching box-office movies. As a general rule, I use Hollywood as the principal source of information on all subjects as they relate to doom and politics, principally because I’m loath t...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. @PeakInTwoYears Merckx be praised; may I be worthy of The V. »

  2. @frank To quote Dr. Smith, “oh the pain. The pain.” Moahr milez this weekend. Moahr. But jeebuz h merckx, every time I look at those profiles for the stage cogal, I ask myself, “what have you done?” »

  3. This is fine, fine writing. Indeed, the Principle of Silence is of primary importance to me. I’ve found I like listening to all the subtle sounds of my bike. I’ve even discovered some of the noises are related to the expected flex of the components, and a… »

Twiggo is dreaming of a Giro-Tour double. He has sent out mixed messages about his Tour ambitions. Will he use the Giro as the ultimate Tour preparation or will be burn all his matches in May and hope he can find another pack for July? He has abandoned his successful 2012 Tour run-up strategy of winning every stage race he entered the previous spri...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. And no, I actually don’t want to discuss the women’s ITT at the Tour of California. »

Bicycles and automobiles- can’t we all just get along? @Kah writes about this universal (do aliens have this issue also?) problem of us co-existing with humans in cars. We all drive cars too and have cursed the occasional cyclists for some good reason. Cars are our greatest threat. We can crawl away from our own bicycle crashes, thanks very m...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. YJAs suck, if for no other reason than it makes you look like a douchenozzle. When I am riding, I want to be like the perfect waiter at a restaurant: never seen, but always appreciated. My sole mission on a bike is to stay the fuck out of everyones way. … »

Day 5 of the Six Days of the Giro continues with an impromptu VSP event.Lets have a look at where we are in the 2013 Giro. Wiggins must have spent time training in Luxembourg because he’s been descending like a Schleck when things get dodgy before disappearing into the team van to have a cry about it. Hesjedal has put in some good moves and...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. Winning often means that you just didn’t lose. VSP PICKS: 1. Good Cadel 2. Nibbles 3. Gesink 4. Hesjedahl 5. Whiggoe »

Twiggo is dreaming of a Giro-Tour double. He has sent out mixed messages about his Tour ambitions. Will he use the Giro as the ultimate Tour preparation or will be burn all his matches in May and hope he can find another pack for July? He has abandoned his successful 2012 Tour run-up strategy of winning every stage race he entered the previous spri...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. Yes, gotta make the swap: Gesink for Sanchez. VSP PICKS (1st Rest Day Swaps): 1. Gesink 2. Nibali 3. Hesjedahl 4. Evans 5. Wiggins »

We’re heaping coals on the Giro frenzy that’s burning in all corners of the Cycling world by issuing the second installment of the monthly BigRingRiding Sur la Plaque series while at the same time kicking off the Six Days of the Giro series where we’ll post six articles on the subject of this, the best Grand Tour of the year. Y...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. Reverence: »

Change creeps in slowly, it has a way of taking the seemingly immutable and eroding it over time. It’s inevitable; if the great canyons were carved from the solid rock of Mount Velomis by such a soft thing as water, then it should come as no surprise that the Velominati V-Kit would also change with time. As David St. Hubbins says, “Th...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. Any chance the jersey can be customized with rider name on the back of the collar like The Pros have? Hmmm? »

We’re heaping coals on the Giro frenzy that’s burning in all corners of the Cycling world by issuing the second installment of the monthly BigRingRiding Sur la Plaque series while at the same time kicking off the Six Days of the Giro series where we’ll post six articles on the subject of this, the best Grand Tour of the year. Y...

@eightzero's posts:

  1. OK, for the record, my spending an extra 10 minutes in the shower in Rule #33 efforts is generally acceptable, but then getting out and dumping Rogaine all over my head is fucked up. It’s like fucking your sister: sure, she’s got a blouse full of goodies, … »