Velominatus: Spun Up
Order: Level 2 Velominatus
Location: Little Rock, AR
Social: 
Started riding in May of 2012 at age 43, after three trips to the cardiac unit in one year. What started as a desperate attempt to save my life has become an obsession.
@Spun Up's activity:
@Spun Up's posts:
@Spun Up's posts:
Wow, I’m absolutely certain that it would suck to go through life worrying what random people I pass on the road think about how I look. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass, but then again, I rock the bow tie most days, and in the summer with a seersucker suit an… »
@piwakawaka »
Thanks to all. Cheap carbs are, indeed, the bane of my existence. I have an addiction to peanut butter sandwiches that defies all logic. @Frank’s suggestion about rehydrating before I eat is a huge key. I think I’m finally ready to get serious about this,… »
Need help: I am built like a beer keg, and have been since high school. I am 176 cm tall, but my inseam is only 74 cm. My quads are 76 cm around and my chest is 112 cm. I weigh 15 stone. Friends call me Mongo, because I look like the character in Blazin… »
@Spun Up's posts:
@Beers How about this: Clearly, this bike is an itch that you must scratch. We’ve all been there. Buy it, love it, restore it to its former glory and then sell it to someone taller who loves it as much as you do. Take the money, hopefully with some pro… »
@Spun Up's posts:
224 pages of Awesome… I don’t wanna wait until ’14. What’s the ratio of new material to reprints of the best of the articles from the site? Either way, I’m in for multiple copies. »
@Spun Up's posts:
@gregorio Having ridden it for just over three hours, my impressions are still pretty loose. Aesthetically, I like the shape a lot, and got a pretty good sense of it’s aero qualities riding about 40k on the flat into a very stiff headwind. That was one … »
@Nate I’m with you, and I think it would hide wear better, too. I’m thinking that this finish is going to show every little scratch. Was wondering about a white seat mast, as well. I’d better be able to switch them out for free or just live with them f… »
So, I pulled the trigger, yesterday. Still has to go back to the LBS to get the bars switched and the cables trimmed up. Not in love with the lime green, but apparently, they aren’t moving, so I was able to drive a pretty hard bargain. Coming off of a 2… »
@Dan I’m helping to locate the Orbea North American headquarters here in Little Rock. I really liked the Orca Silver that I tested, but because i’m involved with the company, and an appointed official, state law says that I have to pay full price. Sucks. »
OK, honest question. I am aware that all things Trek draw scorn and ire from many of the Velominati. I, however, like the way they ride. and I think they represent good value for the money. I am currently testing a Madone 5 with full Ultegra. I like how i… »
Just spent 2 hrs. cleaning my steed, lubing chain, pedals, hubs. Now it’s raining… »
@Spun Up's posts:
March 29, 2013 – April 8, 2013 // Lille, France // Event Details // Book Now
The Hardmen. They inspire us; we aspire to be one among them. They are the solitary voice among the thousands in our heads that tell us to keep pushing when all the others tell us to stop. Their long shadows look on in approval as we pull on our cold and wet weather gear and head out into the elements to ride.
Every serious Cyclist is a hard man or woman; it comes with the territory. But to be given the title of Hardman, one must be more than just tough. The Hardmen stand out among the rest as the ones who ride over the savage, jagged cobblestones of Northern Europe with a souplesse that is possessed only by those riders who thrive in the most torturous of road cycling’s domains: The Cobbled Classics of Northern Europe.
Velominati has partnered up with Pavé Cycling Classics, based in Northern France, to offer the chance to walk where Giants tread and pedal through the trench of Arenberg and up the devastating cobbled steeps of the Koppenberg and Kapelmuur. To pedal with the Pros during their reconnaissance of the Paris-Roubaix route.
As if that isn’t good enough, we offer the opportunity to do all this with Johan Museeuw, the last Lion of Flanders.
Velominati’s Keepers Tour: Cobbled Classics 2013 will be hosted and guided by the Velominati Keepers in partnership with Pavé Cycling Classics over nine days in April during the most sacred time of the season, the week when de Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris Roubaix are held. The trip is all-inclusive and covers lodging, meals, energy drink, energy bars, and sag support. Bikes are available and included in the price should you wish not to bring your own.
The friendships forged over the 2012 edition of Keepers Tour with 9 days of riding the cobbles of Flanders and Northern France, drinking the best of Belgian beer, and eating the finest French cuisine leave an indelible mark on not only the Keepers, but all those who attend. Cycling has that ability to bring people together, and we count ourselves very blessed to have met such a great bunch of souls who we are proud to call our mates.
For 2013, we have trimmed the fat and added a bunch of amazing treats for you. Not only will we be riding the Pavé du Nord, the steeps of Liége and the Kasseien of Flanders, we will be doing it with a very special guest; The Lion of Flanders himself, Johan Museeuw. Last year we had the pleasure of an afternoon with Johan, riding some of the Gent-Wevelgem route and enjoying a few beers after. This time, you can witness firsthand how to float across the stones of Arenberg and charge up the Kapelmuur from the master… how many cyclists are able to say that?
Take this unique opportunity to be part of an experience that everyone attending will never forget, or regret.
Provisional Itinerary
- Friday : Pick up midday, travel to gite and get bikes setup
- Saturday : Paris-Roubaix with Johan Museeuw (last 150km)
- Sunday : Watch de Ronde van Vlaanderen at the Oude Kwaremont
- Monday: Visit the Roeselare National Bicycle Museum & go for an easy ride around Kemmel
- Tuesday: Liège-Bastogne- Liège with Johan Museeuw
- Wednesday: Track riding at the Eddy Merckx Velodrome in Gent then watch the GP Escault (Scheldeprijs) pro race
- Thursday: Paris Roubaix reconaissance ride with the Pros
- Friday: Brunehaut brewery visit and meet with Pro Team (Omega-Pharma Quickstep or AG2R)
- Saturday: Ronde Van Vlaanderen with Johan Museeuw (150km)
- Sunday: Watch Paris Roubaix at three secteurs (Valenciennes, Arenberg, l’Arbre); optional stay at gite on Sunday night
Price: 3990€, All inclusive price includes rides with Johan Museeuw, accommodation for 9 nights, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine, insurance coverage, sag support, Pavé’s custom Cyfac rental bikes (upon request), exclusive V-Lion V-Shirts, exclusive Keepers Tour V-Pint, exclusive V-Mussette, and Pavé Cycling Classics jersey. Plus swag from our sponsors.
At this time we are accepting reservations for the full Keepers Tour, and now we also include weekend and daily packages. Once the reservation is confirmed, we will collect a 20% deposit with the balance due upon arrival in Lille.
Attendees should be comfortable riding in groups and be able to ride 150km several times in a week at a 28-30kph pace; some groups may elect to go faster but these are non-competitive rides. There will be lots of cobbles, and lots of short, steep climbs – sometimes both at the same time, so prepare yourself accordingly. We will usually have sag support, and riders who are unable to keep up may be asked to climb in the car. Or to Survive on V.
Booking
There is a problem with our booking form; please email tours@velominati.com to register.
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.
Event Details
Loading Map....Date/Time
Date - March 29, 2013 - April 07, 2013
12:00 AM - 12:00 AMLocation
Gare de Lille FlandresCogal Details
Route Details
Ride ClassificationMarch 29, 2013 – April 8, 2013 // Lille, France // Event Details // Book Now
The Hardmen. They inspire us; we aspire to be one among them. They are the solitary voice among the thousands in our heads that tell us to keep pushing when all the others tell us to stop. Their long shadows look on in approval as we pull on our cold and wet weather gear and head out into the elements to ride.
Every serious Cyclist is a hard man or woman; it comes with the territory. But to be given the title of Hardman, one must be more than just tough. The Hardmen stand out among the rest as the ones who ride over the savage, jagged cobblestones of Northern Europe with a souplesse that is possessed only by those riders who thrive in the most torturous of road cycling’s domains: The Cobbled Classics of Northern Europe.
Velominati has partnered up with Pavé Cycling Classics, based in Northern France, to offer the chance to walk where Giants tread and pedal through the trench of Arenberg and up the devastating cobbled steeps of the Koppenberg and Kapelmuur. To pedal with the Pros during their reconnaissance of the Paris-Roubaix route.
As if that isn’t good enough, we offer the opportunity to do all this with Johan Museeuw, the last Lion of Flanders.
Velominati’s Keepers Tour: Cobbled Classics 2013 will be hosted and guided by the Velominati Keepers in partnership with Pavé Cycling Classics over nine days in April during the most sacred time of the season, the week when de Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris Roubaix are held. The trip is all-inclusive and covers lodging, meals, energy drink, energy bars, and sag support. Bikes are available and included in the price should you wish not to bring your own.
The friendships forged over the 2012 edition of Keepers Tour with 9 days of riding the cobbles of Flanders and Northern France, drinking the best of Belgian beer, and eating the finest French cuisine leave an indelible mark on not only the Keepers, but all those who attend. Cycling has that ability to bring people together, and we count ourselves very blessed to have met such a great bunch of souls who we are proud to call our mates.
For 2013, we have trimmed the fat and added a bunch of amazing treats for you. Not only will we be riding the Pavé du Nord, the steeps of Liége and the Kasseien of Flanders, we will be doing it with a very special guest; The Lion of Flanders himself, Johan Museeuw. Last year we had the pleasure of an afternoon with Johan, riding some of the Gent-Wevelgem route and enjoying a few beers after. This time, you can witness firsthand how to float across the stones of Arenberg and charge up the Kapelmuur from the master… how many cyclists are able to say that?
Take this unique opportunity to be part of an experience that everyone attending will never forget, or regret.
Provisional Itinerary
- Friday : Pick up midday, travel to gite and get bikes setup
- Saturday : Paris-Roubaix with Johan Museeuw (last 150km)
- Sunday : Watch de Ronde van Vlaanderen at the Oude Kwaremont
- Monday: Visit the Roeselare National Bicycle Museum & go for an easy ride around Kemmel
- Tuesday: Liège-Bastogne- Liège with Johan Museeuw
- Wednesday: Track riding at the Eddy Merckx Velodrome in Gent then watch the GP Escault (Scheldeprijs) pro race
- Thursday: Paris Roubaix reconaissance ride with the Pros
- Friday: Brunehaut brewery visit and meet with Pro Team (Omega-Pharma Quickstep or AG2R)
- Saturday: Ronde Van Vlaanderen with Johan Museeuw (150km)
- Sunday: Watch Paris Roubaix at three secteurs (Valenciennes, Arenberg, l’Arbre); optional stay at gite on Sunday night
Price: 3990€, All inclusive price includes rides with Johan Museeuw, accommodation for 9 nights, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine, insurance coverage, sag support, Pavé’s custom Cyfac rental bikes (upon request), exclusive V-Lion V-Shirts, exclusive Keepers Tour V-Pint, exclusive V-Mussette, and Pavé Cycling Classics jersey. Plus swag from our sponsors.
At this time we are accepting reservations for the full Keepers Tour, and now we also include weekend and daily packages. Once the reservation is confirmed, we will collect a 20% deposit with the balance due upon arrival in Lille.
Attendees should be comfortable riding in groups and be able to ride 150km several times in a week at a 28-30kph pace; some groups may elect to go faster but these are non-competitive rides. There will be lots of cobbles, and lots of short, steep climbs – sometimes both at the same time, so prepare yourself accordingly. We will usually have sag support, and riders who are unable to keep up may be asked to climb in the car. Or to Survive on V.
Booking
There is a problem with our booking form; please email tours@velominati.com to register.
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.
Event Details
Loading Map....Date/Time
Date - March 29, 2013 - April 07, 2013
12:00 AM - 12:00 AMLocation
Gare de Lille FlandresCogal Details
Route Details
Ride Classification
@Spun Up's posts:
@Spun Up Or Belgium, don’t allow my obvious exhaustion and slight inebriation to distract from the larger, and obviously more prescient and insightful, point. »
@Cyclops Holy shit! What is that scary rat-pig doing on your table? Every house in Idaho has a cast iron frying pan; dispatch that crime against nature at once! @Frank: You’re in France fer fuck’s sake, and you have a native cooking for you. I suggest … »
@Spun Up's posts:
@Spun Up's posts:
@frank I’m guessing he was referring to the bidon in the cage, but I think the dumpster perched on your saddle is the true tragedy of what would otherwise have been a glorious portrait suitable for framing. »
@Frank Can’t help myself… Maybe your Dutch brethren would gaze upon you with heightened respect if you were to spell “amoeba” correctly. Viva las duchas vaginales! »
@Spun Up's posts:
@Nate Oh boy, how ya gonna keep ‘em down on the farm once they’ve seen Karl Hungus? »
@Spun Up's posts:
@Buck Rogers I’m assuming that’s what second place feels like, but I don’t really know… hee, hee »
No, not as badass as Greg, but I am unilaterally declaring myself the winner of the day: VMH and the Velominippers are out of town for spring break. Got up this morning, rode 100K in a 10C drizzle, finished at the bar where I treated myself to a cheesebu… »
@Spun Up's posts:
Help! While shopping online last night for Enve full carbon forks, I happened across a number of accounts of catastrophic failures of carbon forks. Horrible, grisly stuff: death, paralyzation, disfigurement. Now I’m freaked out and thinking about steel f… »
@Spun Up's posts:
On average, have the hoods moved higher on the bars in the pro peloton in recent years? Seems like fewer riders these days have them as far forward as Merckx did. The photo of the Schlecks shows hoods that appear to be as high on the bars as mine, and I’m… »
@Deakus I think that activity has its own website… »