The Paradox of Maturity

The Portet d'Aspet

Although we find our way to the bicycle by different path, we all share the fact that at some point, this simple and elegant machine captured our imaginations. It became something more than simply a means to travel about, get exercise, or compete – it became something central to our lives.

Somehow and by different means, La Volupte seduced each of us. We became hypnotized by the rhythm of the cyclist’s life, by the movement of the machine. There might have been a moment where the machine which once hardly obeyed our commands suddenly surrendered to our every desire; we only needed to push upon the pedals a bit harder in order to coax more speed from the machine.

Then we made a fundamental discovery: the pleasure to be found from pushing ourselves beyond our limits. The simplicity found in the singular focus when all ancillary thought is shut down as we steel our mind against the strain of the effort. In truth, the pleasure comes less from the suffering but from the knowledge that we overcame the impulse to relent. We join a minority who, in a small way, triumph over our very nature.

With this discovery comes a kind of Stockholm Syndrome as we fall in love with everything bicycle-related – from the beauty of the machine itself to every bit of history and culture that surrounds it. We have transformed into a Velominatus.

As we mature as cyclists, we turn our focus towards improvement of the Craft: we crave a more Magnificent Stroke, to become stronger, to go Steady Up with More Speed. As the hardships of our sport become a constant companion, their novelty is diminished. The novelty of pushing ourselves fades; it becomes a routine component of our Work to become better cyclists.

Throughout, the cycle gains momentum. Every year, we become faster, stronger, harder. We might even forget why we love the sport as we lose ourselves in our quest for improvement. Thresholds, speeds, distances, wattage, elevation; these metrics replace the beautiful simplicity of La Vie Velominatus, which is fundamentally about the love of the bike and cycling at large.

But every cycle has its peaks and valleys and with each Summer spent narrowing the two-month gap to finding peak form, those of us who know how to train properly will fill our Winters building our base condition with longer, low intensity rides which throw us back to those basic sensations that drew us into the sport originally: the smell of the air, the sound of our tires as they flirt with the pavement or earth, the rhythmic breathing, the freedom of riding a bicycle.

Each Fall, as the skies grey and the rain begins to fall, I’m struck by my sudden rediscovery of the original reasons I love cycling. With my season’s goals many months away, the micromanagement of my condition and performance gives way once more to the pleasure of the ride. If I feel strong (which rarely happens during this time of year) and the desire to push myself shows itself, I may do it. If not, I don’t. It doesn’t matter at that time of year – just spending time on the machine is more than enough to pay dividends when the days grow longer and the sun returns to the sky. Rain, shine, cold, warm – I hardly notice the difference as I am once more reminded of the reasons why I love to ride my bike.

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160 Replies to “The Paradox of Maturity”

  1. Franks Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12:37

    It’s a hell of a tough slog above the 9000ft (that’s American for 2743m) sign…

  2. Good call Nate but he is staying with Gianni who is addicted to fine brews and allergic to big climbs so Frank may think he can break 4:00 but by himself with Gianni in the team car making him laugh so hard he has to stop and relieve himself I am not so sure…

    Franks Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – ?
    8) Nate – 3:59:45

  3. Got it Chris – Thanks

    Franks Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45

  4. Its very quiet in the Pacific and I think they are up by now? Probably doing very heavy liquid training… it would be nice if the man would pony up with a self prediction!?!

    Right now we have a very conservative 1 hour spread from the group – I really do not know how this is going to turn out but I love the idea that:

    1) Frank may be feeling the pressure.
    2) He may go blind at 8,000 feet
    3) He will finish in an astonishing sub 3:30 and never ever ride a bike again.

  5. I predict a strong headwind, heavy rain, and that Gianni will distract him by dancing in a hula skirt with 10km to go.

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01

  6. @Rob
    but thanks, I am dumber for it really. Beating myself up for the balance of the day for NOT riding is far more torture than enduring a few hours on. I must say, all plugs aside, the new Voler roubaix thermal kit, we got for the team orders is the stuff.

  7. Rob:

    Thanks it was a good ride except I left out the part about getting on the wheel of a fit pro on a canondale with fenders (definitely the winter training bike). He tolerated me for a few hundred yards and then blew me off like I was lint.

    This on the Dahon? Because that would only add to the story (and the legend!). You were gone too long; these pages are much cooler with your input.

  8. @Steampunk
    You are 1/2 right not the little 16″fixie but the very cool Dahon 20″ Helois-xl they only made in 2005. I was in for the day on the train. So this bike is actually lighter and has gears so it is more embarrassing. In my defense this guy was fit I usually can stick to pretty much any wheel in Central Park, not boasting just saying…
    Thanks for the kind words I no way deserve it. Its nice to be back.

  9. Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36

  10. @Rob
    Based on my little knowledge of emergency room jargon, here is what I know about the tattoo-to-tooth ratio (TTR).

    The TTR is expressed in two ways. 1. As a ratio. 2. As a numeric value.

    The ratio is tattoo:tooth. Example–“His TTR is 48:8.” This means the patient has 48 tattoos and eight teeth. TTR as a ratio is good information for statisticians and economists. It’s accurate and detailed. However, it’s of little value to medical professionals.

    As for the numeric value, here’s an example based on the above ratio: “His TTR is 6.” ER staff prefer this use of the TTR. It’s quick. There are no unnecessary details.

    The TTR value of the above patient fairly accurately predicts his or her survivability. It is a direct correlation–the higher the TTR, the better the chance he/she/it will survive “whatever the hell happened this time.” A person with a TTR of six or above is probably immune to multiple stab wounds and gunshots. They might exude the qualities of a tapeworm or cockroach.

    Also, a high TTR is a good predictor of positive societal contribution (PSC). Here, we have an inverse correlation–the higher the TTR, the lower the PSC. For our above example, he/she/it might be a tow-truck stealing crack addict.

    Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, nor am I a sociologist. And I didn’t make this shit up. Google it. Seriously. I did.

    My apologies to the following: people with high TTRs; tapeworms; cockroaches; and tow-truck stealing crack addicts. I mean no offense.

  11. Jeff, I guess part of modern life is knowing what to “Google”. I am still not in the swing of it… and after that very informative and extensive exposition… I may stay that way, but thanks, I think.

    @Geoffrey Grosenbach
    Glad someone is being realistic – I mean about Gianni.

  12. @sgt
    You and Steampunk are neck and neck and we now have a spread of 3:35 to 5:01
    I am not sure when the big hill time trial starts (if anyone knows, including the contestant do let us know).

    I have to take this opportunity to thank Frank, Gianni and the VMH’s. Here it is -5 F and since there is no racing in the northern hemisphere they, by riding and supporting the ride, are providing a great service. I for one feel as excited as if it was Roubaix time and the VSP was in full swing – I think we should take a poll and make this a yearly event, with all welcome?? I for one am in for next year.

  13. @Jeff in PetroMetro
    You know it just struck me that this really is a warm weather phenom, up here there is such a small window for getting the ratio. But when I get to Florida and such like places it jumps right out at you…

    Just wondering if any of the Velominati could be numbered – Marko comes to mind??

  14. @Marko
    That must be the most white bread tat to teeth number ever!

    Sort of sorry you answered this one I was looking forward to Jeff tackling it…
    This site has a way of landing posts in far away places from their original intent.

    So back to the joy of riding and Franks imminent display of V and joy in one 3,333 meter slog – I still do not know when it is happening… maybe he has gone already and six hours with 700 meters left he has to be carried to the mighty Gianni team car, babbling about how he is better than Tommy Simpson and let him finish or leave him on the volcano.

    But I expect that is no closer to the truth and that the real scenario has copious amounts of micro Hawaiian brew involved and tactics being discussed…

    If anyone still wants into the pool add to the list.

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36

  15. The climb is 59km at an average of 5.2% (If you don’t own The Complete Guide to Climbing (By Bike) by John Summerson, you should. It gets me through many a depressing flat midwestern day as I plan my trips back west).

    Frank has 15cm and at least 15kgs on me. I climb a 5% grade in the 16-18kph range, so I’ll give Frank 14-16kph, as it is out-of-season. I don’t know if he’s going to go true V and not put his foot down, though, so that’ll add 10 minutes. Going on the low end of speed, that puts my guess at 4:17:29.

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36
    11) Collin – 4:17.29

  16. OK, I’m super late on this. And since I’ve never met Frank like many of you have, I’m just going to hazard a random guess: 4:45:01.

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36
    11) Collin – 4:17.29
    12) mcsqueak – 4:45:01

  17. Frank’s Time Up the Big One1) Rob – 3:51.252) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:353) Steampunk – 4:27.184) G’phant – 4:14.95) Marko – 4:06.466) xyxax – 3:52.127) Chris – 4:12.378) Nate – 3:59:459) Geoffrey “” 5:01:0110) sgt – 4:42:3611) Collin – 4:17.2912) mcsqueak – 4:45:01) buck rogers- 4:25.36

    I, also, have never met him but it sounds like a hell of a ride! No matter what, he’ll be bringing the “V” to Hawaii!

  18. I like it… wish I could jump in on this one (the climb that is). I got your rubber rolling over the line at just under 4 hours.

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36
    11) Collin – 4:17.29
    12) mcsqueak – 4:45:01
    13) JFT – 3:58:30

  19. Frank’s fitness is usually inversely proportionate to his wasp inhalation abilities. He seems to maintain base fitness with peaks but is never that far off his game (he’d be more humble about this) but the dude will bury himself in effort. He’s fiercely competitive and internally motivated for individual effort. He’s a big fella though meaning he climbs well for his weight but his weight is on a big frame.

  20. The current updated list… your numeric placing in the list will not influence the judging in the event of a DQ, DNF or an act of god (such as but not listing all possible events – Lightning, Tsunami, Volcano’s etc.).

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36
    11) Collin – 4:17.29
    12) mcsqueak – 4:45:01
    13) JFT – 3:58:30
    14) Buck Rogers – 4:25.36

    Collin, loved your logic. Mcsqueak and B.R. can any of us really say we know Frank – in the Fight Club sense of it??

    JFT, I am so with you on this one – next year I say we all show up in tents in Gianni’s back yard!

  21. @Rob

    @Marko
    I’ve surmised it to be something about being closer to the equator, which is sort of like your warm weather theory. I think your theory is more accurate. I’m changing my theory to yours. Yep.

    Marko–I sort of feel like a sensei, just ’cause you took the time to calculate your TTR.

    I think if a person keeps his TTR under one, that’s perfectly acceptable in this era of body art.

    Before accident, injury, illness, and orthodontia, an adult should have 28 teeth, not including wisdom teeth (which makes 32). That gives a person a lot of leeway.

    I’d probably need to get a ruling if a person loses teeth over time. Wait. No. I don’t need a ruling on this one. If a person loses teeth but takes the time, spends the money, and contemplates the V in the dentist’s chair to get replacement implants, there’s no increase to the TTR, and there’s no asterisk next to your name in the Hall of Shame.

    BTW, I have 24 teeth, but I have no ink–yet. I really like Marko’s V. But I think I’ll buy all the V Gear before I get inked.

    As for Frank’s Death March, maybe I was too optimistic, but I still believe. Now hurry up Frank! This is the best race I’ve followed since the Tour of Lombardy! Why is this not being broadcast? This should be on steephill.tv. In Flemish.

  22. I go away for a few fucking days and suddenly we have Gianni dancing in hula skirt, I’m fucking blind, I’ve stopped riding, and I’m obviously too fat to climb.

    I won’t weigh in on my prediction because I want to play things a little close to the chest. But here are some stats for all y’all to ponder.

    1) The climb is tentatively scheduled for Saturday.
    2) I am 6 foot V
    3) Many months from peaking
    4) Horrified by the centipedes that live here
    5) Dirtied up my perfectly white socks yesterday on an incredible ride along the coast
    6) Something got in my cleats and they are squeaking (this could lead to me going blind, deaf, and abandoning simultaneously)
    7) We bought more beer on Saturday than we thought we could drink before we left. It is already gone
    8) It will be windy
    9) It will be cold
    10) The mountain taunts be daily, sitting there like such a big fancy lump of rock, like that’s something to be proud of

    I think that’s some good data. Lets think up a good prize (liking @Marko’s suggestion) for the winner.

  23. All right Frank! You are doing it and you are in intense Hawaiian training mode – I love it – This is going to be one great ride. I am tempted to start putting serious money on this with my bookie.

    Ok I understand if you won’t post up a prediction but I think it is only fair if the ladies and Gianni pony up because they are our eyes and ears and can feel the wind and if the Volcano is acting up.

    Everyone else you have time to research and cogitate – lets say entries must be in by midnight on Friday or if you got really drunk but can get up by 6:00 am on Saturday that will work. So copy and paste your time onto the most recent list:

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36
    11) Collin – 4:17.29
    12) mcsqueak – 4:45:01
    13) JFT – 3:58:30
    14) Buck Rogers – 4:25.36

  24. @all
    Forgive me if you have already seen this; the Cycle to the Sun race route profile ishere.
    The same site will give you age group times for recent races to aid in your handicapping.
    Me, I’m sticking with my formula, but am considering adding in a factor accounting for the gravitational effects at altitude of large near-earth objects.

    BTW, I am V foot 19.

  25. Listen up ladies. I have a few bits of information to help guide you in your Frank time guesses. As Rob as mentioned, I don’t climb well for my weight or anything else. My recent time up Haleakala was about 5:10. I go slow and I never go faster. He has already dropped me like a sack of nails out here when he fired off his blindingly white guns.

    Frank is 34 years young. He has a huge motor. He has a bike Jens himself would be proud to throw a leg over. I believe he will kill himself to do a good time.

    I am the support car with flip video so we will have a nice little movie out of this. I can’t imagine why I will be doing any hula but during the annual race there is a fine group at 5280 feet dressed up as airline pilots and stewardesses who cheer you on as you go past the “mile high club” banner.

  26. @Gianni
    You have said nothing to make me want to change my time, unless you get Frank to stop all liquids then I might have to. The real question is can he break 4 hours and why you are being such a downer about the hula??

    In all seriousness you guys should know that this is such a fantasy for us snow bunnies. I mean it is seriously cold here and there is more snow on the ground than has fallen altogether for the last 3 winters, plus more of a dumping coming tomorrow. So this awesome Frank effort really is making these long winter nights a little shorter.

    OK enough sappy stuff back to biznus you need to commit, add your guess, he hee!
    Every one else too.

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36
    11) Collin – 4:17.29
    12) mcsqueak – 4:45:01
    13) JFT – 3:58:30
    14) Buck Rogers – 4:25.36

  27. @xyxax
    I took into account the decrease in gravitational pull due to Frank’s increased distance from the center of the Earth. I calculated Frank’s decreased drag coefficient as he ascends through the troposphere. However, I failed to consider the variability of Frank’s hydration and carbo-loading strategies.

    Can we get some specifics, Frank? How many beers have you had?

  28. @Rob
    Yes he can break the 4 hour mark, the kid is oozing awesome from his very being. Jeff, he will be fully hydrated before the ride if beer drinking falls into our definition of hydrated. He is quite thorough in that department.

    To keep his training up we are doing a killer West Maui ride tomorrow, out on a secluded coastal road, lots of headlands to climb over and it all ends up at the Maui Brewery. I try to help the humans now and again.

  29. When, exactly, is the event scheduled for? The excitement is building …

    Oh, and the best of velomiluck to you, Frank. Slay that beast.

  30. @Gianni
    Yes. I think drinking beer falls into our definition of properly hydrated.

    In fact, Brett, how about adding “properly hydrated” to the The Lexicon? Definition: consumed many beers. Used in a sentence: Not wanting to shrivel up like a prune during his ascent of Wannahakkalugi, Frank spent many days prior to his epic climb getting properly hydrated with Gianni.

  31. @G’phant
    Won’t happen””not even with Gianni motor-pacing (of course, proper hydration has its downside in this kind of scenario). I’m not sure my Volvo could crack 3:30.

  32. Jeff in PetroMetro:
    @Rob
    Hey. Are we using “The Price Is Right” rules?

    After the TTR seminar I am afraid to ask…

    @Gianni
    This is true insider info and gives my prediction gravitas!

    @G’phant
    Frank say’s Saturday is the day.

    @ALL
    From his post above there are many signs that he might be psyching himself out.
    I will name a few for folks who have not put up a time yet, it may make some think about a time higher than the current 5:01.01 of Geoffrey’s.

    His height tops the list (if you did not know he is fucking 6’5″, I had some beers with him and got a crook in my neck by the end of the evening)

    He has peaking ISSUES… no comment.

    He next lists 3 other issues, centipedes, dirty white socks and various squeaky noises on the bike. This says to me that his anal compulsions maybe getting the better of his Dutch Monkey brain – a very bad sign I think.

    Lastly, he is driving and riding his bike all over Maui, which must be just incredibly mind blowing but add to that being constantly pissed on great brews (Gianni is a wizard at finding rare IPA’s with alcohol levels off the charts and brown drinks with names like Dogs Bottom that will make you go blind) and all the while the mountain looms ala Orodruin, the volcano in Mordor and he is like Frodo (Who if you remember was a tallish Hobbit). I think it is wearing him down?

    Can’t wait for Saturday and the videos!
    Get your times in.

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36
    11) Collin – 4:17.29
    12) mcsqueak – 4:45:01
    13) JFT – 3:58:30
    14) Buck Rogers – 4:25.36

  33. Being MUCH older than Frank but also 6’5″ I know the height is not as much of a handicap unless there is a big wind. Even though there will be a be a big wind I predict a sub 4:00:00 finish.

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36
    11) Collin – 4:17.29
    12) mcsqueak – 4:45:01
    13) JFT – 3:58:30
    14) Buck Rogers – 4:25.36
    15) 3cross – 3:57:13

  34. This is what happens @ the office when I yank my car of the roof when it rains.

    PS – I know, the saddlebag violation…

  35. @Jeff in PetroMetro

    Arggh! Given gravity’s fatal effect on my cycling, how could I have left that out?
    Just to level the playing field for everyone, the gravitational constant G (elucidated by Cavendish!) is 6.673 x 10-11 N m2/kg2.

    and “centipedes”, in metric, are “trentimetres”.

  36. Steampunk:
    @Rob
    Centipedes?

    Yes Centipedes, Steampunk??

    @3cross
    Good call.

    @Buck Rogers
    We try – thanks.

    @xyxax
    Ah-um yes and very useful I’m sure…

    @ALL, not counting 3:35, 4:42, 4:45 and 5:01 there are 5 grouped around 3:51 – 3:57. The next grouping of 6 go from 4:06 – 4:25.

    I have no idea what this means but get your guesses in!

    Frank’s Time Up the Big One
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36
    11) Collin – 4:17.29
    12) mcsqueak – 4:45:01
    13) JFT – 3:58:30
    14) Buck Rogers – 4:25.36
    15) 3cross – 3:57:13

  37. @Rob
    I am as stoked about Frank vs. The Volcano as I am about Milan San Remo! Hurry up, Frank!

  38. @Jeff in PetroMetro
    Jeff, I am so with you on this. I have to admit that the TDU has just not grabbed me – for no better reason than it is just wrong, wrong, wrong to be watching bike racing at this time of year… and I know that makes no sense because it is a great race with some good hardman stuff going on. But I am a northern hemisphere body, the toilet swirls in the right direction and the light is only just coming back, the snow is high the temps low and I am out on skis more than I am on the bike (don’t get me started on spinning).

    If I had a velodrome nearby with a Six Day I’d be there in a flash but that is indoors with lots of beer.

    In a funny way Franks challenge is just the right combination of winter entertainment as you could wish for! And your right Milan San Remo is only sixish weeks away but it can’t come soon enough.

  39. An oh yes “Frank Vs. The Volcano”

    A++1

    Every one Last chance today for times, copy and paste…

    “Frank Vs. The Volcano”
    1) Rob – 3:51.25
    2) Jeff in PetroMetro-3:35:35
    3) Steampunk – 4:27.18
    4) G’phant – 4:14.9
    5) Marko – 4:06.46
    6) xyxax – 3:52.12
    7) Chris – 4:12.37
    8) Nate – 3:59:45
    9) Geoffrey “” 5:01:01
    10) sgt – 4:42:36
    11) Collin – 4:17.29
    12) mcsqueak – 4:45:01
    13) JFT – 3:58:30
    14) Buck Rogers – 4:25.36
    15) 3cross – 3:57:13

  40. @all
    The guns feel good; been on several rides here and I’m in danger of snapping my crank arms off. Which I can’t explain because I’m several months from peaking. Planning to stay well hydrated today, load up tonight, and start the climb around 8am.

    She is a sleeping giant, a massive lump of rock. I can sense her everywhere I go, much like Obi-wan sensed the destruction of Alderan and Vader sensed his old master on the Death Star. The volcano is dormant, but it is a place strong with the v. The path lies before me, and I am prepared to take the first step.

    A-Merckx, thanks for the support, and may the v be with you all.

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