Funny Video about the ban of race radios

Who knew cyclists had such a sense of humor???

I'm not the only one!

See I'm not the only one who finds intersting things along the road/trail - well - interesting.

See the post titled "Sometimes it's good to leave the camera at home" in Speedgoat's news area.

I've often mentioned to friends about finding undergarments along the road. Then, jokingly, I say "They didn't fit so I left them there." Oh, to be young and carefree again. These days, I know how much I paid for my underwear, and being the frugal person that I am, I wouldn't consider just tossing them out the window. I know I'm probably missing the point here but c'mon, there's enough trash on the ground. Throw the underwear in the glove box and let your Mom wash them later.

Spring has sprung...and the roads are full of junk!

One of the funniest (oddest) beachcomber finds yet...
I didn't bring it home or take any pictures, but there were about eight of us who saw it...

I'm typing quietly so no one hears me, and snickering at the oddity of this find...

What was it...

A 2 foot long, double ended, sexual play toy. EEWWWW, there, I said it.

Now you don't find that along the roads of western PA very often.

Some more finds!!!

Just a few new findings lately. I have enjoyed the mild fall days. I like seeing the leaves and scenery as I "steal" a couple more rides before the real cold days come. I still keep my eyes open for anything interesting along the roadside.

First, last week I came alone a very nice little Swiss Army knife.






Then just today, I was out on another lunch ride, trying to clear my head, and found this:



I'm thinking someone dumped it after the Philies lost.

Go and enjoy some these nice days, before all your riding is inside or you have to bundle up.

Beachcomber.

The latest Beachcomber Report

I have come across a few interesting things along the roads of Westmoreland County this year. It's been about a year since I blogged about any findings. I have found a 25 ft Stanly tape measure, a Motoguzzi license plate, a Snap-On 10mm combo wrench, and a Coca-Cola bottle cap checker board.
But today's find tops all of those and anything Afib-rider (soon to be the former Afib-rider) has boasted about. While honing my skills in any effort to get ready for next week's LaTour de LaTonka, I came across this little beauty - a complete (both ends attached) heavy duty, right off the truck, ratcheting tie down strap.

I don't know what I'll use it for yet, but if I ever have to haul something, it will be strapped down well.

Beachcomber out.

Finally, a rare race appearance and something to blog about.

I stopped scouring the road sides for goodies this Tuesday and made my way to the Washington Blvd. oval. It’s been several years since I’ve been able to get to the oval for a crit night. Last year I did two time trials there, but that was all.

I have a love/hate relationship with crits. I love that if I ride smart, I can do well. I hate that even if I ride smart for 45 minutes, I can blow it all in the last 45 seconds. I love that I can hide my weakness in climbing. I hate it if I lose the sprint. It goes on and on…

I went there with a “plan” and my goal was to ride the “plan” – ride smart, stay out of the wind, wait ‘til the end, be patient, sprint hard. I rode the “plan!”

The race was 35 laps – the first 5 were neutral. Since I haven’t been there, I only recognized a few faces. I didn’t know who to watch or follow so I was just watching everyone. The best way to do that is from the back of the pack. I was able to work my way up when I wanted to, but for the most part I tried to keep a low profile. To some, this might not be the most honorable strategy, but it was “the plan.” One of the riders I know is a Sharon, one of the faster women racers who mixes it up with the guys at times. She is not a good wheel to follow. She’s about 4 ft tall and rides in the drops all the time. The only person harder to draft is Dirty Mike (aka “Sliver”). The laps ticked by. There were the usual attempts at breaks. I tell my self “don’t worry, it won’t stick, they never do...” I talk to my self a lot during a crit. My biggest battle is sometimes my own lack of confidence. I tell my self, “you can do it, you can hang in at this speed, just be patient.…” There were a number of primes. I tell my self “Stay focused, don’t be tempted by the cookie prime, wait, be patient…” With about nine laps to go, I try to start positioning myself. Five laps to go, move up some more, be patient, look for the strong guys or a team train to follow. Two to go, you can do it don’t get jumpy, be patient….

Here come the last 45 seconds. I find myself on the inside about 10 places back. This is not where I want to be. I make sure I’m in the right gear for the speed. People start passing on the outside in turn 3. I hold my line on the inside. Coming out of turn 4, the guys in front are already sprinting and I’ve got some people in front of me. A lane opens up on the inside and I launch. By that time, I’m almost in mid pack, but I’ve got a clear lane and I’m coming around people. I’m watching everyone over to my right as they spread across the width of the track. I end up crossing the line 5th, with all five riders are within two bike lengths spread.

What did I learn? I felt good the whole race. My fitness isn’t coming along too bad. I’ve still got some snap in the legs. I can still ride in a pack. I love sprinting! I’ve got to do some more if this.

Cool AND Useful - how good is that!

I was a little disappointed at missing the Tour of PA when it passed through Latrobe (not just once, but twice), but I'll get over it. It just may come back next year - let's hope.
Anyway, after a short break from my lunchtime rides, I got out for a good little ride yesterday. I wasn't planning this, but part of the ride I did covered part of the route the "Tour" used on last Saturday's stage. JACKPOT!! There in someone's front yard - two discarded water bottles - just waiting for me come by and collect them. One sanitizing cycle through the dishwasher and good as new. Except for chipping in on the ag3r bottles, I don't think I have purchased a water bottle in over 20 years. In fact, I think the last bottles I bought were Tour de France replica Coca-Cola bottles circa mid to late 1980's. Remember those?