What Lance Did Was Great, Or Was It?

Lance's return to the tour is because he needs to double up his dose of fame.  7 victories is not because of Lance, it is because of an outstanding team.  Lance is a strong rider and an inspiration to anyone trying to overcome something, but to say it will be awesome is exactly what he wants you to say.

I won't dispute the victories Lance achieved were great, but after the 5th, it honestly became boring.  5 was special, it put him into the elite category - but after 5, it became, oh really - again?  Great.

Quite frankly, it sounds like RaeLynn, you have a beginner's crush!

Lance Armstrong's Comeback Chronicles--read it and weep Andy:)

Lance Armstrong is the GOD OF CYCLING...ROAD CYCLING (sorry Andy)

and yes he can win and yes it will be awesome ~ Jan (sorry again Andy, but no way)...

so Andy, we'll battle it out on the blog...

and I found this really cool thing on Road Bike Action Magazine's online site:

The Lance Armstrong's Comeback Chronicles--Page 8 check it out...

http://www.roadbikeaction.com/fly.aspx?layout=content&taxid=178&cid=837

by the way Andy...did I mention Lance won 7 Tour de France races::))

Pushing the Limits

Do you hear this all the time when you ride? I do...

Fortunately working in the bike industry has given me the opportunity to ride with some really strong riders and I've learned a lot from all of them; especially the importance of pushing yourself to the max.

Regretably, my max--well let's just say, it's far from that of the max of most of the riders I ride with. They always want more..
I have to work on those things that hold me back;

Fear--of injury; I spent so much time repairing my knees I fear the ultimate destruction of them will come on the bike; I need to get over this as I ride harder now than ever and they are still hanging in there.

Knowledge; knowing how much to give and still be able to finish

Intimidation: it's tough to go out as a beginner and ride with the big dawgs of the world--god forbid I fall down on my bike or do something silly while with them ~~like having my sunglasses not situated properly with my helmet or grease covering my leg; a sure beginner mark:)

So I've decided to work on this immediately. I'm going out hard next time and for the entire time--no Garmin--just pushing it to the limit the whole way. I'll expect to hurt, I'll be sweaty and unattractive, I'll probably still have grease on my leg but I'll adjust my glasses..and after this I'll be better, stronger, faster ---and someday race ready.

~rl

Road Riding Makes Me Think Of Lance

I went out for a road ride today to just change things up and I got to thinking about the announcement of the Lance making a comeback and heading to the Tour.  I couldn't help but to think of my own attempts of a comeback and how awful that went.

Back in 93 I was State Champion in the California State Series and Amateur Cup Champion all in the same year.  This was the height of my cycling career... college took front row after.  But after years of being out of the game, I was still riding and actually getting very fast.  Everyone pushed me to go out and race again, saying I would own the Expert Class field.  They couldn't be more wrong.

The first race held at Castaic I came in next to last.  I completely blew, but I had a huge smile across my face from the race, something I rarely encountered in the midst of my better days.  My second race I crashed and smashed my face.  I was done.  Racing was in my past, officially.

Which brings me back to Lance.  Dude, take note, don't do it.  Instead pull a comeback in Mountain Biking.  It would be great to go out a hero in road cycling and then if you fall on your face in mountain biking, you have a list of excuses like, it's more technical, the downhilling is rough, whatever.  But to go back into what you  already mastered can lead to huge risks with very little gain.

Think about it.  Let's say Lance wins again.  So what?  All any of us would think is 

1.  The sport got soft and 

2.  No big surprise, he did it many times before.  

It's not like it's Ullrich making a comeback and winning the tour... that would be awesome if Fat Boy came back and kicked ass. No this is someone we are expecting to win.

Now let's say Lance gets his ass handed to him.  Now he goes down like all other greats to tried to make a comeback.  And everyone will say, should've staying in retirement.

BUT, if you make a comeback in a sport close to yours, now it's open season.  And mountain biking is an old dude's haven.  Look at Ned.  He kicked more ass as he got older.  Plus, it would do mountain biking wonders to have an A list athlete in the mix.  Maybe it would give mountain bikes in the stores the exact boost they need in this economy.

That's my two cents.  Agree?  Disagree?  Shout back and let me know.

Big Sycamore Ride on Sunday

So last Sunday I decided to do a big 3.5 ride into Sycamore.  After blasting over the Dos Vientos hills, I dropped in down the Black Bitch and rolled over to Hell Hill.

For those of you that don't know, Hell Hill is a direct route to the top of where Backbone and Overlook meet.  It is steep , grueling and now recently plowed.  Back in my prime, I could climb this hill without stopping.  Now, not so much.  It took me two stops - it's the heat and I'm sticking to that excuse!

At least after torturing your legs on this climb, you are rewarded with one of the best single track descents I have ever been on.  I also was extra fortunate to not run into any climbers, which seems like it would be equally challenging but insane to me considering how fast some people come down that hill.  When you throw in how many inexperienced riders I encounter out there, that makes for a crazy combo!

And speaking of other riders, what has happened to friendliness?  What the hell is wrong with saying hi when you pass a fellow rider, hiker or jogger?  It seems more common than not now I meet some uptight individuals on the trails who for the life of them can't mutter two letters.

Regardless, try a nod or small wave... we are all sharing the trail, enjoying nature and getting exercise - let's remain friendly because lord knows hikers and horseback riders would love nothing more than extra ammo to kick us off the dirt!

Pink Train Pics 10/26/08

Who is this French guy?

The Pink Train (all ladies ride at Agoura Cycles) rolled out of the parking lot at--well okay close to 8:30 am today. We had a great turnout 8 gals and well, one french guy...some say we don't understand the french; but this one..well surrounding himself with chicks....might be the smartest one yet! We let him ride along, but only if he promised to fix flats--which of course we did not need---we should have made him buy the croissants:) next time we make him wear pink and shave his legs too--

At any rate it was a fun day out to Calabasas, up 7-or so minute hill and back to the shop. Everyone seemed to have a great time; all were smiling when we returned.

I had time to pop into the shop, set Debbie up with the Damselfly saddle demo, help D with her new Shimano custom molded shoes and eat before heading off to Rock Store with my afternoon training client.

My legs are going to need a massage:)

We'll do it again soon, so stay posted for the next mailing or check this Agoura Cycles blog for more.
Cheers,
RL

Road Bike Action RM160

Our friends at Road Bike Action Magazine; http://www.roadbikeaction.com/ puts on a annual ride called the RM160 and since I'm definitely not riding 160+ miles on my bicycle, I got to be the SAG HAG.

The crew, including one awesome woman, started from Thousand Oaks at o'dark thirty on Saturday morning. I soon learned that this isn't your ordinary club ride... pace was up there right from the start and didn't let up the entire ride. Der-was smiling.
It was a beautiful route through Filmore, Ojai and Santa Barbara and the group continued to smile and have fun the entire trip. Myself and cowboy Bruce drove along behind snapping photos, handing out bottles and gel paks and I wondered if I'll ever grow up and be able to ride like these folks. Der- was smiling.
Lunch in Santa Barbara was wonderfully sunny, so the crew had a nice picnic at the park before continuing on. Remarkably, the day was uneventful with only a few mechanical issues and most vehicles seemed to yield to the group. Der- was smiling.
As late afternoon approached I wondered if they would make it back before darkness, especially since the dreaded climb (dreaded only by me) was the last climb of the day...at this point the guys realized it might be more than 160 miles...Der- was still smiling.
I gave one rider a ride back to his car, grabbed an espresso, and drove back to the coast to see who was left. On the way I ran into a rider I hadn't seen since the start??--he was crazed with hunger and thirst, so I filled his water and hoped he wasn't going to chew off my arm if I gave him a ride. No ride for him--he was going to finish and he DID!
Back at the last pit stop on Lewis road, my friend was spinning to warm the legs before the climb. One by one the guys rolled in desperate for Red Bull and whatever caffinated, sugar loaded, carb, energy burst they could get. Der- was still smiling.
The climb up Portero was/is brutal, but the remaining 6 or 7 guys all made it up--Der- smiled the entire way up.
At the end of the day, the guys were worn out, needed showers and real food. RM treated everyone to dinner at BJs, which was great to recap the ride, but most of them looked like they were 2 seconds from being face down in the pillow. Der- wasn't there but I know he was smiling.
All in all a great experience to watch; not gonna rush out and do that, but maybe someday:)

ps--I've abbreviated/changed the names to protect the innocent, but you know who you/they are:)
rl

Cycling Accessory Review

One thing I love when I am riding, especially when it is a trail I have done countless times, is to rock out to some tunes.  That said, like most everyone, my MP3 of choice is an ipod, especially a little shuffle for riding.  However, the headphones that come with the shuffle are not very deep in sound quality.

I recently purchased these little ear buds and I have to say the sound difference is amazing.  They handle deep bass while the clarity is very crisp, making the songs I normally listen to over my little player breathe a new life.

Now one word of caution, because these are in-the-ear buds, you get a great amount of noise cancellation, great for listening to your music, not so great for listening for cars, other riders or people on foot.  I find these wonderful for taking to the trails because I don't have to think about sharing the road with giant beasts that could send me flying if they get too close.  Translation, I don't have to have my guard up.

Other than that, I would really recommend these little ear buds.  They are comfortable, come with three fitting sizes and weigh nearly nothing, so you really don't feel them on.

Ladies Ride Sunday October 26th!

Hello ladies,
Let the PINK TRAIN roll again......
I apologize for the late notice, but I hope some/all of you will be able to attend another women's ride this Sunday October 26th, 8:30 am.

New Start location: we will start at Agoura cycles this time; yes I will have a key, so bathroom and fill up on last minute gu shot if needed.

We will use the same route as last time...

This is an intermediate ride and pace with re-group spots, road bikes only, bring proper gear, food, cell phone, gels, etc. helmets mandatory. You must know and obey all road rules for cycling and have a bike in good working order.

WEAR PINK (win a pair of Sock guy pink socks to the best dressed; voted on by group) and rsvp please...

Hope you can make it and pass this along if you know capable riders that want to join us!
RaeLynn
call or email with questions 805-908-5162 zenzyus@yahoo.com


Route would be:
Agoura cycles to Agoura Road to Lost Hills (actually the street before Lost Hills, right past the Sheriff's Station - don't know the name)
Right on Lost Hills to De Anza Park for a rest stop/catch-up spot.
Right on leaving park to Las Virgenes
Right on Las Virgenes to Mulholland
Left on Mulholland...stop for slower riders.
Straight on Mulholland to corner of Stunt Road - stop for slower riders. Optional climb here
Continue on Mulholland to next left - Dry Canyon, Cold Creek - otherwise known as "7-minute Hill".
Left on DC,CC to top, which ends back on Mulholland.
Stop at guard shack - water available.
Right (east) on Mulholland to Old Topanga - stop light.
Left on Old Topanga to 2nd stoplight (don't remember name).
Left on street - wait for slower riders - then straight to end of street.
Right - follow around to right turn (Park Capri???).
Right to Park Granada (I think is name)..
Left to Parkway Calabasas.
Right to Calabasas Road.
Left on Calabasas Road to Moreau Road.
Right on Moreau Road (over freeway) to Las Virgenes.
Left on Las Virgenes to Agoura Road (stop at McDonalds if needed - and to wait for slower riders).

"Right on Agoura Road to Chesebro/Palo Comado, right on C/PC which runs into Driver, continue past Agoura high school, right on Argos, left on T.O. Blvd past Kanan to Agoura Cycles."

Short and Sweet - By Andy

Far too quick to be really considered a ride, yesterday I hit the dirt and shot up a nearby single track I usually descend only to turn back and head down once I got to the top.

The entire ride only took a half an hour, but was a great stress reliever considering how many hours I have been working lately.

I did notice one thing yesterday, the weather is getting cooler, which means no more cut off jerseys.  I do know Agoura Cycles is having a sale on Rock Racing gear, buy a kit (jersey and bib) and get either arm warmers or gloves free.  Maybe I should head over there, though Rock gear on the dirt is a dangerous combo considering their clothing is up there in price, but damn it looks cool!

Ha, I have a better idea.  I should get a kit and then sport it on my old school steel road bike.  I think my outfit would be more money than my entire frame!

UCLA TRI

I skipped the Saturday group ride this morning (sorry about that!) to help out at Boulevard Cycles. We are the official sponsored bike shop for one of the largest college triathlon teams, UCLA. We, through our strong relationships with vendors have put together a multi year sponsorship program for UCLA Tri, and with Orbea being the bike sponsor. Orbea made the introductions with their coach, Gareth Thomas. Gareth has assembled 60 students to create this large team.

Yesterday and today, many students came in for shoes, pedals, and most importantly, bikes. Most have never owned a road bike before, and I was quite amazed that Gareth was able to attract so many people to a sport they have never done before. Some of these students joined the club with only a mountain or a comfort bike. It was fun working with them today. For one, they came in looking for "deals", and I think most if not all actually left knowing more about the sport than they thought they knew before they stepped into the shop.

These groups are always great to work with. I remember when we first got involved with the Amgen Tri team. A bunch of people that were new to a sport and had very little experience in what to do, buy, borrow, etc. What I remember clearly was the enthuisasm and excitment; the same thing I saw today. I look forward to a long and great relationship with UCLA.

Killer Training Program - Bring Your Kid - By Andy

Here's the very best way to make your legs burn like hell.  Take one single speed, one bike along trailer and one 30lb kid.

This was last Friday's ride that left my legs sore the next day.  The ride

 however was awesome.  My daughter and I blasted out to the Doe Vientos loop to do some circuit riding.  This rolling single track / fire road is great for getting the family out to enjoy the riding I love so much.

For my ride, I have my old ex race bike converted into a single speed as a last ditch attempt to keep the relic on the trails.  Needless to say, this style of riding brings a whole new meaning to anticipating the route.

For my daughter's rig, she has a Giant half-wheeler which has gears, though her six year old hands can't switch those twisty shifters.  I tell you it's a shame the way bike companies put on cheap parts on kids bikes when they would really benefit to smoother shifting and braking parts.  I myself would pay more for better parts if it meant my kid could learn easier and not get so discouraged... but I digress...

So we made our way out to the trailhead laughing it up and taking in the sights and sounds you can only appreciate when you are away from your car.  It's as though life moves a little slower and you can stop and smell the flowers, or at least get a whiff as you ride by.

When we hit the hills, our last attempt at this a few months back we were forced to walk due to lack of power in my legs and the sheer stupidity on my part of how incredibly heavy the ride would be when it starts heading up.  But this time we were prepared and determined.

Hill 1 - blasted it!  Hard work, but doable.  Next came rolling single track, great fun when you have to factor your bike has become a stretch limo.  Then came Hill 2, the nasty one, even on my geared carbon.

Last time we hit this trail, we walked it.  This time, my daughter says to me, "We need to kill this hill. "  (Talk about my kinda girl)  So after taking a 3 minute break before ascending the climb, we take off.

First let me say, I have immense respect for single speeders, this alone is hard, but then throw on the bike-a-long, kid and a hill, well you get the picture.  So when we made it about half way up this hill, me breathing so hard I swear air was coming out my eyes, my daughter chatting away, and my legs screaming mercy, I thought we were in for another failed attempt.  But then something changed, I actually felt help in the rear!  My daughter was pedaling hard enough to actually make a difference.  And when we crested the top, even though I was seriously seeing stars, I was completely proud of her.

Over the course of the rest of ride, everything else felt easy, we rolled the fire road and eventually made it back to the city streets to head home by dusk.

So today I needed to rest my legs after the successful event.  However, I have already been asked today when we are going out again to kill that hill... That's my girl!

Introductions... - By Andy

Where I grew up, in the foothills of Chatsworth, we had a hill behind our house with a fireroad up it we named "Puke Hill." Reason being, it was a short hell of a climb and back in the day of the Diamond Back Apex and old Rockhoppers, this hill felt like a nightmare on the thighs.

But the hill lead to other great trails including Devil's Canyon a wild, rocky route through enough poison oak and rock gardens to frighten even the hardest of riders.

And so started my love for cycling and more importantly mountain bike riding. I would challenge Puke Hill nearly every day with my Apex then my Yeti, my Curtlo, my few 3Ds and most recently my Scott. Puke Hill started as a challenge, became training grounds for racing and now has turned into memory lane for the riding I have done over half my life. And while over the years my bikes have lightened their weight and increased their suspension, this hill has still remained an injection of pain to my legs. Now granted, maybe it is the extra 20lbs of beer and age I carry around my body (mainly midsection) that has slowed up the pace... at least I would like to think so, but the love has always remained the same.

Whether you ride a road bike, a cruiser, a bmx or a mountain bike - we all share the same love for two wheels and momentum supported my our own internal engine.

With that, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Andrew Reifert and I will be writing this blog as often as I can to talk mainly about mountain biking, product reviews, gripes, announcements and general crap related to the sport we all know in love.

I look forward to your comments and eyeballs visiting my words... happy trails!