Thank you Juan Pablo

Last weekend when I was working at the store, I was witness to a very odd conversation.  Which, it is a store that specializes in triathlon gear and what not, so we do have many odd conversations; but this one really tops the podium...

The scene fades in.
Two young women enter.  One is a competitive open water endurance swimmer, the other competing in her first 70.3 in Miami. They are browsing the store, random chit chat ensues while the triathlete decides on her nutritional goodies.  They both walk up to the register, in no particular hurry, until the swimmer sees the stick of Body Glide near the register....

Swimmer:  OOOH  Body Glide!  I wonder if this would prevent me chaffing in my longer 3 mile swims.
My Thought Bubble:  3 mile OWS?  I would surely die before chaffing would be an issue.
Triathlete:  Hey, do you think they have that numbing gel they were talking about?
My Thought Bubble:  Numbing gel?  What on earth....
Swimmer:  I don't know?
Me:  Um....What exactly are you looking to numb?
Triathlete:  You know....for down there (motions to her nether regions)....for when I'm on the bike.
My Thought Bubble:  Did she just say what I think she said?
Me:  I can't say that I would willingly and intentionally, or encourage anyone to, put on something to make lady parts go numb.....
Triathlete:  (blank stare)
My fellow sales associate:  That is one area where I would definitely want to keep the blood flowing.....
My Thought Bubble:  BAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Triathlete: (blank stare)
Me:  What kind of saddle do you have??

Which leads me to today's Public Service Announcement.

Ladies and Gentleman.
If you are riding your bike and your nether regions go numb, SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT.  Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Take my lead on this one.  Load up your faithful steed and proceed directly to your bike guru.  Have him look at your position and definitely look at getting a new saddle. The right fit on both will ensure your parts keep working as they should and your long bike rides will immediately become (cough) pleasurable, without the use of numbing gels.

It may sound like I'm poking fun, and I am a little because it was hysterical!  BUT I can write about it and poke fun at it because I've been in that same predicament.  My guru helped me choose a split saddle.  The Adamo Prologue to be exact.  And his name is Juan Pablo.

There are multiple variations of the type, open nose, closed nose...whatever, I don't pretend to know all the ins and outs. What I do know is that each has an opening that safely cradles all that we hold dear.  They are not cheap, nothing in this sport is, but I firmly believe that this is the one (cough) area where you should go ahead and make a serious investment.  Your nethers will thank you.

So, I owe a debt of gratitude to James for introducing me to Juan Pablo.  And thank you Juan Pablo for proving to me that chivalry is NOT dead by protecting this lady and all her parts through lots of miles.  May we share many many more long comfortable journeys together!

Adventures with Thelma: Episode 3

Thelma thought that with two long rides in the books with her new digs that I should post an update on our progress.

Last weekend marked our longest ride EVER.  We made a pretty substantial jump in mileage, one that I don't really advise, from 35 miles up to 53.  A good time to test out the new fit, saddle and aero bars!  I'm happy to report that even after 53 miles, I had no pain in the unmentionable area!  This is huge, people.  This is a game changer, seriously.  If you find yourself uncomfortable after 20-30 miles, try a new saddle.  It is TOTALLY worth the investment.  Unfortunately, I didn't have the cojones to get into my aero bars.  I didn't realize how different the front end would feel with the added weight!  Oh well, live to try another day...

This past weekend we had another long ride to do.  I'm still a novice rider and do not feel comfortable battling the roads on my own.  I hooked up with a local shop ride out of Cool Breeze Cyclery.  They have 3 groups, an "A", "B" and "C" group.  As and Bs are your faster groups and the "C" is my speed!  What a great group!  Thanks to Chris for keeping as all going and together!  I did have a little mishap and fell off my bike standing still.  Yes folks.  This takes skill.  Almost as much skill as the day I feel off while on my stationary trainer....thank goodness the couch was there.

I was able to get 34 miles in with the group and then headed to the Huntersville Business Park to finish out my ride.  The HBP is a 2 mile loop where many cyclists, runners and walkers go to get in their miles.  I feel safe here because even if something happens, I know there will always be someone to pass by.  That and there is a hospital right there!
Anyway, with a bruised knee plus some unrelated-to-fall knee cap pain, we had to cut it short a few miles. Good news?  I was able to try out my aero bars!!!!  Yes, I looked like a bad ass, even if I was only going like 10 mph...

Now I just need to figure out how not to veer off to the left and hit passing motorists and cyclists alike....

I guess that's about it.  Not too terribly exciting for most people, but for me, it's all part of the process!

Thelma and I are hitting the race circuit again on Saturday so I'm sure she'll want me to post a race preview.  Though, her and I need to have some words I think....she's getting a little full of herself since her new digs....

Adventures with Thelma: Episode 2

Thelma and I get along pretty well...for about 20 miles.  After 20 miles, we start bickering at each other.  By mile 25 I start cussing and then by the 30 mile mark I can't stand to be around her anymore.

She becomes a real pain in the ass.

Literally.

We did the best we could with what we had.  But I personally would like to keep all my bits and pieces functioning, meaning keeping the blood flow flowing....no numbness wanted in my little bits if you catch my drift.  

Plus, the way Thelma is set up doesn't allow me to be as efficient as I could be while exerting less energy than I need too.  That's the idea, right?  To go as fast as possible with minimal amount of effort and energy.   

With this 70.3 cloud over my head (44 days, but who's counting?), that includes a 56 mile bike ride on a flat course, I realized I needed a way to get low, get fast and find a way to make every pedal stroke count.  Clearly it was time for us to see a professional.

With Thelma loaded in the back, we ventured out of our 2-exit bubble and made it to the Queen City unharmed (and only a little lost) to see James Haycraft at Inside Out Sports.  In addition to being an absolute guru for all things cycling, James, a.k.a. "The Pro", is also part of ICE Racing.  Simply said, the dude knows his shit.

I'm just guessing here,
 but I think James is wondering how in the hell
I've been riding on this seat and still  be able to function after.

After he performed his once over on Thelma, he had me hop on to see what kind of magic he'd have to work.  This is how Thelma and I usually ride.  Upright and sitting awkwardly to protect the lady parts.

Before

After some seat adjustments, I can now position myself on my sit bone instead of ....well....you know, and then some bar adjustments to position me low and forward will help with efficiency without putting forth too much effort.  Throw on a new split saddle, add some aero bars and now I look like an instant bad ass.  I may not know what I'm doing, but at least now I look like I do!

After

Let the awesomeness commence.

Thanks James!

Well, I've gone and done it....

As you may (or may not) know, I've been kicking around the idea of getting me some new wheels, maybe even mentioned it a time or two here and there.  Well,  a sign from above an opportunity fell into my lap that I just could not resist.

I hope you will join me in welcoming the newest addition to my fleet.

I shall name her Thelma.

No, I have not gone for a ride yet...but I did finally get some pedals....

And yes.  The pink will be replaced with, oh I don't know, orange?

Ooooh, do they sell flame decals for bikes???