The Water Cooler, Scuttlebutt, Chit Chat Thread
#3051
out walking the earth
#3052
Senior Member
Check Amazon for stuff, and even the Zwift Racers Facebook group. They have some good ideas and cheap items out there. I'd also recommend cleaning that box!
Also, it wouldn't hurt to say hi in Zwift. I've lined up twice with you in races and was screaming your name to no avail.
Also, it wouldn't hurt to say hi in Zwift. I've lined up twice with you in races and was screaming your name to no avail.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
#3053
Senior Member
Sorry
It's worse now, jamming all the stuff from the storage shelves into the room through that doorway. And upstairs, and in the office.
It's worse now, jamming all the stuff from the storage shelves into the room through that doorway. And upstairs, and in the office.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
#3054
Senior Member
Here's my bike cave setup at the moment, currently have my cx bike on the trainer. To the left of my bike is an old dresser we used as a tv stand and now serves as a side table for me, plus I put a portable AC on the stand during the summer. Makes for a good place to leave stuff within reach. Currently using my wife's macbook air for zwifting (better graphics than my ancient core2duo desktop now there), and I sometimes use that old vizio tv on the green filing cabinet as a monitor for zwifting purposes, although it's just for visual distraction, as I train indoors with trainerroad from my ipad. My wife recently got some cheap workout tiles and I really like them, except they are a bit light so they are already dented from the trainer and bike shoes. Overall, pretty happy with this setup, would love a better PC of my own (12 years is pretty long in the tooth, but it really runs fine for the vast majority of things I do) but that's nitpicking and I'm not super serious about the zwifting at the moment.
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For storage I'm thinking the simple geometric pieces from IKEA. We have Expedit stuff, it's been udpated to a new version of the same, and it's solid, easy to anchor to the wall, and holds a lot of stuff. Done right a monitor could sit in the middle somewhere, there could be doors or solid drawer fronts, etc.
The monitor tip is huge. I want a larger monitor (mainly for the driving game set up, not for Zwift) and $180 is doable for a close to 40" screen. I "train" with the driving, lift to exhaustion then do some driving. It really helps with karting, I can go 3 hours and be barely fatigued now.
I run Zwift on an new-old machine. I bought the parts for a "main" PC (server with a lot of storage, usable for some video games) back in 2008 or so, never built it. Finally put it all together last year for Zwift, with a new video card. Works well enough for me.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
#3055
Senior Member
#3056
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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basement's as full of junk as most posts.
hoogerland forever going into that wire, too.
hoogerland forever going into that wire, too.
#3057
Senior Member
I'm in desperate need of an entire refresh of my bib short lineup, all of them are falling apart and, I suspect, not that good to begin with. I have some lower end pairs of demarchi and santini, and a not so old pair of capo shorts, which are just ok, but seems like there are spots in the chamois where it doesn't provide much support and creates hotspots. Definitely want to try some higher end stuff and see what works best, especially for indoor purposes, since I do so much inside.
#3058
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I don't want to race much anymore. I don't think I'm going to next year. It was fine training and stuff when my wife was at home with the little kid, but once she started working again a month or two ago, things are just so much busier and more hectic. And then I feel guilty leaving to train or race. And my results suck. I haven't cracked the top 6 in a race yet. And I haven't done a single ride over 3 hours since March, and only 4-5 rides over 1:45. Probably why my results suck.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
#3059
No matches
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Eastern PA
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I don't want to race much anymore. I don't think I'm going to next year. It was fine training and stuff when my wife was at home with the little kid, but once she started working again a month or two ago, things are just so much busier and more hectic. And then I feel guilty leaving to train or race. And my results suck. I haven't cracked the top 6 in a race yet. And I haven't done a single ride over 3 hours since March, and only 4-5 rides over 1:45. Probably why my results suck.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
It'll come back when life calms down, or maybe not and you'll find another hobby. I know I'm not very motivational. Sorry.
I got to a similar point as you though. My wife wants me to ride, but I feel guilty leaving her with the kids right now. Maybe once they get a bit older and things calm down, ya know? The bike will be there, your kids are only young once and it goes fast.
#3060
Senior Member
I don't want to race much anymore. I don't think I'm going to next year. It was fine training and stuff when my wife was at home with the little kid, but once she started working again a month or two ago, things are just so much busier and more hectic. And then I feel guilty leaving to train or race. And my results suck. I haven't cracked the top 6 in a race yet. And I haven't done a single ride over 3 hours since March, and only 4-5 rides over 1:45. Probably why my results suck.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
You can take heart in doing races just to do them, or sharing some knowledge with less experienced riders, closing a gap for a friend or teammate, etc. Even races where I last just 2 laps it's okay. I get to say hi to some friends, I help a fellow promoter out, and I have some new goals in mind for the next one. It may be that you can write off this year and start thinking about next season, in whatever form that may be.
I'm lucky that I have a supportive spouse, and a kid that just assumes I will always race. The Missus can see when I'm suffering in races and hurts for me just as much as she sees when I'm good in them and celebrates with me. I got shelled in 2 laps last Friday, and on Sunday it was all I could do to finish a race where I averaged 148w. I hurt so much I sat up in the sprint, letting 4 guys go by me, placing 11th, because I was just so cooked. Her first response was asking me how I stayed in for the last 40 minutes of the race. Her second was to say that I need to make more time to ride, even if it means leaving some other stuff aside.
Without support from the other side it'll be hard and maybe impossible. But with some support, and some lowering of expectations, you can enjoy the sport if you want.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
#3061
Senior Member
I'm in desperate need of an entire refresh of my bib short lineup, all of them are falling apart and, I suspect, not that good to begin with. I have some lower end pairs of demarchi and santini, and a not so old pair of capo shorts, which are just ok, but seems like there are spots in the chamois where it doesn't provide much support and creates hotspots. Definitely want to try some higher end stuff and see what works best, especially for indoor purposes, since I do so much inside.
#3062
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I don't want to race much anymore. I don't think I'm going to next year. It was fine training and stuff when my wife was at home with the little kid, but once she started working again a month or two ago, things are just so much busier and more hectic. And then I feel guilty leaving to train or race. And my results suck. I haven't cracked the top 6 in a race yet. And I haven't done a single ride over 3 hours since March, and only 4-5 rides over 1:45. Probably why my results suck.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
There are some who bring their whole family to race day, and everyone seems to have a good time, but that never worked for me. it can be done, but is situation dependent.
I've attempted a half-assed comeback this year following a time crunched program of about 6 hours/week, but I haven't responded to it in a manner that = actual race fitness. I haven't jumped into a 1/2 race, couldn't really imagine doing so, but have done a couple of 35/45+ races that I was totally dropped hard ... half these 35+ guys were juniors when I started, HTF did they end up 35+ so quickly!? BUT, i've enjoyed the races I've done for the anticipation of race day, being part of the scene (which is really seeing people), and the adrenaline rush of simply riding the bike fast in a pack.
Bottom line - if you like racing, you'll find a way to maintain some level of fitness, but may require adjusting expectations, which is a big mental shift. Also, horses for courses, pick the races that suit your natural characteristics. Racing 1/2 is hard, if you're old enough, swallowing the ego of having a single/double digit # and attempting some masters stuff can be a good substitute, but those guys are fast too!
#3063
Senior Member
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I don't want to race much anymore. I don't think I'm going to next year. It was fine training and stuff when my wife was at home with the little kid, but once she started working again a month or two ago, things are just so much busier and more hectic. And then I feel guilty leaving to train or race. And my results suck. I haven't cracked the top 6 in a race yet. And I haven't done a single ride over 3 hours since March, and only 4-5 rides over 1:45. Probably why my results suck.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
..but I understand. Racing on the razor of Cat 1 is a full time job on top of a full time job, and you have to omit everything else in your life to be successful at it. That takes a toll, especially with a wife and kids. Endurance sports in general are just too taxing both mentally and physically for most to sustain for years, its not like beer league softball; there's a huge time commitment and performance always wavers. Hopefully if you do take a break stick around here, this forums losing too many talented racers as is.
#3064
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Join Date: Jun 2008
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I don't want to race much anymore. I don't think I'm going to next year. It was fine training and stuff when my wife was at home with the little kid, but once she started working again a month or two ago, things are just so much busier and more hectic. And then I feel guilty leaving to train or race. And my results suck. I haven't cracked the top 6 in a race yet. And I haven't done a single ride over 3 hours since March, and only 4-5 rides over 1:45. Probably why my results suck.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
I'm burning the candle at both ends, the middle, and it's resting on a hotplate.
#3066
out walking the earth
I hear you. I field endless "come do this race, that race..." stuff from everyone. Teammates, group ride dudes, etc... Meanwhile I know full well they'd quit racing if they had 1 kid, much less twins. It is (unintentional on their part) crazy frustrating.
I'm burning the candle at both ends, the middle, and it's resting on a hotplate.
I'm burning the candle at both ends, the middle, and it's resting on a hotplate.
#3067
Senior Member
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I don't want to race much anymore. I don't think I'm going to next year. It was fine training and stuff when my wife was at home with the little kid, but once she started working again a month or two ago, things are just so much busier and more hectic. And then I feel guilty leaving to train or race. And my results suck. I haven't cracked the top 6 in a race yet. And I haven't done a single ride over 3 hours since March, and only 4-5 rides over 1:45. Probably why my results suck.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
Schools out in four days, so hanging on hoping that'll turn things around for the summer races, but pretty much decided I'll be about done by August when school starts again.
My pity party for the week.
out of curiosity, do you train to race, or do you race to train?
when you race, are you there to win, or is there more to the experience for you?
your answers will affect what i say next.
[i continue to race a full schedule for nordic skiing throughout the winter, but the general travel for that is far less than for road racing.]
#3068
out walking the earth
Yeah. My proper mass start stuff is about done. Switching disciplines and will focus on hill climbs and give time trials a shot. Three surgeries, head trauma, and all the broken ribs...time for something other than that.
#3070
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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see, I'd like to believe I could learn before the bad parts, but I'm here after 2 surgeries and innumerable close calls.
#3071
out walking the earth
#3073
Senior Member
Racing isn't dumb.
Its the excessive training and weight/nutrition management and sleeping a lot and then not sleeping enough and driving all over the state and lack of social life and other life experiences that are dumb.
I just like riding my bike when I want as hard or easy as I want and as long or short as I want.
Its the excessive training and weight/nutrition management and sleeping a lot and then not sleeping enough and driving all over the state and lack of social life and other life experiences that are dumb.
I just like riding my bike when I want as hard or easy as I want and as long or short as I want.
#3074
OMC
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Not racing, but an alternative for me...I got picked in the lottery for LOTOJA. I'm doing the sportive, M65+. Pretty pumped to do this.
__________________
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
#3075
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i think it's a sign of reduced demand for road events in general.