Happy New Year

Being the end of the year I’d thought I take a minute to reflect on the past year. To begin, thanks to all the people I work with. This industry isn’t making us rich so at least I have good folks to be around. The same is true of all the riders I get to take care of. You should know who you are and I consider you all great friends. What a blast we have traveling around this country. Looking forward to seeing you all at the races even if some of you are on different programs.

Looking back at some of the memorable moments of 2006…


The two week trip to California because I had to replace the van engine in Atlantic, Iowa and then again in Grand Junction, Colorado. (Good Luck with the van this year Team Advil/Chapstick).



Meeting Sima T. and Sarah T. I consider them memorable for so many ways that maybe I shouldn’t mention. They did buy me a used skateboard and Sima picked out a used shirt to for me which instantly endeared them to me (even if it was a little tight and short in the sleeves and I have no skate skills). Great time in Nashville too.


Driving a little less than 24,000 miles and spending over 200 days on the road somewhere. I’ll always remember that.


Getting to see Washington, DC on a bike and taking pictures with Japanese tourists who thought I was someone important. Just think. Back home they are showing their friends a picture of me with their daughter and grandma.


Tina’s many wins. I’m always amazed how she blows them away in a final sprint. Why she doesn’t win North American Female Racer of the Year Award is beyond me.

Most memorable day of racing was that windy road stage at Nature Valley. Crashes, wheel changes, bike swaps got my adrenaline going. The riders may say it was the worst day but I disagree and say it was epic and showed how tough they were (sorry no pictures).


All the good folks I met along the way that housed me, fed me, gave directions, installed van engines. There are great people all over the country.


The two hour climb to Apex Ski Resort in British Columbia. I was told it was a good ride. Had no idea it would be two hours uphill. Saw a bear too. Awesome day. Most of the rides I did were memorable for one reason or another (ex. Riding with Shane and Athena) but this one stuck out.


The rain/hail storm at the crit in Minneapolis. Everyone has a story from that one. Never saw water flowing up through the man hole covers like that before. Never saw my spare wheels float away like that either.


Fast wheel changes, quick bike swaps, and last minute fixes.


Mountain biking in Sedona, AZ with Keith after the Timex Training Camp.


Spending time in coffee shops with friends.


Riding out the earthquake in Hawaii. Also on the same day I survived a wave pummeling at the beach. Being tossed like a wet noodle is memorable.

Well, there's some of my memorable times from 2006. There are more but I can't be expected to remember them all or else we'd be here all day. I'm not sure if I have any New Year's Resolutions. I did notice that I've bought two magazines lately that have addressed "becoming the new you." Mostly, I'd like to stretch more and eat healthy. Oh yeah, and spread whirled peas!
Learn "Lenny" by SRV, decide on a full suspension bike,...........

Great, Great, Great, House of Guitars

I’ve been in Rochester, NY for the Christmas holiday. More specifically Webster, NY where my family lives. It was nice to have a break but now I’m returning to the “workload” and can’t stop thinking of all the things that need to be done in a month’s time while I’m sitting on the plane. Flying to Rochester was a bit long since I had to forgo my original flight. There were mega delays all over and I was going to miss a connecting flight in Detriot. Friday was a wasted day of waiting and waiting only to try again on Saturday. Then my return flight was cancelled and I had to re-book that flight since the one they put me on was not good. All in all, I must say the Northwest folks were nice. Someone said I should have asked for flight vouchers but I was just happy they upgraded me to first class (first time ever for me) and retrieved my guitar from the baggage hold when it was determined my flight was all screwed up. By the way. my guitar made it to Rochester fine and I assume it will make to Milwaukee just as fine. I love that guitar!

Family Christmas was pretty casual. I forgot to take any pictures though. My niece and her husband were on the final leg of an around the world tour and had lots of adventures to talk about. My nephew explained how to olley on a skateboard. My mom has a new hearing aid so we are all glad that she can hear us now even though she thinks it doesn’t work right.

I was able to find a Carhart brand sweatshirt too. In case you didn’t know, Carhart makes the best hooded sweatshirts. I’m not being opinionated on this matter. I’m just right. Their “hoodies” are thick and built to last. They fit good (not too short in back) and don’t shrink in the wash. Certainetly one of Doug’s “Top Picks.” While I’m at it, another “Top Pick” are smartwool socks. Great socks to wear in the winter and work awesome as cold weather cycling socks. I was able to buy these in the same store too.

One of the perks to visiting Rochester is going to the House of Guitars. This is one of the most amazing places on the earth. It’s been around as long as I can remember and is right by the house I grew up in. The place is part music store, part museum, and part shrine to the history of rock and roll all by accident. It is absolutely amazing and there is nothing else like it in the world. In fact, it’s known as the great, great, great house of guitars. I love the place for its plethora of guitars and amps but you don’t need to be a musician to visit this place at least once in your life. At this point, sit back and enjoy the picture tour.


Welcome to the great, great, great house of guitars. It is located in Irondequoit, NY right around the block from the house I grew up in.


In today's age of merchandising we are used to everything neatly arranged so the customer can find what they are looking for. Not at the HOG. T-shirts lay on the floor and music selections are arranged in such a manner it's a wonder how anything is sold. The amazing thing is that there is a system here because an employee can find your request in the snap of a finger. As a kid I came here to buy cassettes and I learned to just ask for it rather than browse. If it was a new release it was always behind the checkout counter anyways. You can spend hours browsing for old and new stuff here. If this place were bought out and a merchandising system implemented I think there would be a boycott. The HOG is what it is!



Everywhere you go at the HOG there is some sort of memorabilia tacked to the walls and rafters. They are particularly known for the wall of autographs. When I was a kid it was a small hallway. Now it's grown the whole length of the building. Every musician that's played in Rochester has visited at some point. Not only just for visits but to buy equipment. I once heard that the store was opened late at night for Ozzy to come in with the band to buy amps. Stuff like that is legendary and happens quite a bit I would bet.


Moving on with the tour, we walk down a narrow hallway that attaches the back building to the front building and we emerge into the main area of the store that contains the guitars. There is a floor upstairs that I've never been to. One day I hope to get up there for a quick visit. There is just so much stuff to look at that usually after 4 or 5 hours I need to get going because of dehydration or the fact that the owner gave me a wicked deal on a guitar that I was stroking and I shouldn't be spending the money. The place is so packed with guitars that there is hardly any room left for people (To be honest I didn't realize there were that many guitars on top of the display cases until I took this photo). Two people cannot fit side by side in the aisles. No one is put off by the cramped quarters though. Like I said, it is what it is. We all say "scuse me" or "behind ya" and smile as if to say this place is nuts. We are all one. Fathers buying their son his first guitar, shredders stuck in the 80's, and young punks. It's an example of every one just getting along. The way the world should be and sometimes music brings that about. (Add the perplexed looking grandmas who got dragged into the store and you have quite a melting pot.)


Here is an example of one of the aisles.


Once again no merchandising here. Guitars are stacked and packed into whatever space there is. Luckily the place is very hands on. No "just looking" allowed here. You have to grope and stroke them all. Somewhere in there is a 3-tone sun burst with a mint green guard. Um delicious!


Venture down another hall, lined with posters,bongos, dusty old amps and a mysterious door leading to the basement, and you come into the amp room. I think I need a napkin to wipe up the drool off my chin. I couldn't get the whole room in the shot. Once again it's all plug in and try it out. It's awesome until a 12 year old comes in and rips it up. Then you feel like all you can pluck out is "twinkle, twinkle little star" on one string.


Hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into a rock n roll landmark in the least likely of places. If you're a fan of music, a trip to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland, OH) and the House of Guitars is a must do. Thanks for joining the tour. Tips are not expected but are appreciated. Anyone? Anyone?

Cheers,
DOUG

3:27

What has two thumbs and likes when product shows up. THIS GUY! Got our Time Trial bikes today.

It's 3:27 and I'm going into Christmas Vacation mode. Tomorrow I fly to Rochester, NY with my guitar (hope it makes it okay) for some family Christmas. Hopefully I'll relax and not think to much about all that needs to be done at work. I feel like I'm leaving in pretty good shape. All the orders are in. Now it's all about remaining contracts and shipping whims. After that a ton more work when product arrives. Tonight it's off to dinner at a friends house downtown and them fly out tomorrow.


This is the extent of Christmas lights for me. Actually, they are always here so I don't know if that counts considering I didn't "rig up the lights" exclusively for x-mas.

See Ya,
DOUG

Atta Boy

Someone sent me this picture today because they thought it was me. For a second, I thought it was too but I don't recognize the bike. Ha!

Team Sports had our yearly sit down with the boss this week. Everyone seems happy and on the same page. A few "atta boys" and some constructive criticism has raised my enthusiasm for this work. Tomorrow Chris T. from Profile Design is coming to spend the night for fun and for taking care of business. Chris is the only one of our major sponsors that makes it part of his schedule to come visit us yearly. It will be fun.

The weather has turned almost spring like. Not good for the skiing but I've been able to work outside on the trailer and remove the old roof racks on the team vehicles to make way for brand new THULE rack product.


I'm acquiring too many keys. Does that mean I'm important? It must right?


This is at Leffs which is one of Schulers favorite places for a burger or peanutbutter and pickle sandwich (I'm not kidding he once ordered that). Jim and Amy are friends of Tom's that really wanted to be on the blog so we took a picture and promised I'd get them on it.


Being a bunch of cyclists the boys wanted a picture with Sheryl Crow.

Trailer Life

The last couple of days I've been dinking around with the trailer. It's the trailer that Eric used last year which is being handed over to the woman's team because the men are using a different trailer. There really isn't much to do since Eric kept it in great shape. Mostly I'm just figuring out the spacing and where stuff will go. You know, stuff like finding a secure spot for a coffee maker (found a coffee grinder on sale today too). Maybe a little touch up paint here and there. Last week, a second axle and a set of brakes were installed so it should handle really well.

I had planned to start removing decals from the van yesterday but decided to wait after I found a product on-line that says it make the removal process go a lot easier. I hope so because none of us, meaning Eric and I, don't have the time or patience to strip 3 vans, 2 cars, and 2 trailers. In a few days the 10-4 Vinyl Remover should be here and it better live up to its claims.


This is the inside of Eric's trailer. It looks even better in person. He's been at it for a couple of weeks. Looks awesome!


Oh man! You caught me dancing in my man sanctuary. I can help it when James Brown comes on. "I may not know karate...but I know karazy. (Seriously, no one will be allowed without express written consent from me to step foot in the trailer).

Cheers Big Ears,
DJB

Rolling through

The first week of December came and went. Work is busy. Getting things done and trying to anticipate any snags in the whole process of running a pro cycling team. Found out this week we won't have our frames ready until the first day of training camp. I don't want to think about that headache yet since I can't do anything about it. But, it is frustrating.

Here is a look back at the week.


I was able to get in some more kilometers this week even though I have an uncomfortable lower back ache when I ski. Also found out my nephew, Adam, joined his school's x-c ski team. I was excited to hear that. It's such a worthwhile sport to be involved in. I miss the days of being on the high school team.


Chris Travers from Profile Design said he was sending along a little present along with the handlbars I ordered for TIna. Nice one! Now we don't have to pick up the balls on the floor when we are playing "pong". Just reach into the box for a new one.


Took a break from "work" and overhauled this former Saturn team bike that our "web guy" owns. It was relaxing to clean it up and make it run like new for him.


The person that owns this foot had a lovely holiday party this past Saturday. Thanks Courtney "no relation to the science guy" Nye. It was way too cold for these shoes but I did not bring my camera so this is a photo from another time. I didn't known if she wanted me to post her face on my site. You know the fame that would bring! I'm not sure she needs that burden so I opted for the foot tattoo photo.

More holiday happenings this week so stay tuned for the fun and work updates.

Cheers,
DJB

trying video

Okay I'm trying to figure out how to post a video. I don't think this is right but it gets you to the link.

The video is a Radiohead video that I've been looking for. I'm a big fan of Radiohead's music. No video has ever held my attention like this. It is like a movie short but you don't get a ending. Well, at least an ending you can figure out. I saw it once several years ago and have wanted to find it again. Give it a try.

Click on that blue icon. If anyone can tell me how to put the video directly on my blog give me a hint.


Sunday was day number one of skiing at Lapham Peak for me. Conditions were great. Usually the first time is marginal but the trails were buff. Skied about two hours with Tom and hoping the hills will get easier the next time I go.


Team Sports dinner night.

Cheers,
DOUG

Oh my it's snowing what will we do!

The big news around here (Milwaukee) is the first significant snowfall of the season. Even before it got here, it occupied the daily news way too much. I watched last night’s news and turned it off after 10 minutes because they would not move on to other things. Actually, I usually don’t watch the news but the TV happened to be on and I was fascinated that they were so involved with the impending storm. My gosh, it’s like it has never snowed before.

I think it’s rather exciting to see it snow and this morning was certainly exciting. Since I ride my bike to work, I was especially tickled for the invigorating challenge. Before stepping out of the house, I didn’t realize how much it actually snowed. Commuting in the winter is no worry usually because the roads and sidewalks are plowed but no plows had been out this morning yet. I got to tell you, riding my bike was the best choice today. For one, it’s a blast (remember to wear a helmet). Two, there are a lot of stuck cars this morning. On the way to get coffee I saw 3 cars, a tractor-trailer, and a city bus having a hard go of it to get up a slight incline. The tractor-trailer and bus were stuck in the middle of an intersection so traffic in all directions was stopped. I just pedaled and whistled right on by. The third, and best, reason to ride my bike today? When I walked into Starbucks, dusted head to feet with snow including a slight sugaring of frosty flakes in my winter beard, I was greeted with a high five and “heck yeah” from a lovely employee named Jen and some other staff. She even insisted on buying my coffee for being so “manly and cool.” Okay, I made up the “manly and cool” part but my coffee was complimentary today. I’m telling you commuting by bike is good for so many reasons.

When I lived in Lake Placid, NY (the best place to live), I would ride to work by bike. More than once I would encounter a shocked tourist comment amongst them to look at the guy riding his bike in the snow. By the tone of their voice they were either amused because it added flavor to their visit (as if I was a street performer) or they were appalled that a person would do such a thing. I love it! Eat my rooster tail and go back to Jersey! The best was when I was able to ski down Main Street during one huge storm we had. I actually heard someone say he must be on the U.S. ski team. Lake Placid is awesome.


Seeing what my new computer can do (read below). Do I look hip and un-effected? Might use this for my acoustic album cover. Rock on!

On a sadder note this week, I experienced the phenomena known as computer failure. You don’t realize how much you depend on one sometimes. Luckily I own an Apple so with the help of an Apple Genius named Rick we thought we had it fixed. But it didn’t last so I was faced with a decision to fix or buy a new one. I agonized about it and convinced myself that fixing was the short-term solution even it was cheaper. Therefore, I plopped down some dough for a new Apple MacBook. I’m sure this one is better and all that. I just don’t know the difference. I did manage to find a computer checkers game on the new computer. Since I suck at any computer game I thought I could handle this one. I GOT SPANKED BY THE COMPUTER IN CHECKERS! I’M NEVER PLAYING THAT AGAIN. The computer opponent even made some snide comment about my playing ability. WHO NEEDS THAT HUMILIATION?


More of what the computer can do to photos. That is the free coffee I savored at Starbucks.


Does this hat make me look funny?

On an interesting note. Well, this will be mildly interesting to bike geeks and former employees of bike shops in the last ten years (Kenny you’ll chuckle on this one). Back in 1999 there was a bunch of stuff stolen out of the Volvo/Cannondale Team truck. This week we got a call from the police that they found some of the remaining stuff in a guy’s basement. He was arrested for a more recent theft apparently but the police were able to track this stuff back to us. Eric went and picked it up and we thought it was going to be like Christmas. Uh no! All the good stuff was gone. There are some usable rims, tires, and odds and ends. The real kicker is the amount of Coda stuff we are in possession of now. Any one need a Magic crankset complete with bottom bracket and about 50 chain rings to go with it? (Funny side note. Two weeks ago I replaced a broken Magic crankset on Schuler’s bike with an FSA. At first he wanted to replace it with another one but I said he would never be able to find one let alone any rings for it.) How about Coda disc brakes? Four bolt disc hubs? They say you can sell anything on e-bay. I was happy to find a few chain rings for my single speed though.

On the table tennis front, I’m thinking of changing my grip to the “pencil grip” style. Tom Schuler is the champ around here and the switch seemed to work for me yesterday. It allows me to get some good topspin on it and the backhand it pretty good too.

That’s about it for now. It’s holiday party season on top of getting all the teams situated with product. Remember there’s a time for work and play.

Cheers,
DOUG

Catching Up

YA MON! NO PROBLEM MON!

As promised here is a blog update on me, known by some in the tri world as the Doug Brenner Experience. Sorry for the inside joke. Amongst a group of folks who may be reading this it is funny. People usually mispronounce my last name. It's B-E-R-N-E-R. Darren from Sugoi came up with this title but he kept using Brenner and I didn't correct him on it since it seemed more anonymous. I may consider it for my side project band but it may reference the Jimi Hendrix Experience too much. I'll have to see what my agent thinks.

Well, let me back up a ways. About 4 days after getting back from Hawaii, I was on my way to Florida to spend 2 weeks in that lovely state (I'm rolling my eyes and using a sarcastic tone when saying lovely). Florida is my least favorite state. Maybe I haven't seen the good parts. Ironman Florida is in Panama City. Nothing great going on there. My magic hands worked on Bella's bike (women's winner IM FL) and was hoping for a slight mention on the podium but no. Foiled again. One week later and I was in Clearwater for the 70.3 World Championships (half ironman distance). Chris Legh asked if I could go over his bike. Surely this guy could win and maybe he'll mention me on stage. After al,l I attached his number plate so pro like. He didn't win though. Looking back nothing was that exciting to write about. Ironman FL is the last event of the ironman season in North America so of course there is a year ending get together for all those who are part of the traveling circus. Saw some great dancing and even better karoke laid down.


This is one of the few pictures I took while in Florida. Makes it seem okay. I guess.


QR show bike done up with the Blackwell stuff.


Chris Legh coming to get his bike. Keith who is paying attention to the camera man. Travers from Profile Design who got two podium mentions.


Besides having problems with his tongue, Darryl Hacket may have a cooler job than me. Darryl does much of the video footage you see from Ironman events and travels around shooting World Cup soccer, snowboard events, and other hip stuff. All that and a is great dad to his teenage son.


"If you look up "classy" in the dictionary, there is a picture of Casey. If you decide to do an ironman for a charity, Janus will help you figure all that out and Casey is in charge of that for Janus Investment Group. Look into it if you're an Ironman dreamer.


I guess I should throw in a race photo. This is where all the amped up and wobbly legged athletes are trying to get on their bikes. Watch out for flying legs and near crashes. It's ridiculous when there is a whole bunch like this. Of course there may be some hecklers in the crowd just waiting for someone to topple over.



After the Florida stuff, Ben and I made it back to Wauwatosa and that's where I've been for almost two weeks. That's a record. Since leaving 'Tosa back in February I haven't been back longer than a week. I've re-acquainted myself with my desk and the shop. This has been a busy time getting sponsor contracts together. The first order of business was to get our Shimano order together. Fifty something Dura-Ace groups and 80ish sets of wheels. Kinda makes you drool a little. Even with that generous support from Shimano we'll probably have to buy a few more groups. Everyday it's e-mails and a few phone calls. Things are progressing well and organized.


In between the e-mails and phone calls, we have a new distraction at the Team Sports office. TABLE TENNIS! Yeah that's right. There have been some spirited games since the 5 of us here are quite evenly matched. Eric "the kid" Jellum is the most improved and working on his endurance. Jim "Willy" Williams has the trash talk game. Ben "little kitten" Harper has the form of many a day spent in the game room as a kid. Tom "the godfather" Schuler is quite good and hard to beat. Then there's me. I let my skills do the talking. Is this harkening back to the days of the start ups or what? Next thing you know we'll be lounging in leather office furniture. We're going places baby!

Last weekend Tom, Eric and I rode some dirt trails that are practically across the street. Apparently a group of folks have been clearing overgrown trails and building some new trails along the Menomenee river. By next spring they are going to be designated the 2nd official mountain biking trail in the Milwaukee area. How awesome is that. Come to find out the trails are a blast. Our little exploration of the trails around here took about 3 hours. Considering how convenient they are to us this is huge news. Fast, twisty, and interesting.

The weather this week has been pretty good to get out and ride. Besides a few mountain bike rides, Eric and I did a ride downtown for lunch at Alterra Coffee. After lunch went to a bike shop called Crank Daddy's to find a BMX freewheel for my singlespeed. Since I use a standard 12/32 chain its been hard to find any but this place had several. They also have at least 12 Computrainers set up for people to use. That's impressive to have that many and they are adding a bunch more. They have a program where you can store your bike and if you call ahead it will be mounted in the trainer ready to go when you arrive. Nice touch (of course it costs money).

On Thanksgiving it is tradition for Tom to ride to Chicago. He's even done it in the snow. For this year's ride it ended up being about 10 players partaking. Some were riding to Chicago too and some, like Jim and I, would turn around after a couple of hours. The 8:00 am start was chilly but it gradually got warmer. Met a few more cyclists from the area and some new sights too. Not a bad Thanksgiving to ride 4 hours.

Today (friday) was even nicer so I made sure to get another 2 1/2 hours in. Rode up near Cedarburgh and had a coffee on main street. Nice place to people watch and take in the holiday spirit.

Want to know what really bothers me? People on cell phones while driving a car. I never know if they are paying attention or not and it's bothersome when I'm riding my bike. Twice today I had to stop because I didn't think the driver was paying enough attention for me to cross at a stop sign. Please don't use cell phones while driving. In New York State you can be ticketed for it.


Last Sunday, I went to watch Eric at the State Cyclocross Finals. On each lap as the riders came through the pavilion a bunch of loud hecklers (all in good fun) erupted in joyous fanfare. It was stupendous and beautiful. Ah yes, cyclocross!


My buddy, Shane Kramer, getting muddy in New York cross racing. Looking so pro! (hello Athena)


As I was taking the picture for my Thanksgiving hello, I decided to take one of the bike that has been on the porch for over a year now. It is a testament to the integrity of this Wauwatosa neighborhood. No one has tried to steal it. If anyone is interested I'll be happy to start taking bids on it. You can't tell in the photo but it is signed by Robbie Ventura. I may see if www.theprosstuff.com wants to showcase it on their website. I'm sure it could take in more cash than Garrett's wrist brace.


Speaking of Garrett. Here is how some pro bike racers celebrate Thanksgiving in Boulder. Impressive!


SEE YA! THANKS FOR READING!