Rochester wireless

Because I only update unless Davidson says, here I am wating for my plane back to Milwaukee in the Rochester, NY airport. I'm getting a free wirless connection. Not sure if I'm supposed to but why pay for one if it's free. That doesn't happen in most airports. So if you are stuck in the Rochester airport at least they have a connection to surf.

Oh, have to go!

DOUG

From Cali weather to midwest snow

Got in some skiing this weekend. I feel a bit slow but still enjoy the graceful feeling of skiing (except on the uphills at this point. Ha!)



I used to be much more meticulous about the waxing thing. Now it's scape off the storage wax and go. Working on skis is relaxing in a way.


Trying to take a time delay picture you never know what you'll get. Everyone tries to get the classic skating picture and the in-between-weight-transfer-shot are goofy looking.


Crisp, clear, cold. A perfect Blue Extra wax day. For you skiers, you know what I mean. My memory banks have many of these days of skiing at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid, NY. I hear Van Ho is primo right now with a Nor' Easter on the way to add to the snow depth. Lapham Peak, shown here, in Delafield, WI is a fine place to ski too.

BYE,
DOUG

Buelton, CA

Just got back from a media camp in California. Buelton to be exact, which is right next to Solvang, CA. Nice area.



ERIC DOING SOME ASSEMBLY WORK


I DID NOT PLAN ON THIS BEING A PRODUCT PLACEMENT SHOT.


TEAM ROAD BIKE


SETTING UP A RIDER'S POSITION


THE TT BIKE


DEDICATED CAMERA BIKE THAT ONE RIDER FELT WAS AN "ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN"



YOURS TRULY - JOE COOL - IN THE QUAINT DANISH VILLAGE OF SOLVANG, CA

CHEERS,
DOUG

Coffee Time

Hey,

Thought I would send out a few pictures for no other reason other than I have the time to do it. I'm enjoying a nice Sunday morning at Alterra Coffee. Yesterday was the year's first winter storm for us here in Milwaukee. It really blew in fast. I was occupied in the shop for several hours and didn't take notice until I went outside to go home. The world had turned white. Unfortunately, the snow turned to rain at some point so today is a yucky mess. This is why I end up running this time of year because the bike riding would be miserable. So today I'll go for another run (I went Thurs.) on the hopes that someday I'll think that running is enjoyable.

I received a video from a Lake Placid friend showing him skiing with his son Jonathon in a ski trailer. Now Randy is that guy who ruins the track pulling a sled. I'm only kidding Randy, I know you'll be considerate.

Speaking of Lake Placid check out the link titled Lowell Bailey for some interesting reading on what it's like to be a skier on the World Cup circuit. Lowell and Tim Burke are two local "kids" from Lake Placid I've seen grow up to be World Class skiers and great individuals as well.


Stuff that makes us mechanics giggle! What is wrong with this cassette? This wheel was returned by one of the riders like this. Not sure if it was used like this but it could be used as evidence as to why I have a job. Ha!


Chris Travers from Profile Design was in "da house" for his annual trip to Milwaukee for a little business but mostly fun. Here is a rare behind the scenes look into what a sponsor meeting looks like. And you thought we sat around a big oak table and wore suits?

For over a month I've been obsessing a bit with only certain music. One has been the Red Hot Chili Peppers and how John Fruciante plays guitar in that band. He is subtle or in your face while playing. Another has been a live CD recording of Pete Yorn. In addition I can never get Hendrix out of the mix too. This morning I went back to listen to some Radiohead. Probably my favorite band on a different level from anything else. Music is so subjective to personal taste that it is hard to tell someone to try listening to this but here I go anyways. I found a couple Radiohead videos (I limited it to 2 for right now). The best video I've ever seen is the video for a song called "Just." Search for it on youtube. I'll just showing some live stuff. Paranoid Android was something you probably heard on the radio. I might be wrong is a acoustic version that shows how some of their multi-layered songs are great because even stripped down acoutically they stand up. There is a new album out which I'm a bit behind in getting. The in store version is out soon but the band tried a new way of selling the ablum themselves. About a month ago you could by the on-line version for whatever you wanted to pay. I thought I read somewhere it raised about 10 million in a day or two. Is that right? I might be wrong.






Cheers Ya'll,
DOUG

People read it!

Wow! Thanks for the comments. I guess I never kept track when people have told me they read my rambling blog entries. I am pleasantly surprised.

I don't have much to blog about right now. It's cold in Milwaukee. I'm busy at work. Going to California next week for some work stuff.

Looking to purchase a bed is about the most unattractive thing I want to spend my time doing. I went to a furniture store this past weekend to "check out the Thanksgiving madness sale". I was turned off by the elderly salesman with body odor that kept whacking the bed with his cane to demonstrate which mattress was firmer or softer than the next. He wouldn't leave me alone to browse at my leisure. Add to mix, people laying all over the place to check out the beds. Spouses exclaiming, "Honey, come check out this one." I couldn't take it anymore. I had a panic attack and high-tailed it out of there. Vowing to find something on Craigslist.com as I snuck through the TV and living room sections to avoid Mr. Stinkmeister.

Please, if someone wants to give me a nice bed here in Milwaukee, I'll come get it. Maybe.

Cheers and thanks for the reader support,
DOUG

Thanksgiving

Not much happened on Turkey Day. I enjoyed a bunch of nothing and playing guitar. It was too cold for a bike ride.

Here I am making dinner for myself. Instead of Turkey I substituted a chicken and some sweet potatoe mashed potatoes (how about that Keith!)



Work is rather exciting right now. Stay tuned for an update on that topic. New team stuff but I'm not at liberty to discuss it yet even though only about 10 people read my blog.

Cheers,
DOUG

Back to long sleeves and leg warmers

After two weeks in Florida, I got back to "Tosa" yesterday afternoon. It was a good trip. Good results by the athletes. The bikes were awesome. Learned that some people run with Jelly Belly's as their secret weapon against fatigue. Even though I'm glad to be off the road finally, I do miss the warm weather (and having maid service). I still feel like it's summer. Walked into a Starbucks in Florida and was jolted into realty that it was November because they had the holiday decoration theme in place. Wisconsin is not neccessarily cold but 50 degrees seems cold when you are coming from 75 degrees. Florida meant riding in shorts and jersey. But now I have to wear a long sleeve and leg warmers when riding (see my lunchtime MTB ride below. Ripping it up! I missed the knobby rubber).




On the way down to Panama City, Ben and I spent the night in Nashville, TN. Found a place to watch the final game of the World Series. Although this picture of Ben's head could have been taken anywhere, I swear it's in Nashville.


Here are all the bikes in transition on race morning. I just finished with last minute checks and I usually hang out just to make sure nothing weird happens before the athletes get done with the swim. The pro women bikes are in the first row (the red ones). Technically I can't help them once the race starts but if I something happens at least I can direct neutral support to help them.


The volunteers have the pro's bike waiting for them as they are leaving transition. This is Jacqui's bike ready to go.

In response to the comment about my bedroom in the last entry. I didn't take a picture of it because it is depressing in there. As of then ( and now) it is just a matress on the floor with a lamp and table. It's workable but I need an "upgrade". Hopefully I can get to that now that I'm in town.


CHEERS AND KEEP ON RIDING!

DJB cribs

Here some pics of my place. An actual place to sleep, make coffee, and leave my guitars out so I can play them. It's been awhile. After I took the photos I realized I need some stuff on the walls. If anyone in my area has a bed they want to give away... I could use one.









DJB

Island Vibes

Since I've last written about Las Vegas a few weeks ago, I had a week of shop work and then headed to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for the Ironman Hawaii World Championships. I've been home now since Wednesday and have to admit that for a few days I was suffering from PHD (post hawaii depression). I really got used to hearing the waves crashing on shore. Oh well!

This year's Hawaii trip seemed better than ever for several reasons. Here are a few in no particular order of importance. There was a great island vibe this year. Last year I felt depleted from such a hectic schedule. This year the workload for the week was perfect. Just busy enough during the day to enjoy my job and then having the mornings and evenings to hang out with good friends and stick our toes in the sand. I learned to embrace the fact that the island has some magic vibe if you let it take you there. I think we all felt it this year from the staff to the athletes racing.

Besides work, I managed to get in several rides including a freak crash which has wacked my knee/hip out of alignment. It was an similar crash as Lance had when his handlebar got stuck on a fan's feedbag. Except I jack-knifed the front wheel in a pot-hole (more like a crater) while riding one handed to wipe the stinging sweat out of my eyes. Luckily the traffic at that momemt was not heavy. Once again the island vibe protected me. Ha!

My other goal this trip was to surf. Way back in April, Rachel Ross from the team said no matter what, the day after the race she was taking us surfing. I was pleasantly surprised to get an e-mail a week before leaving for Hawaii that she still remembered. Although the surf conditions weren't that good, I did get going a few times. My interest is peaked and for some reason I really want to do more. Even though the waves were few it 's still a good time to paddle out and hang out chit-chatting. It's like sitting on the chairlift when going skiing except it's warm. I got to thank Rachel, Rambsey, and her best friend Moni (sorry didn't get the spelling of her beautiful name) for arranging all that. I even watched her kids while they ran into town. Talk about a great kid life. Going to the beach everyday to play.

For some reason I only took a few photos this year.


Me waiting for 6am taxi in Milwaukee.


Beside's TIMEX athletes, I often help out some of the other pros. Here is Lisa Bentley's Cervelo that needed some adjustments. (The best was a guy I met who politely asked if I could look at his shifting. In all of 5 minutes I handed his bike back to him and said to take it for a quick test ride to make sure it was good. He came back and told me that he'd taken it to two bike shops and 3 mechanics but it still shifted poorly after each trip. He was amazed and very happy that I was able to take care of it for him and wouldn't have to lose sleep over it anymore. He apologized for not having any cash on him so he came back later with a nice tip. I love that kind of stuff. Gosh I'm good!


Vicktor Zyemstev's brand new 2008 TTX. One of only 3 that were available at the time. The guys from Trek were there and are super supportive of the team and the feedback I can give them. Some things of note were the Bontrager brakes. Nifty and light. We also had a show bike which I built up with the SRAM red components. That cassette is really chi chi. Machined out of a solid block of aluminum.


On race day I did a ride of my own and joined up with the bike course. This is the lead man. No idea who. Later on in the evening the finsh line became a beacon of positive energy. The bleachers were packed and people lined the finsh straight several deep. Dancing and singing like it's big Mardis Gras. TIMEX throws out a bunch schwag from 9pm until midnight during this party. It's crazy how people go nuts for t-shirts and hats. With all the dancing and running around it's like 3 hours of aerobics but totally worth it to watch the folks who have been out there for 15 or more hours finsh with huge and emotional grins. Some of the stories bring tears to your eyes. Even the men's and women's pro winners came out for the festivities and to welcome folks across the line. If you ever get a chance to watch an Ironman even, don't miss the last 3 hours.


My boy Special K. Always willing to whip up some breakfast potatoes. The best wingman a friend could have. Here's to you Mr. Timex watch guy....


A picture perfect sunset. Enjoyed by this guy and on the island of Hawaii. ALOHA!

Back from LV

Last week I was work bound in Las Vegas for the bike industry tradeshow. Essentially another place to see all my friends and people in this circus like life. I traveled a day early to have Tuesday to enjoy the dirt demo out in Boulder City, NV. Eric and I met up with Kenny and Bill from Placid Planet Bicycles for some test ride some offerings from various bike companies. Although I love my Kona, I still believe that Cannondale makes a great bike too. The Scalpel I rode was real nice dually race bike. The Lefty fork is one of the best forks out there.

The bike show is draining from all the walking and talking to sponsors. Add the "nightlife" and it becomes a non-stop three days of serious business and play. Hopefully all the work opens some doors and solidifies some of our sponsors support.

With wall to wall bike geeks in every aisle (myself included) you may find my answer to the question of "what was the coolest thing" surprising. The best thing at the show was the CLIFF BAR booth. Not because they make a great food product but because of what they are promoting. Hats off to my pal Jon Robichaud who had a hand in obtaining a 1959 travel bus in which CLIFF converted into a traveling education center to promote the "2 mile challenge." Check out the website and what it stands for because it is worth knowing about and something we can all do. A way to get people to make a small change in their lives that can have a HUGE impact on climate change. 40% of urban travel in the U.S. is trips under 2 miles (and 90% of those trips are by car). By committing to use a bike for those short trips we can make a difference.

http://www.2milechallenge.com/home.html


The Fossil Fool. Part of CLIFF's road is this musician who powers his show with human power only from the generating bike. You can see the bus in the background. A band can play on the top platform. At the show, some employee's jammed a little in addition to Fossil Fool and the Ginger Ninjas.

For the first time this year they had a cyclocross race held in conjunction with the bike show. I think it was a huge hit. Tons of loud fans. Great riders with several lead changes throughout the race.


That's in for now. I have an extremely busy week following up with Interbike stuff and getting ready for the trip to Hawaii for world championships. I also will begin moving in to my new apartment which won't take that long because I don't have much to move in anyways. But there is very little time for even that.

Cheers,
DOUG

Reasons to play guitar

While I'm waiting for my laundry I was messing around on YouTube.

Art evokes feeling. The Blues are played with a deep, deep, deep feeling.

"The Blues had a baby and they called it Rock n Roll."

With Jimi's song Voodoo Chile, something was channeled from deep in the soul to create the crossroads of Blues and Rock. SRV's version makes it his own, while yet paying homage to those who came before him.

Some of the heaviest stuff out there.

In the context of its time, Hendrix's was the simply out of this world. Even after repeated listenings there are little things that catch the ears and makes me say "Yeah"! People are still scratching their head sometimes trying to figure out how he did some of the things he did.






I didn't want the uninitiated to think SRV was a copy cat so I choose this song because it rips in so many ways. Talk about tone! Man! Talk about emotion in the notes! I can always feel something in my gut when I hear him play. Man oh man oh man! That's why I wanted to play guitar! Please tell me that you couldn't help but watch the whole video.

DOUG

Tour of Missouri

Here's some photos from last week's Tour of Missouri. My personal impressions were that it was a succssful race. Missouri folks were happy to have us there and all in all it was well organized. Unless the organizers face any sponorship problems I forsee that the race will be back next year. For me it was a fun race. We have a great staff and the morale of everyone from staff to riders was very positive. Being the last race of the season you could tell there was some tired folks but the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. It was a good way to end the road season. Many of the faces we will not see until next year.

Whoa! The last entry was quite a comment fest. As Chris D. can see I have several fans of my work and good looks/charm.
Thanks to you comment posters for sticking up for me. Take that Chris! AH, it's all in good fun. Here's to you Chris Davidson - Chief Bartender of the caravan.


Mechanic Fernando from Navigators. He keeps a neat and tidy truck.

Mechanic "Blackhands" Eric. Keeps it working like a swiss watch.

DFL-Cyclingnews Mechanic. I don't know this guy but he is a mechanic. Teams from overseas have to work out of rental trucks. With all of the teams spliced into one or two water sources it always a gamble how the water pressure will be out of your hose. I let him splice into my hose which killed my water pressure. We had to offset each other so we weren't rinsing at the same time.

Mechanic Chris. Entertaining his fans and making things shiny.


Tecos is a huge team in Mexico and were here for the race. Eric and I couldn't stop saying Tecos all week. It just rolls off your tongue. I think it means or references "owl."

One day a lady walked by and commented that Rachel has the best job.

Missouri fans checking out our bikes.


"You can tell by the way he walks, he's a cycling star, no time to talk."


Hey! After a few hours of trying I figured out how to post videos! Check out this video from the last day of the Tour of Missouri in the final sprint. It shows how fast these guys go in a sprint and unfortunately in this one how these guys put themselves on the line each time they race. I heard Brad got up and walked away but I don't know the extent of any injuries. He's probably pretty sore.


...and his bike flipped into the peloton but caused no other crashes. Amazing how fast this all happens and it doesn't faze us! This is way better than NASCAR!

Cheers,
DOUG

Ironman Wisconsin

Last week was Ironman Wisconsin. Every year I say what a great place Madison is and this year was no different. I won't bore you too much. You could go back to last year's rave reviews. Although I didn't get to stay around for race day, as I had to drive to Kansas City for the Tour of Missouri with Colavita/Sutter Home, I hear it was great weather. The Trek TTX's were dialed in so I'm confident the TIMEX athletes had no worries. Ironman's are funny though. Everything has to come together to have a race win. Even though my hunch of Dave Harju winning didn't pan out, I'm sure he gave it his best shot just like all the TIMEX team athletes do. It was nice to see several of them since I haven't been to most of the IM's this season yet.




Mark Andrews from Trek Bicycles came by to drop off a new TTX frame for us. The new model is about 390 grams lighter than the current model due to different carbon and some weight saving cut-outs. This particular one will be built up for Hawaii for one of our big guns.




Okay, I probably shouldn't be showing this picture. Shane or Kenny got a guess as to what this is? That's all I'm saying about it!


Hey Ben, are you jealous. People that work with the Ironman circus are some of the best people I've met. Gina from ART can loosen up those tight muscles.

I've mentioned before how my pal Chris Davidson will heckle me about updating the blog. Well, here I am sitting in the lobby of a Hilton in Kansas City, MO updating the blog and C. D. is sitting on the couch next to me. It's a strange world sometimes.

Tomorrow starts the Tour of Missouri. Six days of racing that will keep me busy so I thought I'd get this update in. Thanks for reading.

Cheers,
DJB