PMAC ATTACK

I built the new bike

2009-10-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics. I rode it last night for an hour or so. It is very comfortable and compliant. I like the aero wheels. The added surface area really bites into the wind upon cornering. I have it set up with 39:18 gearing which I spin up very easily. I am thinking of dropping it to 39:16 or 39:14. Although the 39:18 combo will be nice when taking it off-road. We'll see.

Had a good weekend

2009-10-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

It was full of highway time. I had my last drive in the Cobalt on Saturday morning. The Megabus back on Sunday was pretty relaxing. I am pro bus travel. It will be nice to go back to regular bike commuting. My new Fisticuffs is almost fully built. It's coming in at a svelte 19.5lbs without fenders. It turned out much lighter and better looking than I thought it'd be. I will post pics soon.

I wish I had some more time at home. There were some things I did not get to do. I wanted to play a board game and have one relaxing morning. I think that's what Thanksgiving will be for. That's it for now.

Shaking up the midweek

2009-10-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

So in my last post I mentioned how I wanted to be a part of something. As I searched for groups to join nothing was pulling me in. As I was riding to work on Monday morning I knew what I needed to do. I created a couple groups of my own. I thought of them as pilot groups. A test to see how many people I can 'tolerate' in my leisure time. After all if I'm not required to be with these people then there's no need to overdue it.

On Monday it all started. I sent out an email blast to some people at work and others I know. Wednesday night I suggest we hit the dirt jumps/pump track just Northwest from where I live. We would head over after work and ride for an hour or so. Not a long commitment but an event nonetheless. I got six quick responses and it was all set.

The way I worded the message was a bit different than usual. I read in a communication book that when you want to be more persuasvie or soften up the receiver, use the word 'you'. Directly send the message. For example, one sentence in the email: "this may be the last warm you'll be able to ride". It seems like at that point it becomes personal. This was the expermentation with 'you' and the first time responses came within minutes. I wanted to try it again.

Another group I want to start is a Wednesday night bar trivia crew. A bunch of bars across the city have trivia night mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) to boost business. They are fun to do with a group and drinking is secondary because focus is on the game. I sent another email to about 8 people using the same method. The ringer sentence was: "And since you are all smart and love to go out on Wednesday nights you should come." The same result occurred. 6 of the 8 people responded in 5 minutes. I just think this is cool.

Everyone seemed to have a great time during both events and agreed to do it again when the chance arose. The riding group probably won't meet again until the spring but they'll know what's waiting for them. The bar trivia group I can only see growing due the the the mid-week event and the stable people attending. So, there's a cool experiment to try.

Back to recording...

2009-10-16T11:34:00.001-07:00

My life via the web. I really haven't been up to much this past week. I've felt pretty bored. It's been raining everyday and the with cold weather forthcoming I'm having pre-seasonal depression. Once winter is here I'm not bad at embracing it; it's saying goodbye to summer that's tough. I have a new bike ready to be built for winter riding and commuting. I went with this frame: http://www.vassagocycles.com/fisty.html. I plan to build a singlespeed with fenders.

I am looking forward to my next job at SRAM, although not very motivated. Everyday I'm here I feel like I don't have the special skills needed to make it. Maybe I should head back to school and learn. I am just feeling of little value. I've been at odds with my general life direction. Do I want to make a lot of money? Do I want more time for relaxation? Does relaxing just make me anxious? So here I am trying to be positive but feeling weak.

I did put together the responsibilities and requirements for a position that could exist here at SRAM. I would work as a coordinator for our product management team. I ran it by a couple of guys in the department and they wanted to make sure I knew I would need multiple key industry contacts. This is where I become apprehensive because keeping 'contacts' is not something I've been very good at in the past. I can change but I seem to get in touch and stay in touch for a limited about of time. I peak, flatline and then dive. That'll be the hardest part. The rest is easy, tech communication, SAP reports, and ride testing.

I feel like I need a group to join. I do a lot by myself and am getting the feeling of solo identification. I don't identify with a group or culture. I'm floating and I'm tired of it. I've been in a lot of temporary places none of which have satisfied. I want to try something new but at the same time I don't want to give up what I have built. I just need more community. The few long term friends I have all live far away. I don't stay friends with people I see on a daily or routine basis. I think I get bored of them.

Relaxing a bit...

2009-07-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

I've just been relaxing a bit lately. Trying to keep it all colorful. Pools in the suburbs and mountains in Utah.

Wow, it's been a while...

2009-06-10T06:53:00.001-07:00

Southern Indiana
Nice bermed turn

Tough rocky area

Hesitation Point

Singletrack

Backyard of my friend's house in Indy

Music room, cat & dog

The room I stayed in

Chicken of the woods, a mushroom they pick in the woods, it taste really good

Got a shot of lightning at night

My friend Jonathan and his son

Big house in nice area of Indy, these houses were going for only $300k, good deal considering their size

Turkey Vulture

Benches by the pond

Pond, the turtles went under just before I took this

Indy Res at Eagle Creek Park

Downtown

Chicken Avocado burger

Road ride in Eagle Creek Park

Pre-race

Race morning

I have some pics to put up. Some stories to tell. But pics are worth many words. So check 'em out.

I like Indiana more and more each time I go down there. The state has great riding and nice people. I am not sure I could live there; no real functional big city. But it's sure nice to visit.

PMAC

Cubs game

2009-05-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some cool shots of the cubs game in B&W and of the short ride I went on yesterday.

PMac

Active adventures

2009-05-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

Bag toss
Tacos
Elks outside
Abe Lincoln

Elks inside

Viv & Paul's day off

Pine section at Kettle

Are men flushing themselves down the toilet?

Bat Mobile

Swordfish

Sunset

Garbage truck monster

Bags

Arturo, explain this?

Food & Girl

Wow, this past weekend was great. I really crammed a lot in the 3 days I had off. The pictures we'll speak for themseleves. Here was the run down:

Friday evening - got in a quick climbing/power workout

Friday night - went down to the deep south Chicago for a Mexican BBQ & bag playing

Saturday morning - amazing weather, feeling great, hopped on a bus to MI

Saturday afternoon - went to Spencer to see Fred and lifeguards

Saturday evening - ate swordfish with mom

Sunday morning - started the drive back to Chi at 6:30

Sunday afternoon - drove up to WI to ride at Kettle Morrainne

Sunday evening - Missed out on a picnic at Millenium park but watched "Yes Man" with Viv & friends

Monday morning - Viv & I toured the Elks headquarters and picked up food for a party later

Monday afternoon - Went to my friend Nate's house for steak tacos

Monday evening - played bags and drank beer

More fun in Chicago

2009-05-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Crochet pitch!

Keeping it real with some bitter 64cal water

I got some pics of rides I've been on. I found a crochet pitch near UofC down south. I've never seen one of those before. I guess a gentleman's game needs gentleman's grass. Here are also some pics from Viv's graduation. Man, graduating from law school is pretty awesome. Everyone there kinda took it in stride. It felt like a college graduation but I reminded myself of how much work Vivian had to do to get there. As a kid mostly b/c of my family I would always hold lawyers in high regard. I don't think that has changed.

I'm going home this weekend to pick up a car. It will be nice to hang out on Saturday afternoon, look at the lake and eat Mom's swordfish. I have a ride planned on Sunday in WI with a shop guy from Indiana. Monday I think I'm going to a typical Memorial Day celebration. Tonight I may head to a BBQ on the south side. It should all be fun.

Anyone on twitter?

2009-05-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

I am now using Twitter. It seems to be the same as the facebook newsreel with less maintenance. I like it b/c I can search bike industry key words and then start following those people. I am just more connected. My persona is DSTech if anyone would like to follow. As far as other things, the documentary short I starred permiered at the Music Box Theatre last night. I didn't make it to the show but there are few more screenings. I finished a rode a new bike. It's the Turner RFX, 6" travel completely overbuilt bike equipped with Hammerschmidt (http://www.magicmechanics.com/). Installing this crank was one of the easier front shifting mechanisms ever. I have one pic of the bike so far. I will get more up soon. This thing is awesome. I am having a custom decal made for my rear shock and the decals on the fork are glow in the dark. Also, here's a pic of an Asian couple who's car hood flew up unexpectedly. No accident or injuries but another car 'incident' I witnessed. I really need to stop thinking about these things.

Enjoy

Pmac

More accidents...

2009-05-19T07:54:00.001-07:00

I think I may be atracting these things. Here is a picture of a car that hit a light post and slid about 50 yards off of lake shore drive into a grassy hill. It is pretty banged up. I also saw three more minor accidents between cabs and a chinese couple whose hood flew up. Vivian's graduation was great. A bunch of her Mom's friends came and we all had a good time. I got a good ride in on Saturday morning. I focused on pedal stroke and race starts. By this I mean I would start about 100 yards off the base of the hill in a normal starting gear on my Niner (34x24). I would roll from zero to redline until the top of the hill, turn around and do it again. I am just trying to get used to the feel of a hard race start. I also did some race track repeats, working on cornering form. I would time sprints in an oval around parking lot fixtures five times around. I did five sprints twice for each side (turning left and turning right). This was a good exercise and showed I was fairly balanced. The 2 sets to the left came in at 1:08 & 1:06. The two to the right came in at 1:08 & 1:07. It just means I am even turning left or right, which is good. Now I just have to bring down all times. I also worked on balance. How I do that is riding on a raised curbed taht is about 6 inches wide. This is easier said than done. My tires are 2.1 inches wide so this only leaves 1.95 inches of leeway on either said. How I stay in a straight is done by looking about 15-20 feet in fron of me and holding my weight just in front of the nose of the saddle. I can do this fairly easily now. The real test/skill is to do this while holding a wheelie, so riding the whole thing on just your back wheel. I need to get better at those to pull it off. All this is a cool way to train for MTB races without easy access to trails. I have city parks but no singltrack.

I also got some great shots of the city from Viv's roof top. A funny one of a computer monitor at the bottom of a pond is mixed in there too.

Sticking to two....

2009-05-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

WHEELS! I saw this car parked off of LSD. I am glad I am not regularly driving up and down that road. I've seen three accidents in the past two months. There are too many cars and most are traveling over the speed limit. You'll notice a man running with his shirt off in the background. It must have been 55 degrees that day. I think people feel if they act like it's summer it'll feel like summer. Yes, I am riding in a dress shirt.

On a lighter note. Vivian is graduating on Sunday. Hooray! Her Mom, Dad & sister will be in town this weekend. I am looking forward to it. The pressure is off since I already know them. Plus her sister is just awesome. She is the oldest girl and easy to talk to. Reminds me of Mary Kate in a lot of ways. Always laughing and smiling. I hopefully will get a long ride in too. My next race is coming up. I have to train for the hills of Brown County, IN. It's on May 31st.

Active animals...

2009-05-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

I had a busy week in the warranty repair center. I learned a few things about what it means to bleed air out of a damper. I got a couple good rides in the rain. I won the Cat2 Open division at Winona Lake in IN. I am going to try to race most of the DINO series. I think I have the right bikes for it in my SS and Niner. Got some cool pics in the city on my bike. Colors are everywhere! Enjoy Yourself!

Pmac

Time to celebrate...

2009-04-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

This is the meager hill I have to work with.

This is my favorite building along the north shore. It's wedged between two average looking ones. The camera didn't focus to well on the background but you can kinda make it out. Attempting an artsy shot.
Looking Back

Looking forward

Looking good

Today I turn 26. The last year of my middle twenties. What does that mean? I don't know. I haven't reached any milestones this year. I feel the same if not better than last year. I am just cruising. There are some things going well and others I need to work on. As long as I am looking for change and opportunity then I don't feel anything wrong with turning 26.

I got in a decent ride yesterday. I cruised on up the lake for about a half hour. Once I came back South I did 10 hill climbs (pictured above). The legs are feeling pretty good. I even had PT this morning so I thought I would run out of the power. I still had fuel left in the tank.

Fun stuff goin on

2009-04-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

There was a propane tank in the back seat too. WTF

Notice two parking tickets

Got a good ride in yesterday. The wind was strong on the lake front. Close to 35mph. I rode into the wind for some hard efforts. It felt like I was climbing. I am racing for the first time this weekend. The fat & skinny tire fest in Warsaw, IN. I may also race at Ft. Custer on Sunday in MI. The geared bike on Saturday and singlespeed on Sunday. Awesome! Here are some pics of me on my ride as well as a Benz parking fail I saw this morning. Enjoy.

Pmac

My brother wore a dress...

2009-04-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

For his graduation on Saturday! Congratulations John. I know you don't think it's that big of deal but you did it. You needed it for everything else you want to do. Good luck with everything you decide to take on. This past weekend was a lot of fun. Mostly full of eating, drinking, and joking around. The rain did not let up, though. I still got in about two hours on the bike Sunday night. Not bad I guess. First race this upcoming weekend in Indiana. I am looking forward to it.

I have a new blog!

2009-04-23T06:55:00.001-07:00

I had an interesting idea the other day while I was sitting and stuffing my face with my roommate Aaron. I was a bit mesmerized by the pile of food I was attempting to consume. Low and behold I did it in a short period of time with few complications. He said, "Man, you should take a picture of that before you eat it, just so you know what you accomplished". "Too bad I don't have a camera", I glumly remarked. The digestive juice then got the creative juices flowing. What if I took pics of everything I ate and posted them on a blog? I have never seen that done before. It's pretty personal and will help me neatly set up my meals. Archiving and chronologically setting things up will help me stay organize as well as help me analyze what I am eating and the effects it has on me. This will be fun. I will still post to this site for day-to-day riding and other things. Check it out at: http://pmcclain83.blogspot.com/

Pmac

Content

2009-04-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't posted here in a while. All last week I was in the ER aka the warranty repair center; fixin forks and brakes. I was rarely at a comp long enough to type anything. So, yea, a lot has gone on. I guess I could fill in the blank screen. I am realizing something, my blog updates are fairly superficial. In the sense that it's just event update and how I felt about it. So I am thinking of changing the content I put in here. Something more personal. Noo, not too personal just more personal. I have an idea but can't act on it until I get the right stuff. I just sold the Lenzsport which shall provide the funds for the right stuff. WTF? What am I talking about? I think a trip to Best Buy will help. Oooo, a chance to boost my credit. Let's see if I have any funny pics.

Pmac

Rippin & rollin

2009-04-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

I had a good weekend in MI. I rode at Stony Creek twice; the trails were in great condition. I got a four hour ride in on Saturday, half of it riding from the house up there and back. They've done a good job with trail maintenance there. More corners are banked and muddy spots drained. A lot of downhill sections did not require braking b/c of this. My Salsa was nicely equipped for the trails. I must have had the right air pressure in both tires b/c they felt like velcro in corners and up climbs. I rode again on Sunday and experienced much of the same thing. Not much else went on at home. Just hanging out and eating. What else can you ask for?

Pmac

Out early today...

2009-04-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

And I got quite the send off after throwing my keyboard into my unsuspecting Tron era monitor. I will be attacking I-94 on the road to one of the great metro areas of our time. No not Evansville, Indiana; DETROIT, MICHIGAN. I got plans too. Friday night I'm going to a rap show in the city with Aaron. Saturday I'm riding a long distance maybe check out some trails if it's not too wet. Maybe go see Fred, Martha & the kids. Also, I plan to do some online bike shopping with pops and then go out for some burgers, betties, and benevolent observation.

In Spring or Summer I really like going back to Troy. The comfort of home that you can only get from one place....home. I have not been able to recreate that feeling anywhere else. Sure, I've liked the places I've lived in but nothing has been like the house on the lake in Troy.

This past week has been fairly hectic. A lot of riding, taco eating, & Jack Daniels. Not necesarily in that order. I went to the GZA show last night out in the West. It was supposed to be a bad part of town but the gloc I had stashed in my trousers told me otherwise.

Pmacadocious

Update update update

2009-03-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

For what? I don't know. Today the Niner EMD frame gets delivered. I will canabalize the Lenz to outfit this racing beast. The Lenz is hanging by a thread. It just doesn't fit right. So, what to do? Turn it into greater bike equity. I will sell for a premium and be able to buy this: http://www.transitionbikes.com/Covert.cfm
And this:
http://vassagocycles.com/fisty.html
With money to spare. It's nice to get industry discounts. I will not buy a bike mid season like I did last year. Too confusing to the body and too much time setting them up.

The Trek event went well. I didn't have to do much and it was cool meeting shop rats. They have a different take on riding especially in the flat midwest. They all ride 5"+ travel bikes and some of them have missing teeth. Where are they doing these tooth cracking activities? They all seem to like SRAM and appreciate an American (made in Taiwan) company. A lot of them don't buy our stuff b/c we don't give them a good enough deal. We can't hook up everyone so I'm not worried.

I drank a beer at the Hopleaf last night with my friend John. Belgian hops are pretty good.

Pmac

Critical Mass

2009-03-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Today I will ride for more bicycle transportation infrastructure. The last Friday of every month cyclists gather at Daley Plaza in downtown to take back the streets. It's just a big group riding together, which blocks cars and allows all to get through stop lights. Some end having confrontations with the police but most are fine just out there to stir up some awareness. This will be my first one and I am looking forward to it. What's funny is a lot of SRAM employees can't go b/c they need to stay after work for an event with a congressman who wants to promote cycling. If he wanted to promote cycling shouldn't he be at this ride getting media coverage? Oh well, it should be interesting.

This week at work has been tough. It hasn't been that exciting or dynamic so the days have just been draggin by. I need a changing environment to be at my best. There is only so much internet surfing I can do. Eventually the thrill of cyber waves passes me by.

A bright spot is coming this weekend. On Sunday night I am helping out with a sales presentation for Trek dealers. I will be able to meet shop guys in the area and talk about our road product. I also have my longest ride of the year planned on Sunday. Hopefully I will be able to get 3.5-4 hours in. My El Mariachi is all set up for it. Finally got a rear brake and light rear wheel on it.

PMAC

I gotta have it

2009-03-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

I'm going crazy over here. I have all of a sudden switched to wanting to buy everything in sight. What will I be buying? more bikes. The Karate Monkey will be sold by friday which should leave me with a good chunk of change to get something else. The El Mariachi is great as a geared bike but I loved it as an SS. That's it I am buying a Niner EMD (pictured above) and changing the EM back to SS. I'll put a new Reba on the Niner and just ride the pedals off it. I am also going to get a road bike. Probably a CAAD 9. Then I will get a cross/commuter, probably a Vassago Fisitcuff. This is crazy.

I haven't been doing too well in the Tourney. Some of my picks have made it but none of my upsets came through. I'll just watch and drink beer. I met Kobe on Sunday. He's a good/smiley guy who must travel with a barber. He was all shaped up.

Pmac

It's time to dance

2009-03-19T07:51:00.001-07:00

No, not move your feet and body to the rhythm of music. I am talking about leaving your blood on the court in March. March madness. My brackets are filled and I am looking forward to the games. I think I have Pittsburgh as a favorite this year. Digger Phelps was a big influence in that. We'll see if Temple or Umich can win a game. I like Missouri and Syracuse as underdogs. It will be interesting. A lot of parody in college bball this year.

Lenzsport

2009-03-17T12:21:00.001-07:00

Here it is:

Reba Team w/20mm thru axle

Monarch 4.2

DT240s on Stan's Flow frt Arch rearAvid Juicy Ultimate levers w/Elixir R calipers, 185mm rotor in the front

Truvativ Team Stem/Carbon Post/Noir Race Riser

Noir SS crank

WTB Prowler 2.1 frt tire (tubeless)

WTB Nano 2.1 rear tire (tubeless)

WTB Laser V w/Ti rails

I went all out on this non-race 'fun' bike

Weighs in at about 24.5lbs, It rips.

Pmac

70+

2009-03-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's going to be 70 degrees today. We are finally turning the corner. I hope this means I forget the horrible winter weather enough to not want to move away from this great city. I went swimming last night for about 45 minutes. I still have the stroke but was reminded how boring it is to look at the bottom of a pool for that amount of time. I will definitely try to ride around on the Lenz today. I also have to finish my Spanish homework which I haven't been too motivated to do lately. Training for the season to come has taken precedence. I only have so much focus in a day. Why am I blogging.....

Pmac

Parties, McPoyles, & a staring role

2009-03-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

St. Pat's Day celebration this weekend. I went to a party on Sunday at an unknown location. Viv and I first went to Jaqueline's on Broadway for a shot, some beers and an education on Chicago mayoral corruption. I guess the parking police are ripping people off by only allowing some meters to have a half hour limit. People keep trying to add money before realizing time will not be increasing. Either way it was a good time there. At the house party I saw a man dressed in a bath robe just like the McPoyles on Always Sunny. I had many hard to explain laughs watching this guy.

I am now the main character in a documentary being shot by my friend John. It's mostly about bike commuting on Chicago's lakefront. It will be around 10 minutes. You gotta start somewhere.

I got in about 4.5 hours of riding in with nothing more than mild knee pain. It's seems to be getting better, slowly. The Lenz is almost all together. I will have to get pics up.

Pmac

On my feet

2009-03-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

This week has been rough. I've had two PT session which have gone well but they are working me pretty good. I have also been on my feet most the day working in the repair center. I am feeling good but the legs are dieing a little. I also have gotten in about 5 hours of riding with plans for 5 more this weekend. Must...eat...more. I weighed myself on the scale at the gym I used to go to. I usually would never dip below 180 with clothes on. I came in at 174 yesterday with everything still in my pockets. Hopefully that means strength to weight ratio is improving? We'll see....

Pmac

Work weak? No work strong

2009-03-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

I am in the ER this week. Not working on sick people but working on sick suspension forks. I am also looking forward to my first PT appt today. The knee is feeling better esp after warm up. I met Sanya Richards and Alan Webb this weekend. Both are olympic runners and Sanya won gold in Beijing. Wohoo!

pmac

Moving forward or is it backward

2009-03-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

The meeting today worked out well. I met with our MTB PR manager. I proposed to him a "Special Agent" relationship with a frame builder/pro racer/journalist on the East Coast. We have very little regional prensence and I think it will benefit SRAM to be involved with this guy. I am looking foward to working with him.

So I should say moving backward? Time moves forward? When you think about it no it doesn't. Time moves backward. Every millisecond turns into the past. We are always creating more past. The future does not exist and is not infinite and yet the past keeps on getting bigger. We are constantly pushing backwards. So my question to you is, what kind of past do you want to create?

Pmac

I do business...

2009-03-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

So, I started out today doing business. John Firak called to do some business. I told him I'm a business man and I was happy to do business with him. I scheduled a lunch business meeting tomorrow as a follow up to the business meeting I had today. The topic today was how we could do more business in an area we don't have as much business. This all actually means something but I can't say yet. I will update after tomorrow's business.

I am going to meet Bret today to see the new Friday the 13t. Sounds scary, probably is scary, and it should be fun. Finally a little warmer outside. Thinking of taking a decent ride. I set up the El Mariachi with some On-one Mary bars and new Juicy Ultimates. All that's left to do is get a new rear wheel and it's race ready. The Mary made much more comfortable than the standard flat bar I had set up. The 40 deg sweep makes for a very natural hand position.

It's been confirmed...

2009-03-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

I have chrondomalacia in my right patella. Just some irritation under the knee cap b/c I have a weak ass. It's good to know for sure and it's an easy fix with some PT. The Dr I went to was great. Very attune to cycling related injuries. He even had coach's and PTs lined up for this kind of thing. Very professional.

Work today has been real busy. I am doing multiple things at once. Warm weather is on the horizon, literally. A high pressure front is just outside the city. Things are looking up up and awayy....

I'm back...

2009-03-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

From the NAHMBS. It was a great show. People really love SRAM products and understand we are pushing the limits of the bike industry. I felt extremely motivated and was happy talking with all the dealers, consumers, and bike builders. One bike and builder in particular caught my eye. Thw OWB29er made by Jay De Jesus of Easter Wood Research: http://www.ewrbikes.com/. The guy is a pro DSer and just laid back and awesome to talk to. I think a purchase is in my near future....

Today is the last day....

2009-02-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

For being sick. I am tired of this feeling. So I'm not letting it happen anymore. I will be all better tomorrow. Will my knee be all better? I don't know. I rode for 45 minutes on the trainer yesterday and it felt fine. But thennnnnn I walked a little ways to Spanish class, walked some more home and what do ya get? More pain. It's slight but I set myself back. Maybe the diagram above will help. I think I have irritated my medial meniscus under the medial femoral condyle. Just irritated not torn. With my current mechanics and lifestyle I don't know how it will ever heal. I must be patient. That may be the key to recovery. I am obsessing over it like all injuries I've had. I wish I had an orthopedist on staff but I'm not that rich yet.

I had my 54th Spanish class yesterday. I am learning it slowly but the class has taken on a very lazy approach. They seem to laugh at everything now for no reason. I also feel like the teacher just wants to get through it. She doesn't care enough that we learn. I am just making the most of it now as it will benefit me in the future, or at least give me leverage. If the potential for lay offs come around; I can at least say: "Hey I've learned Spanish and it didn't cost the company a dime". Who knows if it's valuable but it's got to help.

I looked at my '08 training plan which started in late March. I plan to start '09 plan on Monday so early March is an improvement. Hopefully I will be in shape earlier than last year. I would call last year a success so why not follow the formula? I will post my daily log for the benefit of all three of my followers. I am gearing out the El Maricahi so use as a training machine early on. This should work well.

Pmac

This is for John...

2009-02-24T08:51:00.001-08:00

I couldn't leave a comment on your blog for some reason. So I thought I'd post what I wrote here:

"First post = too long. Just kidding. I think these blogs are good. It'll be a way of staying in touch since we all aren't the most reachable by phone. I like the Taiwan moto idea. I know you like to beat yourself up in the quest for ultimate adventure. But, consider maybe one thing to become an expert at outside of your career. I have read and believe once you become an expert you always retain about 75% of your skill. For instance over a year's time (2006) I took thousands of jump shots focusing on release, form, & visualization. I didn't play bball for about 1.5 years until recently; once I got back on the court I was a little rusty but I still had a silky smooth jumper. That's mechanics and neural memory. I don't need to tell you your brain has more to do with your muscles than the muscles themselves. I mean I am all for trying new things but it's nice to know I am not on the periphery of potential."

pmac

Back to work

2009-02-24T07:12:00.000-08:00

Today I came into work finally. A bit of a surreal experience. Not too much to do here but a lot on the horizon. I have make sure my hammerschmidt verbal judo is tuned for NHMBS. My road product knowledge is average but I feel like you can't tell a roadie about anything because they already know. They are parts loyalists and very skeptical. However, riders are loving RED and making the leap. I found my black polo shirt which is required attire for the show. I was afraid I lost it and would have to ask our marketing 'schwag manager' for another one. He likes me and the last think I would want is to disappoint him.

I am feeling a little better health wise but am still sick. Maybe a couple more days. My knee doesn't hurt but when I rode in I could tell it wanted to. It's a weird feeling. It must be weak or something. The worst part is that it's structural so doing what caused it may only make it worse so I have to slowly work my way up. Starting next week, I may just follow the base plan I use last year. It was effective. I think I am in a little bit better shape but why fix what isn't broke. I will post a funny pic of my brother dressed as an old man for Halloween.

pmac

Laying low

2009-02-23T12:32:00.000-08:00

Well, the weekend was filled with meaningless tasks to make me meaningful money. I worked a CPS bball game for nike and delivered promotional items to a couple shoe stores. This took up both Saturday & Sunday. I was sick pretty much the whole time. I took today off from work to recover. Knee pain is 0 on a scale of 10. Things are looking up. I am going to do some light spinning today or tomorrow. This weekend I am off to the NHMBS. I will try to get pics and post.

Pmac

A visit from a Belgian

2009-02-20T09:16:00.001-08:00

Chris Mckenney came down today to visit us from his new Euro home East of Amersfoort in the Netherlands. That's not Belgium you say? You are right. But I consider him Belgian because he has a Belgian racing license. You are from where you race is my semi-not very well thought out theory. The cycling culture over there sounded pretty interesting from his stories in the pits at pro cross races. It's a spectator sport even at the local level. The admission fees are higher than the race fees. Unless you have the talent and strength to hang with former or aspiring pros you are told you can't race. There is a lot of sand and drive trains don't last long. Much of the land was under the ocean not very long ago. So what's left? The bottom of the ocean of course.

I got in a great swim last night at Gill Park. 2250 yards in about 40 minutes. I felt great and did 4x500 repeats followed by some stroke work. I think all this rest for the knee has given me a lot of energy. There were fleeting moment of very mild pain while swimming but overall it's feeling better. I went out to LionHead pub on Lincoln last night to meet a riding buddy of mine for half price aps and beers. 3 beers, a plate of nachos, and some chicken tacos made me ready for bed. I rode in on the KM this morning. Some pain in the knee near the end of the ride, but not bad. I will try some easy spinning tonight on the trainer. I hope it feels better.

pmac

Putting the prove in improvement

2009-02-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pics of me racing, just for kicks. Mom, I still haven't seen the coffee.

Working the bball game was fine last night. The easiest $150 I've made in a while. Chicago High School hoops has got to be some of the best in the country. Enthusiatic fans and strong rivalries. Standing for a few hours and then loading up all our equipment did not cause much pain to the knee. A short ride home after did cause some. Not too bad though. I thinks it's getting better although I can't tell. That's where I decided to run a little test today. I didn't take any vitamin I this morning after riding into work - which caused some pain. Walking around at work I am not feeling much pain at all. A good sign especially since I am not masking it with a pain killer. I just hope this doesn't come back to haunt me every time I ride. The thought of a malfunctioning joint consumes me. I want to live and ride forever.

pmac

Frustration sets in

2009-02-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

I don't think this knee thing is getting any better. I am combatting it in all the usual ways. Icing, resting (to an extent), and vitamin I. It feels about the same, maybe worse. I looked up some articles on it. It may be a torn maniscus. I am not sure. But coming up and going down to a squat when my feet are inward hurts the most. There is not grinding, popping, or catching all of which are typical of meniscus tears. But the pain location is a typical sign. I am going to wait it out a little longer. Something miraculous better happen before tonight. I have to work a CPS basketball game for Nike. My friend's company does promotions for them. I will be on my feet a lot and it won't be good for the knee. I guess I am surprised this hasn't happened before. When I injure something I realize how active my life is. I am always moving. I need my limbs.

Nothing new on the bike front. I am looking forward to putting some gears on the El Mar and hydro discs & a Cane Creek 100 headset on the KM. I need a new crank and front wheel for the Milk Money and that's done too.

Confused & focused

2009-02-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Today the knee is still bothering me. I am not sure what's going on but the walk to the chump mobile (bus) caused some pain. It's not getting worse but it's not getting better either. Vitamin I seems to take away some of the pain as well as not moving around too much. Thinking back riding 3.5 hours and then walking around and being on feet the rest of the day is probably a good way to overstrain your knee. Oh well, I have other things to focus on. Like shipping out all the stuff I recently unloaded on ebay. A used PS2 will fetch you about $55. Not bad since I never play it. I continue to look around my place to see if I have other things to get rid of. CASH IS KING.

pmac

Uh-Oh

2009-02-16T06:31:00.000-08:00

I think I may have overused my underused and seasonally dormant knees. My right one has a pain on the medial side just under the patella. I am not sure if it's serious yet but I am icing today and taking some Vitamin I. I hope this works out. Speaking of working out I won't be doing one of those today. Gotta rest the limbs. I'll be taking the bus home like a chump.

Long Ride in the Suburban Tundra

2009-02-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to a Valentine's meat party with Bret and Viv. I brought steak, tomatos, mushrooms, a mango, & beer. There was all sorts of artery cloggin, bacon wrapped concoctions. I ate some Swedish meat balls, tomatos, mushrooms, and the steak I brought. I also ate the mango. Why mango? It has enzymes that help break down beef protein and assist in digestion. Which made me feel pretty good until I took a shot of absinthe. It burned my throat, I was instadrunk and done after that. Perfect way to fuel up for a long ride the next day.

Joe and I took a long ride out to Evanston and back. Abotu 3.5 hours, maybe 40-50 miles round trip. My lungs were there and my HR stayed resonable but my legs just don't have it yet. They felt weak and heavy. I used a Trek X1 cross bike, with some SRAM prototype parts. Everything worked out great even through some snow and sticky mud. I have a feeling this is the first of many long cross rides in preparation for this season.

I re-did the Karate Monkey single speed mountain bike style. It's looking and feeling good. The bike has some tweaks in the fork. It has a G2 crown making for a 51mm offset. This quickens the handling on an otherwise boat like feel. I also filled the damper with Moto grade Silkolene 5wt oil. It is smooth. I can run it full lock with the floodgate half open and it still eats up small and big bumps while cutting out most pedal bob. I need a longer chain as this one is super tight and rough on back pedal. I like to keep the chainstays short on this horizontal drop bike. They are at 17" even when pushed all the way forward. Extremely short as 29ers go.

A lonely Friday

2009-02-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, what to say about today. I went to the Bulls game from work last night with my gf Viv. Cab ther cab back = commuter bike not at home. So, I rode in on my El Mariachi set up for the trainer. It has only a front brake and a slick tire on an XT hub with loose bearings. Not to worry. It's only 2 miles to work. I am trying to decide wheather or not to keep or sell this bike. I think I need to make some tweaks to the handling (new bar) and add gears - currently set up SS.

What I mean by a lonely Friday is that I haven't felt very connected with people at work this week. Things are slow and I get bored and unmotivated and try to find the end the internet but just end up going through my favorites five times in a row. I must try to talk to people more today.

2009-02-12T07:16:00.001-08:00

I am gonna put up some images of bikes I've had/have. I really have no record of any of them so this goes a long way for when my kids want to know how I got hardcore (they really won't be impressed). #1 - Riding the Karate Monkey (my current commuter) in the 2008 Palos Meltdown #2 - Riding the El Mariachi (SS race machine) at 2008 Chequamegon #3 - Raleigh XXIX (gone) #4 - Schwinn Homegrown (gone) Maybe I'll make a list. The progression of bikes here is chronological but not very logical. I think it's long:

1 - 1997 Giant Sedona

2 - 1996 Cannondale M800

3- 1997 Kona ? (easton al frame)

4 - 1998 Voodoo Bizango

5 - 1998 Dean Oscar (loved this one, never should have sold it)

6 - 1999 Azonic DS-1

7 - 1997 Salsa A La Carte

8 - 2001 Schwinn Homegrown

9 - 2005 Gary Fisher Ziggurat

10 - 1999 Schwinn Homegrown

11 - 2007 Raleigh XXIX 29er

12 - 2008 Surly 1x1

13 - 2008 Salsa El Mariachi 29er(current)

14 - 2008 Surly Karate Monkey 29er (current)

15 - 2008 Lenz Sport Milk Money 29er (current)

This season I am looking to get rid of the KM and add a 5" trail bike to the collection. Maybe a cyclocross bike too.

How does your list compare?

First Post

2009-02-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

Blog #1. Is blog a verb or a noun? I chose this layout b/c the star in the upper left corner reminds me of the star located on the wing of U.S. fighter jets in all of our great and completely necessary wars. It's American, like myself. Next I will hit publish post.