Kaboom!

Well, it happened. Went on another 100km+ ride yesterday and my rear wheel finally had it. I managed to make it home but my wheel sounded awful. I pulled it completely apart last night and greased everything I could. Put it back together and took it for test spin. Same thing. So it has to be the bearings. This morning I put it on the roof of the car to take it to the shop and then noticed one of the nipple holes has a crack in it. So that wheel is completely fried. I told the shop I need it back by next weekend or they'll have to lend me a wheel to use. We'll see.

Steve

It's been awhile since my last update. Training has been coming along a little slower than I would like. I wake up to go out and there's always a bunch of snow on the ground! It is getting frustrating and I've had it with the trainer. I've put on my regular road tires now so I don't want to chew them up on the trainer. I have been able to get out for many 100km+ rides recently so that is always a good thing. My time right now for a specific route I do which is 102km is as fast as I was doing it last summer so I'm feeling like my fitness is ahead of last year. As I build up to my training camp in mid April things should be really good.

My biggest problem right now is the rear wheel on my bike is just about ready to fall apart. It makes a terrible racket as I am riding. I've pulled the whole thing apart, lubed and reassembled without much luck. I think the bearings might be done. I bought my road bike (Specialized Allez Elite w/ Alex A-Class 330 wheels) last April and I have about 6000km on the bike so I guess the wheel is just worn out. The bike is great, but the wheelset is kind of cheap. I think I will pick up a new set very soon. Any recommendations from anyone? I don't want to break the bank....I'm looking to spend around $500-$600.

Adios!

Steve

Welcome to Miami

Just back from my trip to Miami for a little fun in the sun and relaxation. Really it was a business recognition trip for the top sales people at my company so there was a lot of things going on the whole time.

I won't bore everyone with too many details, but I will say Miami is one helluva interesting place! If you like people watching this is the place to be. I managed to get in about 90 minutes of walking on the beach each day. My legs are actually quite sore from that walking as walking on a beach is much different than on pavement. My neck also got a good workout from checking out the sites on the beach. Let's just say there was lots of silicon getting a tan.

Temperatures were warm...about 80 d F. I was able to do an Everglades Adventure which was cool riding on an airboat and seeing aligators in the wild. I also managed to get in a round of golf, shooting an excellent 83 (on a par 72) especially since I only get in about 5 rounds a year now (I used to play a lot more in my mid 20's).

The airlines managed to lose my luggage again, this time it was American Airlines. That's twice in 2 weeks I've had luggage lost.

The weather here in Oakville is damn cold so I am going to delay the start of big mileage until next week when the weather warms up.

Steve