satisfy the itch

Today I got out on snow for the third time this season. So far, I have had nothing but powder days! I'm in Montana for the holidays and we skied the best "unknown" lift serviced powder in America. Seriously, I've never not had powder here. On the way to Lost Trail Mtn we passed half a dozen big horn rams licking up the road salt and paying minimal attention to the cars creeping by. Not likely to see that in New England, or even Colorado.


I didn't want to hassle with lugging my skis through the airport so I rented some at the mtn. $16 for skis and poles (I brought my own boots)! Either New England is way inflated or Lost Trail Mtn has no ambition of making money.

We were on the slopes when they opened at 9:30 and we skied until almost 2. Powder stashes were easily found all over the tiny mountain. Despite temperatures in the low teens, we had a blast floating through champaign powder that rivals any place on Earth. Oh, and did I mention the lift ticket was only $32? Try finding that in New England.

my morning coffee

Most folks know (and probably despise me for it) I don't drink coffee. I just never developed a desire for the stimulant. Instead I rely on scenes like this to get me going in the morning. What a great way to start the day.

It just feels better

I motivated enough to ride the 15 miles to work on Monday. The roads were wet but the temperature was warm and the air was dry. I got a late start and didn't get to my desk until after 9:15 but I felt great. I've realized that the 40 minute drive which usually includes fighting traffic along Rt 9 and I95 leaves me in an anxious, distracted, and unsatisfied state of mind. I much prefer riding to work and I end up being more productive and less distracted as a result.

Now if only I was motivated to gear up at 7am when the temp is still below freezing. I'm going to make more of an effort to do so though. Anyone got tricks to help them motivate in the morning when the weather turns cold and wet? I hate driving in the Boston area.

just because the shoe fits does not mean you should wear it

Sometimes I feel like a woman when I look at my mtb shoe collection. I have a pair for really crappy weather, a pair for really cold weather, a pair that looks like sneakers so I can blend in when I ride to the bar, a pair for 'cross racing, and a pair for cross racing when the conditions require toe spikes. I've also used and passed along a number of other mtb shoes in recent years. Since it is (er, was) cross season for the last three months I've mostly been using two pair. The first pair is a super light pair of Specialized S-Works with the silly ratchet system. I bought them for a song on ebay so I don't mind abusing them. Here's a recap on the shoe

Specialized S Works BG MTB shoe
- Fit: The BG fit that Specialized advertises is nice. The shoes conform nicely to my feet without any hot spots or pressure points

- Stiffness: With the carbon reinforced sole, the shoe is stiff enough to satisfy me without being too stiff
- Durability: I'm glad I didn't pay much for these because they simply do not hold up. Friends have gone through multiple pairs with Specialized warranty due to treads delaminating (at least they stand behind the shoe) but frankly I don't want to deal with sending back my damaged shoes every 3 months. Also, mine are wearing out on the inside of the heal (probably from striking my chainstay or crank) which is a problem I've never had with other shoes. My suspicion is that the lame carbon-like material is just not durable enough for a shoe of this caliber. My other shoes have either hard plastic or tougher fabric in that area.
- Weight: These things are darn light. They are half the weight of any other mtb shoes I've had.
- Grade: I'd give these a B- if you buy them for $100 or less. If I had paid the retail price ($200+) I'd give them a C-

My other primary shoe of late is the Adidas Marathon mtb shoes. I've had these for over three years now and they just keep ticking. Too bad I can't find them in stores or online anymore. Here's a recap

Adidas Marathon mtb shoes

- Fit: These shoes took some time to break in. After a season of fighting the flimsy stock footbed I upgraded them with the black Superfeet inserts and they are much better.
- Stiffness: These suckers are as stiff as any mtb shoe I've ever owned and stiffer than many road shoes I've owned. If you like stiff soles, these are worth a try.
- Durability: These shoes have held up to two seasons of cyclocross thrashing as well as a season of mtb riding and racing. Earlier this fall I noticed a toe tread starting to rip lose (maybe from kicking a barrier at Suckerbrook). Two and a half months later that tread is still hanging on! Also, the velcro straps are holding up just fine despite repeated adjustments.
- Weight: These things are not the lightest out there. Being the middle of the line offering I don't suspect Adidas was trying to keep them super light but they are by no means the heaviest either. Given their durability, I'm willing to accept a bit of extra weight.
- Grade: B+ They'd get an A if they were lighter.

I've outgrown my Sidi lust faze as they are simply not stiff enough for my liking and there are plenty of less expensive options with similar or better features. Oh, and the adjustable top strap mechanism tends to rub on my crankarms which is not cool.

I'm interested in trying the new Shimano shoes when the Specialized finally die (or when I find a screaming deal on them). Lots of people seem to be enjoying the Shimano shoes these days so they seem worthy of a try.

mud and guts

Wednesday night was the highly touted Superprestige event in Allston. With mild December temperatures I expected a reasonably sized turnout but was disappointed to see only 6 or 7 folks on the start line. The once fantastic stadium lighting has been shut off for the last 6 weeks so we were relying on our memories and the strategically placed blinky lights at the corners.

Our race promoters set up a beautiful barrier section with knog lights that doubled as a nativity scene (although I didn't see the baby Jesus anywhere).

The usual Le Mans start was fueled by the first lap preme and the "uncertain" whistle of race director RMM. Somewher inside of 15 seconds we were given the green light and the foot race started. The course is a flat (as a board) spin with minimal need for shifting that wraps around the fields before darting across the mandatory running sandpit and into 3 tight turns that were punctuated with wet gooey grass and mud. With 15 laps projected I was not optimistic of taking the first lap preme but did want to give a few hard efforts so I jockeyed back and forth as I put in efforts and then eased off to recover a bit.

The mud in those 3 turns made for such a filthy and poor shifting bike that I almost wished I had a pit bike! We have been blessed/cursed with mostly dry conditions in New England this fall so I was surprised at the end of the event to see just how filthy everything was.
I should have known it was bad because my shifting stopped performing somewhere around lap 9 or 10. It was nice to get a little handling challenge in the sloppy corners since the course is otherwise tame.




As I circled the .5 mile loop over and over and over again while PVB
and I chatted about how lackluster the season has seemed as he agreed with my previous post. We also endured some good natured heckling from the fans at the nativity scene/barrier section. After the race I was invited for burritos (too bad it was Chipotle and not Anna's) by RMM. We discussed the potential to grow the Superprestige into a more challenging, larger event for next season with some prizes and added shenanigans in exchange for a small entry fee to cover those prizes and shenanigans. That gets me excited for next season. I like the idea of a weekly event at home that is designed to share the fun and rewards with everyone, not just the winners. Those who have attended the Middleboro training races put on by Union Velo last season can attest to how much potential and fun there can be for a mid week race.

So tonight I have to clean up the 'cross bike, replace my chainrings (they've been overdue for months) and chain, and get everything together for one more weekend of races. Hard to believe it is December and 'cross season is almost over.

Thanks to Craig Roth for both racing with us and snapping the snazzy pictures. Thanks to the Quad Cycles guys (mostly Ian Sutton I think) for getting the Superprestige started and to RMM for keeping it going. Next season it will return in a bigger and better format I hope.

missing

Since returning from my cross country adventure, I am once again gainfully employed and making quick work of yet another 'cross season. As I pedaled into Boston on August 6th, it seemed like cross season would never arrive and yet now it is almost gone. Somehow three and a half months and 16+ races later there is little to look forward to. The days are shorter, the temperatures are staying lower, and soon enough the roads will be littered with sand, salt, ice, and snow reducing my bike commuting opportunities.

As I rode in to work this morning I was thinking about why this year's 'cross season hasn't really thrilled me quite like years past. The results have been good and there certainly hasn't been a shortage of racing. I think the biggest difference this season compared to years past is the lack of camaraderie and the almost routine feeling of doing some events for the 4th or 5th year in a row with the same dry conditions as last year. The last two years I was fortunate enough to travel to some big events (USGP in CO in 2006 and USGP in PDX in 2007) and enjoy a lot of time with new and old friends in the process. This year I missed out on the travel partly because I couldn't justify the cost after 4 months without a paycheck and partly because it is not fair to my family after being away for 2 months this summer.

It's rare for me to be looking forward to road or mtb racing with 'cross races still on the schedule but I've found myself doing so this year. Most of all I'm looking forward to the return of my buddy. His presence was sorely missed this fall. He and his wife have been the glue that holds together so many New England friendships and they are without question the best teammates I could ask for. Without Mr and Mrs Zanconato I would not have met great people like Kenny and Matt. Heck, without Mr. and Mrs. Z I might still be in the Cleveland IHOP. I'm looking forward to the triumphant return of the Zanconatos and the revival of our band of 'cross racing misfits. They will uplift the spirits of the whole New England racing community.

Is it time for the 2009 'cross season yet?

cold

I managed to commute twice last week despite the freezing temperatures. This weekend's racing, although successful, was bone chilling. My toes took a long time to thaw out, going from numb, to painful, to tingly, to cold, to normal. Why do we make ourselves suffer through this agony? Sometimes I forget.

At least it's back above 30 for the ride home. It will be refreshing to commute without my winter coat tonight.

on my way

Here is a list of some of the things I saw while riding to work today:


- a crossing guard sitting comfortably in her brand new Cadillac Escalade while young children dart across a four lane road as if they are playing the old skool Frogger video game.

- a 9 year old child walking to school with a recently purchased cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee (could have been tea or hot chocolate I guess). I guess even 9 year olds need their caffeine to get moving in the morning.

- a full sized man on a tiny folding bike (with the saddle so low he looked like he was riding a BMX bike) with a huge suitcase sized backpack. I've seen this particular fellow 4 or 5 times now while commuting and I applaud his efforts but think he might want to try raising his seat.

- 10-12 other bike commuters. It was a nice morning for a ride.

putting my lights to good use

I commuted on the most direct route today. Although it is not as peaceful, it is 2-3 miles shorter and I think it was faster even with the major traffic intersections I had to go through. It was also hard to tell because I was commuting on the 'cross tires for the first time. 15 miles on knobby tires at 60psi is a lot less efficient.

Bring your lights and be ready to rumble tonight

not afraid of the dark

Monday was a great commute. I took the road racing bike with just enough supplies to keep me well lit for the night time ride home. I forgot how much faster a 17 lb carbon bike is than the 22 lb fender equipped steel commuter that I had been riding lately. The morning air was warm enough and the traffic was rather light as I zipped along my usual route to Waltham. When the work whistle blew at the end of my day I was initially tense about the ride home. It was 6pm and completely dark. With no other choice, I geared up, put on my highly visible white vest and rear blinking lights as well as my handlebar mounted light. My ride combines some unlit and lit side roads, some unlit busy roads, and some well lit city centers so I was switching between high beam and low beam on the NiteRider. The temp seemed a bit cooler than the morning ride but perhaps it was the lack of sun.

As I zipped through the darkest sections I was reassured by the high beam on the NiteRider. For a $150 light, it performs as well as I could expect. It is also exceptionally convenient because I rotate it from bike to bike on an almost daily basis. The 15 mile ride home in the dark was fast and enjoyable. For some reason the roads seemed a little quieter than usual which added to the enjoyment.

too early?

is it bad to leave at 4:30 on a friday if you've only been with the company for three weeks? i don't think so. i just want to be home by 6.

feelin' down

Once or twice a year I get a cold. Sometimes it is just a stuffy nose and sore throat, sometimes it is a full system meltdown. This week I have the stuffy nose and sore throat but hopefully nothing more. I skipped out on 'cross practice in hopes of limiting the amount that I weaken my immune system. I'm sure glad I don't have to get on a plane anytime soon. Traveling with a head cold is the pits.

Seeing a sign like this in New England would sure cheer me up.

just plain stupid

It's getting colder in New England as we seem to be skipping fall and going straight for winter. On Thursday morning my thermometer read 33 degrees when I left the house. I put on my windproof jacket and shoe covers in hopes of staying warm during the 15 mile ride. When I got to the Boston College area I caught up to a guy on a Bike Friday (with 16 inch wheels) who was equally dressed for the cold morning EXCEPT he was wearing flip flops. Seriously! Since when is wearing flip flops will bike commuting a good idea, let alone when it is 33 degrees outside. He rode at least 2-3 miles so it is not like he was just going to the end of the street or out for 5 minutes. I guess I just don't get it.

soothing and relaxing

I was initially unsure of how I would deal with my now 15 mile commute to work. Living south of the city and now working northwest of the city my commute takes me on some fairly busy roads before I escape into the quiet comfort of the Weston side roads.

I've been able to ride more often than drive although it takes me 25-30 extra minutes when riding so I have to get up and out of the house earlier to accomplish this. I've set up the commuter with lights, fenders, pump, etc to be certain I don't find myself soaked by unexpected rain, invisible to passing traffic, or stranded 10 miles from home with mechanical troubles. It is not a PRO looking machine but it is more about functionality for this trip.

Last week confirmed my preference for riding to work instead of driving. Over the course of the week I saw sunny rays reflecting off the dew covered grass, leaves changing colors as fall makes it presence known, wild turkeys

and suburban houses decorated for the upcoming Halloween festivities. I saw people enjoying early morning walks along Comm Ave in Newton and others playing a twilight round of golf at the Weston Country Club. My cross country tour this summer gave me a new appreciation for the variety that one can see from the seat of a bike and I've embraced that variety during my 15 mile ride. Heck, I only got honked at once during 4 trips and that was by an old man who probably shouldn't have a license anyway. There's more honking in a single car trip.

So if you haven't ridden to work lately I encourage you to try it. It doesn't have to be a race. Just enjoy it and see if you don't feel more relaxed and satisfied during your work day.

Lost at the bottom

I just realized this morning that the raisins in my raisin bran cereal sink to the bottom of the bowl (or in this case, cup). I poured too much milk into my mug and then added the cereal (which, I know, is the opposite of the norm but I was in the kitchen and the cereal was back at my work desk). So after eating through the bran portion I decided to explore at the bottom of the remaining milk and low and behold I found a jackpot of raisins! No wonder why the scoops of bran seemed unusually lacking.

Garmin Edge 305

This clever device gets an A+ for its potential and a C- for its execution of that potential. I've been using the Garmin Edge 305 for nearly 3 years now and while I love the data that it gathers and the convenience of swapping it from bike to bike with no wires, magnets, or other accessories, I'm continually disappointed by the software Garmin developed to accompany it and the limitation of 7-9 hours of battery life.



Normally those problems are minor since I can charge it after a long ride and download regularly to my PC (not my mac because I don't have the newest, Garmin compatible OS on the mac). On my cross country journey however I had to scrape around for power outlets every time I stopped to be sure I got a charge. Also, I was not initially aware of this but apparently the device will overwrite historic data as it gets full. And it gets full after 10-12 days of long rides. Without a personal computer on my trip and unable to upload activity at the numerous libraries I stopped into, I learned when I finally got home that the fun stuff like elevation gain, daily route maps, calories, and max speed were overwritten for the first 3/4 of my trip. Total bummer because I was looking forward to sharing those trip totals.

Maybe someone out there has created a better software solution than the junk that comes from Garmin. I've played with sportracks and while it is better, it still has some major limitations. Linking with google earth is fun and allows you to see the topography and satellite pictures fo the terrain that was covered but it doesn't do anything to help store a route without having to first download software onto a computer (which you cannot do at most poublic libraries).

Anyway, I'll continue to use the Garmin Edge 305 and be satisfied with its abilities as long as I am near a personal computer to sync the data regularly. When traveling for extended periods though, an old fashioned wired computer is still going to be necessary.

The new commute

View Larger Map

protective lenses

I've been using Smith eyewear for a number of years and rarely ever thought about it. I guess that means the equipment is doing its job if you don't even notice or think about it. For 4200+ miles the Smith Theory slider style glasses were comfortably on my face. Rarely did I ride without them and rarely did I notice them. From burning sunlight to hazy overcast skies, the glasses and the three interchangeable lenses just performed, not fogging, not sliding, not getting in the way.

Comfy comfy

I thought the soft Fizik Gobi mtb saddle that I had chosen would be comfortable for my tour. Somewhere around mile 600 I stopped being comfortable and started moving around non stop. When I made it to my in-laws in Hamilton, MT I was fortunate enough to find a Brooks Professional at Red Barn Bicycles. I was apprehensive given the rumored break in period of hundreds of miles but I knew the Gobi wasn't going to work.

I managed to get in 100 miles while with the in-laws and I could already sense a marked improvement. With lots of proofide and love the saddle molded to my ass over the next 300 miles and I soon forgot about the hunk of leather I was sitting on. Like a good offensive lineman, your saddle should go unnoticed and the Brooks did that for me.

Lots of Stuff

When I took off for my cross country trip I had lots of stuff. I managed to pack it all into two cardboard boxes for the flight out to Vancouver. Here's a look at what I packed.


Once I got to Vancouver I had to assemble the bike and trailer so I found a quiet corner in the airport and got to work. Manaaged to assemble the whole thing with nothing more than a Pedro's pocket tool.

done and done

I somehow managed to average nearly 100 miles a day during my cross country trip. You know what that does for your fitness? Yeah, it makes for great base miles, but it destroys any speed you may have once had. Sure, I saw some great places, met some great people, and had an experience of a lifetime. I did not, however, improve my racing fitness.

In addition to lots and lots of interval efforts over the next month, I am also planning to write a number of reviews of the products I used during my recent trip. Some of them are relevant only for touring but many of them will be reviews of everyday cycling products. I'm not sure where to start but I have formed plenty of opinions after 4300 miles of use.

Out of Office Reply

yup, i'm out of the office. no desk, no job, no responsibility. just ridin' around the country

good chamois=happy ass

A good friend of mine was kind enough to get me into a pair of these shorts for my upcoming trip. I finally tested them out last night and over the 50 mile ride they were very very comfortable, despite the 90+ temperatures and 99% humidity.


Stop by his online store and support him by buying some great cycling clothes. He'll also be happy to offer honest recommendations if you need.

C'est fait

I'm sitting in the airport ready for my last business trip to come to an end. I'm going out in style of course by sitting in first class. Too bad it is Friday night and I'm getting on a red eye flight. In fact this is the fourth red eye flight I've taken since mid April. They've all been from the Pacific NW. At least I have some good friends out here to help distract and entertain me otherwise I would have gone mad a long time ago.

Tuesday June 10th marks my official last day of work. Then it is off on the adventure of a lifetime.
I'm almost done with my planning and anxiously looking forward to the next really big trip. I haven't seen my family and friends much since April but there was no better time to do this than now and so I am sacrificing additional time with them to pursue my selfish interests.

Keep track of me if you like.

guilty pleasures

I've been trying to stagger my cycling gear orders lately to spread the joy of receiving new toys throughout the season. On Monday a mother load arrived from my generous friends in the pacific NW (where I coincidentally find myself working this week). I snapped some pictures, tried on the gear, and was tempted to wear it on the plane (sorry TSA, can't hide any weapons in this spandex). I brought the rain jacket with me which was a good idea because the forecast in Seattle is for rain followed by rain and then some scattered rain.
Who knows, if the weather breaks I might be able to test some of the gear. Otherwise it will have to wait until this weekend when I get back to Boston.

Thanks guys, this stuff is amazingly comfortable and going to be perfect for 7500km of touring this summer.

Seattle bound

I made my way from Portland up to Seattle on Sunday morning in order to catch a Mariners game at Safeco field. Let's just say $40 at Fenway would not get you anywhere near the experience we got at Safeco. $30 for seats six rows off the field and $10 for a salmon fillet sandwich a drink. Oh, and parking at the stadium was only $20.


Ok, so stepping back from the day it looks kind of expensive. But seriously, figure what a full tank of gas, $30 race entry fee, $10 worth of drinks and food along the way and that baseball game is not looking so expensive anymore. It was fun to do something different on the weekend and to see a really great stadium. The game was actually close too which made it easy to stay until the end.

humble pie in Dutch Canyon

I will preface by saying it was really hot and I was a little too hungover for such conditions. Nonetheless, I had made up my mind last week that I would do the Dutch Canyon route that extends north to Scappoose from Portland. Highlights include 6,000 ft of climbing, most of it during 35 of the 65 miles, dirt roads, and endless views.

I started out feeling descent enough in the saddle and thinking it'd be a nice ride. I had breakfast at the Portland Farmer's Market which was very well attended because it was the first really nice weekend of the spring


Then I headed north on Rt 30 towards NW Germantown Rd. As soon as the road pitched up I realized I had been fooling myself. I quickly entered a pain cave as dark and endless as any I've ever entered. Not wanting to quit after only 10 miles I struggled on towards the top making it after what seemed like hours.

From there I was on the well ridden and well known Skyline Blvd. It is a road that meanders on the mountain ridge for many miles with scenic views of Mt St Helens and Mt Hood


as well as the western valley of Wilkesboro.


A bit of a recovery along Skyline also alerted me to my less than adequate liquid situation. Constant dry mouth and hot temps had drained the two bidons faster than usual so I desperately sought out water.

Salvation came at the intersection of Skyline and Cornelius Pass in the form of a small but properly stocked convenience store. I chugged half of the gallon, filled the two bottles and then had the friendly store manager keep the remaining bit for my imminent return in what I hoped would be 1-1.5 hours. From the store, Skyline pitched back up hill until I reached Rocky Point. From there it was a fast but unfamiliar descent to the southern edge of Scappoose and another water stop. I took full advantage of the air conditioned convenience store while enjoying an ice cold soda and extra salty pretzels.

The ride along Dutch Canyon Rd started out tame enough. It's a nice, mostly flat country road with minimal traffic and farm land views. Soon enough I cam upon the entrance to Otto Miller.


This is the dirt and gravel road that would make me cry UNCLE! I should have known as soon as I turned right and saw the entrance to this hilly road that I would be entering a deeper darker pain cave than even Germantown had offered. On and off the bike as I climbed 3+ miles with insufficient water and inadequate gearing I finally struggled to the summit for some nice views.


The gravel descent had me crossing my fingers that I didn't double flat because I was only carrying one tube. Sure enough, the rear felt soft and in no time I was on the rim. I took my time changing the flat and saying a few prayers because I was about as far from Portland at that point as I could have been and I only had the one tube.

Once I got back to solid pavement I let go of the brakes and quickly boosted the average speed with 3-4 miles of descending. I made my way back to the convenience store at the intersection of Cornelius and Skyline where I finished off my gallon of water and refilled with a smaller bottle. I took off back up Skyline and then decided to rest on the shaded porch of a small church. I closed my eyes, stretched, checked a phone message and mentally prepared for the 25 miles I had left.

Not knowing the area, I stayed on Skyline a bit too long and came back into Portland on a busy but really fun downhill called West Burnside. The screaming downhill at 40mph made my eyes water and my fingers cramp but it also cooled off my over heated body to the point that I almost felt recovered. I rolled all the way over the river on Burnside Rd and ended my epic fight with a visit to an epic shop.


River City has a great variety of gear with knowledgeable, friendly, not pushy staff willing to help you or willing to let you drool unbothered. I'm kicking myself for not getting pictures inside because they had some diverse beauties including carbon tandems, Ferrari Colnago's, NOS classic Colnago's, and a display of clothing to keep a person hip in any crowd (cycling or non).


I met up with great people (the brothers Roth) for dinner after the ride and since Dan had also suffered for too long in the sun we were a group of duds, speaking intermittently as we filled up on delicious lasagna in the Pearl. I finished off the evening with ice cream.




If you find yourself in Portland with time to ride, check out the Dutch Canyon loop. Avoid Germantown and West Burnside because there are better alternatives and be sure to carry two tubes and a reliable pump because I think I was lucky not to flat twice on Otto Miller. Now it is on to Seattle where I get to ride with my favorite bike studio owner and watch a Mariner's baseball game.

Finally a chance to do some riding

I spent last week in Salisbury, MD and the week before that in Vicksburg, MS. While both offer potentially enjoyable cycling, my travel plans and client meetings did not allow me to bring the Ritchey.

This week I start a 9 day journey through the northwest, including Portland, Seattle, and Spokane. I brought the bike and have at least two days set aside for some riding.

Daniel says this is a worthy epic in the Portland area so I'll have stats that look something like this on Saturday. Hopefully I'll get some pedaling in before then as well. I'll post some pictures and results after my adventure(s).

F* YOU DELTA!

Sitting in a Podunk town in the south waiting for my Delta flight to take me home. Thanks for calling me at 3:30am with a criptic message about my flight being delayed. Thanks for letting the 7:30am flight leave on time while my 6:00am flight is still not boarding at 7:50.

I am glad this business travel routine will be over soon. Too bad it wasn't over last week so I could enjoy the weekend at my own home with my family and friends.

This is how I ride...in FL

I've never seen anything like this place. The Villages, a "community" in Florida is overrun by golf carts. And we're not talking boring old white golf carts that do 10 mph. We're talking tricked out, $10,000 fashion statements with their own dedicated road network and bridges.



When I went for a run I could barely breath between all of the laughter. I saw people whipping through the area using arms extended out to indicate turns. I saw golf carts decorated with Florida Gators stickers and Auburn Tigers stickers. And for those who can't afford to pimp their rides, they take the vanity plate to a whole notha level with their auto vanity plates affixed to their un-pimped golf carts.

Other interesting facts about The Villages:
- must be 55 or older to be a resident
- no public schools or mayor
- highest concentration of STD's in Florida (I heard this one from my client who is a medical professional, but hopefully not part of the statistic...)

Now I wonder, does the guy with the most pimped out ride also carry the highest number of STD's??? Is there a linear relationship between the value of a man's golf cart and the number of STD's he is likely to carry?

staying planted but seeing stars

I haven't been on the business travel routine for almost 4 weeks. I am starting to get spoiled by the luxuries of my own home. Today, instead of going to the office I ran some errands around town. Perhaps it was the sun in the sky or perhaps it is just what you see in the middle of the day when most people are in their office, but I saw all kinds of stars and stripes.

this kind


and this kind




but my favorite was this kind




Next week I head to Orlando for a quick two day trip. No biking, just running since it is a short trip.