Recently I've caught myself lying repeatedly at restaurants. It doesn't matter how bad the food is, I still feel compelled to lie to the staff when they ask me "how is everything?" Why don't I tell the truth. "Actually the chicken is rubbery, the lettuce is rusty, and the beans are burnt." That's what I should have said last night at our company gathering. And I know I'm not alone because as soon as the staff retreated we all talked about the sub-par quality of our meals.
Perhaps this is why Americans are overweight and why big chain restaurants are flooding the landscape. Too many people have become complacent (lazy?) and willing to accept poor quality in the interest of not offending or challenging the establishments we patronize. Too many Americans prefer the safety of a familiar menu or greasy spoon from one town to the next. I don't make a habit of visiting chain restaurants (Subway and burrito joints excluded) when given the choice. I usually find myself at one of these sub-par spots as a result of the desire of others or the result of being in "Anywhere, USA" and not having other options.
The truth is, it is not the waitstaff's fault that the food sucks but they are the faces the customers see. Since I am in the mindset of making changes to my behavior, I am going to change the way I respond to the sub-par food I too often receive. I'm going to be honest and tell them what they don't want to hear. If the cooks never get negative feedback about their food, they are never going to improve, right?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Turn down the bitch knob
This winter has been cold and snowy in Boston. It's been a challenge for me to remain positive and upbeat because I really don't enjoy snowy or cold conditions in Boston. I like being outdoors and being able to get around town comfortably on my bike. I much prefer riding my bike to work as opposed to driving and fighting with traffic. I know it's still possible to get outside when the weather is nasty but my motivation to do so drops significantly.
Even though I grew up skiing every weekend I just don't get as excited about it anymore. Maybe it's the painful process of packing up and getting out of Boston with the hoards of other people trying to do the same or maybe its the fact that it's an expensive undertaking to ski 8-10 times a year. Either way, the winter time distraction I enjoyed as a kid is no longer something I look forward to so I'm left with more time to stew and sulk during the cold, snowy, dark winter months.
Over the last few weeks I've tried to embrace the last nastiness of New England winter by taking a ski trip to Vermont, riding and commuting despite the cold, wet conditions, snowshoeing, swimming, playing squash, and connecting more closely with new and existing friends. Embracing what's around me and enjoying new company and different activities has lifted my spirits.
As part of this lifting of my spirits I'm going to cut out the negative blogs and forums I used to visit. I'm turning my energy towards family, friends, and positive experiences. Enough bitching about the cold and snow, about how much my fitness is suffering, about traffic during my commute. I've realized the people and the time that I most enjoyed this winter were filled with positiveness so I'm going to continue with that trend from now on.
An end is in sight (it is March, right?) to the cold and dirty conditions that accompany winter in this city and this weekend we jump ahead an hour so we instantly gain extra sunlight at the end of our days. While I'm out there trying to cram months worth of stifled riding and outdoor activities into the first few days of spring remind me not to bitch, not to sulk, and to lift other people's spirits along the way.
Even though I grew up skiing every weekend I just don't get as excited about it anymore. Maybe it's the painful process of packing up and getting out of Boston with the hoards of other people trying to do the same or maybe its the fact that it's an expensive undertaking to ski 8-10 times a year. Either way, the winter time distraction I enjoyed as a kid is no longer something I look forward to so I'm left with more time to stew and sulk during the cold, snowy, dark winter months.
Over the last few weeks I've tried to embrace the last nastiness of New England winter by taking a ski trip to Vermont, riding and commuting despite the cold, wet conditions, snowshoeing, swimming, playing squash, and connecting more closely with new and existing friends. Embracing what's around me and enjoying new company and different activities has lifted my spirits.
As part of this lifting of my spirits I'm going to cut out the negative blogs and forums I used to visit. I'm turning my energy towards family, friends, and positive experiences. Enough bitching about the cold and snow, about how much my fitness is suffering, about traffic during my commute. I've realized the people and the time that I most enjoyed this winter were filled with positiveness so I'm going to continue with that trend from now on.
An end is in sight (it is March, right?) to the cold and dirty conditions that accompany winter in this city and this weekend we jump ahead an hour so we instantly gain extra sunlight at the end of our days. While I'm out there trying to cram months worth of stifled riding and outdoor activities into the first few days of spring remind me not to bitch, not to sulk, and to lift other people's spirits along the way.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Mission Aborted
I tried to go mountain biking with my teammate and all around great guy Chip Baker today. I even put the studded snow tire on the bike last night. Unfortunately the trails at Cutler Park were still too covered with light fluffy snow so the bike just sank. Maybe a Pugsley would have worked but I doubt it.
So I turned back to the car and we re-equipped with more condition-appropriate gear.
Nearly 2 hours of hiking, a little running, and lots of great conversation including bikes, racing, family, careers, and geographic locations. My legs are tired from the effort but my spirits are high from the company and conversation. Despite being March, Boston is still covered in 8+ inches of snow. It may melt away with the upcoming heat wave but in the meantime I'm doing my best to enjoy what's left of winter.
So I turned back to the car and we re-equipped with more condition-appropriate gear.
Nearly 2 hours of hiking, a little running, and lots of great conversation including bikes, racing, family, careers, and geographic locations. My legs are tired from the effort but my spirits are high from the company and conversation. Despite being March, Boston is still covered in 8+ inches of snow. It may melt away with the upcoming heat wave but in the meantime I'm doing my best to enjoy what's left of winter.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Sublime
On February 21st I embarked on a "casual" base miles ride with Chiu, Gunn, Morrison, Bradshaw, Murphy, CCC (on his single speed 'cross bike) and other roadies that are way too fit for February. 6 hours, a few long climbs, and 100 miles later I was home in cozy house nursing sore legs.
Fast forward one week and I met many of the same characters for another Saturday adventure. I had tried to join Colin Reuter and Cary Fridrich for a trip to Otis but my last minute planning did not work out so they went without me. On the road, Gunn and I decided not to be as bold this week and turned off for a reasonable 70 miles while the other animals continued to do the CRW Climb to the Clouds route.
Later on Saturday I met up with the Kyler for dinner and drinks in Washington Square. The best part of the night was watching an overly confident off-duty Brookline police officer who looked to be around 50 or 55 try to hit on the two 30 somethings sitting next to us at the bar. Kyle and I had front row seats to some of the worst game I've ever witnessed. When the guy took a bathroom break the ladies turned to us and asked if we had just witnessed that horror show. Oh yeah, we saw it.
Somewhere in the course of the night I cemented my plans for a trip to Otis with Colin on Sunday. Despite the forecast we figured it'd be worth the trip. We met up on Rt 24 south of Boston and shoved our two bikes into the trunk of Colin's well traveled Honda Fit.
By that time the snow was coming down pretty steadily and when we got to the trailhead there were a few inches already.
We were an hour from home, there was no way we were turning back without at least trying to ride. I rode Otis many years ago but have not been back since. Luckily Colin was up for playing tour guide (even if other participants who said they wanted to join the tour did not show up) and we quickly entrenched ourselves in the maze of trails that make up Otis.
Within 15 minutes we were both shedding layers and we spotted for the first and only time, another group of riders enjoying the unique conditions.
Despite promising to stop at a convenience store we somehow found our way to the trailhead without ever making that stop. I'd powered down a few bowls of cereal and some hot tea in the morning and I had a banana before we left the parking lot but I forgot to pack any trail food so I knew I'd be in trouble. Well about two hours in I was pretty cooked so Colin split his lone Clif Bar with me. The energy came back for about 20 minutes but that was barely enough to get us back to the car. We were went spent and soaked but had smiles from ear to ear. It was a great 12.5 mile "exploration."
Our bikes were nicely frosted but Colin threw 'em back in the car anyway.
We detoured on the way back to find a Subway and were rewarded with $2.99 footlong subs!
I'm not even joking. I lived off the $5 variety last summer but somehow $2.99 tastes even better. So good in fact that I ate two feet! Well, almost. Colin wisely suggested I save some for later. I never did eat the last 4 inches which is probably good because 20 inches of Subway is enough for one day.
If you haven't been to Otis, look up Colin's tour company for a future trip. It's worth the time, especially now when the trails are a mess anywhere else. If you're lucky, Colin may even be willing to drag you around with him. Actually, there's a damn good chance that if there isn't a ski race or bike race within driving distance, Colin will definitely drag you on a tour of Otis.
Fast forward one week and I met many of the same characters for another Saturday adventure. I had tried to join Colin Reuter and Cary Fridrich for a trip to Otis but my last minute planning did not work out so they went without me. On the road, Gunn and I decided not to be as bold this week and turned off for a reasonable 70 miles while the other animals continued to do the CRW Climb to the Clouds route.
Later on Saturday I met up with the Kyler for dinner and drinks in Washington Square. The best part of the night was watching an overly confident off-duty Brookline police officer who looked to be around 50 or 55 try to hit on the two 30 somethings sitting next to us at the bar. Kyle and I had front row seats to some of the worst game I've ever witnessed. When the guy took a bathroom break the ladies turned to us and asked if we had just witnessed that horror show. Oh yeah, we saw it.
Somewhere in the course of the night I cemented my plans for a trip to Otis with Colin on Sunday. Despite the forecast we figured it'd be worth the trip. We met up on Rt 24 south of Boston and shoved our two bikes into the trunk of Colin's well traveled Honda Fit.
By that time the snow was coming down pretty steadily and when we got to the trailhead there were a few inches already.
We were an hour from home, there was no way we were turning back without at least trying to ride. I rode Otis many years ago but have not been back since. Luckily Colin was up for playing tour guide (even if other participants who said they wanted to join the tour did not show up) and we quickly entrenched ourselves in the maze of trails that make up Otis.
Within 15 minutes we were both shedding layers and we spotted for the first and only time, another group of riders enjoying the unique conditions.
Despite promising to stop at a convenience store we somehow found our way to the trailhead without ever making that stop. I'd powered down a few bowls of cereal and some hot tea in the morning and I had a banana before we left the parking lot but I forgot to pack any trail food so I knew I'd be in trouble. Well about two hours in I was pretty cooked so Colin split his lone Clif Bar with me. The energy came back for about 20 minutes but that was barely enough to get us back to the car. We were went spent and soaked but had smiles from ear to ear. It was a great 12.5 mile "exploration."
Our bikes were nicely frosted but Colin threw 'em back in the car anyway.
We detoured on the way back to find a Subway and were rewarded with $2.99 footlong subs!
I'm not even joking. I lived off the $5 variety last summer but somehow $2.99 tastes even better. So good in fact that I ate two feet! Well, almost. Colin wisely suggested I save some for later. I never did eat the last 4 inches which is probably good because 20 inches of Subway is enough for one day.
If you haven't been to Otis, look up Colin's tour company for a future trip. It's worth the time, especially now when the trails are a mess anywhere else. If you're lucky, Colin may even be willing to drag you around with him. Actually, there's a damn good chance that if there isn't a ski race or bike race within driving distance, Colin will definitely drag you on a tour of Otis.
Mr. Clean
After a week of great riding in Boston I spent some much needed time cleaning my bikes last night. If you don't already own some simple green or similar type product go out and get some. I know the bike specific companies offer their own cleaning solutions that they claim are ideal for bike specific applications but for $3/bottle simple green is pretty friggin' hard to beat. Use the $5 you saved to buy a burrito at the end of your next hard ride.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Three Strikes, You're Out!
I can no longer hold my tongue about FSA's piece of sh*t cranksets. I've owned 4 FSA MegaExo style cranksets. Three of them have failed and the only reason I think the fourth has yet to fail is because it is babied on my sunny day bike.
Gossamer
I bought my first set of FSA cranks (Gossamer MegaExo) while working in the cycling industry. The non driveside arm used to loosen every 4th or 5th ride so I always had to be attentive. I finally ignored their recommended torque range and just tightened the snot out of them. That seemed to hold things together for a good season or two. Eventually though the torx wrench requiring bolt that helps to snug the non-driveside arm tight against the driveside arm spindle wore down to a round hole. Hey FSA, good idea to use
a. soft aluminum
b. a small hole with a less than standard torx fitting
After two years of use these cranks were removed and relegated to spare/emergency duty. As a side note, if you own FSA cranks, I would suggest having a spare or back up set handy because your cranks will inevitably fail. I recently re-installed the Gossamers when my FSA SLK cranks failed for good (see below). The loosening problem is back and the stripped tightening bolt is not helping things.
SLK
I bought these cranks when I built my sunny day rider. At the time, they were high end for my budget and they were fairly lust worthy (in my eyes at least) since they were new technology and carbon. On my maiden voyage, despite suspecting they may loosen (um, see above...) they stayed tight. I torqued them to factory spec after each of my first 3 or 4 rides and everything seemed good. On my 4th or 5th ride, I was about 20 miles from home when I noticed the non-driveside beginning to loosen. I didn't have an 8mm allen wrench (no stupid torx head needed on these) so I limped them home as best as I could. Ever since then the cranks have acted like powercranks with the non-driveside arm slipping forward and backward on the splined driveside spindle despite not being loose side to side. For a while I thought it was play in my pedals or the crank arm loosening again. It honestly took me most of the season to figure it out. Fortunately, about the same time that I figured it out I also be-friended a very nice FSA employee who got me the hook up on some K-Force cranks. The SLK's were initially shelved for a year and then shifted to the Gossamer bike when I got sick of the Gossamers loosening. Confused yet?
This winter, after a season of 'cross racing with the SLK cranks I finally called FSA to see what can be done. They were very familiar with my problem (because I am willing to bet it happens a lot) and have offered to replace the non-driveside crank arm. Apparently the aluminum insert on that arm is susceptible to greater wear (again, great thinking there) than the steel driveside spindle on which it is mounted. Thankfully I have those POS Gossamer cranks to use in the meantime. Oh, and yes, the Gossamers continue to loosen almost daily.
K-Force
Being the cream of the crop, I expected the K-Force cranks to work without issue. Since they were on my sunny day ride, I never really put them through any tough conditions but I still felt they were the most expensive and therefore the best. When I saw the super dooper close out deal from my FSA employed friend I jumped at the chance to get another set. They were to be used on my 'cross bike as it was reconfigured for a cross country adventure. The compact gearing allowed me to avoid the need for a triple ring and the bonus of being lightweight seemed like a great idea. Luckily they didn't fail until I was in the middle of f'in nowhere Indiana. I noticed some play in my pedal and thought it might be the cleat on my shoe. Nope. Maybe my pedal was unthreading. Nope. In fact, the pedal insert was coming unbonded from the crankarm. When I finally figured this out I called all the area shops to see if any of them might have a similar K-Force that I could purchase. Oh, did I mention I was in the middle of nowhere so I had very limited cell reception? When I finally got to Ft Wayne, IN I found my way to a shop that allowed me to take a new non-driveside arm from their inventory while my FSA friend sent them a warranty replacement. Honestly, if I didn't have that FSA friend, I probably would have been out some serious $. Then again, I never would have bought the K-Craps to begin with...
Thinking the worst was behind me, I continued on my journey. Within shouting distance of home (Hopkinton, MA) the other pedal insert came loose. FUCK! When I got home, I mailed the cranks back and requested a different model (SLK Light). Those went on ebay and I've been slowly working to eliminate all FSA cranks from my fleet.
Although some might say I am failing to accept blame, I think it is pretty clear when a company makes a shitty product. I've used dozens of other brands without ever having problems so I think it is fair to say, FSA CRANKS SUCK. Ask Ryan Kelly, he'd tell you the same thing.
Oh, but did you hear FSA is going to release a new 11 speed drivetrain? Yeah, remind me to rush out and buy that.
Gossamer
I bought my first set of FSA cranks (Gossamer MegaExo) while working in the cycling industry. The non driveside arm used to loosen every 4th or 5th ride so I always had to be attentive. I finally ignored their recommended torque range and just tightened the snot out of them. That seemed to hold things together for a good season or two. Eventually though the torx wrench requiring bolt that helps to snug the non-driveside arm tight against the driveside arm spindle wore down to a round hole. Hey FSA, good idea to use
a. soft aluminum
b. a small hole with a less than standard torx fitting
After two years of use these cranks were removed and relegated to spare/emergency duty. As a side note, if you own FSA cranks, I would suggest having a spare or back up set handy because your cranks will inevitably fail. I recently re-installed the Gossamers when my FSA SLK cranks failed for good (see below). The loosening problem is back and the stripped tightening bolt is not helping things.
SLK
I bought these cranks when I built my sunny day rider. At the time, they were high end for my budget and they were fairly lust worthy (in my eyes at least) since they were new technology and carbon. On my maiden voyage, despite suspecting they may loosen (um, see above...) they stayed tight. I torqued them to factory spec after each of my first 3 or 4 rides and everything seemed good. On my 4th or 5th ride, I was about 20 miles from home when I noticed the non-driveside beginning to loosen. I didn't have an 8mm allen wrench (no stupid torx head needed on these) so I limped them home as best as I could. Ever since then the cranks have acted like powercranks with the non-driveside arm slipping forward and backward on the splined driveside spindle despite not being loose side to side. For a while I thought it was play in my pedals or the crank arm loosening again. It honestly took me most of the season to figure it out. Fortunately, about the same time that I figured it out I also be-friended a very nice FSA employee who got me the hook up on some K-Force cranks. The SLK's were initially shelved for a year and then shifted to the Gossamer bike when I got sick of the Gossamers loosening. Confused yet?
This winter, after a season of 'cross racing with the SLK cranks I finally called FSA to see what can be done. They were very familiar with my problem (because I am willing to bet it happens a lot) and have offered to replace the non-driveside crank arm. Apparently the aluminum insert on that arm is susceptible to greater wear (again, great thinking there) than the steel driveside spindle on which it is mounted. Thankfully I have those POS Gossamer cranks to use in the meantime. Oh, and yes, the Gossamers continue to loosen almost daily.
K-Force
Being the cream of the crop, I expected the K-Force cranks to work without issue. Since they were on my sunny day ride, I never really put them through any tough conditions but I still felt they were the most expensive and therefore the best. When I saw the super dooper close out deal from my FSA employed friend I jumped at the chance to get another set. They were to be used on my 'cross bike as it was reconfigured for a cross country adventure. The compact gearing allowed me to avoid the need for a triple ring and the bonus of being lightweight seemed like a great idea. Luckily they didn't fail until I was in the middle of f'in nowhere Indiana. I noticed some play in my pedal and thought it might be the cleat on my shoe. Nope. Maybe my pedal was unthreading. Nope. In fact, the pedal insert was coming unbonded from the crankarm. When I finally figured this out I called all the area shops to see if any of them might have a similar K-Force that I could purchase. Oh, did I mention I was in the middle of nowhere so I had very limited cell reception? When I finally got to Ft Wayne, IN I found my way to a shop that allowed me to take a new non-driveside arm from their inventory while my FSA friend sent them a warranty replacement. Honestly, if I didn't have that FSA friend, I probably would have been out some serious $. Then again, I never would have bought the K-Craps to begin with...
Thinking the worst was behind me, I continued on my journey. Within shouting distance of home (Hopkinton, MA) the other pedal insert came loose. FUCK! When I got home, I mailed the cranks back and requested a different model (SLK Light). Those went on ebay and I've been slowly working to eliminate all FSA cranks from my fleet.
Although some might say I am failing to accept blame, I think it is pretty clear when a company makes a shitty product. I've used dozens of other brands without ever having problems so I think it is fair to say, FSA CRANKS SUCK. Ask Ryan Kelly, he'd tell you the same thing.
Oh, but did you hear FSA is going to release a new 11 speed drivetrain? Yeah, remind me to rush out and buy that.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Hill Repeats?
Is it too early in the season to be doing hill repeats? I think not! After spending 3 days working in Billings, MT this week I headed to Vermont for a romantic Valentine's Day weekend with my wife...and her friends. 
It's ok, we actually had a lot of fun and it takes the pressure off when 2 other couples are around for Valentine's Day.
So yeah, hill repeats. Well on Saturday I spent almost 5 hours doing hill repeats. Up down up down. Needless to say, I was exhausted by the end of the day. Feeling the itch for one more, I dragged my wife up to the summit of Okemo Mountain. Ok, so maybe we didn't ride to the top, but we did hike the whole thing with snow shoes. We even made it to the old fire tower at the summit and took in the great views on a crystal clear day. The view was clear enough to pick out Mt Washington some 100(?) miles away.
Nice.
It's ok, we actually had a lot of fun and it takes the pressure off when 2 other couples are around for Valentine's Day.So yeah, hill repeats. Well on Saturday I spent almost 5 hours doing hill repeats. Up down up down. Needless to say, I was exhausted by the end of the day. Feeling the itch for one more, I dragged my wife up to the summit of Okemo Mountain. Ok, so maybe we didn't ride to the top, but we did hike the whole thing with snow shoes. We even made it to the old fire tower at the summit and took in the great views on a crystal clear day. The view was clear enough to pick out Mt Washington some 100(?) miles away.
Nice.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
what'd you do this weekend?
I got lots of emails about 4 hour rides scheduled for Sunday. Instead, I chose to leave town on Saturday afternoon (before the warmest day in months) and head to Grand Junction, CO where I have work obligations until Wednesday. So I've missed the warmest few days of 2009 in Boston.
Oh well, I got to do this(snowshoeing) on Sunday so I don't feel too bad.
At 10,000+ ft, you can see pretty damn far.
Oh, my coworker flew in early too.
We tried to go to Rockslide Brewery on Main St to watch the Super Bowl but it was closed! Seriously, the brewery was closed on Super Bowl Sunday! I got to see this really clever sculpture though. Fitting since Grand Junction has lots of great mountain biking and is close to both Fruita and Moab.
Oh well, I got to do this(snowshoeing) on Sunday so I don't feel too bad.
At 10,000+ ft, you can see pretty damn far.Oh, my coworker flew in early too.We tried to go to Rockslide Brewery on Main St to watch the Super Bowl but it was closed! Seriously, the brewery was closed on Super Bowl Sunday! I got to see this really clever sculpture though. Fitting since Grand Junction has lots of great mountain biking and is close to both Fruita and Moab.
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