Keeping Tempo: 6-14-07

Helmet tip today to the guys at Racing Union. Why? For the relentless attention they're drawing to alternative transportation and, in particular, its effect on me. A couple of nights ago I was going to run out and pick up dinner for me and the Mrs (Chipotle, because they sponsor a cycling team). The restaurant is a 15-minute walk from my house. Well within striking distance, but close to the pedestrian perimeter. I felt the familiar pull between lazy and responsible. Lazy gave in and I headed out on foot. Slowly, looking at the sky, hoping the coming rains would give me an excuse to not walk. And they might have, but then I realized I had an alternative - a whole garage full of really expensive alternatives, in fact. With glee, I skipped back inside, changed my shoes to something fashionable and cleated, donned a helmet and rode off. There and back in a fraction of the walking time, and quicker even than if I'd driven, and parked, and walked from wherever I parked. One less car and all that, but I felt good about the conscious decision. Good in a different way than finishing a torturous workout, or pulling a strong finish at a race. This was a more satisfying, less self-indulgent pride. A pride to be proud of.

I also commuted by bike to a client site this week (closest thing to an office for me since I work at home) and rode to lunch with my sons yesterday, instead of piling them into the GamJams.net team minivan. It's a 2.5 mile round trip, which is significant when you realize that my sons are 3 and 5, and that we all rode our own bikes.

I know a lot of us are spreading the good word, but none louder than the Union folks. I just wanted you guys to know you're making a difference, with me anyway.

Here's what's going on today:

• The MTB Race at Camp Hilbert over the weekend lives on. Cyclochris has a post with some pics, and also points us to this gallery by Andrew Welch. Jeff Anderson points out another Camp Hilbert gallery: this one by Backlight.
• Lots of new VA State Crit Champs photos by JB are now up. You'll see what I mean by surreal.
• N Plus One was there as well, and also at the Peter Teeuwen Memorial TT. On TT's, he offers this valuable piece of learning: "Watching the odometer doesn't make it go by faster."
• Get your dirt on: Wednesdays at Wakefield starts next week.
• Drew Armstrong sends along this VeloRoute of the Crystal City Course. Click on the link to see the elevation - the spike near the end of the loop seems to come just before the hairpin.

Comments

[Roy]

Ahaha - if this keeps up you'll be like me and be too lazy to walk or drive to anything withing the distance of an easy bike ride.

[Josh]

Comrade,

Our hearts are warmed and humbled by your conscientious choice to help forward the two-wheeled revolution whilst procuring delicious sustenance for your family.

As a token of our appreciation, an extra ration of potatoes (grown on Racing Union collective farms) will be held for you at the frites stand next to the Placa de la Revolucion. You are welcome to roll by and collect the aforementioned glorious starches whenever you please.

Onward! and Upward! (and good job with the site...)

[Mike May]

Mmmm... frites! Maybe in October, after the season.

Or Monday, after RFK...

[Drew Armstrong]

Guys--sorry about the misinformation on the course--by which I mean the 8 percent grade. Veloroutes.org apparently lied to me. Hope nobody went and did repeats on Brickyard Hill to get ready for this one. If so, I suppose owe you a Gu pack.

[Chris]

An extra ration indeed - thanks for the kind words, Mike! You are indeed a fellow traveler!

[Mike May]

Hey 8%-

Doesn't matter about the missing hill at CCC. The course made me really really tired even without it.