February 10, 2009

Goodies in the Mail!!

I got home today to find this sitting on our front porch....what could it be??!

A years supply of Extreme Endurance....WOOOT!!! Last week was my birthday, so it was like extending it into another week. Always a bonus to get a surprise like this.

This stuff is the best...and my training has been rocking since I've been using it! No joke. What I noticed most is that I recover quicker and I'm not nearly as sore after really hard/taxing workouts. Thanks to all the folks at Extreme Endurance for supporting me this coming race season, very exciting!!

February 09, 2009

A Day At Elite Bicycles

Friday I took the day off from work and had a 'bike date' with David at Elite Bicycles. Everyone there has done nothing but the *very* best for me since I've been dealing with them after my fit & getting me on one of their great tri bikes. I dubbed it 'A Day with David' since the majority of the time was going to be spent with him re-dialing my position and getting my equipment squared away for the up & coming season. Keith obliged to document the event and we got some pix taken before his camera died. Thanks guys for taking good care of me!!!!

Unfortunately the really sweet aero 3T Ventus bars that I got before Nationals last season didn't work out so well for me. On the steep, fast descents (40mph+) I found myself coming out of my TT tuck because I needed a slightly wider, more stable platform, completely negating the aero effect. Sadly, I asked über mechaniker Richie if he would re-install my old bars until I can decide on a new setup. Richie also gave my bike an entire tune up - even faced & chased the bottom bracket - and took everything apart! Everything is like brand new again - super shiny!

The next step was to check out an array of saddles. The one I picked last season just wasn't working out - I found myself sliding all over it and slipping forward and not really ever finding a good position when I was racing. After trying 3 or 4 different saddles, I finally settled on a Selle Italia. Surprising to me, as Specialized is the only saddle I have on my 3 other bikes. Go figure!

We ran through all my shoes and I finally made the switch from my old Look pedals to the Keos on all my bikes. This is due to me rushing to a 3hr ride one morning and grabbing the wrong shoes... meaning the cleats were Keo and the pedals were old Look. I quickly figured it out when I tried to unclip at a stop and found myself stuck! Problem solved - change to one system.

So my ride is ready to go.