A new project

The other day, we were killing time with the kids- wandering around the Mall, Best Buys, etc, when we decided to stop at the Salvation Army Store - just for fun. That's where I found my new "project" bike.

They had a old Giant Yukon for $9.99! Yes, that was 9 dollars and 99 cents. Surprisingly, it was in pretty good shape. The hardtail- rigid fork frame was dusty, but had no scratches or damage and the brakes and wheels looked good. Although the tires were flat, the chain and gears were a little gunky, one shifter didn't work, and it had a goofy "Mary Poppins Seat" (wide-bottom with gel and 2 big springs), I "HAD TO" buy it! Trust me, I've spent $9.99 on a lot less!!

My plan is to (with a little help from Pops) convert it into a single speed, so most of it's "problems" won't matter anyway. I figure, by using some of our "surplus" bike parts (that we've been "storing" in the basement), all I should have to buy will be a Single Speed conversion kit, a new chain, seatpost, and hand grips. So, I should be able to put together a "decent" single speed for under $75.00.





Pops has already been tinkering around with it. He wiped off the dust and pumped up the tires (so far, they are holding air). He has also pulled off the shifters, chain and flat pedals and mounted my clipless pedals and a couple of water bottle cages.

Should be fun!

Well, how else would you train for a February Time Trial?

The other day I was thinking how my training has been in doors for the last several weeks -- and I'm supposed to be preparing for a Time Trial in February. So, I decided to drag my bike and trainer out into the garage and ride a time trial. It was 33 degrees and snowing.



I had put together 44 minutes of "hammer music" and rode to it at my "time trial pace". I chose 44 minutes because that was my fastest time from last seasons Colavita series. My goal was to hit the 12 mile mark before my music ended.




I managed to go 14.69 miles and averaged 17.9 mph. Of course, that is on the trainer- without a headwind or hills. I'm sure on the road, it will be a different story.



The neighbors thought I was crazy, but it was pretty cool watching the snow fall!

We have Clipper-rage

Our first "Alberta Clipper" moved through the area last night- so we awoke to 4 inches of snow this morning!!




Looks like it's going to be a "vacation" day for us!

With last years nightmare "snow drive" still ingrained in our brains, we decided not to attempt going in to work today- although everything around here is still "business as usual".

I don't know if I'll ever get comfortable driving in this stuff- but the "seasoned Yankees" don't seem to mind a bit.



Pops got his morning exercise by shoveling the driveway...



While Milo played...



It is pretty!

Training, hair, and paint - oh my!

Last Thursday, Pops and I attended our first indoor training session with the Team Dayton Race team. It was great fun! One of our team sponsors is a local gym, so they allow the team to have a training session each week in one of their classrooms. We bring our own bikes and trainers and the TD Training Coordinator leads everyone in a 2 hour training class. It's nice to get out of the basement and "ride" with other folks. And the best part is-- not even the fastest racer boy can "drop me" -- Whoo-hoo! I'm still planning to do my own basement training sessions on Tuesdays and weekends, but this will give me some variety.

My hair has really been bugging me lately. It's been flat and fly-away and I can't do a thing with it.

Old hair

So Saturday, I went to the beauty shop and got a body wave.

New Hair

I can't wash or style it until Monday (so the curl can "lock-in") so right now, I've got that 80s perm look going on.... but, I like it. I think it looks much better than what I had going on. Hopefully, after it "settles in", I will like it even more.

Several weeks ago, Pops and I decided we would tackle some home projects this winter when the weather was too bad to get out and ride. Today's weather was just that- BAD. It's been yucky, messy, rainy most of the day. So, while I stripped the wallpaper from the bathroom walls, pops tackled some painting.

Pops painting

We've got several more home projects to tackle, but I'm sure the weather over the next several month will allow us plenty of opportunity to get them done.