Now what?

Trainer? Rollers? neither? both? ride in the snow?

There is a lot to consider this time of year in preparation for the 2009 season for a lot of us. Base miles, how to get them started, cross training, new gear, selling old gear, maintenance, non-bike diversions, the list goes on and on. The off-the-bike stuff is ever-present, but on thign I am really looking forward to in 2009 is NAHBS - The North Amercian Handmade Bicycle Show. Yes, NAHBS will be in the great midwest this year!!!!







Check out the website for more info on the show this year, the Original Six, and other relevant info. I know I have already requested time off for this event. There is no way in hell I would miss it. It is way too close to home, and way to awesome of an event to attend.

(both images from the NAHBS website)

(GIF taken from Aaron's flickr...)

A friend and former teammate just finished one of the walls in his shop. Can't wait to see the rest of the shop...and the goodness that will be contained within!!!

Horrible (if even considered existant) season, new team, I love winter (so far).

I did one race this season, and then threw the towel in. Why? Why not. Between a variety of things, I found out that I just did not have time to train/race at the level I wanted. It was not easy to just stop racing and riding, but with the wedding planning, RCIA, work, and all associated travel I have really come to appreciate just watching DVR'd House and The Office reruns and relaxing. We have had little time for that lately as well. But life is funny that way sometimes.

Met with the new team last Saturday and I am really excited for the dynamic they hold as well as the overall attitude I picked up. A good number of folks from some other Chicagoland teams, so a lot of cohesion. I am already enjoying it. Heard some "pub rumors" about race planning for next year and I am really stoked. I certainly hope it all happens! If the Northbrook Cross race is any indicator of how Flatlandia gets a course up...

Outside of that, I have been off the bike training/racing-wise since October. I may have thrown the bike up on the trainer once since then. I am going to get a better schedule in place soon, but need to be realistic and just keep my nose to the grinder. Until then, I will live vicariously through the many blogs and race reports I can find online.

And maybe a little more of this:

so Happy Holidays, all. See you soon(ish).

**edit - yo Simon - sorry about nixing HipsterNascar! It was a mistake, and has been addressed. Cheers!