Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Hospital...

I was only there for a few hours. My buddy and co-worker Tyler went down hard on Sunday during a crit race in St.Petersburg. He was knocked unconscious and reportedly had a seizure as well. He was rushed to emergency care where doctors found a few things wrong: A broken collar bone, broken rib(s), and his lung was collapsing. I guess one of his busted ribs damaged his right side lung. He had surgury Monday morning where a valve was installed to remove the remaining air in his lung so he could begin the process of reinflating it on his own. Luckily he had no sustained head trauma. Alas he could not avoid the road rash. His right shoulder, knee and ass cheek were all beat to Hell. His palms came out unscathed, but his knuckles took some wear.
Drug induced, Tyler recollected the events the best he knew to myself, Brandon K and Kristy A. While the pack was moving very quickly, around 28mph, everyone stood up to begin the last lap. A Catagory 5 rookie attepted to advance through the pack, rather than on the outside edge. He passed Tyler on the left then attempted to get in front of Tyler. Note, this is not the proper way to pass the competition. The novice's rear shifting mechanism became entangled in Tyler's front wheel breaking spokes and taking Tyler to the asphalt. 2 other riders went down as well. All this occur just moments after a rider in front of Tyler took a turn too wide, hit cones and ejcted from the bike. Tyler ran over the front wheel of that rider's bike. Tylers wowed himself by staying upright during that interferance, only to be taken down a few turns later.

Tyler took over Brandon's position at American Classic over a year ago. They were all on the USF Cycling Team until recently.
I found out above Tyler's accident from Kristy on Monday morning via a text message say "Did you hear about Tyler?" Immediatly when I read something like that pertaining to a cycling friend i assume they did not win the lottery, but rather were involved in a crash. Brandon, Kristy, and Tyler all lost a cycling comrade in Josh Kuck. Josh was stuck by a truck during an organized ride near Dady City, FL. Since then, Brandon and Kristy are ever hesitant to remount their cycles for road riding.
I neglected to leave home with my camera yesterday, so images of Tylers battles scares will no grace this post. So, this blog remains wordy without visual stimulation. Today I will not forget my camera, regardless of the day's events.
My best wishes goto Tyler for a speedy recovery. He is to be released from the hosiptal very soon. Godspeed pal.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Recap





Last weekned I participated in the Squiggy 6hr MTB race. I entered the Solo sport category. It really didn't matter what category I raced in as I wasn't competing. I just enjoy participating. Anyways, I was browsing for photos from the race, and found some. I took a few (around 400) on the course while takign a break from the course. They can be found on my Flickr account. Search "cyclotography" or "cracked headtube" for now. I'll post a link in the side bar shortly.

For now here are the images I found. Usually I'm the one with the camera, so I don't have very many photos of me in the bike. I got to take out my new, custom built 650B MTB from JAMES FRAMES in Colorado. It preformedwell, but needs component tweaks. I only had one riser bar left in my inventory of parts, and it was a DH with 40mm of rise, TOO MUCH. JP and I designed the frame together, but I think it's a little on the tall side, which is fine. I borrowed some Crank Bros Candy pedals, but I have trouble unclipping my right foot as I have an OLD injury to me knee from BMXing that I never had repaired. It only limits me from using Crank Bros pedals. SPDs are fine but I get a squeak from my cleat every rotation. I digress. Standover height is worrisom only when I cannot unclip quickly.
The saddle I put on the James Frame killed my arse. Me and Bontrager saddles do not get along. I knoew this before riding, but I gave it a shot anyway. Big mistake. My THE Lux saddle is way more compfy. I also like the THE Hustle saddle.
650B bikes only from here on out. I rode the James Frame and my own Quijano Bike Co. Quisby 650B steel hardtail. The James Frame is aluminum.


Summary Links:
James Frames
Quijano Bike Co
THE
Crank Bros
650B

Scratch that...

I don't have my keys to the Scion. We walked down the street to a nearby church that WAS having a community sale, but it was already over.
No new bed today. Hopefully folks will have some leftover yard sales tomorrow.

Going Bedding.

Today being a beautiful Saturday with temps in the high 70s with a nice breeze many folks are out in their front lawns attempting to rid their homes of items they no longer respect or love. I plan to free these folks of a toddler bed or a twin bed for my (nearly) 2 year old son. He's been sleeping with Mom and Dad, and, frankly, we're tired of it.
Wish me luck.

Lets get this party started.

Many moons ago I ran a blog with the same address, and will be similar content. Out of spite for the life I was living then I deleted it along with all content. I greatly regret it now.
SO, I will attempt to rejuvenate the blogging experience, and bring things back to the way it once was. I have another blog I attempted but I failed at updating. With more things happening in my life this will be tough, but I've needed an outlet that hasn't been around. Alas, Cyclotography returns.