Tyre Changes at Cosmodrome

Staff at the Cosmodrome believe that the time has come to change from studs to a quieter less aggressive tyre in the hopes that winter will finally bugger off.

Spring - the new Winter

The staff and athletes at the Cosmodrome are losing perspective because of the endless winter.

Dutch koffie

Outdoors by the sea with family. I want that NOW.

March 22 Course change

Recently 30 cms fell on the course completely changing all sectors. Even the fabled "Patio of the People" must wait for an improvement in the weather.  When can the real road training begin?

Secteur 2: 129 to 128 Street

Cyclist h2o faces this lake of icy brown h2o in Secteur 2.

Hell of the Frozen North

Secteur 1: Cosmodrome to 127 St - March 10, 2013

Belt drive Fashion Statement - NYC

Fluffy Winter Ride

There is nothing as tranquil and calming as riding a bicycle in a snow storm. Traffic sounds are muted as giant flakes get in your eyes and choke the windpipe.  The extra effort to force the bike forward through 8 cms of new snow seems somehow worth when you feel your heart pounding in your ears and throat. Good old fashioned cardio excess is the name of this game.

All the glory and effort of commuting culminates in these digital expressions of bike love.

Questions to ask Lance

Cycling cosmonaut has thought long and hard about the upcoming interview of big ego Lance by big ego Oprah.  Here on this blog is an open post to Oprah with the top ten questions that cycling cosmonaut would ask Lance:

1. Do the needles hurt?
2. How many bikes do you own?
3. Are Tyler and Floyd still your drinking buddies?
4. Are you going to squeal on Team Vitesse sponsored by HL88?
5. Do you use chamois cream in the berry area?
6. Are you considering being a contestant on Wheel of Fortune?
7. Has your hat size decreased as a result of the USADA report?
8. What is your favourite colour? Yellow?
9. Do your children know you are a lying swine?
10. How do you live with yourself?

Finally - Winter is here

Finally winter has officially arrived. Who cares about the Mayan end of the world prediction or the date of the winter solstice. Here in central Alberta, the effective temperature is minus 28 degrees C.  Now we are talking about a challenge when riding a bike.

Friction:  as the temperature drops the grease and oil on the bike works less effectively.  Rolling resistance is the biggest drag on forward motion. On the positive side pedaling harder keeps the cyclist warm.

Windchill:  moving forward on a bike creates its own windchill.  Couple that with a headwind and the additional windchill helps exposed flesh freeze quickly. Fortunately pedaling harder keeps the cyclist warm.

Mind over matter:  the joy of cycling may be diminished by cold temperatures, one must train the mind to overcome the lure of warm bodies in bed and get out there with the 10 layers and commute to work. Think of the benefits that mental toughness can bring. It will be easier to deal with the self pity as the frozen dead skin peels off your face while pedaling harder to stay warm.  

COLD ARM:  probably the most vicious of all winter hazards, combating Cold Arm requires special equipment and planning. Remember, no one wants or needs Cold Arm.