5 count

Farrar finally on the TOP step!

2009-08-18T11:00:00.002-04:00

Vattenfall Cyclassics: Hamburg 213.7km
Garmin Slipstream's American sprinting sensation finally crossed the line in 1st. A Pro Tour race with Pro Tour level podium girls...NICE!

P.S. Tyler, your legs are HUGE brother!

My ride

2009-08-15T00:35:00.001-04:00

This is how I roll in Myrtle Beach

Dream Team?

2009-08-10T13:38:00.002-04:00

So based on the latest World rankings released by the International Cycling Union (UCI), the good ol' US of A get to field a FULL roster of nine riders for next month's World Championship road race.

I know that it's near the end of the season for a lot of guys and many top pros have other commitments yadda yadda yadda, boo hoo hoo...BUT, if every possible US pro were available and willing to throw down at the WCs, who would YOU field for your US Dream Team???

Here's one possible fantasy roster:
Hincapie, Levi, Vande Velde, Horner, Zabriskie, Lance, J-Mac, Cozza, Farrar, (back-ups: Pate, Tommy D, Frischkorn, Craig Lewis)

Killing Another Layover

2009-07-27T16:18:00.000-04:00

Just me, the iPhone, and a beer.

Now that I don't have to worry about an outragously expensive
international data plan, I'm catching up on some internetting.

My wife and daughter are going to meet me at the airport when I get in
at midnight... I CAN NOT WAIT!

Tomorrow I'll sleep off some jetlag, spend some QT with my baby girl,
mow the lawn and prepare for the real world to smack me square in the
face on Wednesday morning...until then mmmmmmm beer.

Bon Voyage

2009-07-27T04:22:00.000-04:00

On the plane waiting to take off.

Twenty hours from now, I'll be back in Gaines-Vegas!

Petite Snack

2009-07-26T09:11:00.000-04:00

On the Champs Elysees in Paris, having some pate, formage, bier and
baguettes. The race caravan just rolled through so the peloton ought
to by within the hour.

What I See

2009-07-26T06:14:00.000-04:00

Looking out over Paris from the lower level of the Eiffel Tower.

I have to Oui Oui.

Where we are parked

2009-07-26T05:30:00.000-04:00

Headed to Eiffel Tower, parked on random street...we tagged the GPS
cooridinates and photographed the street so maybe we'll be able to
find our car tonight.

Eiffel Tower?

2009-07-26T03:09:00.000-04:00

I think I see it...not as impressive as I thought it would be.

Pit Stop

2009-07-25T08:19:00.001-04:00

After talking with a few of the guys from the Garmin-Slipstream team,
we left the start town of Montelimar.

We're on our way to Beaune, France. On the way we stopped in a town
called Vienne to watch the Tour stage at a bar. It'll be interesting
to watch as the pro peloton ascends the same slopes that we climbed
yesterday.

Next stop...Beaune...then Paris in the morning.

At the Startline

2009-07-25T04:31:00.000-04:00

Montelimar, France...hoping to get some autographs...French people are
very pushy and have NO respect for "personal space"

Bikes are Packed

2009-07-24T13:30:00.000-04:00

We've completed our last ride in Europe. Mont Ventoux was incredable.

Now we're at a nice patio cafe in Bedoin at the base of the mountain.
When we're done here we'll head over to our hotel in Avignon.

What I See

2009-07-24T09:27:00.000-04:00

Prevonce, France from the top of Mont Ventoux.

3:00pm, Friday, July 24, 2009

Laverie

2009-07-23T14:38:00.000-04:00

We've been hunting for a laundromat for a couple of days now. We got
close yesterday in Chambery, a nice French kid gave us directions to a
Laverie, but the language barrier was proving too much to overcome so
he had us follow him in our car as he drove us to one...it was closed!
Good try though, and we did our part to keep up foreign relations.

Here we are back in Grenoble and the front desk girl at the hotel gave
us a map to the laundromat pictured here. We arrived at 8:00pm and it
was closing at 8:00 pm...nobody is here to lock up, so we're still
washing.

Tomorrow, we climb Mont Vontoux!

Made it

2009-07-23T11:50:00.000-04:00

Made it to the top of the Galibier and back. Windy? That would be an
understatement! I was getting blown sideways near the top, and there
aren't any gaurd rails (and the drops are HUGE!

Stopped in Valloir for a beer on the way back.

By far our biggest single day if climbing so far.

Galibier

2009-07-23T05:05:00.000-04:00

It's 11:00am here in St. Michel Maurienne, France. We're heading out
to climb the Col du Telegraph and the Col du Galibier...we'll be
riding to almost 10,000 feet and it doesn't look like the nicest
day...major wind gusts here in town so I can only imagine what the top
will be like.

I've packed everything I think I'll need, so I should be ready for
anything.

Fingers crossed...

Riccola Dudes

2009-07-22T12:54:00.001-04:00

They were on the top of the mountain blowin' their horns...pretty cool.

Right now I'm...

2009-07-22T06:51:00.001-04:00

FREEZING!!!

In a liitle village, standing in a doorway out of the wind.

Just climbed a STEEP 8.8 K to today's stage's 2nd to last catagory 1
climb.

Stage 16 Climb

2009-07-22T02:52:00.000-04:00

This is a view of the climb where we were watching from. The peak of
the Col du Petite St. Bernard is the border of France and Italy...we
were on the Italian side.

Stage 16 - Petit Saint Bernard

2009-07-22T01:49:00.003-04:00

Greetings! Out of touch again, my iphone data plan has proven to be incredibly inadaquate. Internet at the hotel is sllllloooooowwwwww as well, so this'll have to be breif.

We rode to the top of the finishing climb of yesterday's stage, Le Petite St. Bernard. We purchased some sliced proccuito, cheese, a loaf of bread, some sausage and a bottle of wine and then made our way to a good spot about 500 meters from the top of the climb.

The race caravan came through tossing out all sorts of cheap goodies for the spectators on the side of the road. Thirty minutes later the race rolled through in bits and pieces and we had great views of the whole thing.

We got stuck on the top in a traffic jam for a few hours (due to Jens Voigt's crash that took him out of tour. Finally made it back to the hotel about a quarter after 11:00 pm.

We're off again this morning...I'll try to chieck back in soon

Luxury Suite

2009-07-20T17:46:00.000-04:00

We've made it to our Hotel in Chambery. It's basically a small box
with bunkbeds, a 13" TV (that only shows ten channels in French) and a
bathroom that is about half the size of one that you'd find in an RV.

Early day tomorrow, we're climbing either the Petite Saint Bernard or
the Gran Saint Bernard depending on the timing of the Tour stage that
climbs both of those. We'll be roadside to watch the race come
through, keep an eye out for my Gator flag.

Dinner al Fresco

2009-07-20T13:47:00.001-04:00

Stuck around in Bourg D'Oisans for a great dinner. A couple of beers,
great pasta and outdoor dining in the city- central...great finish to
a great day.

Now, back to the car, load everything up and head to Chambry, France.
We'll be at that hotel for the next 3 nights...I'm very much looking
forward to that.

Paninis are on the way

2009-07-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

We're pretending we're Europeans.

Here's a shocker...my drink was served with ICE!!! Only 2 pieces, but
I'll take it. Hot paninis just arrived, I'll post again after we
plumet down this mountain.

On Top of the World

2009-07-20T08:54:00.001-04:00

Just finished climbing Alp D'Huez..beautiful weather! I'm taking the
scenery in while I wait for Rodrigo then we're going to relax at a
cafe for some lunch.

Le Alp

2009-07-20T06:24:00.000-04:00

We slept in a bit this morning and then checked out of the Hotel
Patrick in Grenoble.

We grabbed a bite to eat on our way to Bourg D'Oisans which is where
we currently are.

We found a nice shady parking spot across the street from this cool
little hotel to get dressed and get ready to climb Alp D'Huez.

Awesome day in Switzerland

2009-07-19T19:25:00.003-04:00

So I've been out of touch today due to some crazy charges I would've incrued while in Switzerland. I'm back in France now, so I am once again connected.

Rodrigo and I stayed in Geneve, Switzerland last night. Our Hotel wasn't the classiest joint I've stayed in, but I was able to sleep off 36 hours of travel. We had dinner at a place called "Buffalo Grille". There is something funny about eating at a foriegn restarurant that is attempting to serve American Bar-B-Q. Not bad, not great but our choices were severly limited. We picked up some things at the local grociery after dinner so we'd have breakfast this morning.

We woke up and drove to a little town about 24K from the finish line of today's stage called Martigny. We unpacked the bikes and rode all the way to the final climb in Verbier. TONS of people everywhere...very exciting to climb a mountain on your bike in that kind of atmosphere, not to mention the views, WOW...pictures on the way.

Hung out on the top about 50 meters past the finish line. We met Jeremy Schapp, an ESPN commentator. He was really cool and talked to us for about 30 minutes. Got a ton of great shots of the pros as they crossed the finish and met up with their sougnier's (team helper).

After the crush of people died down we started to make our way back down. We saw Bob Roll along the way and stopped for a quick chat and a photo. We passed about 10,000 cars on the way back to Martigny (not that much of an exageration)...loaded everything back into the car and drove about 3 hours to where we are now, Grenoble, France.

Tonight's hotel is much nicer and we're just about ready for bed. Tomorrow is a rest day for the Tour de France so we're going to get up at our lesiure and drive towards the little town of Bourg D'Oisans and climb the fabled Alp D'Huez.

Stay tuned as my posts should come more frequently and accompanied with photos.

Au revoir

The last stage...

2009-07-18T09:12:00.000-04:00

We're picking up our rental van here in Lyon, France and we'll be off
to Geneve, Switzerland.

Looking forward to a shower, a good meal and a bed.

Still Traveling...

2009-07-18T05:58:00.000-04:00

I'm now sitting at the airport in Paris drinking a latte and reading
(really only looking at pictures and yesterday's Tour stage results)
L'Equipe.

Rodrigo just showed up and we're off to Lyon in about an hour.

Finally Boarding

2009-07-17T18:34:00.001-04:00

The layover from he'll is drawing to a close. My eyes are burning and
I'm hoping I'm just sleepy, which will soon be solved. My fear is that
I've contracted a rare bug from one of the 2 million coughing dirtbags
I've encountered today.

I just went to the bathroom, so I can now be considered "Duty-Free".

Sent from my iPhone

The Presidents Club

2009-07-17T13:44:00.000-04:00

I'm hanging out I'm the Continental Presidents Club at the airport in
Newark trying to kill my 8 HOUR LAYOVER. The free food, drinks, booze,
WiFi, cable and magazines makes it a bit easier...thanks Rodrigo.

I currently have a hazy view of Manhattan although that alone doesn't
make this MASSIVE layover worthwhile.

Next stop, Paris.

Checked In - NO CHARGE!

2009-07-17T05:14:00.001-04:00

I'm sitting at the newly-renovated Gainesville Regional Airport. I
just checked my 44 lb. suitcase and my 50 lb. bike box without even
getting charged for an extra checked bag!

The lady working the desk asked if I normally get charged for my bike,
to which I said, "no", so she said, "well I won't charge you then."

I'm off to a good start.

Sent from my iPhone

Tightly Packed

2009-07-17T03:39:00.001-04:00

I was feeling pretty good about the packing job, everything was in the
suitcase and getting it zipped shut would be NO problem...OOPS, I
still hadn't packed my 4 Zip-Loc bags!

After some re-shuffling, I've got all my provisions ready to go. Bike
box is in the car, medium suitcase and a backpack are all set... It's
3:45am and I'm getting ready to head out the door.

Next stop...Gainesville airport.

A Day of Errands

2009-07-16T16:10:00.001-04:00

After running all over North Central Florida diligently crossing
things off of my "to-do" list, I've finally begun the packing process.

Cycling gear, 3 Zip-Loc bags each containing a jersey, pair of bibs,
undershirt, socks and gloves. One Zip-Loc containing cycling
accessories, i.e. knee-warmers, long-sleeve jersey, cycling cap, shoe
covers and wind vest.

CHECK!

2009-07-14T14:28:00.002-04:00

I have pulled the canvas tarps off the ol' 5count blog! I've removed the cobwebs, dusted and aired the place out in order to make room for the 2009 Tour de France Travel BLOG.

Starting this Friday, July 17th, I'll be throwing up short little posts and photos chronicling my adventures as I follow the last week of the Tour de France. I'll be riding many of the famed climbs of the Alpine region of France as well as spectating the pros roadside.

Follow along for eleven days as I leave Gainesville, Florida...and finish on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France.

re-landscaping anyone?

2009-06-19T11:34:00.001-04:00

On the Start Line

2009-05-16T07:59:00.000-04:00

Ride to Remember

Playin' Hookie

2009-03-10T13:16:00.000-04:00

Out on a ride...country roads...no traffic...blue skies...warm
weather...skipping work never felt soo good!

Take #2-Rock gets it right...

2009-03-02T09:21:00.002-05:00

I guess Michael Ball read my previous post about Tyler's kit at the the Tour of California. He's made some adjustments and now we have a kit worthy of the U.S. Road Race National Champion.

I just wish this kit was racing at the ToC.

Pro kit review #?

2009-02-17T09:40:00.002-05:00

So today I'd like to talk about the Rock Racing's 2009 kit, or at least Rock Racing's February 2009 kit...and more specifically, Tyler Hamilton's kit.

I get it Michael Ball, you're a bad-ass, your team is full of bad-asses and the persona that you're so desparatly trying to project is one of bad-assedness...we all get it, you "don't follow the status quo", you're a "renegade" and you "march to the beat of your own drum". The whole grunge/spray-painted/grafitti-type of design you're going with is right in line with what you've been doing for a couple of years now. It's not exactly cycling jersey design style, but yet it's highly contemporary and as a designer I very much appreciate the envelope-pushing.

Of the Rock designs that have poured out of this team in the recent years, the one aspect that I absolutely love is how there is no limit to the portions of the overall kit that have been printed on. Head to toe, side to side, every inch of their kits is designed and printed. Some find them busy, and while I may tend to agree in certain designs, it's the evolution that I love.

Back in the day you only printed a strip on the chest of the wool jersey. The sublimation process eventually allowed for the entire jersey to be "decorated". Then they added a single panel on the side of the thighs, then a panel on the back of the shorts and now there isn't any part of the team kit that is off-limits to the design. For this I applaud you Mr. Ball, however, I have a few comments on Mr. Hamilton's kit specifically.

Tyler Hamilton, as in the U.S. National Road Race Champion Tyler Hamilton. I was expecting big things for Tyler's 2009 kit. I figured that Mr. Ball and his design staff would take the "stars and bars" theme and cram it down the throats of cycling fans worldwide! I pictured a gawdy display of the red, white and blue. I envisioned patriotic symbolism on Crack!

But what did we get??? A subtle touch of America behind the Rock logo that BARELY distinguishes him from the rest of his own team let alone the entire peloton. His stars and stripes on the sleeves of his jersey look more like he's a former US National Champion, not the current one.

COME ON! At least get rid of the mainly black and replace it with a some blue. I had to really study Hamilton's kit just to see that they did anything at all! Garmin-Slipstream did an outstanding job of OBVIOUSLY incorporating the good ole' red, white and blue into Zabriskie's TT suit while still maintaining the signature argyle look of the team.

Sure, it says "US Road Champ" on the side panel of Hamilton's jersey, but with all the paint splatter and other elements, those words disappear into the jersey just like Tyler disappears into the field.

I know the Rock Racing team has had it's fare share of issues this past off-season and are probably behind the 8 Ball in many aspects of the team-management, they're even reportedly spray-painting their bike frames. My only hope is that when Tyler toes the line at his next race, Michael Ball will have gotten my message and rolled out an entirely new National Champions kit for him.

But I doubt it.

Buy My House

2009-01-16T21:41:00.002-05:00

We've run out of room in our great little starter-home that we've loved for the past 6 years. Just like hitting the drive-thru at Micky-D's, we've supersized our living space with the purchase of a palatial estate just a few miles north (by palatial estate I mean a bigger house). We are now left with two mortgages so our little gem with great location must go.

A friend and I have just put together a web site that sings the praises of my newly listed property. Stop by and check it out...be sure to scope the built-in grill on the back patio that I built a couple of years ago...great for entertaining!

Palmetto Woods Home dot com

Coming soon:

2009-01-16T16:51:00.004-05:00

Palmetto Woods Home dot com

Too Similar

2009-01-08T12:00:00.002-05:00

As a self-professed critic of Cycing kits, this is an exciting time of the year. The pro teams are holding their team training camps and new kits are being distributed.

My first observation of the year is the new Columbia kits. I do like the fact that this organization has finally incorporated the shorts and the jersey in the same design (as opposed to a jersey with plain black short; see T-Mobile, Highroad and last years Columbia kits).

Unfortunately they have adopted a kit that looks way too much like the now defunct Sanuier Duval team. I'm guessing it has a lot to do with their new bike sponsor, Scott Bikes, but I wish they could've been more original.

I also prefer ProTour teams steer away from mainly yellow kits as it adds confusion to picking out riders in the peloton at the Tour de France. Once, who had a very yellow kit, used to switch to a pink jersey at the TdF but teams nowadays aren't required to follow Once's lead.

Lastly, I'm not a fan of the "faux abs" printed on the abdominal area of the jersy. It was cool and original when CSC did it a few year back, but once again...where's the originality?

On a 10pt. scale, I'll give it a 7

Bring it On

2008-12-16T13:14:00.002-05:00

Download the flyer for the 2009 Bring it On races HERE

Get yer Christmas On!

2008-12-12T13:11:00.005-05:00

Bring it On...

2008-12-09T15:31:00.001-05:00

Get ready...the road racing season will arrive in Gainesville soon.
Keep January 17th and 24th open for a little bike racing!

Who is this?

2008-12-04T09:53:00.002-05:00

photo by Elizabeth Kreutz

Currently Rockin' Out

2008-11-26T11:57:00.001-05:00

Funny

2008-10-27T11:09:00.001-04:00

Sunday morning I got up early, dressed quietly, made my lunch, grabbed the dog, slipped quietly into the garage to put my bike up on my car and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour.

The wind was blowing 50 mph. I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad throughout the day.

I went back into the house,quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. There I cuddled up to my wife's back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, 'The weather out there is terrible.'

My loving wife replied, 'Can you believe my stupid husband is out biking in that shit?'

I still don't know to this day if she was joking, but I have stopped biking on Sunday mornings.

Dopers Suck...even in Florida!

2008-10-09T16:46:00.002-04:00

reprinted from cyclingnews.com
American athlete accepts suspension

Cyclist Ricardo Hernandez of Miami, Florida, accepted a two-year suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance according to the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Hernandez, 42, tested positive for exogenous testosterone, an anabolic agent, which is prohibited under the USADA Protocol and the rules of the UCI. His suspension took effect September 15, 2008, the date of his acceptance. Hernandez was disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to March 2, 2008, the date his urine sample was collected at the Vuelta Independencia National, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

Enough Already

2008-10-09T15:00:00.001-04:00

Unlike this picture, Greg Lemond has a hard time keeping his mouth shut.

Even after losing a ton of clout and respect with the American cycling fan base, Lemond continues to offer up unwanted advise and stick his nose where it doesn't belong, all in some ill-fated attempt at recapturing some of the lime light that he experienced in the 80's.

Enough Already!

There's only one...

2008-10-09T14:29:00.004-04:00

A couple of designer friends of mine got together and made up a bunch of these t-shirts. The first run sold out, but there may be a re-order if the interest is there.

If you don't get it...you probably shouldn't buy the shirt.

For a larger view and more information, go here

Express your fanaticism

2008-10-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Get the new Cycle Logic Simple T here

Hand Job

2008-10-01T11:14:00.003-04:00

Now this is what I call attention to detail.

It says...

2008-08-04T16:14:00.001-04:00

I'm Euro-trendy...I'm environmentally friendly...and I'm hip to cyclists!

I found it here.

Bartenders, Hide your tip jars!

2008-08-01T10:56:00.002-04:00

College football season is just over the horizon. The Gators are ready to make another run, Tebow is striking fear into the hearts of his opponents and Gainesville area bars are anxiously awaiting an influx in business after a summer slowed by a lack of students and a sluggish economy.

I know Urban Meyer would have us not look beyond the first game of the season (Hawaii 8/30) but for fans of Florida football, the match up the following weekend against in-state rival Miami has our "Rama-Jama" goin'.

This brings me to the title of the post. The last time that the thug-life contingent from south F-L-A rolled into town I was bartending at a downtown hotspot. The class of of our usual demographic decreased significantly on the night before the game. The ghetto-fabulous Miami fans made the night almost unbearable. A smattering of fights broke out throughout the evening due to the inability of Miami fans to conduct themselves in an adult manner. Glassware was broken, furniture trashed, cocktail waitresses harassed and above all...MY F**KIN' TIP JAR WAS STOLEN!

From right off the bar top, some classless moron got away with a couple of hours worth of tips which could've easily meant a month's car payment, the purchase of a pair of tickets to the game, or enough beer to fuel the next day's tailgate!

So I've just come across a web page that identifies the start time of this years UF vs. Miami game. Since ESPN is picking it up, it's going to be an 8:00pm game! This means area bartenders will be inundated with green and orange-clad douche-bags for 10+ hours on September 6th.

Watch your tip jars...keep 'em on the back bar out of reach of any Canes. They're NOT TO BE TRUSTED!

GO GATORS

In Honor of the Alp...

2008-07-23T10:45:00.003-04:00

Today is the Alp D'Huez stage of the Tour de France and so...I give you a photo of me from 2006. I'm on the decent from Alp D'Huez. Behind me is the little town of Bourge d'Oisans where the climbing starts.

A couple more pics from that trip.

Douche Bag!

2008-07-18T09:35:00.000-04:00

What the F**k did you think would happen, moron.

Ahhh, training food!

2008-07-09T13:17:00.002-04:00

You're getting ready to start the longest stage in this year's Tour de France. You've had all the carbs you can handle for one morning and you're just looking for that little boost to fuel your legs for the race. There is a plaza beside the starting line where locals are selling their wares. You quickly scan the different vendors and then all the sudden you spot that little "boost" you're looking for...OYSTERS !

Photo ©: Roberto Bettini

...SERIOUSLY ?!...you're going to eat raw oysters just before the start of the 232 Km stage 5?

Summer time

2008-07-01T14:35:00.002-04:00

The Second Coolest Kit

2008-06-27T12:49:00.004-04:00

If I weren't already wearing THE coolest kit around I'd definitely be rocking this sweet piece of cycling apparel!

The under-stated black and white with the use of my favorite font, Helvetica, in all lowercase is SIMPLY stunning.

I may have to steal the idea at some point in the future...brilliant!

Two Words...

2008-05-15T13:37:00.001-04:00

NICE EYEBROWS!

New pink jersey leader of the Giro Italian champion Giovanni Visconti (C) (Quick Step/BEL) is kissed on the podium after the sixth stage of 91st Giro between Potenza and Peschici on May 15, 2008. Italian Matteo Priamo (CSF Group/IRL) won the stage. AFP PHOTO / DAMIEN MEYER

Yankee or Dixie?

2008-04-05T12:07:00.002-04:00

This is a pretty cool online quiz to figure how Yankee or Dixie you are based upon some common pronunciations and terminology that you may or may not use on a daily basis.

I ended up with a 78% Dixie...coulda been higher, but I was born in Chicago, that probably has something to do with it.

Check it out

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

2008-03-27T09:23:00.000-04:00

...but I always thought it was "Out of site out of mind" when it came to websites and blogs. I've obviously been irregular with the good ole' 5count blog of late...I've laid off the entire editorial staff and just come to accept the fact that things around the 5count world headquarters were kinda dormant. But I've recently checked out some of my hit-counter stats, and to my surprise I still have a steady trickle of people viewing this site (probably just checking to see if I've put anything new up). So for those few of you who make the effort to swing by from time to time, here's a little random post for ya.

Last year I was playing around and made a composite photo of me and myself collaborating on a project. It ain't much, but at least it's something new to look at.

For some recent cycling stuff, cruise on over to the site that has been using up all of my "bloging-time"...Cycle Logic

How fast you type?

2008-03-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

79 words

Speed test

Oooh Dannnngggg!

2008-02-13T12:12:00.002-05:00

Team Astana may be barred from this years Tour de France. This is going to SUCK for Levi and Horner.

I'm not commenting on anybody's guilt or Innocence with regards to doping, past or present, but even with all the management, rider, and staff changes in the world....Astana still has riders on their roster who have been implicated in Operacion Puerto.

I'm just wondering if the ASO (and the Giro de Italia for that matter) would've made different decisions had Johan not brought Contador over with him???

Bring it On - week#2 results

2008-01-29T15:34:00.000-05:00

week #2 - January 26th, 2008
Juniors 10-12

1 Justin Pfaff - Cycle Logic
2 Augustus Harrison - Unattached

Women

1 Angela Connaughton - Atomic Race Team
2 Amanda Hall - Atomic Race Team
3 Heather Davis - Naple Cyclery
4 Kristin Donahue - Team Florida
5 Jacqueline Dougherty - Unattached
6 Alicia Provenzano - Unattached
7 Ying Xing - Unattached

Men's A - field of 43

1 Daniel Chavez - Preferred Alliance Cycling Team
2 Phillip Gaimon - Fiordifrutta
3 Gary Yates - Naple Cyclery Gulf Coast Racing
4 John Salsbury - Jacksonville Racing Club
5 Karel Sumbal - Beaches Velo Sport
6 Charles Jerabek - Jacksonville Racing Club
7 Shane Braley - Team Wheel & Sprocket
8 Joel Chavez - Outspokin Inc.
9 John Cody Vance - Colavita Racing Inc.
10 Anthony Alexander - Helens Racing
11 Gerald Bouchard - Cycle Logic
12 John Faulk - Colavita Racing Inc.
13 Roger Montes - Cycle Logic
14 Rob Robins - Cycle Logic
15 Jayson O'Mahoney - Cycle Logic
16 Diego Henao - Team American Classic
17 Unknown
18 Anthony Musalo - Cycle Logic
19 Beck Frydenborg - Team Florida
20 Kenneth Sallot - Cycle Logic

Men's B - field of 33

1 Jimmy Page - Unattached
2 Eric Shields - Team Florida
3 Derek Schanze - Gainesville Cycling Club
4 David Reich - Team Florida
5 Colby Smith - Unattached
6 James Penrod - Cycle Logic
7 Romero Gill - Unattached
8 Eric Stubbs - Unattached
9 Ryan Fisher - Aarons/l5flyers
10 Unknown
11 Ron Palsgrove - Cycle Logic
12 Trung Tran - Unattached
13 German Barco - Unattached
14 Michael Arena - Florida Road Cycling Association
15 Justin Sapp - Unattached
16 Steven Severance - Unattached
17 David Schofield - Team Florida
18 Benjamin Talbot - Unattached
19 David Low - Unattached
20 Michael Boyco - Unattached

Floyd seems angry...for good reason?

2008-01-22T12:52:00.000-05:00

In a recent interview with VeloNews senior writer, Neal Rogers, Floyd Landis tells how he REALLY feels.

To this reader, he comes off as frustrated, betrayed and above all...angry. We all have our own take on the doping situations that have plagued the sport of pro cycling and I pretty much hate them all. But read this interview and tell me Floyd doesn't have a reason to be angry. Does he get hot-headed and possibly makes comments that he doesn't have enough information to make...Yes. Does this reader agree with all of his comments and accusations...No. Does this reader think Floyd is madder than hell and with good reason...Yep!

Bring it On - week#1 results

2008-01-20T15:31:00.000-05:00

week #1 - January 19th, 2008
Juniors 10-12

1 Justin Pfaff - Cycle Logic
2 Augustus Harrison - Unattached

Women

1 Jacquelyn Crowell - Team Kenda Tire
2 Kristin Donahue - Team Florida
3 Melissa Weddell - Unattached
4 Julie Pitts - Unattached
5 Kimblery O'Brien - Unattached
6 Alicia Provenzano - Unattached
7 Jacqueline Kurth - Team Kenda Tire
8 Alexis Dabroski - Team Florida
9 Heather Davis - Naple Cyclery
10 Jacqueline Dougherty - Unattached
11 Ying Xing - Unattached
12 Erin Epstein - Team Florida

Men's A 34 man field

1 Winston David - Toshiba - AEG
2 Phillip Gaimon - Fiordifrutta
3 Charles Jerabek - Jacksonville Racing Club
4 David Guttenplan - Time Pro Cycling
5 Robert Sweeting - Toshiba - AEG
6 Brett Miller - Naple Cyclery
7 John Faulk - Colavita Racing Inc.
8 Ryan Saylor - Lindner Capital racing team
9 David Comiskey - Team Florida
10 Anthony Alexander - Helens Racing
11 Unknown
12 Gerald Bouchard - Cycle Logic
13 Unknown
14 Patrick Weddell - Foothills Cyclists
15 Rob Robins - Cycle Logic
16 Unknown
17 Unknown
18 Scott Pfaff - Cycle Logic
19 Tim Molyneaux - Atlantic Shores Velo
20 Beck Frydenborg - Team Florida
21 Jayson O'Mahoney - Cycle Logic
22 James Wright - Jacksonville Racing Club
23 John Salsbury - Jacksonville Racing Club
24 Shane Braley - Team Wheel & Sprocket

Men's B
***Race cancelled due to area wide tornado warning

Rain or Shine

2008-01-18T22:13:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the first edition of a 3-week practice Crit Series presented by Cycle Logic. The weather forcast is calling for a high of 62 degrees, 14+mph winds, 30% chance of rain early with a 60-90% chance of rain during the bulk of the races and toss in some scattered thunder storms just for good measure...now that sounds like some good bike-racing weather!

Regardless of the weather, the show will go on. Tune back into the 5count blog next week for race results and a recap of the days racing.

• View the FloridaCycling.com event page for the Bring It On race.
• Click here to view the event flyer in printable PDF format

Slipstream press

2008-01-17T15:58:00.000-05:00

ESPN did a great story on Team Slipstream, their anti-doping efforts and their recent team launch in Boulder, Colorado. If you missed it, check it out.

Best line of the story...

"If we really want to keep doping out of this team, we have to keep how we win in the context of the human body. Some days are great, some days are not ... To agree to not dope, to never let that enter the context of a team, is to agree to fail sometimes. It is to agree to let your fans down sometimes. It is to agree to the fallibility of the human body. It is to sign that contract and live by it, no matter how high the pressure.
-- Jonathan Vaughters

2007-12-17T10:28:00.001-05:00

Bring it On

2007-12-10T22:22:00.000-05:00

Team Cycle Logic will be putting on the "Bring It On" race series this year. Previously run by Dan Larson, former Team Florida cycling coach, the "Bring It On" race series has a long tradition of kicking off the road racing season in North Florida.

The dates of this year's series will be JANUARY 19th • JANUARY 26th • FEBRUARY 2nd

Please see the Race Flyer for more information. We look forward to kicking off the 2008 season with you.

After further review...

2007-11-19T11:39:00.000-05:00

I've been pretty critical of Team Slipstreams final team kit for 2008 and how they came off as 'misleading' with regard to the jersey design competition.

At first glance of the new jersey on Frischkorn's blog, I thought the resulting design was worse than the winning design, but after seeing some better photography of the jersey, it would appear that the orange isn't really that ugly "coral" color and there is actually some recognizable argyle (especially on the long sleeve jersey).

The team kits will look pretty sick when placed atop the newly designed Felt's (both road and TT bikes).

Regardless of the kit, I've always supported the Slipstream team, what they stand for and what they are attempting to do and will continue to support their efforts in the future.

What's the point...

2007-11-09T16:08:00.000-05:00

...in having an extensive contest to design the next team jersey if they aren't going to use the design of the winner???

Slipstream had hundreds of entries and narrowed it down to 5. Those 5 were then voted on by the public...the result was this design:

But I just saw today on Will Frischkorn's blog that the new jerseys look like this:

What's the friggin' point???

Zabriskie to Slipstream???

2007-07-06T11:52:00.000-04:00

I didn't think much of it the first time I heard of it, but I read this today and now wonder if there is something more to it?

Personally, Slipstream is my favorite pro team. I would love nothing more than to see them earn a wild card bid into the Tour de France next year. I love the fact that they are largely (18 of 23 riders) an American team. They are young and aggressive and without a doubt (in my mind) the cleanest team in the sport.

It'd be awesome to see someone like Zabriskie sportin' the Argyle. Slipstream is obviously bolstering their roster in order to meet their goal of becoming a Pro-Tour team by 2009...other current pros linked to contract talks with Slipstream are:

Backstedt - I guess it'd be nice to have the Sweedish National Champs jersey on the team, but he's kinda in his twilight isn't he?
David Cañada Gracia - really? how 'bout Horner instead
David Millar - I guess he's a big name, which is what they need, and he's a good ambassador for racing clean, but he's a bit old too, no?
Thomas Voeckler - Another big name, especially one that would carry some weight with the French organizers of the TdF.
Christophe Laurent - Another Frenchy to carry some weight with the ASO (TdF organizers). I'm pretty sure he's already signed too...his personal blog comes right out and says that he's riding for Slipstream next year. (the blog has been translated from french, so it doesn't read well, but you'll get the idea).

Depending on how he shows in the U.S. National TT championships this year, maybe bring Saul Raisin on as well. While we're at it, let's sign some other American studs...Tyler Farrar, George Hincapie (for leadership), Jason McCartney, maybe even young John Devine.

No matter who Slipstream signs, I'm very much looking forward to watching as my favorite team grows into one of the most competitive teams on the Pro-Tour.

I Need More Cowbell baby!

2007-06-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Russian Vladimir Gusev shows the Swiss cow bell he received after he won the 71st Tour de Suisse UCI protour cycling race 7th stage, 125.7km between Ulrichen and Grimselpass, 22 June 2007 in Crans-Montana. Russian rider Vladimir Efimkin remains the overall leader. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI

For those of you not finding the obvious humor in the title of this post...educate yourself.

Love on the rocks?

2007-06-22T10:22:00.000-04:00

I remember a time, not that long ago, when the American Pro Tour powerhouse, Discovery Channel Cycling Team, signed a young American climbing sensation named Tom Danielson. Tom's first Pro Tour experience with then, Fassa Bortollo left his climbing and stage racing skills underutilized. Signing with Discovery was sure to be Tom's "big break" and the realization of his destiny for greatness.

For this, Tom seemed overly greatful and so happy to be riding with his dream team along side of his cycling idol, Lance Armstrong. Initally touted as a possible replacement for Lance, Tom enjoyed success with the Disco boys, but fast forward a couple years after a quick exit from the Dauphiné with stomach problems and yet another missed opportunity to start the famed Tour de France...do we now find this love fest on the rocks?

I read the latest entry by Kristin Danielson (Tom's wife) on Tommy D's website today. I'm not sure if Mrs. D is voiceing her husband's sentiment or if she is just annoyed with how she perceives her hubby is being treated, but it makes one wonder if riding for Discovery has lost its shine. You can link to the post yourself, but here's a snippet of what I'm talking about:

"Tom was finally able to persuade (why should he have to try and persuade) his team that he will get faster solutions in his hometown of Durango. I can see why a European team can’t understand why he needs to come back to the U.S. but why fight the fact that it has been two weeks and he has no answers? He has a return ticket for Tuesday and has been informed that he is required to race in the Qinghai Lake race in China only a couple of weeks away. What?? Don’t they understand that he is sick and needs to get healthy again? I hope that it IS that simple and he will be racing in a couple of weeks."

Yep, I'm pretty sure I'm picking up a little frustration with Team Discovery. It'd be interesting to hear Johan's take on the whole situation, or even Tom's for that matter.

I might be frustrated too if I was supposed to be the next great American-Grand Tour-rider and I was getting ready to NOT ride ANOTHER Tour de France at 29 years old. I guess we'll just have to see how the whole thing pans out...should be interesting though.

From the editor:

2007-06-21T08:23:00.000-04:00

The 5count blog is a site dedicated to the passing on of information, thoughts and miscellaneous musings obtained by its editorial staff.

These comment sections are open forums for you, the reader, to express your thoughts, pass on information or give feedback on a post specific to 5count.

5count has never been, and never will be a place for advertisers to pawn their wears or services. If readers decide to use this open forum for such purposes, prepare to have your "encyclopedia sellin'" comments deleted (unless your comment is accompanied by a large check to pay for advertising space...and there still aren't any guarantees that we won't throw your comment in the pooper).

Sincerely,
5count editorial staff

Out For A Ride

2007-06-05T10:49:00.002-04:00

Over a year in the making, and three code frameworks later, Out For A Ride is finally ready for public consumption. Tell all your friends!

***Keep in mind that this is ALPHA, the designers/programmers haven't even made it to BETA yet, so there will be tons more features coming in the future.

This is a site that I've been helping to test over the past few months. Created by Stephen Hallgren aka "Teevio", a designer/cyclist from the Boston area. Out For A Ride is a great place to log your rides, your routes, what gear you ride with, what bikes you ride on as well as plenty of ability to chat, leave comments and basically socialize online with like-minded cyclists.

Still in it's infancy, Out For A Ride will only continue to grow. This is your opportunity to get in on the ground floor and be one of its early members. Out For A Ride was only made public today and already is attracting cyclists from all over the country.

Out For A Ride would be the perfect place for all of the 5count readers out there to see what, where and how much we all are riding. For those of you who decide to check it out and see what Out For A Ride is, leave a comment here and let the rest of us know what your "Out For A Ride screen name" is. If you're curious, you can check out what I've ridden the past couple of weeks by looking up "PMESS".

Hope to see you there!

Proof it wasn't the Milk Man

2007-05-23T17:20:00.002-04:00

As those of you with children already know, people like to assign parental characteristics to newborn babies; i.e., "Oh she's got Jane's eyes, or, "Little Billy sure has his dad's nose, or, "He must be Tom's kid, they both have the same huge ears"...you know what I'm talking about.

This is a topic that has come up numerous times since the birth of my daughter. BUT, I've always maintained that babies look like babies. Sure they all have their differences, but I'm talking about the proportions of a baby. All I'm saying is that any judgements as to if the newborn looks more like the mom or the dad should be withheld until the child reaches between 4-6 months of age.

To this point, most friends and family have said that my daughter looks more like her mom (which is fine with me, my wife is super cute), BUT there is one little characteristic that everyone has agreed is all me. That's right, there is an undeniable feature which we both share that proves the Milk Man had nothing to do with her conception...no, I'm not referring to our farting habits, I'm talking about our "Lip Dimples".

I was mildly unaware of my Lip Dimples prior to my daughter's arrival. I always thought that everyone had them, mine were just slightly more pronounced. The similarities might be slight, but I'll take it. I've gone ahead and put together a magnified comparison of my lower lip/chin and the lower lip/chin of my daughter (I'm the one with the 5 o'clock shadow...if I didn't mention it, one of you yahoos would've). See for your self:

There you have it...undeniable proof. We'll check back after a few more months to see what other similarities surface.

It was the Summer of '92...

2007-05-22T09:51:00.000-04:00

click on image to view large version

I totally bogarted this image from another cyclists blog (and can't remember who's), but it's such a classic image I had to share it with you.

I know that from right to left they are: George Hincapie (nice hair), Lance Armstrong (looking thrilled to be riding Performance bikes) and Bobby Julich...but can anyone tell me who the 4th guy in the picture is?

National Ride-Your-Bike-to-Work-Day

2007-05-21T10:55:00.000-04:00

So last week was "National ride your bike to work Week" and Friday was the "National ride your bike to work day". I'm not a regular commuter (mostly due to my overly active sweat glands), but I figured I'd try to do my part on friday and ride into work.

Now, in order for me to make it to my office by 8:00am on a regular day, I need to leave my house by 7:30am. This gives me enough time to slug my way through traffic, park in the parking garage and trek the 5-7 min walk from garage to office. Friday, I departed on my bike from my house at 7:47am and arrived at the front door to my building at 7:58am! That would be enough reason to sell my car and bike-commute til I retire...If only it weren't for the 30 minutes of cool down/sponge bath/deo application/changing clothes/and more cool down that followed, only to have that "not so fresh" feeling all day.

I still enjoyed being on the bike early in the morning before I was to plant myself in front of a computer for the next 8 hours. I also enjoyed the thought that once the whistle blew at the end of the day, I'd be once again atop my trusty steed, racing towards home without the delays of traffic slowing me down.

Five o'clock came and I was anxious to see how much quicker my ride home would be via bicycle VS. via the automobile. I flew up the right side of the road as dozens upon dozens of cars lined up at traffic light after traffic light. All of the city's "nine-to-five'n slaves" fighting to get home and start their weekend while I effortlessly raced by them all.

About halfway home, sounds of hissing air began to permiate the exhaust-drenched air. Even the roar of city busses and idleing vehicles couldn't mask what was sure to be a deflating tire. So there I was on the side of the road fixing my flat while my competition rolled by me, my record-setting time dashed by a 2-penny nail.

In the end I made it home safe and sound about 2 minutes quicker than I normally get home in the car...Oh but what could've been. It was still fun to be on the bike instead of behind the wheel and I'll probably venture out into the world of bike-commuters periodically in the future despite flat tires and over active sweat glands.

Another Gator Repeat!

2007-05-14T10:21:00.000-04:00

With the same flair as an Al Horford dunk, Rebecca Larson outkicked the bunch to win the 2007 D1 Collegiate National Championship Road Race. With the same dominance as our UF men's Basketball team, Larson repeated her Womens D1 Omnium National Championship effort from a year ago.

Larson (UF), fresh off a six-week trip to Europe as part of USA Cycling’s Women’s National Team program where she competed in several World Cup and elite-level international races, captured a win in the criterium in 2006. Her efforts in Saturday’s 56-mile road race helped put the University of Florida in fifth place overall in the Division I standings behind Midwestern State with 253 points.

“I’m a little tired, I’ve been on the road a lot in Europe with the national team,” Larson explained after her win. "I’m tired, but collegiate racing is such a good thing and I love supporting it and I have a really great collegiate team.”

In the hunt for the overall championship, Larson beat Erica Allar (Penn State University) by just two points, 253-251, after winning the road race and placing fifth in the criterium. Last year's criterium winner, Larson hoped to defend her title, but rode conservatively in order to protect her lead in the overall standings.

"Of course I wanted to win the criterium, but the omnium was pretty important to me so I kind of rode it like a points race," explained Larson of her tactics on Sunday. "I didn't feel great for the final sprint, but getting fifth was enough. Overall, it was a great weekend."

Maybe I'm partial due to my love of both cycling and the Gators...but shouldn't she be on a box of Wheaties or something?
Congratulations Rebecca!

Updates

2007-05-11T16:38:00.000-04:00

Look to your left and notice that we've updated our about me section. We feel that this more accurately captures what we're all about here at 5count...enjoy.

ALSO...
We've added a new poll question to the left sidebar as well. Don't be afraid to make your voice heard...vote now, vote often, vote for multiple teams, come back and vote again tomorrow.

In Keeping with the baby theme...

2007-05-09T16:44:00.000-04:00

Here's a great video that I saw quite a while ago, but it is all of the sudden much, much more appropriate.
WARNING: those of you who are weak of stomach, proceed with caution!

Being a Dad...by the numbers

2007-04-27T16:53:00.000-04:00

I have recently entered into the realm of fatherhood. My daughter, Reese, was born on the thirteenth of April, two thousand and seven. How's it been going?...I'll give you the numbers:

8 - number of pounds Reese weighed
13 - number of ounces Reese weighed in addition to the 8 lbs.
21.5 - number of inches long Reese was at birth
2 - number of hours I slept on the day Reese was born
3 - number of hours I slept the day after Reese was born
4 - number of times I've been spit up on in the past 2 weeks
8 - numbers of hours spent on the bike in the past 2 weeks
252 - number of hours spent staring at Reese in the past 2 weeks
3 - number of episodes of 'Live with Regis & Kelly' I've watched while on vacation in the past 2 weeks
3 - number of times we've filled our Diaper Genie II
0 - number of times I've prepared a home cooked meal since Reese's arrival
5,000 - number of congratulatory emails, text messages, phone calls, visits and gifts we've received in the past 2 weeks (THANKS)
10 - number of trips to pick up take out in the past 2 weeks.
24 - number of different onesies/pajamas Reese has worn in the past 2 weeks
50 - number of time per day I wash/sanatize my hands
10 - number of fingers and toes (each) on Reese (long monkey toes at that)
24 - number of years before Reese will be allowed to date.

Fans of Team cycle Logic...

2007-03-29T09:52:00.001-04:00

...if you'd like to show your support for the only cat 4-5 cycling team from the Ocala/Gainesville area in a manner other than shaving our logo into your chest hair, this is for you.

For a limited time only, I will be taking orders for custom team Cycle Logic cycling caps (see image below). One size fits all, unless your head is the size and shape of a watermelon, and designed by our favorite designer for custom cycling apparel, 5count (toot! toot!)

At a cost of only $10.00 per cap, how could you say no to such an offer. Deadline to place orders is April 15th (just like your tax-deadline). For those of you wishing to order more than a dozen hats, please call our 5count offices at 1-800-I-LUV-CAPS*note: if you think that the aforementioned telephone number will really work, you're an idiot, furthermore, if you want a dozen or more Cycle Logic cycling caps, you may have a whole other set of issues that need to be dealt with, in which case you should call 1-800-IM-AN-IDIOT

I know that there are those of you out there on a lifelong pursuit to look more "Euro"...if that's you, then email Cycle Logic Cap orders and specify how many of these custom designed cycling caps you'd like. Be sure to include your name, phone number and mailing address for shipment.

Once you've contacted Cycle Logic Cap orders, an email will be sent to you with payment info. Shipping and handling charges have been included in the cost of each cap.

Act Now! Time is running out!

What's with Hamilton?

2007-03-15T16:35:00.000-04:00

After the first two stages of Tyler Hamilton's first ever pro-tour event, Tirreno-Adriatico, he's sitting one spot out of the Lantern Rouge! I know that there have only been stages for the sprinters, but homeboy lost almost 22 minutes in stage two alone (161 out of 167 finishers were within 8'51" of the stage winner).

Has he bitten off more than he can chew, or will Tyler rise out of the ashes on stage 6 when the stage ends with the road tilting upwards?

If you ask me, this is the beginning of the end. R.I.P.

2007-03-15T09:38:00.000-04:00

2007-03-14T16:26:00.000-04:00

Spoiled...

2007-03-12T11:08:00.000-04:00

...as in, we may be some of the most spoiled sports fans in the country! To the outside observer, or even to the inside fanatic, it seems like all the Gators do is win championships. SEC championships, National Championships, football, basketball...we are steam rolling everyone!

There is some intense Gator mojo going around right now and I don't ever want it to stop, but ultimately it will and the Gator Nation will call for somebody's head with a fire[fill in name].com site all because we finish a season without another championship.

But screw all that, this Gator fan is living in the moment and loving every minute of it!!!

GO GATORS!!!

photo by US Presswire

More Cycle Logic Apparel...

2007-03-07T16:37:00.000-05:00

Due to the overwhelming demand by those of you with lil' ones who are wanting to show their support for the good ole Orange and Grey, your prayers have been answered. Just added to the 5count cafepress store are new infant T-shirt "onesies" complete with the Cycle Logic logo.

Don't be the last one on your block to own a piece of Cycle Logic apparel, act now, supplies are running out!
***supplies aren't really running out, Cycle Logic apparel will be around longer than cockroaches, it just sounded more official.

Takin' the new ride for a spin...

2007-03-05T10:59:00.000-05:00

So I've recently added a new stead to the stables. The ebay bargain of all bargains, a 1-year old Cannondale six-13 that had only been used as a demo bike at a bike shop in Maine. Due to the beatings that I've subjected the ol' Ridley to the past couple of years, it was time for a fresh start with fully-functioning componentry.

The Ridley will remain in my possession, but merely as a second-string training bike (once I replace the rear shifter/brake lever...If anyone has an Ultegra 10-spd replacement, let me know). So I got the Six-13 built up on Saturday night and thought I'd break him in on the GCC ride Sunday morning. In addition to needing bonding time with my new ride, I needed some more serious saddle-time with an impending charity century ride coming up this weekend.

I figured on a nice 3 hour 60+ mile stroll through the beautiful countrysides of north Alachua county. But what I got was a 90 mile epic that took us all the way north to Watermelon Park! You have to realize that my arse hasn't seen more than 2.5 contiguous hours on the bike since last september, that's a long time ago! So me and my new bike weren't really ready for the 4.5 hours, but the 100 miles next weekend aren't going to be any better so what the heck.

Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day, sunny and cool with some northerly wind that I could've done without, but all in all, not a bad day to be out on the bike. We were moving right along with some initial members of the group turning off for a shorter option.

About 35 miles into our ride I reached for a drink but wasn't prepared for the tension with which my new bottle cages held my water bottles. Needless to say, the bottle went flying and I quickly pulled a u-turn to retrieve my drinking vessel notifying my ride companions that I'd catch back on but to slow it down just a bit. Normally, even with my "early-season fitness", I'd grab my bottle and bridge back to the group without too much trouble...but on this day, my white water bottle went camouflage by rolling into a pile of like-colored gravel on the side of the road. The red top, which would've given it's location away, had shot off like a bottle rocket when it was run over. After close to 3 minutes of rolling around looking for my fallen soldier, I found both parts and headed off in an effort to reconnect with the group.

I knew that they were a good bit up the road, so I dosed my effort over the hilly, wind-swept terrain. After a couple of miles of chasing, it became apparent to me that my only hope was that the group would slow to a snails pace and allow me to catch back on. I would later find out that two guys had actually dropped off the back to pace me back to the bunch, but when I didn't immediately start back in pursuit of the group, they assumed that I had turned around and headed for home. Little did they know that I was hanging about a half-mile off the back!

I eventually lost all visual contact with the carrot that dangled in front of me when we went through some very "back-woods/deliverence" style roads littered with turns and tree canopies. Thank god for the little green arrows painted on the road for the Santa Fe Century (the route that we were following), otherwise the next time you would've seen my face it would've be on the back of a milk carton.

Following my 15 mile time trial I finally arrived at the rest stop in Watermelon park just a few minutes behind the group. I was greeted with surprised looks and guilty comments like, "Were you off the back that WHOLE time?" It wasn't their fault though, I blame the tension on my water bottle cage and the ellusiveness of my stupid bottle. It was good training nonetheless and I did enjoy the scenery.

With the amount of matches burned during my chase, I knew I would need to conserve any remaining energy if I was to make it back to town with the group. Thankfully a tailwind accompanied us home and the 25 mph pace was sustainable from within the comfort of the pack.

I peeled off from the group to take a more direct route home once we were within about 15 miles or so. Even with my easy rolling pace home, I could feel the efforts of the day and the 4.5+ hours in the saddle. By the time I pulled into my driveway, I was completely spent! A shower, quick bowl of pasta and a three hour nap was all that I could muster for the remainder of my weekend. Now I can live in fear all week long knowing that I'll be repeating the process this Saturday at the Take Stock in Children's 4th Annual Scholarship Ride.

It's Official...

2007-03-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

I'm not in "Race Shape"!

The newly formed Cycle Logic team was represented last weekend with entrants in the Juniors 10-12, Masters 35+, Cat 5, and Cat 4 races. Unfortunately, with Roger Montes winning the road race the week before, we were left with no place to go but down.

There were 5 of us in the very fast, very aggressive 4's race. I was able to hold on, hang in and suffer for the entire race, but never did get a chance to get comfortable. I was in a perpetual fight to advance my position in the field and I'm pretty sure I lost that fight. On the downhill back-stretch where I should've moved up, sat in and relaxed...I was instead fighting to just stay on wheels as the group flew down the street in the near-30 mph-range!

The idea was to work for Roger in the sprint, but I couldn't even work myself into the front half of the field. With the realization that I was worthless to my team, I saw an opportunity to get to the front of the field while we were rolling up to the S/F line with three laps to go. I went up the left side pretty fast, frustrated from 30 minutes of fighting at the back. The group had slowed significantly, probably conserving for the inevitable bunch sprint to come in just a few laps. As I got towards the front, I made a split-second decision to jump off of the front and go solo in an attempt to pick the pace back up. Those of you that know me know that this was a futile decision, but 30 seconds off the front was better than withering at the back for the remaining laps.

In the end, I'm pretty sure nothing was really gained by my solo flyer other than the simple reassurance that I need to get a lot better before I can really be a factor in the race. The team got some great exposure with our new kits and we got plenty of questions about the team throughout the weekend. We still had a great time and we'll work out getting better results in the races to come.

Team Cycle Logic...

2007-02-22T10:10:00.000-05:00

...unveiled
Many of you in the local Gainesville cycling community have heard the rumors of a newly formed Cat 4/5 team based right here in beautiful north central Florida. Some of you may have seen the mysterious "Cycle Logic" team name appear on early season result sheets. But until now, nobody really knew what a Cycle Logic team member looked like.

Well now's as good-a-time as any since we just got our historical first team win with Roger Montes placing first in last weekends Race for Humanity road race in the hills of San Antonio, Florida.

Roger jumped onto the top-step of the podium less that 24-hrs after we received the rush shipment of team apparel. Until now we've been racing incognito, disguised as GCC members, Santos team members and an array of random jersey-clad unattached riders. Now that we've got an identity, the cat is out of the bag...and what a well-designed Orange and Gray cat it is! As the design sponsor for the team, the identity and kit was laid out and designed by the creative staff right here at 5count. Our other generous sponsors include:

UF & Shands Sports Performance Center
Busby Cabinets
Quality Banner Co.
The Marotta Foundation
Pittman & Son Pest Control
RLP Landscaping
GU Energy gel
Performance Parts Inc
All About Bugs & Critters pest control
Coast to Coast Jewelry and Coin
Streetrod Productions
Paqco Inc.
State Farm Agent, Barbara Young

The Cycle Logic team is primarily a category 4 and 5 team with members racing in woman's, juniors and masters categories as well. Our emphasis is not necessarily on winning as much as it is on enjoying the camaraderie of our teammates while participating in the sport we all love. Sure we plan on being compititve at the races, but not at the expense of having fun!

Cycle Logic currently consists of close to twenty members, not all of which are "racing" members, and plans to grow the team over the coming years by adding category 3 racers to our roster. In addition to Roger Montes' win last weekend, members of team Cycle Logic have race palmares which include many Cat 4&5 podium finishes from the Florida racing calendar, the reigning Cat 5 State road race champion, a reigning state mountain biking champion, National Down Hill masters champion, and multiple top ten finishes from the 2004 woman's U23 nationals.

Keep your eyes out for Cycle Logic on the roads and in the results.

The Cycle Logic team kit for 2007...designed by 5count

Question, comments, sponsorship interest? Contact Team Cycle Logic

Just like in the movies...

2007-01-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

photo by: TOM McCARTHY/Special to The Sun
contributed by: Chris Brew

[Saturday] Ben played in the final home game for GHS. He was allowed to start in what was going to be a ceremonial nod for him and his struggle. He didn't think he'd last more than a few minutes, but ended up playing about 15 minutes. He played real well I thought, didn't look like he had missed much since his last game almost two years ago. But then he came out to a huge ovation. At half time there was a little ceremony on the field for all of the seniors and their parents. It was a beautiful day, bright sun and a bunch of people came out to cheer Ben on. TV20 was there doing a story on him as well as the Gainesville Sun.

We all thought Ben was done for the day when he ended up going back in for the last seven minutes or so of the game. And . ...BEN SCORES..... Yes, it was unbelievable!! They made a good run up the side, Ben drifted towards the front of the goal, someone crossed it to him and he smacked it, bounced it off a defender and into the back of the net. The place erupted. They were down 3-1 at that point so it turned into a respectable game.
It was a glorious end to a glorious day for Ben!

Read the Gainesville Sun story here

CONGRATULATIONS BEN!

2007-01-11T09:48:00.000-05:00

GATORS 41 OSU 14
'nuf said

D-Day!

2007-01-08T13:07:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the night where the Gators will honor 100 years of football at the University of Florida by winning it's second National Championship in football.

5count's prediction:
The Buckeyes can't knock the rust off quick enough to stop the healthy and rested Gators from going up by two scores early. Ohio will regain their composure in the second half, but the damage will have already been done...
Gators hold on down the stretch to win 27-24.

More photos from the Italy trip...

2007-01-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

In an earlier post I gave you all a link for a slideshow that contained a plethra of photos from my trip to Italy this past summer. Missing from that slideshow were shots taken on my rides up Alp D'Huez and the Passo di Stelvio. I've just recently gotten some missing photos from my travel/cycling companion, Rodrigo, and figured I'd show a few of them to you here...enjoy!

This was taken at the top of Alp D'Huez in front of the actual finish line from the Alp D'Huez stage of this past years Tour de France.

Here I am pausing for a photo during the decent of Alp D'Huez. The little town in the background is Bourge d'Oisans, where the climb starts.

Rodrigo and I were excited about our Alp D'Huez accomplishment as shown by our poop-eating grins. We left immediately after this photo on a marathon trek all the way back to Bellagio, Italy where we ended up sleeping in the van due to our late arrival at our bed & breakfast.

This is the highest passable point in all of Europe, the Passo di Stelvio at 2,758 meters above sea level. It was about 70 degrees farenheit and sunny at the bottom...here at the top (which is the border between Italy and Switzerland) is was in the 20's and snowing.

Here I am during the decent of the Passo di Stelvio.

This is a view looking down on one section of the route to the top of the Stelvio. There were parts that kicked up to 14% on this section.

2006-12-20T11:16:00.000-05:00