Late Summer 1975. The Uruguay Cycling Grand Prix of Nations was in full swing, Walter Tardáguila presiding as race leader. More importantly, as internationally significant matters of high society were concerned, one would have been hard-pressed to find Liberace performing anywhere but Vegas or Tahoe. Love, however, is never denied the spot of Capo Premiere Decisionista, which placed him in Los Angeles with Capuletion levels of infatuation. … [Read more...]
The Winter Selection
The wise men hover in the shadows. Their advice returns as an ominous truth whenever I am atop the pedals of winter. They say to me "yes, it does suck, now shut up!"... thus, the gist is this: To be a smart cyclist is to be a soloist during the cold months when the shadows are long and the air is piercing. Now, in this brittle cold, there is no need for provocation. Groupettos during this time only serve to destroy moral or create false sense. … [Read more...]
Tears for the Fatherland
I remember the man well. Domenic Malvestuto. I remember the weather on one of many days in which my endearment for him was established, for I had toiled for him over years... It was a typical fall day in the desert -- afternoon air temperature was around 24C, and the breeze smelled of orange blossoms. It gave me the familiar sense that business along with team activity, was about to gain momentum. Though the shop door was open to the street, … [Read more...]
Le Nuance
I reminded to Jean that the frites were in the Skoda and the time was ready. He retreated to the back of the groupetto. It was mid day. The sun was especially good for tanning as we clicking through the metered shrub and grassland of another somewhere. It is not always this easy, but when it is, I revel in the moment with simple indulgence and shameless application of cologne. After these years of brutality, I have learned to seek simple reward. … [Read more...]
Avoid Malbecs
I think my volume has maximized. I consumé a majority of a Malbec last night, and in my slumber terrifying dreams evoked. Every thing until now but the wine has been routine, yet even now, as I write I am recovering my emotions. Such lurid and horrifying things. How my mind can concoct them, I cannot even say. I wish to forget them. They are not the point anyway. This all tells me my training is doing well. Tolerance of fear is … [Read more...]
Ball Peen Hammer
Somedays, the job is a ball peen hammer to the head. … [Read more...]
Non Chalance
As I spoke with Hans, a natural separation between the pack and ourselves occured. As I would turn back to check the progress from time to time, the pack remained full width across the roadway, unconcerned. It was a lazy day, yes, but anyone given the chance is always thinking. Surpirsingly, our gain equaled still meters at each glance. I had thought then, perhaps we found a pocket of wind? It didn't matter. I was beginning to feel flashes of … [Read more...]
Triplette de Sombrero
I sit perched to the window waiting for the day to soften to 14º Centigrade. This is the most effective temperature for the embrocation I have chosen. Suddenly, word comes over the channels that the gardner is out raking the pavé. He has claimed the Triplette de Sombrero across the local col'ittos. He, as us all, is only allowed to celebrate special occasions. Today, Friday, is a day for him to celebrate, no? … [Read more...]
Credo, Ernesto Colnago
It is nothing official yet, but as we dive to the deepe, it shall be accounted one of our forefather. Ernesto Colnago grew as a dreamer first to race, then to find appliqué le wrench. It is there he found his palmares excepcîonale. As racing lead to wrenching, the man's path evolved. The precedent is then The Colnago Standard we all know to be hors categorie in its own right. Ernesto is an outside thinker. An unorthodox experimenter. … [Read more...]
Abdu or Abdon’t
As my cycling passion was coming on, I saw one of the best crazy guys of the 90's PRO pelotongs in two tours on TV. Djamolidine Abdoujaparov. And each of those times, he was a wild and crazed bull at the finish and that was all the commentators talked about. That's how some riders are. There's a ton of personality in the group. The more you ride in it, the more you know it, and you can begin to see the actions take place. Maybe except for guys … [Read more...]
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