That Looks Like Fun

Just when Mongo thought he had encountered, and laid the smackdown upon, every Trek riding man-princess in my neck of the woods, a new wrinkle was thrown into the equation today.

Trek Madone...douchey corporate kit...tubular tires.

Actual conversation between Mongo and said douchebag after he gave me twelve lookbacks and realized he couldn't hold me off...and I passed him.

Mongo-"I see you're running tubulars."

Douchebag-"They're the best."

Mongo-"Mmm hmmm, if you race."

Douchebag-"I race."

Mongo-"Cars?"

Douchebag-"No, bikes."

Mongo-"Motorbikes?"

Douchebag-"No...bicycles."

Mongo-"Hmmm...I would never have guessed."

Mona Lisa

Mongo believes that this logo is one of the best in all of sports. Simple, red, white, and blue, and it shows the golfer in the athletic move of the swing itself. Anyone who has ever played golf decently can look at the image and their mind takes them away to memories of rounds both watched and played. It is said that the image of the golfer on the logo is based on Australian, Steve Elkington, who had a very classy game back in the 80's and early 90's.

On to my point...

I also believe that pro cycling needs to clean up it's image. Nothin' says under new management better than a fancy new sign out front. Pro cycling needs a good logo.

How can they capture the effort, the suffering, the exuberance, and the joy, all in one image?

The only time during a race when this all comes together is when the winner crosses the finish line. At that one moment, we as fans understand the journey. Who or what then should exemplify this moment as a representation of all that is good in pro cycling?

After thinking long and hard about this, Mongo has come up with the perfect image. The Sammy Sosa, Rock the baby, and Count from Sesame Street poses were all considered, but there is only one perfect celebration. Ladies and gentlemen...The Valverde

The Hokie Dokie

East Carolina- 27

Virginia Tech(#17) -22

"Oh Yeah!"

Kyul Boosh Eace Ay Poo See

"I was loose all day in turn three, but after adding some left side wedge during the last pit stop, we were able to to bring the Martini & Rossi Cannondale home to victory."

Got Any Quarters?

I used to love the video game Tron...Based on the movie Tron...Based on the novel Tron...I don't know why that came to mind.

Liquigas wins the TTT at the Vuelta. Pozzato is in yellow and sporting a sweet Dale Earnhardt inspired 'stache.

Reverse Cowgirl

"Zirbel...get your hand off my ass!"

A freshly Brazilian-waxed Dave Zabriskie defends his U.S. TT championship...VDV looks pissed!

Turn It Down A Notch

OK...We get it, you're good. But c'mon...it's the Tour of Ireland.

Gateway Drug

"You gonna finish that last sip?"

Angels On The Sideline

“The selfish introspection was a method of awakening
What was lost on the journey is deafening in the silence
Sentimentality in a documentary world
A secular mind versus a spiritual heart
The transformation in shape manipulated on a spectrum
A process driven purpose in the evolution of time”

Mongo Pusher Revealed

The original face of this blog and the coolest cat I know..."Snacks McGee" *

(* Not his real name)...He wouldn't sign the waiver...claiming it would be detrimental to ongoing legal action.

I'm Saving That For...

There are two things that one needs to be considered a "real" cyclist. The first is a floor pump...That much is obvious. The second is an unusual amount of spare and backup components and parts that you have never, and probably will never use.

This can include, but is not exclusive to, hex bolts, seatposts, derailleurs, spokes, brakesets, saddles, and of course...multiple wheelsets.

I am as guilty as the next guy and I can't explain it. I can justify every part and component sitting idle in one of two tool boxes or on multiple shelves. Some things haven't seen a bicycle in over fifteen years. I know I'm an idiot, but I can't get rid of anything.

Mongo has three different sets of wheels for my road bike...1.Primary 2.Backup/Climbing 3.Backup/Backup/Bad Weather...It makes no sense.

I guess I could set one of them up with cyclocross tires for the bike I'll never get.

In The Fields Of Opportunity...

The Vuelta de Espana starts on Saturday...Mongo fully expects Astana to make a statement. The Spaniard, German, and Li'l Bronze medalist will all be there, and I'm pretty sure that egotastic J.B. will want to show the World what it missed at the Tour this year.

It's Time To Lace 'Em Up

Why Does He Have To Be French?

You know by now that Mongo is not particularly fond of the hairy-armpitted(female), no fly-over, douchey, French. They are cultural snobs...and that really pisses me off!

That being said, one of the greatest cyclists in the world just defended his Athens Gold Medal in Beijing, and oh by the way, also has four World Championships on his resume...and you've probably never heard of him.

His name is Julien Absalon, and he is the best XC Mt. Bike racer in the world...and that really pisses me off!

Cater To The Hollow

“I am a product of misshapen expectations
Childhood dreams with boundless enthusiasm, deflected or displaced
What might have been had the beginning stayed the course
The reflection of my soul is clouded by the indulgences of my spirit

I forge my convictions into the armor of my dignity”

The Call Of The Wood

It's been too long since Mongo has taken the Alva out for a good session. Work, weather and cycling have all gotten in the way somehow, and I have neglected a part of me that's vital for my peace of mind.

Today, I randomly came across two skaters at different times who, though they were both pretty bad, were stoked to be out ripping. It reminded me of the simple joy of the ride.

Tomorrow...I will shred the gnar!

British Steel

As a nation allergic to sunshine and good oral hygiene, Great Britain has found it's niche in indoor, fluorescently lit cycling.

The aero properties of pigmentless skin, along with limitless grams in weight savings of the orthodontically challenged, have propelled this proud nation to multiple Gold Medals in the Olympics.

Aliens Invade Roswell

At the crack of 8:3o am yesterday morning, the Smyrna Bicycles Co-Ed Suburban Group Riding Team loaded up the SUV's and headed to the outskirts of Atlanta for a fifty mile training ride.

As with any away game, unfamiliar territory, hostile crowds, children...all played a factor in the training session. I am happy to say though that my rusty cyclocross skills were brushed up on when the team had to portage a construction site and at least one backhoe. Nothing says dedication to training than six pairs of expensive road shoes on the brink of ruin with every step...That's just how we roll!

The ride itself, once we stopped getting lost, turned out to be pretty fun. 3500 feet of climbing over 50 miles with an average speed of 17mph... Not too shabby.

Resistance Is Futile

Mongo had a great ride today. Thirty miles of rolling capped off with ten miles of hard climbing. I managed to lay waste to a Cervelo P3 and it's helpless rider, and my muscles and lungs were feeling good.

What really made the day for me though was one of the most remarkable things I've ever seen...seriously. From a purely mechanical perspective, it was poetry in motion.

Mongo stopped by the bike shop to chat with Boonen and Young Jimmy, and soon the conversation turned to who had the smoothest hubs.

Three bikes were placed in a stand and the front wheel of each was spun once as hard as possible...they were all timed until the forward rotation stopped.

Mavic Kysyrium ES-2:20secs.

Mavic CXP33/105 Hub-2:51secs.

American Classic 420-8:16secs...Are you f***ing kidding me?

A Gleaming Alloy Air Car

Move over Germany, Mongo's got a new suitor in the quest for international readership supremacy. I should have seen this coming...

After all, Mongo lived in Vancouver as a wee lad, and my love for the outdoors and adventure all began in Canada.

Canada has it all...Rush, Ryder Hesjedal, Cervelo...What else do you need?

One More Medicated Peaceful Moment

“Focus on the glow of the embers
The fog in my brain has cleared
Buried memories burst to life
No longer the little child scared
Ignorant bliss hides the weakness of abuse
Wisdom suffers no fools
Contradict what once was true
My soul has changed the rules”

Now Those Are Some Good Looking Jerseys

It's no Tour of California, but our own little roaming gnome gets the Bronze Medal in the TT behind winner, Fabian Cancellara and Silver Medalist, Gustav Larsson.

Hey Cutie...What's Goin' On?

Mongo needs to find himself a girl just like Kristen Armstrong. Easy on the eyes, world-class cyclist, and most importantly...strong teeth.

Armstrong won the Gold Medal in the Time Trial and became the first American woman since The Golden Child's Mom in '84 to podium in the Olympics.

By The Way, Which One's Pink?

There is a situational question that reveals who we are as individuals. It can be applied to most environments, but for Mongo, I will focus on cycling.

Would I rather be the strongest rider in a group of weak cyclists, or one of the weaker cyclists in a group of very strong riders?

At first glance, the answer would seem an easy one. Stronger competition raises one's game and gives you an opportunity for improvement, while weaker competition only lowers your intensity and expectations. True but...

What if your ability level has basically peaked, based on age, lifestyle, and equipment, and your opponents are 10-20 years younger than you are? Is it worth it to kill yourself week in and week out just so you can "hang" and not embarrass yourself?

I'm not sure what the answer is for Mongo, but yesterday when I laid the smackdown on at least a dozen poseurs...it felt pretty good.

I'm Not Impressed

Look for Sella and/or Ricco to show up next year at the Leadville 100 to continue the tradition of questionable former roadies finishing second to Dave Wiens.

The Candy Man Can

"Sammy" Sanchez gets the Gold in the Olympic road race for what has got to be the biggest and most surprising win of his career.

It's nice to see a second tier guy get some love every once in a while...Muy bien!

Constantly Consuming

“Reign in the rain and slow down the river
Talk to me while I think about you
Mistakes painted with crude revelation
Open to discussion or direct intervention"

The Golden Child

Taylor Phinney...The future of American cycling.

Sorry VDV and Levi and Z-Man...This kid's got skills and pedigree...and the endorsement of GLM himself.

Look for him on the track in Beijing, and at the front of the pro peleton in the next couple of years.

Letle Viride

It's no Tour of California, but an Olympic medal might be just what the doctor ordered.

Los Sasquatchitos

Not only the favorites in the Olympic road race, the Spanish team of Valverde, Sastre, Contador, Sanchez and Freire have got to be the hairiest group of riders ever assembled.

CCL

Cadel and his Aussie teammates get ready for the Olympic road race in their sweet Nashbar kits...from 1987!

But I'm More Than Just A Little Curious...

“Hold my hand and walk beside me
You have carried me to here, now let me find my way
Freedom is another word for being afraid to choose
I will make my stand and accept the cost of living”

Hong Kong Phooey

I don't know about you, but Mongo's ready for some Olympic Cycling. I'll be following the road racing and TT and even the mountain biking, but what I'm really looking forward to are the variety of events taking place in the velodrome.

Sprint...Keirin...Madison...Pursuit...these are the races of the track.

Mongo doesn't get a chance to compete in these disciplines anymore...not since the Miyagi Incident when I was riding as a privateer in Sapporo back in '83...but watching these great athletes do their thing from 0-50+ mph is truly exciting.

Ciao Sella

Just as Mongo speculated on this very blog back on June 1st, Emanuele Sella is a doper.

His two mountain stage wins in the Giro along with his strong TT performance just didn't add up. He was a marginal rider on a crappy team, and now we know his secret.

The fact that he was busted for EPO in a non-event test weeks after the Giro, along with Ricardo Ricco's claims that he'd been doping solidly prior to being caught at the Tour, leads me to believe that drug testing still has a long way to go before the cheaters stop trying to beat the system.

Four Bricks And A Small Chunk Of Wood

Legend...Pioneer...Shredder...

"Danny Way is the man...period!"

Nobody Rocked A Pony Tail Better

One of the coolest dudes in skateboarding just passed away after a battle with brain cancer. Ray Underhill was a second generation member of the Bones Brigade who had skills and style to spare.

A well respected gentleman of the industry, all who came across his path were better for it. The next time I get a good "ska dack", I'll think of Ray and smile.

Once You Go Zertz...

Its been a couple of months since Mongo unceremoniously snapped his Specialized Pave CF seatpost. I've been making due with a Ritchey WCS aluminum replacement, but that choice has been fraught with problems from the get-go.

Though the Ritchey is very light, the creaking, shitty anodizing, and overall stiffness have made me yearn for another Pave...And I'm happy to announce that yesterday I got a great deal on an OEM takeoff and I'm riding smooth and quiet once again.

Ol' Lightnin' is back to her original racing trim and lookin' good.