Monday, April 18, 2011

It's Been A While: Let's Talk About Me



Though Mongo is close to getting a new computer, it hasn't happened yet. So...I am forced to use my phone or break into my neighbor's house when I want to write my blog. As you can imagine, this is tedious at best.

I am retiring the prognosticating skills of "Mongodamus" for a while. After going a combined one for nine in my podium predictions for San Remo, Flanders, and Roubaix, it's time to take a little rest and recharge my mojo. I will say that even though my mojo is faltering, my "Juice" is still flowing. After a shout-out to Phillipe Gilbert here, he has gone on to have a strong Spring campaign including yesterday's win at the Amstel Gold.

BTW...I still think it's extremely fishy that Fabian Cancellara comes up with these heroic performances every year during the E3, Flanders, and Roubaix stretch. If it ain't a motor, it's the dope!

I will say though, that this has been one of the most entertaining Pro Cycling seasons in a long time. There are plenty of stars, young and old, who are worth rooting for, and the racing itself has been very exciting.

As for Mongo and his cycling exploits...it's going pretty well so far this Spring. I am continuing my domination of the Cat 6/7 "Enemy Bike Shop" ride with seven consecutive podiums...and have even brought my teammates into the mix by leading out Ian and Andy to victory the past two weeks. When Mongo has stepped it up to the Cat 2/3/4/5 "Big Boy" ride, I have managed to hang tough and not get dropped. My new RC7 has a lot to do with this, but my continued cross training on the trainer and mountain bike is also reason for my success.

The 23/2300 Hammerfest is still where Mongo has some work to do. I have said many times that this course of primarily climbing doesn't suit me at all. Though true, I'm not using it as an excuse. (Ok, maybe sometimes!) My climbing has improved solidly, and I'm focusing on areas of the course to exploit my strengths. The final Sprint is where I'm going to make hay.

Last week Mongo found himself in a solo breakaway with less than a mile to go. No one respected me, for good reason, and let me go. You see, a week earlier I did the same thing and was caught by the peloton very early. They expected the same thing this time. Instead, Mongo dug deep and made it to the final 50 metres (European for yards) before being passed by "Party Pooper" Mark, who thwarted Mongo's rare shot at victory. The peloton won't let this scenario happen again, so I'll have to figure out a different strategy.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

It's Cool Not To Be Stupid

Back On Track: Predictions Sure To Go Wrong



Write this down!...

1: Thor Hushovd
2: Juan Antonio Flecha
3: George Hincapie

AK47 Update: "I Won, Bitches!"...Or As They Say In German, "Eye Vun, Beeches!"

Andreas Klöden (Team RadioShack) topped the overall podium

(Photo:CyclingNews)

How about some love for the "Teflon Don" of doping scandals on his GC win at the Vuelta A Pais Vasco. This is Kloden's best season in a long time, and with no Contador or Armstrong to drag around, he is showing once again that he is one of the best stage racers in the world.

Welcome back, Chris Horner! After a renaissance season last year, he is back on form and will be a force to be reckoned with this summer. Mongo hates pulling for RadioShack, but with Americans like Horner and the "Li'l Bronze Medalist" on the team, along with one of my original "Guys" in Kloden, I'll be following them with interest at the TDF.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

There Is No Finish Line

As an admitted self-absorbed, sociopathic, narcissistic, smart, handsome, charming, and most importantly, honest individual, it always bothers me when I do stupid shit.

Such is the case with my cycling as of late. I have been doing what is called "resting on my laurels". And since my laurels weren't that great to begin with, it is a bad trap in which to fall.

Mongo has started reading his own press and seemingly forgotten what hard work and sacrifice it took to whip my skills into mid-peloton shape. I am enjoying my improvements, but unless I re-focus on my diet and training, it will all be for naught.

That being said, Mongo had a solid ride today on the MNR route with "Doo Doo" Brown...and with two strong night sessions this week on the trainer and two more days of riding this weekend, I'm feeling good about the 23/2300 Hammerfest on Monday.

Literally Phoning It In

This is Mongo's first post using my phone. I'm not sure how it's going to work in the long run, but for now it's another option.

I have been pursuing a minimalist lifestyle since the demise of my computer. Other than my smart phone, my cable tv, and being surrounded by Internet access, it's been nice kickin' it old school.

What's going on with the Pro Tour?...
Flanders was an exciting race with Mongo going 0-3 in his podium predictions. As much as I hate to admit it, Mongo found himself pulling for "Skeletor" Chavanel as the race unfolded...Garmin-Cervelo need to get their shit together! Haussler's been solid and Farrar as well, but Hushovd and the GC guys need to get on it...Watch out for RadioShack! Name me another team that can line up at a Grand Tour with these GC options? Kloden/Leipheimer/Horner/Brajkovic/Machado. Not too shabby.

Stay tuned for more phone posts and "Hammerfest" updates when my thumbs stop cramping.