16 Weeks Until the Ronde van Vlaanderen
by ursula on Dec 13, 2009 6:00 AM EST
in Cafe Happy Hour!
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I can't vote..
A third and attractive alternative to me would be: ‘16 weeks? I’m going to the beach.’
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
jealous
very, very jealous
"well...you live in england so: you love the rain. loves the queen. hates cycling. based on mr bean had a tremendous amount of humour. all ride in a mini cooper. all getting drunk before the age of 12. getting drunk at least 3 times a day."- frinking, 7/9/09
You know you're welcome any time.
What would our economy be without British backpackers? Reciprocity in action :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
thanks :)
once all my student debt is gone, i’m going to see the world. might take a while though
"well...you live in england so: you love the rain. loves the queen. hates cycling. based on mr bean had a tremendous amount of humour. all ride in a mini cooper. all getting drunk before the age of 12. getting drunk at least 3 times a day."- frinking, 7/9/09
111 days
2682 hours
160965 minutes
9657892 seconds
Where’s the countdown clock?
"Drawing on my fine command of language I said nothing."- Groucho
Groan
16 weeks to the Ronde is also 16 weeks to decent weather outside. And 16 weeks til off-season babble on the news sites stops.
Actually, I prefer to count down to Het Niewsblad. Less time!
Whoah
No decent weather during the Ronde please. We want an epic battle with hail, thunder, snow, blizzards, hurricanes, tsunami’s, earthquakes to spicen things up!
It's a girl, and a boy!
Oh, no, I don't want a fair-weathered Rhonde
But April means it has potential to be nice outside when I ride… :-)
by Douglas Ansel on Dec 13, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
Just bought my
tix for Brussels last night… Can’t wait to see my first Pro race.
by Peter Fontecchio on Dec 13, 2009 9:49 AM EST reply actions
Cool!
Please take plenty of pictures and notes so you can write it all up for us.
It’s a bit sad because we all really liked Wiggo, and I think he wasn’t quite as noble as he could have been in his departure--David Millar
Chris will be there with me
to provide most of the commentary. I will be doing some techs mechs pieces on the equipment if I can get close enough.
by Peter Fontecchio on Dec 13, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Meaning Chris should drink a minimum of beer
so as to be able to give a thorough account. You should feel free to drink as much beer as you please.
attaoy
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 13, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
I shouild ask you this in person...
are you doing the citizen ride? Bringing the Pinarello?
sf
he is.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 14, 2009 4:28 AM EST up reply actions
See how the training goes this winter
for the citizens ride. A buddy of mine did it a few years ago and said it was the toughest event he ever did on a bike (and he has an impressive resume).
Bringing the C-dale. Better fit for the longish miles we’ll be doing, packs up easier, and a little more tire clearance for the fatter tubies I plan on using. Also, if anything happened to it, it would be much easier to replace.
by Peter Fontecchio on Dec 14, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
I'll opt for the middle distance
Most of the crucial bits of the pro route, not the getting up at 3am bit.
That seemed the best option
140K is going to be plenty long I fear.
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
depends
on the wind direction, of course. Which is about a 40% swing factor.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 14, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
it is perfect
and the locals still respect the distance. but prepare yourself mentally to get crushed by twelve year old Belgians.
by bikepig on Dec 19, 2009 2:10 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
me too
3am? Is that for the drive down too? I was hoping to roll out of bed at 8:30…
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 14, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
Was just throwing a wild number out there
I’ve done a few “Rondje IJsselmeer” races of 300 km (dead flat but all exposed to the wind) and that involved getting up at 3:45, stuffing yourself w/ cold pasta, rice pudding & energy drink and starting at 6AM in the cold, wet & dark. In my advanced age, I like to avoid at all cost having another such experience.
no retreat
we’re doing it, dammit. I just hope when it’s done, I’ll be able to get out of bed on Sunday to watch the race.
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
oh you will hurt
but it is a sublime pain. oh yeah, also start drinking beer before breakfast and you will be in heaven by race time.
by bikepig on Dec 19, 2009 2:16 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Let's count down to
the Tour Down Under instead. Much closer.
It’s a bit sad because we all really liked Wiggo, and I think he wasn’t quite as noble as he could have been in his departure--David Millar
cyclingfever
are running their usual race special for the TdU
http://www.cyclingfever.com/
There are more important things to contemplate this off season, namely...
Has Millar achieved Blue Steel?
It’s a bit sad because we all really liked Wiggo, and I think he wasn’t quite as noble as he could have been in his departure--David Millar
oh dear
"well...you live in england so: you love the rain. loves the queen. hates cycling. based on mr bean had a tremendous amount of humour. all ride in a mini cooper. all getting drunk before the age of 12. getting drunk at least 3 times a day."- frinking, 7/9/09
yes
I'm feverished, or the way you want to spell it
by plinytheelder on Dec 13, 2009 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
Here's my complaint about 'Cross
Has Niels Albert lost a race yet?
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 13, 2009 11:32 AM EST reply actions
He almost lost it on Saturday...Nys almost gained back 30 seconds in 2 laps.
It should be between Nys and Albert for the WC
by Vlaanderen90 on Dec 14, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
Older makes it shorter
One of the few things getting older does is make things like 16 weeks flash by. 16 weeks? That is too short to discuss!
16 weeks till viewing racing is way too long.
But I wish I had 16 weeks more for personal training, way behind.
No horn, watch for finger.
10 weeks to the start of my racing season
Even when you’re on track it seems too close :(
by Douglas Ansel on Dec 13, 2009 5:08 PM EST up reply actions
More like - 16 weeks?!!!
Shit – I really need to get flights and accommodation sorted out. Shit!
I'm built for descending...
O/T: The following Serie A teams
completely blow:
Juventus
Milan, A.C.
That is all…
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 13, 2009 5:33 PM EST reply actions
i watched milan
terrible, absolutely terrible. but when ignazio abate is your injection of youth, i guess that’s what you get.
"well...you live in england so: you love the rain. loves the queen. hates cycling. based on mr bean had a tremendous amount of humour. all ride in a mini cooper. all getting drunk before the age of 12. getting drunk at least 3 times a day."- frinking, 7/9/09
You forgot these other Serie A teams that also blow
Parma
AS Roma!!!!!!!
Sampdoria
Bari
Chievo Verona
Fiorentina
Genoa
Napoli
Cagliari
Palermo
Udinese
Lazio
Bologna
Livorno
Atalanta
Siena
Catania
Look, it's a bird...no, it's a plane....oh never mind it's just fucking balloon boy
Pfft
We dropped a quick six points and have been mostly stellar since mid-Sept..
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 14, 2009 4:29 AM EST up reply actions
Don't forget about dropping the Champions League for this year as well
I’m sure that was planned last year, correct?
Look, it's a bird...no, it's a plane....oh never mind it's just fucking balloon boy
Last year
no longer exists. Everything went wrong. Got that out of the way.
Oh, and we welcome to the fold ex-Bundesliga capocannoniere Luca Toni, any second now.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 14, 2009 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of the Bundesliga, it is no longer what it used to be as well
yet Bayern still creamed Juventus in Turin, so still in better shape then Serie A. Toni will probably be close to signing with Roma and then at the last second get gobbled up by an English team.
Look, it's a bird...no, it's a plane....oh never mind it's just fucking balloon boy
Bit of an off-year for Serie A this year methinks.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 14, 2009 12:53 AM EST up reply actions
And I'm sure it will be terrible for the digestion
Nonetheless, Will, please supply photos ;-)
And a marmotte.. There has to be a marmotte
Mister “There-are-hunderds-marmottes-per-square-meter-in-my-area”
An instant classic piece of PdC art
I propose we name it:
“Marmottes gnawing on Will, standing on his head by Lac de Lechacuillac at the foot of Mont Foufou”
Ooo Will, I saw this on the U-Bahn in Berlin the other day and thought of you!
Do they even have marmottes in Mexico?!
16 weeks?
That means 15 weeks till I land in Amsterdam!
Frinking- I’ll buy you a spacecake!
We’re renting Dutch bikes and riding to Gouda one day- in case anyone wants some cheese.
Coming back the day before the Ronde.
Sigh.
Racing for Victory and Free Beer!
Haha remind me that in 15 weeks :)
Although I can get a little intimidated by large groupe of American. That can scare me of.. (Altough I presume I can get some back-up from other Dutch PDC-ers
Albertina will protect you...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Someone has to look after him...
with a ‘large groupe of Americans’. And he’ll write you up well in the story afterwards =)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Both work... I was just trying tom plant the seed ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
No hard feelings intended to hurt blabla. (I just had to say that for Aussies ;))
But you know. Have to steer the bulging pressure of my back haha..
And well. It depends on what we are going to do.. The story has to write itself
'Anything', in that sentence
But I’d prefer if you did write something ;-).
Pity we’re so far away… what you need, Frinkster, is some Aussie bodyguards. You’d feel right at home with us, I’m sure :-)
Hint to Frinkster: Don't say 'I heart' or 'adorable' to anyone really ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
You're adorable Frinking ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Aw shucks...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Yeah.. Maybe I do..
Feel free to drop by somwhere in.. March.. But I insist my bodyguards wear Vino-shirts and Hats etc..
Will you provide the snow leopard stoles?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I'm thinking you'll be Frinking's 'friend', we're just the wingmen ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
You must 'heart' all the attention...
Using a noun as a verb is very disconcerting :(
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
That would be question for Lou...
but frocks are not allowed.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Does it have anything to do with tweaking nipples?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Ha. it was about Vino and Bert...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Sad really...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
If i ever do something wrong or stupid... should I say when
I want you to defend me. You protect everyone ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
There are certain people I will not defend...
Ricco for example. Those sunglasses were just too much.
Good call.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
So this PdC Spring Classics trip...
when are people arriving/staying until and where are people staying? I need to start planning this….
Hey you know where I am in the food chain..
Just a ree.. I think I have to leave this to an Alpha lion.. Just saying
Maybe she had a little work?
If you didn’t frighten her off with hairy chests I think you’re safe.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Indeed, I am in fact working, shocking as this may seem.
The other half of my team is on holiday (in Belgium, the lucky thing, though she is clueless about cycling so really I should be there instead) so I have the work of two people to do…bah!!!
Can we help?
Any research stuff in your in-tray? We can’t search your library, obviously, but I am sure that we could cobble together something interesting with google…
Depends on the topic...I can't do science.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I am so totally a non-scientist. Historian me, and musician.
But I got this job cos I’m good at finding stuff ;-)
For the recors..
There is a gathering by around the RvV by some American. For the rest I’m also clueless. I think, they rent a house.. Or they just go to an hotel for 1.5 week
Well if I don't get a reliable response here I shall ask the question in a fanpost.
I don’t want to be left out!
Serious Dudette!
That was the best shot I could make… But maybe good to make a fanshot.. Everybody can get an update with tickets reservations, etc
Oh I wasn't criticising you...I know you're not able to say!
I was just hoping that one of these ‘alpha lions’ might answer ;-)
It's a bit early for them isn't it?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
as for me
I’ll be around from April 1 through April 13. Won’t speak for the others
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
are you bringing your bike?
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
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