Whew... that's MUCH better. I don't know where my head was when I did the original layout of this blog, but I'm pretty sure it was dark. I do know that I did it pretty quick and on the fly without much thought!
Hopefully, this works out a bit better!
2008 was a good year. I got my first race win. I also got to Korea and Japan for the first time. I got to LOTS of races, didn't do many myself. Logged way too many flight and drive miles.
In 2009, looks like I have a new goal. It seems we have a spot for me to do l'Etape du Tour. I trained for it in 2007 until I got really sick, which killed my form so I scratched. I still remember that 200km ride into the Vosges with the guys from the office (most of whom continued on and completed l'Etape). It's a far cry from racing crits, and my climbing is nonexistent in recent years, so it'll be a good challenge!
Safe New Year to everyone out there, keep riding and reading!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Quick Update and Test
You gotta love these long year-end vacation weekends. I'm spending my extra time well...
1. Feeding the social-networking monster. This post is actually a test of twitterfeed.com's service. Now each new post is being tweeted (kind of the opposite of what I got into Twitter for from the start). Now to find the perfect set of icons... stay tuned.
2. Cleaning the floors. The little ones have had a field day of late with their muddy paws!
3. Whole house iTunes! 2 Airport Expresses and 'Remote' running from the iPhone and Touch. Wireless radio shows from the States, controlled from my phone! Yes, I'm a geek (still). Right now catching up on the Common Man.
4. Office rework-redoing the shelves to give me my space. I love computer workspaces, and now I feel at 'home' in my office.
5. Bike part inventory. I've gotten a lot of new stuff lately, so it's out with the old, etc. etc. Still low energy from the food poisoning spell, so still off the bike. No worries. It's still early to restart (or is that 'late').
Tomorrow, the Bucs get their shot at the playoffs. Let's see, 9-3 wasn't motivation enough, so I guess 9-6 gives you that desperate feeling to want to beat the hapless Raiders at home?
1. Feeding the social-networking monster. This post is actually a test of twitterfeed.com's service. Now each new post is being tweeted (kind of the opposite of what I got into Twitter for from the start). Now to find the perfect set of icons... stay tuned.
2. Cleaning the floors. The little ones have had a field day of late with their muddy paws!
3. Whole house iTunes! 2 Airport Expresses and 'Remote' running from the iPhone and Touch. Wireless radio shows from the States, controlled from my phone! Yes, I'm a geek (still). Right now catching up on the Common Man.
4. Office rework-redoing the shelves to give me my space. I love computer workspaces, and now I feel at 'home' in my office.
5. Bike part inventory. I've gotten a lot of new stuff lately, so it's out with the old, etc. etc. Still low energy from the food poisoning spell, so still off the bike. No worries. It's still early to restart (or is that 'late').
Tomorrow, the Bucs get their shot at the playoffs. Let's see, 9-3 wasn't motivation enough, so I guess 9-6 gives you that desperate feeling to want to beat the hapless Raiders at home?
Thursday, December 25, 2008
The Mother of all Year-end Updates!
So I've been REALLY lame in putting the posts together, I know. So here's the past month, all at once...
To start off with, I was in Bibione for the team presentation and building of the first round of bikes (this immediately after landing from a trip to the US for some Thanksgiving festivities and birthday parties). If you kept up with the Twitter updates, you'd know that I drove to Italy via Germany and Austria (not the shortest route) with a car full of Moto and Rize mtb's. Driving all through the night and taking in two snowy passes on summer tires, I got to Venice in time to pick up a partner in crime (engineer) for the week's activities with LG. From there, it was off to Passo San Pellegrino for the Liquigas guys to play in the snow. Studded tires (thanks to new team sponsor Schwalbe) made for some happy road racers, thoroughly enjoying the time on the mtb's - lots of press coverage, a few sold bikes, happy riders, mission accomplished!
From there, it was off to Val Pusteria for the first meeting of Cannondale Factory Racing Team. There I finally met new signings Marco Aurelia Fontana and Martin Gujan. Roel showed up late, as he was being honored in Belgium. It was a good couple of days - productive and some fun too. I also got a chance to try out the new skate skis at the Anterselva World Cup ski center. Let's just say I'm a bit out of practice!
Home for a day or two and then back to the US for meetings. Not much I can report on there (other than I picked up a sweet piece of Schwinn schwag in the form of a retro wool jersey). I did a bit of riding and attempted winter weight loss in the gym. This would soon come to pass though. A couple of finds from the CT office... First, a red ano Beijing headset cup that wasn't used by the boys for obvious logo reasons - just a test piece. And a new green bearing shield to be used by Liquigas in 09 - after a couple of tries, they got the iPod green down just about perfect. It should match well!
For some reason, it seems that as soon as I land home, a LONG drive awaits me immediately. This time, it was time to pack up Mrs. Masini and the dogs and drive to Spain! Liquigas' second team camp meant we had some media work to do. Scott, Don and Chris were to meet us in Benicasim for 3 days work, followed by a few days in Barcelona. The trip started out great - a bag full of the Mrs' goodies was stolen from the car! We replaced what we could find at a mall in Barca, then continued the trip. Once there, we got our work done, along with a ride on Scott's 40th birthday. As slow as I went on the climb, it felt good to the ego to make up time on the descent - still looking for the climbing legs. I was able to get Ivan up to speed on Twitter (he was nice enough to mention it on cyclingnews).
After all that excitement, we headed to Barcelona for the weekend. I had been prior to the Olympics there in 1992 but the Mrs. hadn't been. In our typical style, we walked almost the entire city, taking in all the major sites (with good dogs in tow) in a day. Unfortuntately, and I don't know if it was the dinner (I won't mention the American theme restaurant's name, just say we had a hankering for Tex-Mex and Rock & Roll), or the Buc's miserable third loss in a row, but Sunday night came around with a nice case of food poisoning! We decided Spain wasn't for us - we're more of an Italian or even Swiss pack of dogs here. Once I was "stable" and able to stay away from the throne for more than a half hour, we headed home to enjoy Christmas with friends in Basel! Hope you're having a good holiday and are able to spend it with family... Masini
To start off with, I was in Bibione for the team presentation and building of the first round of bikes (this immediately after landing from a trip to the US for some Thanksgiving festivities and birthday parties). If you kept up with the Twitter updates, you'd know that I drove to Italy via Germany and Austria (not the shortest route) with a car full of Moto and Rize mtb's. Driving all through the night and taking in two snowy passes on summer tires, I got to Venice in time to pick up a partner in crime (engineer) for the week's activities with LG. From there, it was off to Passo San Pellegrino for the Liquigas guys to play in the snow. Studded tires (thanks to new team sponsor Schwalbe) made for some happy road racers, thoroughly enjoying the time on the mtb's - lots of press coverage, a few sold bikes, happy riders, mission accomplished!
From there, it was off to Val Pusteria for the first meeting of Cannondale Factory Racing Team. There I finally met new signings Marco Aurelia Fontana and Martin Gujan. Roel showed up late, as he was being honored in Belgium. It was a good couple of days - productive and some fun too. I also got a chance to try out the new skate skis at the Anterselva World Cup ski center. Let's just say I'm a bit out of practice!
Home for a day or two and then back to the US for meetings. Not much I can report on there (other than I picked up a sweet piece of Schwinn schwag in the form of a retro wool jersey). I did a bit of riding and attempted winter weight loss in the gym. This would soon come to pass though. A couple of finds from the CT office... First, a red ano Beijing headset cup that wasn't used by the boys for obvious logo reasons - just a test piece. And a new green bearing shield to be used by Liquigas in 09 - after a couple of tries, they got the iPod green down just about perfect. It should match well!
For some reason, it seems that as soon as I land home, a LONG drive awaits me immediately. This time, it was time to pack up Mrs. Masini and the dogs and drive to Spain! Liquigas' second team camp meant we had some media work to do. Scott, Don and Chris were to meet us in Benicasim for 3 days work, followed by a few days in Barcelona. The trip started out great - a bag full of the Mrs' goodies was stolen from the car! We replaced what we could find at a mall in Barca, then continued the trip. Once there, we got our work done, along with a ride on Scott's 40th birthday. As slow as I went on the climb, it felt good to the ego to make up time on the descent - still looking for the climbing legs. I was able to get Ivan up to speed on Twitter (he was nice enough to mention it on cyclingnews).
After all that excitement, we headed to Barcelona for the weekend. I had been prior to the Olympics there in 1992 but the Mrs. hadn't been. In our typical style, we walked almost the entire city, taking in all the major sites (with good dogs in tow) in a day. Unfortuntately, and I don't know if it was the dinner (I won't mention the American theme restaurant's name, just say we had a hankering for Tex-Mex and Rock & Roll), or the Buc's miserable third loss in a row, but Sunday night came around with a nice case of food poisoning! We decided Spain wasn't for us - we're more of an Italian or even Swiss pack of dogs here. Once I was "stable" and able to stay away from the throne for more than a half hour, we headed home to enjoy Christmas with friends in Basel! Hope you're having a good holiday and are able to spend it with family... Masini
Podium Cafe Shows Liquigas Some Love!
Podium Cafe is quickly becoming a favorite site of mine. The folks over there (OK, mainly the girls over there who are smitten by the green "hotness") are showing the love...
1. Liquigas Voted Hottest ProTour Team of 2008
2. Need I say more? First found here.
1. Liquigas Voted Hottest ProTour Team of 2008
2. Need I say more? First found here.
Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Equestrian Trails Don't End!
So I'm on day six of my Swiss 'cross training and the trails just past the new place don't end. Today was another hour-plus and I continued to explore. The Garmin's battery was dead so I didn't map it, but I know where everything is and leads to. It's really incredible - I can't wait to see if someone grooms for skate skiing.
The nine-ball just got a good washing, being a week packed with mud and all. Oh yeah, what better way to finish off a ride than a nice cold Chimay?
TWO!!
The nine-ball just got a good washing, being a week packed with mud and all. Oh yeah, what better way to finish off a ride than a nice cold Chimay?
TWO!!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
A Perfect Ride...
Taking advantage of the incredible fall weather today, I took the nine-ball out for some more 'cross training. Two blocks from the new apartment is a trailhead that leads to a network of walking trails, singletrack and access roads that only the Swiss could maintain so well. There are ALWAYS lots of walkers out and about, dogs too. But once you get past the front trails it turns into one of the greatest cross bike rides you can imagine.
In just one hour of riding, you can find plenty of downed logs to practice barriers, stairs, water crossings - everything except a sand pit! Elevation gain is minimal unless you want to find some run-ups or blast up the odd hill. There are a couple of paved climbs if you need. All of this, and you won't find a car and don't even really have to cross a road! Not only that, but the Garmin showed that I didn't hit the same patch of trail twice, save for the entrance and return bit.
Perfect...
In just one hour of riding, you can find plenty of downed logs to practice barriers, stairs, water crossings - everything except a sand pit! Elevation gain is minimal unless you want to find some run-ups or blast up the odd hill. There are a couple of paved climbs if you need. All of this, and you won't find a car and don't even really have to cross a road! Not only that, but the Garmin showed that I didn't hit the same patch of trail twice, save for the entrance and return bit.
Perfect...
Friday, November 7, 2008
Top Ten Lists
One of my favorite things to listen to is when my talk radio shows go off topic and discuss music... why isn't this a popular topic on more shows? Anyway, I recently saw a blog post about Mtv streaming old videos online. SO - as I'm a child of the 80's (and 90's), here is a list of videos from my favorite "college bands" (remember that term?).
The Cure Primary
Is that really Robert Smith?
New Order True Faith
Speechless from the first time I saw it.
Joy Division Atmosphere
Anton Corbijn invented Jawas. True story.
Tribute to Ian Curtis, RIP (and somebody please return the grave stone!).
The Smiths This Charming Man
"Punctured bicycle, on a hillside desolate..."
"I would go out tonight, but I haven't got a stitch to wear.
This man said 'It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care' "
Morrissey Suedehead
This song may have been the first time a laser wore grooves in a CD, I played it SOO much when it came out.
Everyday Is Like Sunday
See above!
First of the Gang to Die
This is a late entry and the only 'live' video. There are many better, older M videos, but this song is incredible, from his Manchester concert DVD.
Material Issue Valerie Loves Me
Great college band. Remember a foggy concert in Ames, making an ass of myself.
Jesus and Mary Chain Head On
Distortion kings.
Finally, for #10, take your pick... do a search on the following.
Peter Murphy
Love and Rockets
The Beautiful South
The Housemartins
The Pixies
The Ocean Blue
Our lines are open... are you diggin' this type of music, or are you more of a fan of the good ol' hair band? If so, try Yngwie my personal favorite for "fastest guitar player alive". Oops, Mtv still not into Yngwie! It's what goes through my head in a race... EVERY race!
The Cure Primary
Is that really Robert Smith?
New Order True Faith
Speechless from the first time I saw it.
Joy Division Atmosphere
Anton Corbijn invented Jawas. True story.
Tribute to Ian Curtis, RIP (and somebody please return the grave stone!).
The Smiths This Charming Man
"Punctured bicycle, on a hillside desolate..."
"I would go out tonight, but I haven't got a stitch to wear.
This man said 'It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care' "
Morrissey Suedehead
This song may have been the first time a laser wore grooves in a CD, I played it SOO much when it came out.
Everyday Is Like Sunday
See above!
First of the Gang to Die
This is a late entry and the only 'live' video. There are many better, older M videos, but this song is incredible, from his Manchester concert DVD.
Material Issue Valerie Loves Me
Great college band. Remember a foggy concert in Ames, making an ass of myself.
Jesus and Mary Chain Head On
Distortion kings.
Finally, for #10, take your pick... do a search on the following.
Peter Murphy
Love and Rockets
The Beautiful South
The Housemartins
The Pixies
The Ocean Blue
Our lines are open... are you diggin' this type of music, or are you more of a fan of the good ol' hair band? If so, try Yngwie my personal favorite for "fastest guitar player alive". Oops, Mtv still not into Yngwie! It's what goes through my head in a race... EVERY race!
Monday, November 3, 2008
From the back room...
appropriate to give some blog love to my rig... an 08 XTJ, taken woth
the iPhone on the back shop. It's wedged between a couple other guys'
commuters.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Cinquanta!
Not sure how I missed that one, but THIS makes 51. Yay...
Upon further review... one of those was a draft... so this IS 50!
Upon further review... one of those was a draft... so this IS 50!
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