Bike Shop rip off or reality?

I needed a few smaller items that I couldn't just run into The Hub to get because I'm about 700 miles away from Webster Groves! Anyhow I forgot to ship an air pump out here so I purchased a $20 one from this local shop. I also purchased several GU's and power bars. Today, I was looking for a small part and this shop did have what I needed and the shop worker asked if I wanted them to install it. I was still in my work clothes and had my bike in the trunk of rental and thought well sure this will save me sometime so I don't have to do it when I get to hotel. Only one problem, they wanted $10 to do it. I intentionally didn't say what the part was, so I could reveal that now. I bought a Cateye computer. So after spending $60 on this, you want $10 more to install it, I don't think so. It's already marked up for profit and you still want more!??!!? Do shops really charge that type of fee to install a wireless computer? Needless to say I was pretty turned off by that.

Soulard

Not much to say about the race except I didn't finish and got it handed to me. No excuses, just didn't have what it took to compete on that day.

Race was fast and strung out from the go. I really thought it would slow up but not soon enough for me as I was at my limit from the go. Devin placed 5th I believe.


The Hub guys in the 4/5 race looked awesome and strong all day. I saw Bill, Lendal, Robert, and Joe representing the jersey well. They pretty much controlled the race and had the announcer giving the Hub a lot of airtime. The results from that race put 3 Hub guys in 2/3/4 place. Good job guys!

Also, this was my buddy Ahmeds first race. He was also in the 4/5 race. I sold him my Scott CR1 Team. So it was fun seeing him get through his first race. The crowd and announcer willed him to the finish. He should start to be out more and more and hopefully improving week by week.

Back in Maryland. Will be back for the State Crit in August.

Dawg Days of Summer Circuit Race in Bowie, MD

After tens days off the bike I returned to racing today. The course was very smooth and the back side a slight riser but with the tailwind that was the fastest part of the course. For the 3's race I was of course islated without any teammates so I should have just been sitting in letting all the other teams pull back breaks. The race was paying 8 deep and 2 guys had got away. The field remained intact until we had 12 laps to go, a group of 6 guys were off the front and holding steady but no one was chasing because all teams were represented. Again the race was only paying 8 deep so I didn't want to miss out so I deviated from the plan of just sitting in and chased hard and I made contact with that chase group but when I got to them I was so tired I couldnt hang on and tried to fall back into the field. Only when I did that they had ramped things up I got spit off the back there. End of day for me in the 3's race. Tactically I screwed myself. I should have stayed glued in the field.

Next up was the 1/2/3 race. I knew in the race I would definitely just ride with the field. This race was 27 laps (55 miles). I stayed glued on the back of the pack the entire race up until 2 laps to go. I group of 6 were off the front and we were racing for 2 places initially but on the last lap the field did catch 4 of those guys. Through out the race there were attacks and counters but I didn't do any extra work and it was very easy just sitting on. The race was fast but I would say no faster than the A race on Tuesday nights. I tried sprinting in but my legs locked up and I sat up to roll in at 29th place. We had 60 starters so I was pleased. This was my first race on the Rabobank and it rides very smooth and responsive. I would say Giant has the edge over Scott now for me personally.

Soulard is next on the agenda and the return of my Addict. Flying back to StL Friday morning. See ya there!

The Giant is in Maryland

So my Rabobank Giant arrived in Maryland today. I had been waiting anxiously on it. Assembly was very quick thanks to whoever packed it at The Hub. I must say it rides so much smoother than my Addict. I almost wish I had two of these.



I also picked up a pair of Oakley Jawbones on Friday. Probably the best pair of glasses I have ridden to date. They really fit like a glove and are ultra light.



I'm racing tomorrow up in Bowie, Maryland. There is a 2.1 mile circuit race. Butterflies are going crazy in my stomach as I get ready to face some completely new competition and have the all eyes on me feeling. Check out the course video, the pavement looks really smooth. Should be a fun one.

Maryland Recon......

Arrived in Maryland last Thursday with no bike. I still have no bike at the moment but hoping it gets shipped out tomorrow. I went by southern Marylands version of Tues Worlds to check out the riders that were showing up. I remembered a few faces from my stay here a few years ago. I stopped by and chatted with one guy who is super strong. He rides a single speed at all times and keeps up with anyone. Side note his team got new kits and they pretty sweet, they remind of the new Cervelo team kit. There Tues Night training series consist of 3 races, an A,B, and C. The A being the strongest, but they arent associated with CAtegories. The A group does 4 laps around the ten mile Navy base. They have sprint point on the course. It gets pretty on the backside when the course is running along side the bay. I'm looking forward to getting in the mix on this ride. They also do a Thursday night ride that is 30 miles and has a few rollers in it. I really liked that ride when I was here because it was fast and very scenic.

Ready to ride, just need a bike!!!!!!!!