• Team kit has arrived. As soon as I get over my profound laziness I’ll post a picture.
• I am faithfully committed to using the Cannondale for the rest of the season. I *heart* that bike. It’s also been quite nice to run full fenders and stay (relatively) dry. I will likely get a second set of wheels at some point, or at least a front wheel to pair with the Velocity Ascent hanging in the basement.
• My relationship with the Novara commuter is on shakier ground. I replaced the shifter (and cable), but due to cable fray I could not quite get the fixiing bolt the requisite 101mm (??) from the final cable stop. My 8 speed hub is now a 3 speed hub. I’d likely be happier, too, if the front tire wasn’t rubbing against the fender, but whatever. I suppose I’ve generally mistreated this bike for most of the winter, and I’m happy enough. I would, however, appreciate at least one more snow to justify the studded tires.
• I’ve been doing lots of device communication programming at work. This is at once cool and supremely frustrating at the same time. I now know how to effectively communicate with a 56k dial-up modem. That should come in handy.
• I wonder if the big guns will return to the Tour of California next year? The weather has been horrible, and I’m fairly everyone in the field has crashed at least once. Today’s stage, run in the sun, was neat-o to watch, though, as the attacks were fast and furious until a break containing Jason McCartney, Tyler Hamilton (where are the stars ‘n’ stripes, Tyler?), Francesco Mancebo, and Serge Pauwels finally getting away. Best part was Mancebo getting the boot from the break. Too bad they were caught just before the finish.
• More ToC: does anyone else feel like Astana is playing the role of schoolyard bully? Despite a high power roster, Saxo Bank doesn’t seem to be terribly interested in the GC, nor does Garmin or High Road. Meanwhile, Astana has, what, half the spots in the top 10? All in an effort to get the win for Levi so he plays the role of good lieutenant during the Tour de France.

Posted on 18 February 2009