the death of the blog?
Posted in Blog on 27. Mar, 2009
“The blog is dead, long live the blog.” Twitter has killed our blog, my wife points out to me. Has the blog gone the way of the buffalo? Here’s my Friday attempt at resuscitation – in reverse chronological order.
Last night Ms. John G. and I watched the movie Twighlight. I had just finished watching our beloved Xavier University get knocked out of the Sweet 16 by the number one seeded Pittsburgh Panthers. I thought, “what could be worse than that?” I found out. One hour into the movie – no gruesome death, no fangs, no teenage heavy petting… just alot of longing, slo mo looks across high school parking lots and cafeterias. Oh my God, gag me with a spoon. This movie is like, totally for 13 year-old girls. I am told that there is a part 2 coming out. I think I’ll re-watch The Lost Boys instead.
Before the movie, and whilst it was still light so I didn’t have to worry about vampires (or teenage angst/lust), I did my first tandem training session with OB. 
Long time listeners of the podcast may recall that, on a whim, I did the tandem road race at Masters Nationals in Louisville last year with the result of a silver medal and ruined legs for the crit. This year I (we) are serious, or as serious as one can be at tandem racing. New partner, new bike, and more than 10 minutes practice. On our first ride we got pretty good at standing on a climb. The bike has a 55 x 11. I am looking forward to some group rides. Ok, I now open the comment section to all of the homophobic/brokeback mountain/paralympic jokes. Go ahead… I can take it.
Last week was spent in the company of the Pro Chain Junior Cycling Team. We set up camp in Tucson, AZ for a week for some warm weather training, testing, and goal setting. Kevin Livingston, owner/operator of pedalhard.com, and I are training the team this year. I was thoroughly impressed with the focus and receptiveness of the kids. The A team consists of five 17 & 18 year-old boys. They have various individual goals but all share the drive to make the team succeed. I think you’ll see them on the podium at quite a few races this year. Each day we hooked up and with a young domestic professional to give the boys a sense of what it is like living out the road and racing your bike full time. Teddy King, Cervelo Test Team, Ryan Baumann, Trek Livestrong U23, and Chad Beyer, BMC Racing, were all kind enough to ride with us and impart some words of wisdom about what it takes to make it to the next level. 
We had Kevin and myself as trainers, Mike M. as the DS, Dr. Patrick, a follow car, routes mapped out by Curtis at missingsaddle.com, on the road lactate threshold testing, bike fit and orthodics from Bill Peterson at wedofeet.com, good morale and team building. Ryan said that it was better than their camp.
So now you are up to date with more than 140 characters. Oh yeah, I picked up a copy of Cog Magazine at the NAHBS. I read a little bit every morning during my post-espresso evacuation. Ok I admit it, I really just look at the glossy pictures of the tatooed up boys and girls. I wonder if the “real” messagers are bitter that their profession has been fully monetized/stylized??
Twitter is the new blog.
I have no respect for a Tandem rider.
I’d love to see the power output/speed from you guys on a tandem.
Hi Two Johns, Two johns on a tandem, have you ever seen the british movie “nuts in may” i’am sure the tandem bike was the star, why not get two special cycling jumpers made John G can be Batman with John K as Robin. have fun FRR
You totally spelled Twilight wrong. On behalf of chicks everywhere that is unacceptable.
Yes, yes. My wife already pointed that out to me.
Aye 2 Johns, The third scottish rider to complete the tour is a native of Hawick, like Fun Run Robbie, Ken Laidlaw, he now lives in America, scottish roadie sent me an article about him, i have sent it to you and its on the FRR web site hock aye the noo Fun Run Robbie
Looks like you figured it out! Your blog has been dead because you had abandoned it! Thanks for re-blogging. The substance is good. Twitter can’t and doesn’t offer the same substance, it’s headlines only. They serve two entirely different purposes and it’s silly to think they are mutually exclusive. They can co-exist. In peace and harmony. Sweet.
For the record, I watched the Lost Boys like a hundred times when I was a freshman in HS … mmmm, the teenaged-heart-throb Coreys …. so dreamy
Not the Coreys for me, Keifer Sutherland was the eye candy!
I’m gonna agree with CB in regards to you abandoning the blog. Also I still hate the lay out of this “new” website. It’s kinda hard to find the post that you’ve been following if something new is added. Why is every square inch of the page filled with something? Missing Saddle’s site isn’t like that (when it up). I know it’s a hobby and it’s a fun hobby for you guys, but this used to be a fun site. Now it’s just overwhelming.
PS- Couldn’t a tandem be classified as a “long-chained” bicycle?
Racing a tandem? Is that as much a girls sport as Tri.
JG. I am so down with 650b Erikson idea. JK, I get the feeling that tandem idea is a little too Blades of Glory for you. Good Sram interview. The blog does need some occasional love and maintenance. I think Persig would agree. Those tweets have been working their black magic on you guys.
Yeah bone-eh?
I hope you have chosen matching pastel kits including sweaters you can tie around your necks if the weather brightens.
Foux Da Fa Fa
The real cycle you are working on is yourself.