I borrowed this ($$$) bike from a friend who doesn’t use it any more. Dura Ace, carbon everyhwere and what have you. It’s about half the weight of my road bike (rough estimate). I would obviously have to shorten the seat post, probably get a shorter stem and new pedals (Look Keo, pffff…). Since I’m looking to get a TT bike at one point anyway, why not this one?

I’ll have to check with a bike store how much it would be to adapt it to fit me. Considering it was super expensive when new, I’d probably still get a good new bike for the price I’d have to pay for this one, and would also get a fit and everything. But we’re talking about buying a new Maserati or a slightly used (and very well kept) Ferrari, so it’s not an easy decision!

I like “angry with all car drivers” guy. I’m a blend of him and the race biker (and wish to be the guy drinking coffee while riding).

I did one lap of the 70.3 Switzerland bike course today (plus the way there and back). Phew. “Hilly” doesn’t quite cut it! Eight more weeks to get used to it.

Last weekend I spent in Lausanne for some cycling and running with Camillo of “Giant Battle of the Titans” fame. Before I left, I passed by the On clearance sale to take advantage of their 50% and 60% discounts.

I even got myself a Cloudrunner (2011 model), after thinking all the time that I’m not part of the target group. Turns out I am! I did all weekend runs in them, and I like them.

We did so much training that we got up early for some pasta and then back to sleep again. (Actually not that much training, but the pasta thing was fun.)

Also, Lausanne and surroundings does not know the “flat” type of terrain. It’s always either “uphill” or “downhill”. And it was a bit cold! But all in all a solid weekend. Just no bike speed averages to show off with.

Mounted the quick release, because… cycling starts tomorrow!

Yes, today was another beautiful possibly last riding day of the year.

In reality, visible beyond the fog: the Alps.

Edit: you can actually see them if you know they’re there :)

Another of those “maybe last of the year” rides. Cold, cold feet but pretty, pretty weather! Going again tomorrow. I hope.

After they were standing around in my apartment for some time, I finally got everything I needed to mount my aero wheels on my bike, and on Saturday I took them for a spin.

Observations:

• The front wheel seems to eat the brake pad. After a ride of about 100 km, the pad was 50% smaller than before.
• Braking makes a sound like from a chopper flying by or something. Pretty cool.
• Side winds can be felt much more than with the training wheels.
• When riding, and especially when going out of the saddle, there is this “woosh-woosh-woosh” sound I want people to hate when I approach them from behind.

Overall: I’m sold! That is, I’ll buy them. First test coming up will be Uster Triathlon on Sunday.

Perfect day to sharpen some tan lines (obviously, as I noticed afterwards). Last long training before Gigathlon next weekend: I’ll run in a Team of Five, Kaspar will be part of a couple.

The red line is exaggerating a little bit, but that curve really took me by surprise on my long ride yesterday. I came from the top right, and on the wet pavement I didn’t want to risk a crash so I just went straight, breaking until standstill. Crossing the opposite lane while doing so… thankfully no car was around!