Road to Roubaix-TIme Edge RS Translink-Bourbon Party

Since this is the time for Pro training camps, equipment checks, meeting old and new teammates, I thought we could have our first annual Hero Camp this Wednesday at the Studio starting at 6pm. Of course ours will be spent drinking whisky and bourbon and eating Bowls of Chili. Also on the list will assembling a Time Edge RS Translink (no components yet), Checking out Patrick's new bar stem combo, Looking at Christian Vande Velde's autograph and looking at some mock-ups of the first Tenspeed Hero Jersey.

After this we can sit down and watch Road to Roubaix if it gets here in time. I ordered it two days ago and it should be here. RSVP, bring a bourbon or a whisky if you have a favorite. Out of town Heros can watch the event on skype.

Radio Shack Bike

Christian Vande Velde Autograph No. 2

At the TDF we waited hours and hours for the race to arrive. From the first tour vehicle, to the publicity caravan and then finally the riders, the wait is punctuated with an eye towards the sky. The tour helicopter signals things are right around the corner. Indeed it is the moment when you start to get genuinely excited to find out what is going on. Though there are satellite TVs amongst the crowds rumor is rife on the Tour. Indeed, for 24hrs we thought George Hincapie had the yellow Jersey, and we even saw homemade signs stating such.

On Tuesday Christian Vande Velde addressed controversy of whether Garmin or even Astana chased down George Hincapie, preventing him from taking the yellow jersey. He even chuckled/grimaced and acknowledged that the question is becoming some what ubiquitous at these events. For the record, Christian said Garmin was just following orders to get to the front and that the orders did not convey any urgency against George. When Matt White (DS for Garmin) told the team to get to the front he did, no questions. In the end he said George Hincapie is a close friend and even stood at his wedding. Down the road off the bike he said that friendship is what will be on his mind, not the 09 Tour.

Christian Vande Velde Autograph No. 1

Last night at the Garmin store Tour de France rider and Chicago local, Christian Vande Velde, signed one our photographs that we took while watching the race on Mt. Ventoux. One of the more interesting answers that Christian gave during his Q & A was that has the Tour goes on it gets harder to get a good night sleep. He stated that sometimes you would be lucky to get 6 or 7 hours of sleep due to a crash or just the physical pain and exhaustion their body has endured. Just rolling over on a sore body is enough to wake you up.

Riders of the Year

When I first rode with Todd Hero I thought he looked pretty strong, but looks can be deceiving. I can only speak for myself but I was never put under pressure. Come to think of it I do not recall him taking a pull either. And I believe it was after his first loop that Todd sat in the car cramping up for the drive back into the city and a source tells me that Todd actually shed a tear or two.

At the most recent Double Loop (AKA Prairie Roubaix), Todd Hero was suffering from a cold and appeared weak. You’ll recall from a couple of sentences ago about looks and how they can deceive. They did it again. Todd was stronger than he looked. Indeed, he proved to be so strong that some other strong riders from the vaunted Half-Acre cycling team invited him to join. Congratulations Todd!

Isaiah Hero is co-rider of the year. I believe I only rode with Isaiah on the occasion of the Double Loop, so much of my knowledge is anecdotal or made up. Isaiah is a celebrated marathoner and only started riding last year. Poor sap rides a Redline cross bike. I think it is made of some archaic material such as iron or steel. But he rides that bike faster than some of us ride light-weight carbon fiber European bikes. He’s been known to ride close - close enough to bump bars, but is that his fault or due to a lack of skill on the other rider’s part? Am I mistaken or did I hear that Isaiah pipped his mate Zach on the line to win the spring double loop? A move worthy of Bernard Hinault, and there is nothing wrong with that. As the Badger would say, “He has a head, two arms, two legs, just as I.” Cheers Isaiah!

Selle San Marco Rolls

This saddle is up on the auction block as well. I adjusted too well to the regal and everytime I rode the rolls I wished I was on the regal. The gold trim as represented in black and white is a nice touch. When I think of a bike saddle this is what I think of. It was the saddle of choice for a generation and the great Andrea Tafi won Roubaix and Flanders sitting on one.

A Visit with Christian Vande Velde

View of Q & A without Christian Vande Velde

$20 in beer at Publican, $7 Cab Ride to the Magnificent Mile, Showing up to Christian Vande Velde's autograph signing at Garmin a day early, Priceless.