Two Johns Podcast

Moving on... visit our NEW BLOG

2007-09-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

We've moved the blog to the NEW BLOG (click here) at missingsaddle.com.

Same content, same podcast, same waste of time. We'll miss you old blog.

le Tour

2007-09-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

The time: 2005 last day of the Tour de France. The place: the street next to the Hotel Crillion 1 block off of the place de la Concorde. We are partying our brains out after 2+ weeks on the road working for VeloSport taking clients around France on their bikes when who walks by?? None other than John Kerry sporting a diminutive aide and a Livestrong bracelet. My drunken French co-workers delayed him for a few minutes while we all got our pictures taken. The woman in red is my friend Eddy's wife. Eddy Cordier is a northern France BMX and road super star. I wonder what Sebastian (on his right) is saying to him...

Ahead Set

2007-09-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Friday evening John (Charlotte) attended a scultpure unveiling event. The sculpture was commissioned by a German living locally. He commissioned David Cerny, a Czech born artist for an installation in the public plaza. It was a big social event with a dramtic unveiling.

And the drama was not anticlamactic as the work itself is extraordinary. What the photo does not show is the kinetic feature of this- each of those horizontal striations is free to rotate, giving the work multiple configurations and orientations. The event was capped a live performance by the band The Plastic People of the Universe. A band that did hard time under the Czechslovokian regime and was an inspiration to the leaders of the Velvet Revolution that made the Czech Republic democratic nation. I know- not exactly cycling related, but none the less interesting.

New Podcast - 9/19/07

2007-09-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

New podcast is up and waiting. It is the LAST time we will speak of the over/under topic. Desert Dog gets in the last word on the subject. I've got lots of Tour of Missouri swag so keep the emails coming and maybe you will be selected as the LOTW.

Also, no training questions this episode. We want some. We have at our disposal Cycling, Triathlon and Endurance Sport Coach Stephen McGregor, Ph.D from the Peaks Coaching Group. He is a power specialist and will answer your emailed questions on upcoming podcasts.

ToM Final Thoughts

2007-09-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

Back from the first Tour of Missouri yesterday and integrating into normal life. When you travel on a big event you are in a bubble where the bike race is the only thing going on. Driving on closed roads, organized meals, massive crowds, press, team vehicles, athletes... it's hard to imagine there is anything else going on in the rest of the world sometimes. Anyway, here are some last, random images from the ToM in no particular order.

First Things First

2007-09-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

While the other John is in Missouri, this John has been moving south. Temporarily I will be without my beloved Man Cave. Apartment living doesn't allow for such luxuries. However, needs are needs and this is my solution for temporary Man Cave/ride set up area. Now just to figure out where to put a work bench, vice, reapir stand. The Two Johns equipment standards are only maintained by careful examination and testing. You may notice there are a few empty spaces...

Missouri love company

2007-09-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

The start in Lebanon was mobbed with 1600 school kids! Each class picked out a team and studied that teams culture, language, geography, etc. The 5th grade class pictured here selected Spain's Prodir Saunier Duval team. The team was truly touched and is going to hang up this banner at their head quarters in Spain. The kids got some autographs and cycling caps for their efforts.

I rode in the Sparkasse car today. Here's a little on-road seat adjustment.

I spotted these Elvi (that's plural for Elvis) at the finish in Columbia.

For my mom. She went to Stephens.

Tour of Missouri sights

2007-09-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Here is what happens when someone runs into you at 40 mph...

Sublimating leader jersies.

Tecos warming up for the TT.

The TdF winner is here.

Carbon tubies? Have not seen these before.

on the road from Clinton, MO

2007-09-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

There is rolling support for the riders from wheels and bikes from Mavic to medical attention from the Dr.'s car. Sunscreen was in order this morning and the Doc's were happy to oblige. Unfortunately Dan Smatz, BMC, needed a bit more during the stage. He hit an armadillo (yes, there are armadillo in Missouri) and went to the hospital with a badly broken collar bone.

Here are some riders from my favorite foreign team in the race. Sparkasse is a German outfit. They've got some studly riders who have been finishing well up in the sprints and making the breaks. I am going to ride in their team car tomorrow.

Tour of Missouri

2007-09-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

This John is at the Tour of Missouri working as Competion Coordinator a.k.a. team babysitter. I'll be posting daily audio blogs on the feed player on this site. Check back and shoot me an email if you want me to focus on anything in particular.

John

Regional Development

2007-09-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

In the latest podcast we speak with Chad Thomson, Director and member of the Abercrombie & Fitch Pro Development Cycling Team. They are based in northern Ohio and have done quite well this year. They are looking for a sponsor for '08 and beyond, so if you've got a spare 100k laying around...

Take the poll

2007-09-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Under, over, on, or who cares?

New Podcast - 9/04/07

2007-09-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

New podcast should be up this evening. Prepare yourselves... it's a long one.

We are receiving some incredible logo ideas. Thank you for all of the hard work. Winner to be announced soon!

How to cheat and get second place

2007-08-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Some may say things like, "Well it wasn't taped off, so I just went around." and, "It's in the rule book. If it's not taped of you CAN go around." I don't know about you, but it just don't seem right. You be the judge.

Looks like everyone else figured it out.
Not cheating,

not cheating,

not cheating,

not cheating,

ooops... cheating

not cheating.

Ohio Valley Cyclocross Press Release

2007-08-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

Cross, Cowbells, and Carbon! 2007 OVCX Series Ready to roll out
September 9th with Zipp Speed Weaponry as Presenting Sponsor

With local cross practices brimming with anxious riders, the Ohio
Valley region is preparing for a fantastic 2007 season of cyclo-cross
racing. Area promoters have worked hard in the off-season to pull
together a racing schedule packed with quality: events that span the
cities of Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and
Indianapolis; featuring 4 UCI-sanctioned events, 2 U.S. Gran Prix
races, and the USCF State Championships for Ohio, Kentucky, and
Indiana. Each of the 15 series races will feature guaranteed minimum
cash payouts of $1500, music, food, and completely taped-off and
race-honed courses!

Now in its fourth year, two significant new changes have been made to
the series scoring for this year. The number of events scored for the
overall is the best seven, and the top three in each scored category
will receive some great merchandise donated by this year's series
sponsors: Jamis Bicycles, Trek Cincinnati, BioWheels, 2Wheelsports,
and Torelli. This year there also will be an additional award for the
die-hard crossers: everyone that competes in 10 or more out of the 15
OVCX events will get their name thrown into a hat for a chance to win
a pair of hand-built Zipp 404 Pave wheels valued at $1950! "The OVCX
is a great fit for Zipp. We are based in Indiana, which is part of
OVCX…. While we are well known for the Ironman World Championships and
Pro Tour races won on our wheels, we also make world-class cyclo-cross
wheels," says Andy Paskins, Zipp Marketing Manager. "We're thrilled
to be part of the series and happy to see one of the most exciting
forms of bicycle racing grow in the Midwest through this series."

So get your cross bikes ready to rumble… there are categories for men
and women, from Pro to Beginner, little kid to big kid, and everything
in between! Visit www.ovcx.com for all the series details.

2007 OVCX Events

Sunday, September 9 OVCX #1 City of HeathCross, Columbus, Ohio

Sunday, September 16 OVCX #2 Cyclo-Stampede Darkhorse Racing,
Burlington, Kentucky

Sunday, September 30 OVCX #3 JP Morgan Tour de Louisville, Kentucky

Sunday, October 7 OVCX #4 John Bryan Fall Classic, Yellow Springs, Ohio

Saturday, October 13 OVCX #5 (UCI C2) Java Johnny's – Lionhearts
Cross, Middletown, Ohio

Sunday, October 14 OVCX #6 (UCI C2) BioWheels/United Dairy Farmers
Harbin Park, Cincinnati, Ohio

Sunday, October 21 OVCX #7 Riverview Cross, Loveland, Ohio

Saturday, October 27 OVCX #8 (UCI C2) US Grand Prix #1 - Papa John's
Derby City Cup, Louisville, Kentucky

Sunday, October 28 OVCX #9 (UCI C2) US Grand Prix #2 - Papa John's
Derby City Cup, Louisville, Kentucky

Sunday, November 4 OVCX #10 Gun Club Cross, Cincinnati, Ohio

Sunday, November 11 OVCX #11 Brookside Cyclo-Cross Cup/USCF Indiana
State Championships, Indianapolis

Sunday, November 18 OVCX #12 Promotion Cross, Lexington, Kentucky

Sunday, November 25 OVCX #13 Bryn Du Cross/USCF Ohio State
Championships, Columbus

Sunday, December 2 OVCX #14 Storm the Greens/USCF Kentucky State
Championships, Louisville

Sunday, December 9 OVCX Finale Wendell Moore Cross, Buckner, Kentucky

New Podcast - 8/27/07

2007-08-28T07:19:00.001-07:00

There is a new podcast up on iTunes plus I finally figured out how to make the imbedded player to the right ----> work.

Logo contest deadline is Monday, September 3. We greatly appreciate all of the submission thus far. The winner will be awarded a slew of prizes including plenty o' Tour of Missouri schwag. Here is one candidate in banner form.

More logos for consideration

2007-08-24T09:15:00.001-07:00

New Favorite...

2007-08-24T07:41:00.001-07:00

T-shirts -- thanks to Bustedtees

Tyler's Back!

2007-08-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

An anonymous, reliable source reports to the Two Johns that Tyler Hamilton will race at the USA Pro Cycling Championships in Greenville, SC the first weekend of September. Unknown to us is whether he will do road race, tt, or both. Stay tuned...

New Podcast / New Logo

2007-08-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

The new podcast should be up on iTunes later today. Check out these most recent entries in our "create a logo" contest. What do you think? Winners or losers?

As always, thanks to missingsaddle.com for hosting the podcast.

Advantage, Youth

2007-08-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

When can a youngster turn the screws on his elders? When he is 110 lbs. and the day's route is up hill. On top of that it looks like he's about ready to go hang gliding after demolishing his prey up the climb.

Sadly, the practice is spreading

2007-08-18T09:00:00.001-07:00

Logo Contest

2007-08-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

The 2 Johns need your help! We want you to submit your ideas for a logo. This mark will be used on the website, clothing, stickers, business cards, etc. Email your idea to us. If your logo is selected you will receive a free, lifetime subscription to the podcast. Wait... it's already free. Ok, you will get something if we use your logo - prize TBA.

Here are some we have received so far.

Drafty

2007-08-08T06:53:00.001-07:00

This is how I felt last night on our weekly River Rampage ride when tucked in behind the tandem blasting down Rt. 52 at 32+ mph. Thanks to Pez for the photo.

NEW PODCAST tomorrow btw.

John

What could be better...

2007-08-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

...than a Dunkel?

Or a '68 Dodge Charger?

The new podcast for August 3, that's what!!

Thanks again to Missing Saddle for hosting the podcast.

Belgian Tradition

2007-08-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

I don't want to dwell too much on alcohol on the blog, but man... this stuff is really good. We've got a pub who has it on tap and a store that sells it in bottles. It gets the 2 Johns seal of approval. And if you drink more than one La Chouffe, you'll start seeing the little gnomes.

cycling vs. nfl

2007-07-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

*full disclosure -- I do some part-time training for the Cincinnati Bengals teaching indoor cycling to supplement on field and weight room work. I know both the guys pictured below.

For those that think their sport is clean and cycling is full of cheats with minimal controls. Front page from the Sports section of today's paper shows players wheeling an altitude tent into their room. Sleeping or resting in this simulates high altitude and raises ones red blood cell count thus elevating one hematocrit level. You can get the same effects through EPO or blood doping. Pro cycling has a maximum allowable hematocric level and tests for it in competion and out. The NFL does not have a test or test for it.

New Podcast for 7/26/07

2007-07-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

As always, you can go to itunes.com and search for twojohns or cycling, or bike racing, etc. to find the podcast, or click on the link in the upper right corner.

Is this the bottom for pro cycing? Is it good news or bad that so many cheats are being caught? Who won the Tour last year any how?

Saturday

2007-07-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

My friend and former teammate Adam came up from Florida for a weekend of training and racing. I usually train by myself because of my lack of tolerance for people who can't ride a steady, reasonable pace, half wheel, blast through stop lights, etc. Yes, I am becoming a cranky old man. Anyway, Adam and I have put in many kilometers together in training and on the course. It was nice to get back on the road with him.

So anyway, we had 3 good days of training and one good race -- we were 1st and 2nd respectively. Here are some images of the weekend.

Pre ride "preparation" not yet banned by the UCI.

I told Adam this was the all the rage in my neighborhood, he complied.

Check the map, check the Tour, and we're out on the road, a.k.a. God's Country Ohio.

Feed zone in Blanchester. Mmmm, nothing better than the mid-ride hot dog.

5k from the end. Rear flat.

Post ride. Wine? In a giant water bottle?

New Bike

2007-07-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

I can't remember who, but during a group ride last week someone asked me what kind of bike he should buy next. It is one of those "I've got a bunch of cash from an insurance settlement" kind of situations.

So, if money is no object, this is a good place to start. Behold, Michael Rasmussen's Colnalgo Extreme-C. The perfect combination of Italian beauty and race-tested function. I did not check on price.

The other John has a Colnalgo in his basement. I think it's a C 40.

New Podcast

2007-07-17T08:50:00.001-07:00

Gus says - "Don't end up like this mole! Pin on a number and listen to the new podcast."

Rave(ing) Reviews

2007-07-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

Pictured above are the 2 Johns reveiving some "constructive" criticism prior to the start of Saturday's race. I couldn't quite decipher all of it, but I think we need to talk more/less about Freds, our shchtick has been done before, we are/aren't good, I should train 12 hours per week, people who live in Cincinnati are pretenders to world that is amateur (and recently retired professional) bike racing, and I will ride you into the ground. The only thing I know for sure is that they did in fact drop me from the break then lap the field. I did end up 6th though, with Eric taking 3rd.

More advice moments befor the gun. I think it continued after race start, but all I could hear were my loose sleeves flapping in the breeze.

Podcast Soon

2007-07-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

This top photo could be an announcement for the next podcast....or it could be part of a subversive 4th of July parade in complete with roving security cameras and genetic engineers. I think one of the Two Johns may now be on the government watch list for attending.

Hey Good Look'in

2007-07-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

This is pretty much one of my favorite signs in town. It also depicts Team Huntington at the race in Woodlawn- looking sharp!

Manfeast

2007-07-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Should it be "manfeast" or man feast? Grammar was never my strong suit.

Anyway, yes we are men, and bike racers, and two of us are un-married, but we are not total slobs, therefore our "manfeast" may not live up to what you may expect.

Ours started with a bike washing session.

Notice I am the only one washing while Tom and the other John have already started in on the Chimay.

We then moved on to the feast part of the manfeast.

And then finished it off with some tubular tire glueing. Again notice I am the one doing the actual work.

What do you do when the family's away?

2007-07-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Here's what I did:

1) Went on a group ride at 6:30 p.m. Normally I'll ride during the day or in the a.m. and reserve the evenings for family. The ride turned out to be very speedy and well attended -- more on the ride on the next 2 Johns Podcast.

Here's the other John getting the lay of the land and trying to figure out which group to roll out with.

Here is Dan, the ride organizer, shouting instructions about safety, ride speed etiquette, etc... It all went out the window after about 10k's. Yes, that is a whistle around his neck (more about that on the next podcast).

2) Return from the ride and rehydrate with some fine French Ale brewed according to Belgian tradition.

aaahhhh, there's nothing like that first sip after a fast 85k ride in the heat.

3) Eat a tomato, bleu cheese, onion, olive oil salad.

Hey, the wife's out of town. Who cares about onion breath?

4) Watch a movie that my wife would never watch.

Sophomoric, but funny. Not as much nudity as I expected though.

*I've got one more night on Bachelordom. Man Feast in my newly renovated Man Cave tonight with various teammates, pizza, poker, and more Belgian liquid gold... report tomorrow.

New Podcast - TdF Podium Picks

2007-07-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Big thanks again to missingsaddle.com for hosting the podcast. We'll migrate our blog over there too one of these days.

Shoot us an email and you may be the winner of one of these collector item Tinkoff Credit Systems postcards.

NEW PODCAST!

2007-06-29T04:31:00.000-07:00

...finally

Don't let either of these things happen to you. Listen to the new podcast dated 6/28/2007

Home Again

2007-06-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

After a month plus overseas it is good to be back home. Back home too just in time for the last Ault Park race tonight. Teammate Pete broke his collarbone last week and will have the titanium plate reconstruction surgery tomorrow morning. Even though he is not racing tonight he still has enough series points to win the overall. Looks like we'll take at least 1 through 3 and maybe move someone up into 5th spot tonight. We'll keep you posted and, yes... we ARE planning on a new podcast tomorrow night!

A few last photos from France. After I was done with VSV I hung out with my friend Todd. He lives in China where he works for Trek and the Discovery Channel/Marco Polo Cycling Team.

Here we are riding around Lake Annency in the Alps.

And a last souvenir from the trip - a Adidas euro bathing suit and some killer tan lines.

support crew

2007-06-23T23:54:00.000-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

Lots of things go into a successful attempt at Mt. Ventoux.

First, you need a good support crew,

then you need good nutrition,

and lastly the crew has to know the way to go.

Annency - near Swiss miss

2007-06-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

Sorry, sorry for the lack of update -- And Podcast! We are working on it and hope to do the podcast tonight my time.

Anyway, my work with VSV was done on Tuesday, so I packed up the family and headed north to the Alps for some r & r. That was the plan anyway. The reality was a hell travel day from Avignon to Annency. Trains cancelled, delayed, etc... We finally made it late Tuesday evening just before the reception closed at 22:00. We are in Duingt. Try to pronounce that one. Phoenetically --- doo - eh - ng. The locals thinks it's a weird name too.

My buddy Todd and I hope to ride the Col du Semnoz today. Pics and report later.

john

Mt. Ventoux again...

2007-06-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

Only this week we got to climb the Ventoux then see the Dauphiné come by to finish on top of the mountail. Christophe Moreau was talking smack in the papers on Wednesday and it looks like he made good on his promise.

Being on top of Mt. Ventoux is like looking out of the window of an airplane. Yesterday it was like looking out of the window of a moving airplane. Super windy, 50°, and cloudy. It was probably 80° at the bottom. We climbed up once again from the Bedouin side as the race would later that day. Fans were already camped out and some cheered us on in our pretend attempt at glory. All the clients who attempted made it, save one who got into the car in the forest. Once at our viewing spot 600 meters to go, we changed into warm dry clothes and picnic'd. Jacking and Goot came up earlier with van, car, tables, chairs, food, drink, and our daybags. The race was a bit behind schedule so we did not get back on our bikes for the descent until about 6:00 p.m. Long day, but I am glad we did it yesterday because it is pouring rain today.

The podcast is delayed because I don't have a quiet spot with internet connection to do it. We'll get to it soon.

Ault Park Week #3

2007-06-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Ault Park Week #3= sprints, sprints and more sprints. Fun had by all, on the Huntington Team! Excellent showing by Eric (pictured), Pete and Jeff in taking the top 3 spots for the night- as well as the top 3 overall. Ault Park is a bit of an odd bird in terms of racing, but it is fun non the less.

new podcast - new clients

2007-06-09T22:32:00.002-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

A new group of clients arrive here today at Ride Provence. Not much spare time for me. Lot's to do... We did get the new podcast done though - check it out.

le Mont Ventoux (1609m)

2007-06-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

Why do I look scared? Why am I on the back of a tandem? What happened after this photo was taken? All good questions that I will answer in a second.

First, let me give you some Ventoux statistics. The route we took up today, versant sud (south approach), climbs from Bedoin (330 meters elev.) to the top (1909 meters) in 21.1 kilometers. It is considered the second hardest face - hardest is the Malaucene side, easiest is the Sault route. The first 5k aren't bad really. Average grade no harder than 6%, but then you come into the "forest" where it averages 10±% for the next 8 k's. There are few hard turns or switch backs plus you can't see the top. Once you exit the forest and start to clear the treeline is not so bad until you reach about the last 3 k's where it kicks back up and can be super windy. Today was not so windy.
The signs along the way tell you your current elevation, distance to the top, and the average grade for next kilometer.

Here's the view just past this sign.

And here is the Tom Simpson memorial. He was an English pro who died while climbing the Ventoux during the Tour. People leave their offerings at the foot of the stone.

Anyway, the climb up was quite nice all the tandems made it, one of them really climbed well and did it in a respectable 2 hours 15 minutes. The real hero of the day though is this guy.
This is Mike. He climbed the three faces of the Ventoux today in about 12 hours.

To prove the feat and to claim membership in the Club Des Cingles Du Mont Ventoux you must take this card and get it stamped once at the summit and once at each base town, fill in your times, and send it off. Mike rides a lot. He will eat a big dinner tonight.

Ok, so why was I on that tandem at the top? Because one of the stokers was not looking forward to going down for 22k at 50+ mph. I thought, "no problem, I'll just put my bike on the car, mount my pedals on the tandem then coast back to town." It took me a millisecond of downhill to realize my mistake. Now the pilot, Dean, has been tandeming for 15 years. I have seen him for almost an entire week. He is a compitent cyclist. It wasn't him, it was me. I haven't ridden on a tandem for a long, long time. I have never ridden on the back of a tandem. You have NO control from the rear of a tandem. NO brakes, NO steering, NO NOTHING. The first 2k were terrifying. I opened my eyes once to see the edge of the road flashing by my right shoe at 45 mph. We made it down. Dean said he was "taking it easy." Thanks Dean.

what I did on my day off

2007-06-07T10:09:00.001-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

Photo of our Wednesday night group dinner.

Each Thursday is a non-riding, or non guided riding, day for the clients. We tackle the Ventoux tomorrow so some people rest, shop, etc. while some go for a little ride on their own. I spent the day preparing the rental fleet for next week's clients. We own about 25 bikes for rent. Clients send me measurements from their current rides (saddle height, stem length, seat set back, etc.) and I get the bike ready for them. They will bring their own pedals and, in some cases, saddles. There are nine rentals for next week.

The fleet consists mostly of Fuji Provences with Campagnolo and FSA components.

But we do have 6 new Felt carbon bikes - also with Campagnolo parts and Stronglight cranks. Yes, Stronglight still makes cranks.

I did have time for a coffee with my buddy Ludo. He is the grounds keeper at the A & V. He is quite a guy. He acts kind of like Bill Murray's character in Caddie Shack.

After wrenching for most of the day I took a late afternoon ride with Jef (yes one f) and discovered some new roads. It was very nice and sunny and felt great to get out.
The benefit of being the team mechanic here is that, if I have time and feel like it, I can keep my bike clean and running smoothly. As you can see it is looking good. Yes those are carbon tubular wheels. Am I a poser for using my race wheels while training? The other John thinks so, but they sure do feel good up the hills.

Ventoux report tomorrow!

In support of

2007-06-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

Our little compound is humming along nicely. All the clients stay at the Arts et Vie residence in Malaucene while the staff stays at Chris' house here. As I said, Jef (yes one f) was a fireman in Paris for 3 years. Living and rooming with him I can tell. I am a fairly organized person who likes a routine, but Jef is way beyond me. Up early, our clothes are clean and folded, beds made, floors swept, car clean, dishes done, meal made. All we need is a pole and a Dalmation.

Anyway, we all rotate guide positions from front (fast) group, to second group, to driving the support car. I drew support duty today. Good thing though, because it was cool and rainy this morning. The clients didn't seem to mind. We did a killer loop along an old railroad bed then up the Col du Propiac. Not really a Col, but it does climb 500 or so meters in about 3k. The return route took us along the Route du Veaux, which is a narrow, winding, up and down piece of road in the shadow of the Ventoux.

Driving support also means you get to provide the rest stop food. Cherries and strawberries are in season here.

This is some kind of apple sauce in a squeeze bottle. Mmmm good.

In case you were wondering the car is a pretty sweet little Peugeot. By the way, you can see the top of Mt. Ventoux in this picture just above the car.

More tandem pictures! Are you getting bored with tandems yet?

I did get a 2 hour ride in later in the afternoon. It was nice to ride solo and at my preferred pace. I did get caught in an extreme downpour. Good thing I was only 10k from home.

tandems

2007-06-05T07:35:00.001-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

Today we did a 115k ride that circled the Ventoux in a counter clockwise direction. It went through the Gorges de la Nesque. It is by far one of the best pieces of road I've ever ridden on. 22k of gentle climb with stunning views of the gorge.
The tandems did alright really. We had only 1 flat and one loosed cassete lock ring. No problem with the follow car's fully equiped tool kit.

Here's photographic evidence of the existence of the tandems. I took some close-ups of the Bike Friday. Apparently you can add or subtract sections to make it a single, double, triple, or quad. As a tandem it packs into 2 normal sized suitcases.

week 2

2007-06-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

That's my official VSV mugshot so the clients can remember (and avoid) me.

Here are the guys I am working with. Chris, on the left, is the boss. Jef (yes, one f) is my French roommate and co-guide. He used to be a fireman in Paris.

So it's my 7th year working for VéloSport Vacations but I normally work the Tour de France trip, so I have had to learn new some new roads and the weekly program of the Ride Provence. Clients arrive Sunday afternoon, put together their bikes, then go out for a quick shakedown ride. I set up a well stocked Service Course at the hotel where all the guests stay.

It's got all the comforts of home and any tool or spart part necessary. That is, unless 8 of the clients are on tandems. That's right, I mean we have 4 tandems this week. 1 s&s coupled Seven, 2 Comotions, and 1 Bike Friday. The bike friday is by far the most complicated rig with all sorts of coupled tubes and cables joined with special fittings. Plus it's go an 8sp SRAM rear hub on top of the triple change ring with 9 speed cassette. Crazy!

We did our first real ride today. a 60 k cruise with a few 3± k climbs. What I quickly realized as the head guide is that the tandems can go really fast down straighter descents. I gave the 11 tooth cog a workout today. Up hill, not so fast. So we've got 8 people on tandems and one poor guy on a single. Oh well, we'll give 'em hell up the Ventoux on Friday.

Speaking of the Ventoux, we may have a few in this group who try for the three-peat. There are 3 routes up the Ventoux. If one can ascend all three in a 12 hour period, they gain membership into the Club des Cinglés du Mont Ventoux. Roughly translated as the "sillies" or "nuts" club of the Ventoux. You get a time card and have it stamped at each starting village and once at the top. Some of the tandems are threatening to do it. I'll take pictures.

This client made only one ascent last week.

Here are some happy clients on their way to dinner the 1st night. We'll see how they look after the Ventoux.

Ok, that's it for now. Provence is awesome. The weather has turned warm. The mistral has stopped blowing. You should be here.

New Podcast

2007-06-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

We conquered our trans-oceanic technical difficulties and made the new podcast last night. Enjoy it and send us some feedback.

A Cincinnati Tradition

2007-05-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Every year the last Wednesday night of May begins a 20+ year old tradition in Cincinnati's beautiful Ault Park- the points race with the same name as the park itself. For the next 5 or more weeks riders will vie for the ultimate prize of points every 5 laps for 40 laps in the 'a' race (double at the middle and final sprints) with a final overall total for the whole series. Tonight the team did pretty well taking spots one and two for for Pete and Eric respectively. We could have used the other John to help cover some of the moves, but will have to soldier on until his return.Me off the front for the 25 laps to go sprint.

A happy and tired crew after a hard night's work.

Tune into the next podcast for the audio report of the race.

Breakfast of Champions

2007-05-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

While the other John is in France, the other John spent some time in the mountains of North Carolina. Here we see the preparations for a day in the saddle. Blueberry jam, bread, eggs, coffee, peanut butter, Thin Lizzy t-shirt....

bikes, bikes, bikes...

2007-05-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

New bikes to build, old ones to repair, parts to replace.

After a windy and cold 80k ride, George Noyes and I tackled the pile of VSV rental bikes. Some Fuji's are on their way out while the new Felt's are on their way in. Swap some parts, replace others, and move on to the next. I also branded the team car with VSV and SRAM logos and plus frogs. SRAM is working with us this year (i.e. graciously supplying some parts). By the way, George and I used to work together for the Motorola cycling team. I could only hack one year as a Euro based wrench. George is still here. He lives up in Belgium. After Motorola he went on to work for Disco, then Mapei, then Quick Step. The dude knows how to work on bikes -- and he speaks Flemmish, French, Spanish, German, and English.

John in Provence

2007-05-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

One of the Johns is spending the month of June working as a cycling guide for VéloSport Vacations in France at its Provence Cycling Camp. You can find regular updates here about his experiences.

Travelling with the bike is a hassle. The packing, the extra baggage charge (even for international flights), and lugging the thing through Charles de Gaulle customs, onto a bus to the Orly airport south of Paris, then onto yet another flight to Avignon. They tried to charge the extra fee again. But, once here, it is worth it to be able to get on your own bike. We rent nice new carbon Felt F-4's, but it's always nice to be on your own ride.

A hard-shelled bike box is a good investment for the air traveller. Just make sure you pack correctly.

Before

After

A nice send off at the airport

Destination acheived

I got too tired after this. More to follow...

New Podcast

2007-05-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

New podcast for 5/20/07 is up on iTunes. Sorry for the delay. I was having trouble with the .xml feed file. The player on the right, however, is still busted... It plays the episode, but at a too slow bit rate!%#* I am working on it.

John

Godzulla

2007-05-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

How did this happen? GODZULLA that's how.

And here is the man responsible (and his gloves), Scott Denny

It's a a cylotour/brevette/race with all sorts of cyclists on all types of bikes.

There were triathletes. I think one of them had a bong behind his seat.

The other John was ready and dreaming of things to come.

And after about 80 miles the dream came true.

And we were back on the road and rolling.

Johnny says relax

2007-05-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

Feeling stressed? Can't concentrate? Need some energy? Well...

THIS,

PLUS THIS (a nice stiff tailwind),

PLUS THIS (some good tunes dj steveboy),

EQUALS nirvana. I may even get the new podcast out this week.

Cheers,

John

Dr. Scott's winning formula

2007-05-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

1) Borrow your teammates Bontrager XXX Lite Carbon Tubular race wheels.

2) Eat 3 scoops of stawberry chip ice cream (say you will share it, but really eat all of it yourself).

3) Avoid all crashes at the Willesville Road Race.

4) Listen to the new 2 Johns Podcasted posted 5/8/07.

Time Travel

2007-05-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

Can some smart person out there please create a piece of software that shows who the actual winners of races were? Go back about 3 years and eliminate from the standings the likes of Basso, Landis, Armstrong (ooops, did I say that?), Hamilton, Herras, etc...

You will receive a prize for your efforts.

Thank you in advance,

one of the Johns

back to the '80s

2007-05-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

Wow... did I really look like that? And check out those Oakley Factory Pilots -- SWEET!

The Posers at the IU Little 500, circa 1987

New Podcast... Finally

2007-04-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

Boy these dresses are hot in the Georgia sun, but the new 2 johns podcast for 4/29/07 sure is cool.

Strength in numbers?

2007-04-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Eric and Pete were the only two Huntington Bank riders at the Cereland Circuit Race this past weekend, but still managed 1st and 4th. Some 7 or so Roadhousers and numerous Bacardi Rum Riders were not enough to stop the one, two punch. It is, by the way, our second victory of the season. Scott won the Schnababole Road Race in February, but it was too cold for camera equipment to capture any images of the race so you'll just have to take my word on it.

Pete lays some smack down bridging up to the break

Eric finishes off Puff Daddy and Dr. Atkins

Obey the Robot

2007-04-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Phil listens to the robot.

TOG - It's over...

2007-04-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

but here are a few more photos

Kevin Livingston & Daniele Contrini.

Shane Cooper, founder & president of Defeet.

Rich Hincapie & Steve Baker sublimate JJ Haedo's sprint leaders jersey 30 minutes before the final stage starts. JJ wanted a small, not a medium. I guess it worked because he won the final stage.

Mike Ward at the finish line in Atlanta after playing the National Anthem on his guitar. Mike is the lead guitarist for the Ben Harper band, the Wall Flowers, and is the author of Mike and the Bike.

CZ and Skiles representing Missingsaddle.com

Moto Barbie ziptied to the back of moto camera bike #1.

Fred Rodriguez ascends the podium in Atlanta with son in tow.

ToG images for Stage 5

2007-04-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

Viral marketing on Brasstown Bald

Daniele Contrini's (team Tinkoff) computer after stage 5

Team's used either 28's or compact cranks today.

Why is this zipper in the back? Because it's Alexandre Moos' podium jersey for the most aggressive rider of the day

Bars

2007-04-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Saddles

2007-04-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

ok, ok... by request, here are lots of photos from today's ToG

2007-04-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a day in my ToG life. I don't have time to caption them all. Ask questions as necessary.

the pain and the pleasure

2007-04-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

Garrett Peltonen, team Priority Health, lives to fight another day, and fight well. He made the break today. Here he is visiting the medical suite after stage 2 to get some fresh bandages.

Here's a photo of Toyota girls for listener JB -- insert you own caption here...

The Russians Are Coming!

2007-04-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so they aren't all Russians and the team is registered in Italy, but Tinkoff are having fun and they rocked the house today. It's cool because we've been looking after them as they only have 6 guys and they don't have the full support of the US domestics and the Disco boys. Imagine being issued rental cars, an RV, some mini vans for the soigneurs and having to function like a pro team after getting off a mega travel schedule to the states. Anyway, I'm calling them my Bad News Bears team and Daniele Contrini threw strikes today.

Listen to the to the TdG audio #4 audio update for more detail.

This was was a for sprint that Daniele didn't even realize he had won.

We know his name now.

Contrini's computer.

Tour Tracker Tech

2007-04-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Here is the technology that enables the Tour Track at the Tour de Georgia website. We'll put these in the Com cars leading and following the race as well as on 5 or 6 riders. The units have lithium ion batteries and SIM cards that constantly communicate with multiple satellites to show you exactly were the riders are on the road.

Family Fun with Housewive's Favorite

2007-04-12T04:31:00.000-07:00

While this is not the highly collectable 'Amore Amitte' recording of Richard Virenque, this game is also worthy of attention. Follow the link and you can also find a large number of cycling inspired games from various countries at the bottom of the page. Most of them seem to be variations on the king of road themed car games, 'Mille Bornes' with the addition of a board and colorful cycling figurines. It is well worth a gander.

Virenque Board Game

Would you rather...

2007-04-11T04:58:00.000-07:00

1) Motorpace behind a mid-seventies, 6 cyclinder Italian motorcycle, or

2) Drive to Superweek in an Isetta 300, or

3) listen to the new Two Johns Podcast for 4/10/07?

King Mullet

2007-04-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

L. Brochard is an under appreciated rider for his longevity and palmares. Here is an opportunity to appreciate the longest, most unapologetic example of 'business in front, party in back'.

Alternate glasses/helmet setup

2007-04-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here we see VDB during headier days sporting the subject discussed in a previous twojohns podcast.

Eddy Merckx - Metrosexual?

2007-04-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

We spotted this lady at the race this weekend and thought, "where have we seen those glasses before?" "Ah yes", we remembered, on none other than the cannibal in the lastest issue of Cycle Sport. The race fan says her glasses are imitations but Eddy's are most probably authentic Prada's.

This Week's Podcast

2007-04-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Dr. Scott wonders if he should have another pint or listen to the newest episode of the Two Johns Podcast. Why not both??

The new podcast is up and includes the usual race report, international banter, technology, listener emails, mullet talk, and debuts our new Belgian/French announcer -- Enjoy!

pure joy

2007-03-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

Remember when you were a kid? Remember that feeling of learning to ride a bike? My first bike was purple with a banana seat. I remember my dad running beside me while I made my first attempt on two wheels only. Remember after you got your balance, rode away solo, and felt the slightly springy tires on the pavement without the clattering of training wheels? Remember the realization that you could actually go somewhere on your bike? You could meet a friend at the park, go down to the corner store for an ice cream, or just cruise. Remember the first time you went faster than you thought safe? Remember how it made you feel? Remember the first time you crashed? Remember how the trees smell when spring finally arrives?

Remember all these things next time training seems like a drag, or the weather isn't just how you like it, or you are thinking maybe you should just hang it up for a while.

John

This Week's Podcast

2007-03-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Dr. Scott's prescription this week -- drink 5 pints of Bass and listen to the new episode of the Two Johns Podcast.

Weather or not

2007-03-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

Need to know the weather forcast? Ask a cyclist. We always know when and where it is going to rain, sleet, snow, or blow. We know how warm it will be at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. We know at what time we'll be able to peel off the arm warmers, or which gloves to wear.

Weather.com has just made it a whole lot easier with a super cool interactive map that combines weather radar with a Google Earth-type image. You can see it in satellite or road map layout and zoom in to find out just when and if you'll encounter rain.

Stay dry,

John

Christmas in March

2007-03-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

*not pictured: hat, gloves, wind jacket, thermo vest, leg warmers, long and s.s. skinsuits (l.s. for cyclocross, or for my world pursuit title attempt)

I admit it. I love stuff. New team bikes, helmets, glasses, and... of course the arrival of the new team kit. As in years past, it is Castelli produced. Thanks to team manager Jeff, we do not go without a layer for every 5° change in temperature.

How not to get doored

2007-03-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

(*Ok, so technically the injury pictured here didn't happen as the result of getting doored. It happened in a cyclocross race a few years ago. Plus the broken collar bone would probably be on the other side if you were doored... unless you're in Australia, the UK or Hong Kong. I just put it in for dramatic effect.)

HOW NOT TO GET DOORED:

1) Don't ride your bike where there are cars. Find a bike path (you'll have to deal with joggers, strollers, squirrels, dogs, bladers, weavers, etc. though) or ride your bike on the trainer in the basement.

2) Ride more than a doors length away from parked cars. Older Lincoln Continentals and AMC Pacers have doors that are like 6' long, so this option doesn't always work.

3) Don't ride close to the row of parked cars. Ride far enough away to give yourself an exit strategy.

4) Look though the rear window of cars for someone sittling in the driver's seat.

5) If the rear window is tinted, look in the driver's side rear view mirror.

6) Did the car just pull to the curb and stop? Maybe someone is about to get out!?!

7) Always know what's coming from behind so you can post up in your lane and not get squeezed against the parked cars.

Ride safe,

John

New Podcast Is Up!

2007-03-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dr. Scott says take a healthy dose of the Two Johns Podcast to cure boredom.

Let the rave begin...

2007-03-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Looking for music to ride by? You won't want to miss our interview with DJ Steveboy of Podrunner and Groove Elecectric fame. He's an LA DJ who puts up his mixes on iTunes for us all to train by. He had over 3,000,000 downloads last year just on the Podrunner weekly cast?!!

What could be better than some choice roads and good tunes pumping through the iPod to keep you motivated?

Tune in to the next 2johns podcast to hear how and why he does it. In the mean time, check out his website dj steveboy

Cheers,

John

Images from the first race o' the season

2007-03-13T09:16:00.001-07:00

New team rides securely mounted

Jim's non-team issue (circa 1990) has to ride in the car -- like the dog that it is (is that 8 speed!?)

Nervous anticipation for the dreamers in the registration que. "Maybe this is my year to turn pro..."

Nice! Pink Floyd warm-ups. Incidentally, I ended up in the break with this dude. He was extremely strong. Of course he's only 20 years old... He's probably never even listened to Dark Side of the Moon.

Retired? Jim gets some pointers from the legend.

After the battle. Mmmm... aero carbon tubulars...

Jim refuels with Thin Mints. By the way, he is a Girl Scout and sold over 200 boxes this year. Good job Jim!

The other John looks too tired to do the post-race podcast.

Our rides are pimped.

Tour de Georgia news...

2007-03-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

New podcast up on iTunes with an exclusive interview from TdG organizers. Find out who will be racing in Georgia this year?!!??

At least someone is listening to the podcast...

2007-03-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Listener Jim emailed these suggestions for podcast logos:

Keep those suggestions coming!

Cheers,

John

Those Heady Days of Heat & Humidity

2007-03-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

Most people have heard the 'Shroud of Turin'. This is the 'Residue of the Hurt Locker'. Spotted here at the Top of Lookout Mountain, near the historic Battle Above the Clouds site.

Why didn't I think of this?

2007-03-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

(photo courtesy of pezcyclingnews.com)

How to wash your bike indoors

2007-03-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

You've just done a 3 1/2 hour ride in the snow/sleet. The last thing you feel like doing is going back out in the elements to wash your bike, but you can't hang it up with all of the road crud on it. What to do? Wash it in your house. Here's how (a utility sink in the basement works best but you can use a bathtub):

1) Make yourself some hot tea and de-chamois.

2) Wait for your wife/significant other to leave the house.

3) Occupy your child(ren) with 2 episodes of Sponge Bob or an appropriately themed computer game so they can't rat you out.

4) Assemble cleaning supplies.

5) Start with the wheels (they fit pretty well in a medium-sized utility sink).

6) The bike is harder to mangage. You've got to wash it in sections and it makes a mess.

Rinse, dry and you are done with the bike. Thoroughly clean the surrounding walls, floor, sink, washer, dryer, etc. and you are done!

2007-02-19T06:54:00.000-08:00