Video of Danskin Triathlon Start Waves

We had a great vantage point of the start of the Danskin triathlon.  My son fellow broadcaster and I perched ourselves way out on the end of a dock on the water and got front row seats.  You can tell I'm a bit enamoured by the stand up paddle boards.

I spoke with the owner of the water rescue group The Expedition School and it turns out we have a mutual friend from college.  More from her later. :)

Austin Danskin Sprint Triathlon Review

(Guest post by Emily Rhodes)

Today I did the Danskin Women's Triathlon in Austin, TX after not having done a tri in almost 2 1/2 years. My nursing bud, Gwen, talked me into doing it. She did this race 10 years ago for her 40th b-day and wanted to celebrate her 50th by doing it all over again. I was all for it. So, for the past few months, our friendship was strengthened as we trained together for this race.

Being that we are both hospice nurses and that the race benefited breast cancer research made it an even cooler experience. During packet pick-up at the Austin Convention Center, they had "Team Survivor", which consisted of 65 breast cancer survivors who participated in the race with us come up to the stage where they received a standing ovation. It was so moving to see this amazing group of women. It was especially moving for Gwen and I as we see daily the devastating effects that breast cancer has on so many women. I did the race in honor of my preceptor in nursing school, Kathleen Mynar, who is a 5 year breast cancer survivor as well as the many special patients that Gwen and I have had the privilege and honor of caring for as hospice nurses.

The race was a sprint that consisted of a 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike and 5k run at Walter E. Long Park (Decker Lake) in Austin, TX. There were 1573 participants with 15 waves in the swim and the overcast day made the heat a little more bearable. The water was perfect - maybe mid to upper 70's with a small amount of seaweed at the end. The bike was a little hilly, kind of like the Marble Falls triathlon course. The run was mostly off-road and unfortunately wasn't very scenic. It was laid out in such a way though that allowed friends and family to see their loved one multiple times throughout the run, which was nice. Finally, I was able to run across the finish line with my amazing 5 year old son, Kai, which was an incredible ending to a great day.

Overall, the venue was okay, but I didn't feel like it really captured the beauty of Austin. All-in-all though, it was for a great cause and we had a blast. Gwen and I can't wait to do it again next year! :-)

Friday Bike Fun

The Internet is a cruel, but absolutely hilarious place.  For example, let's observe the video below.

I watched in horror, but also laughed a little.  I felt bad, until I read the first two comments that made me feel a little better:

wouldn't he have been better to attempt the record with the bike in an upright position on its wheels? rather than sliding along on its side which you would presume creates a lot more friction with the road surface.

good thing he wore a body helmet

Yes, good thing indeed.

Cancellara Becomes Energizer's New Bunny?

People are starting to theorize that the pro peloton is "doping" by putting electric motors in the down tubes of their bikes.  Check out this vid.

In the video, activating the motor creates a whining sound like Landis being turned down for Radio Shack and the effect is the same - everybody can hear it.  I really doubt Cancellara is doing it, but damn, pro cyclists have used kinds of doping that amazes the Devil himself.  When I tell people that putting a testosterone patch on your taint is small potatoes; these guys are IV-ing themselves with fresh blood from who-knows-where, the reaction is almost as strong as the denial from the cyclists themselves.  

Some pros will do anything to stay competitive, so drape garlic around your neck and sleep with one eye open, lest a Cat 1 vampire will descend upon your bed under the moonlight for a fresh supply of "victory juice" or maybe just a re-up on some batteries.

Watch the video and vote in the comments if you think Fabulous Fabian is motorized or not.

Rolling Bike Stand Review

"How long do I have to wait before I can pee on this box?"

I was at The Container Store in Austin this weekend and picked up this rolling bike stand for $29.99.  After sufficient approval from our cat resident Zen Master, it was quickly assembled and put to work.

I have to say that the simple instructions were a nice breather from the usual over-complicated crap out there.  Construction was solid and the darn thing does exactly what it is supposed to do.

I quickly hid my bike and my non-wife authorized purchase in the guest room while I tried to figure out how I could explain yet more money spent on bikes to the boss-lady.

"What bike? That's a new sewing machine, honey."

So the stand is good stuff. The rolling part is nice, but not totally necessary.  You can't resist rolling it though.  Not sure why.  Maybe we should tell them that a bike already has wheels.  The best part is that it allows you to put a bike into a narrow slot without leaning it against furniture or walls and getting bike grease all over the place.