Got this in the ole mail box today, looks like it might be a good time. Show up, ask all your pressing Lance questions, get your books signed, get your calves critiqued, umm talk about this years tour. Honestly the more I think about it the more this sounds like fun.

Lance Armstrong’s coach makes New England stop at Belmont Wheelworks for group ride & book signing:

Internationally known cycling coach Chris Carmichael to promote new book

“The Time-Crunched Cyclist”

WHAT: Love staying in shape? No time for exercise? Think Lance Armstrong is awesome? Two words for you: Chris Carmichael, who’ll be in town to sign his new book, The Time Crunched Cyclist, and to answer your questions in person about how to fit some reasonable riding into your unreasonable schedule. Carmichael, who coached Lance to seven consecutive Tour de France victories and this year’s comeback third place, makes his only New England stop at the Belmont WHEELWORKS on September 17th with a group ride and a Q & A. Says Carmichael, “We’re not 20 anymore. Many of us have families and jobs and can’t commit to 10 or more hours per week on our bikes. For most of us, “your training program is the only thing stopping you from enjoying cycling the way you used to. Why? Because predominant theories in training are still stuck in the 1980s.”

The event will begin with a 2-hour group ride for up to 40 local cyclists led by Carmichael. All riders should be intermediate level or more advanced and be able to maintain a 17 to 19 mph pace. After the ride, the public is invited to a clinic and book signing reception sponsored by GU Energy Labs at the Belmont WHEELWORKS. You have to register for the ride by emailing events@wheelworks.com and all are welcome to the book signing reception later in the evening.

WHEN: Thursday, September 17th

3:30pm Ride Meeting Time at Belmont Wheelworks

4:00pm Ride Departure

6:30pm-8pm Clinic & refreshments at Belmont Wheelworks following the ride

WHERE: Belmont WHEELWORKS 480 Trapelo Road Belmont, MA 617.489.3577

COST: The ride and in-store appearance are free and open to the public.

It might feel like October in Boston, but you know it’s summer when everyone starts chasing a yellow jersey.

Ah, the Tour de France.

Having no TV, blown out speakers on my laptop, and drowning in different projects with ridiculous self-imposed deadlines, it’s a wonder I even know the Tour started on Saturday. But then again, why wouldn’t I know? I’m fully convinced Lance and I are meant to be, after all.

So I’m chasing coverage of the Tour like Jan Ullrich after Lance on the L’Alpe d’Huez [coverage of the 2003 race being one of my all-time personal favorites]. Following The Man himself on Twitter is somewhat helpful. I’m dependent on friends and the Internet to fill me in on the rest.

That’s not to say that the shame of having no clue what’s happening at each stage isn’t excruciatingly painful and embarrassing. Using handy excuses of a need to stitch, scheme, and get in shape, I’m half attempting to play it off like I’d rather be riding than watching le Tour. But honestly, I’d like nothing more than a strong cup of dark roast coffee and a brioche, feet propped up on an ottoman, watching the love of my life race from Monaco to Paris.

Instead I downed an iced Americano at Cafe Fixe while catching up with a friend. Then got deets on the second stage while IMing and coordinating projects on the phone, conversations punctuated by bursts of my sewing machine whirring. But between frustrated sighs and cramped shoulders from being hunched over a laptop or a piece of fabric for too long, I managed to slip out of my apartment for a few brief moments looking just a little bit pro.

The Rapha scarf was an instant favorite and is already on heavy rotation. But paired with a Gage & Desoto tote bag repping one of the best cycling teams in the world, it was easier to push aside the guilt and longing to go on longer rides, more often.

Which is probably a good thing. This month is looking to be a whirlwind of activity – good, fun, activity, but activity nonetheless. That’s not to say that the bike won’t be making the usual daily appearance, just that bike people might be coming first.

And yes, that includes Lance.

I sure hope so, hey everyone the tour starts tomorrow! Good luck lance.

=

anyone? anyone??

So I’m still feeding off the trackosaurus-rex-posting-plus-garrett-chow-facebook-friending extravaganza of Monday. I’m not going to lie, that totally made my week life.

Sure, my 15 minutes of fame might already be over, but I was having a hard time thinking up new [blogging] goals. Think Lance after winning the Tour seven times, minus the dating hot models and celebrities [unfortunately]. I sat there, watching the hit count on this blog skyrocket, and patted myself on the back. Go me.

Of course, within 24 hours of that, blowing myself got kind of old. And, like Lance, there’s not much that can really get me to give up…well…anything. Besides, there’s a bike to be built up, more hats to be made, and I’m convinced that some people out there will continue to be interested in the trials and tribulations of a girl who can barely stay on her first fixed gear.

Which brings me to the actual bike-riding part of my life. I mean, sure Lance and I could probably make some legit hill-climbing babies…but what about owning those time trials? I’m not saying he’s not fast – just that I wouldn’t ever want him to slow down [that much] for me. After, you know, [he realizes we were totally meant to be and] we get married.

Actually, I wouldn’t want any boy on a bike slowing down for me. Even though I don’t so much ride my bike as crawl around on it in traffic. So, like Lance [do you see how we're made for each other?], my competitive side/inferiority complex has gotten me sprinting on my commute.

I may have achieved my personal dream blog goal, but here’s to new ones: not running into cars, getting faster, and a larger thigh to arm ratio!

Seems Lance is coming back… Could we see some more of this?

I remember watching this, and seeing him look back, you could almost see the will being crushed out of the men behind him. He was an unstoppable force and the poor bastards never had a chance.