The top 10 signs you have a dream job (or "perspective is everything"):
1. There's an "office coffee club," with Intelligentsia and it only costs $5 a month per person, versus $2 a cup from the Starbucks-branded vendor, Sodexo.
2. The Red line is two blocks from both your front door and the office door.
3. Your colleagues, all 34 of them, don't look at you as though you are green and singing, "Blue Bells of Scotland" through your tentacle beaks when you walk in with a bike helmet under your arm.
4. Your workplan for the next three months is waiting when you arrive on the morning of your first day.
5. Did I mention there's no Sodexo cafeteria? But there's Chipotle, Jimmy John's, Trader Joe's, and about 17 Thai places all within walking distance.
6. There's not one, but two private unisex restrooms (read: no steath-poopers in the stall, no piss spray on the floor, and no gum in the urinals).
7. QBP access (don't even THINK about it) and a monthly bike-reimbursement.
8. The I-was meant-to-be-here moment of the day: the HR director knew Jack when he was in foster care at Chicago Canine Rescue.
9. At the bar-meet-up after work, the new Executive Director seeks you out and already knows your name.
10. Your work is to make the city you love a more livable place to be.
Showing posts with label hump day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hump day. Show all posts
1.9.10
18.8.10
Hump day
Why is this woman single?
Yep, helmet visor. Also, dudes on charity rides who are confident enough to talk to chicks already have a girlfriend. The single guys either aren't or ride a recumbent. Most likely both.
Yep, helmet visor. Also, dudes on charity rides who are confident enough to talk to chicks already have a girlfriend. The single guys either aren't or ride a recumbent. Most likely both.
4.8.10
3.3.10
Glorious gloriousness
Man, what a perfect day, and it's not even two o' clock, yet!
My thermometer reads 42, the sun is out, and I got 43 miles in before noon. Spring is coming, folks. Just hang on a couple more weeks. Friday and Saturday might be warm enough get us past the tipping point. Although if there is snow again in April, the noose is coming back out of the storage closet.
This afternoon gets even better. My bike racing team, XXX Racing - AthletiCo, has been invited to speak at the Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting at City Hall this afternoon. I'll be presenting from a brief powerpoint show and taking questions, positioning us as a resource for the Mayor's Bike 2015 plan.
After that, I'm booked at AthletiCo - XXX's title sponsor - for my first massage there in over a year. I know, I know. Funds have been tight lately, but my recent frugality is now allowing some of those needed luxuries.
It will feel good, and needed, after that ride today. Mark and I rolled out at 9:45 and turned north onto Damen into about a 15 mile an hour headwind. Tempo was the prescribed workout today, for me anyways. Once we got to Evanston, I gave it the gas and Mark was just along for the ride as I drooled all over my chin and jacket at 87 - 90% effort into that wind.
Trying to get my heartrate up was tough, however. Maybe it was the cold? It took forever to get it into the tempo zone, but my watts were there. It was like ripping off a scab: I finally got out of the saddle and rocked the bike through some bigger watts up one of the small Sheridan rollers, and then it was up and there to stay.
We turned around shortly before HP since even there we'd get more ride time than I had scheduled today. We filled our sails with that tailwind and roared back to Chicago.
For the geeks: just over 2,000kj for 2hrs, 27 minutes, including rolling in and out of the city in the small ring. Good work.
Man, I love days like this!
My thermometer reads 42, the sun is out, and I got 43 miles in before noon. Spring is coming, folks. Just hang on a couple more weeks. Friday and Saturday might be warm enough get us past the tipping point. Although if there is snow again in April, the noose is coming back out of the storage closet.
This afternoon gets even better. My bike racing team, XXX Racing - AthletiCo, has been invited to speak at the Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting at City Hall this afternoon. I'll be presenting from a brief powerpoint show and taking questions, positioning us as a resource for the Mayor's Bike 2015 plan.
After that, I'm booked at AthletiCo - XXX's title sponsor - for my first massage there in over a year. I know, I know. Funds have been tight lately, but my recent frugality is now allowing some of those needed luxuries.
It will feel good, and needed, after that ride today. Mark and I rolled out at 9:45 and turned north onto Damen into about a 15 mile an hour headwind. Tempo was the prescribed workout today, for me anyways. Once we got to Evanston, I gave it the gas and Mark was just along for the ride as I drooled all over my chin and jacket at 87 - 90% effort into that wind.
Trying to get my heartrate up was tough, however. Maybe it was the cold? It took forever to get it into the tempo zone, but my watts were there. It was like ripping off a scab: I finally got out of the saddle and rocked the bike through some bigger watts up one of the small Sheridan rollers, and then it was up and there to stay.
We turned around shortly before HP since even there we'd get more ride time than I had scheduled today. We filled our sails with that tailwind and roared back to Chicago.
For the geeks: just over 2,000kj for 2hrs, 27 minutes, including rolling in and out of the city in the small ring. Good work.
Man, I love days like this!
18.11.09
Hump Day
Hipsters discussing cyclocross.
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Santa Rampage.
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The best part about cyclocross crash-porn is that it's mostly guilt-free. Mostly.
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I couldn't have said it better myself (wait for it...1:10).
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Santa Rampage.
----------
The best part about cyclocross crash-porn is that it's mostly guilt-free. Mostly.
----------
I couldn't have said it better myself (wait for it...1:10).
4.11.09
Hump Day
Spiced Pumpkin Pie or Iced Gingerbread?
First time I've ever done this, but man I love Clif! They are a major sponsor of my cycling team, and I just couldn't be more grateful. A super-friendly rep showed up to the team meeting meeting last night and bestowed us with a bunch of free product, including the seasonal-flavors us Clif-geeks wait all year for. We all wish they'd make these year-round, but there's a reason Christmas only comes once a year: it's all the more special.
I actually had the Cranberry Orange Nut Bread after my ride to Northbrook this morning and, I'm not kidding, it almost tasted as good my mom's.
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Mundial or Nuevo Leon? The Chicago Cycling Examiner covers Pilsen.
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Red Vines or Twizzlers?
When I was kid, at the movies I'd use a Red Vines to drink my Coke with. The only thing that tasted better than that were the burps after.
First time I've ever done this, but man I love Clif! They are a major sponsor of my cycling team, and I just couldn't be more grateful. A super-friendly rep showed up to the team meeting meeting last night and bestowed us with a bunch of free product, including the seasonal-flavors us Clif-geeks wait all year for. We all wish they'd make these year-round, but there's a reason Christmas only comes once a year: it's all the more special.
I actually had the Cranberry Orange Nut Bread after my ride to Northbrook this morning and, I'm not kidding, it almost tasted as good my mom's.
----------
Mundial or Nuevo Leon? The Chicago Cycling Examiner covers Pilsen.
----------
Red Vines or Twizzlers?
When I was kid, at the movies I'd use a Red Vines to drink my Coke with. The only thing that tasted better than that were the burps after.
28.10.09
Hump day
First, some early Hate. It’s things like this that bring out the fascist in me:
Why the fuck does a guy with six DUI, not to mention mental instability (which should’ve become obvious by – oh, I don’t know - the third instance?) still possess a drivers license? Because nobody took the responsibility to make sure he didn’t, a 20 year-old molecular biology student from Winnetka is dead. And the most this guy will face is a six year prison term as punishment. There are no are no charges of manslaughter or vehicular homicide. At my new job at the DMV, I would clear several other pre-lunch “appointments” to devote my full morning to this guy.
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Cycling tip of the day: ride “hub to hub.” One of the things that makes a group ride – even just two of you – so enjoyable is the rambling conversation that makes the miles melt away. At least three times a week I ride to work with Diddy Kong, aka The Bike Destroyer, and we cover any number of subjects, from bike gear (mostly gear) to cooking to last night’s 30 Rock episode. It can be very hard to have a conversation, however, when riding single file, especially in any kind of wind, which is almost always the case. Where allowed, riding two abreast is much more conducive for a fun ride.
However, problems can arise when the two riders are not riding at the same speed. Inevitably, one rider is going just a bit faster, causing the other to constantly have to play a mini-game of catch-up…or visa versa: the ride gets too slow. Whichever the case, the constant fluctuations in speed will make the ride a constant battle, robbing it of enjoyment.
The pro’s solution to this – utilized on infinite low-level recovery and base mile rides - is to imagine an invisible line between the front wheel hubs, perpendicular to your direction of travel. By each rider keeping the line straight, only miniscule adjustments are needed to keep the speed constant, allowing for a steady, low-level endurance effort at which a conversational pace can easily be maintained.
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I think this picture by Luke should get a Pulitzer:
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I’m going to Jinglecross this year!
Why the fuck does a guy with six DUI, not to mention mental instability (which should’ve become obvious by – oh, I don’t know - the third instance?) still possess a drivers license? Because nobody took the responsibility to make sure he didn’t, a 20 year-old molecular biology student from Winnetka is dead. And the most this guy will face is a six year prison term as punishment. There are no are no charges of manslaughter or vehicular homicide. At my new job at the DMV, I would clear several other pre-lunch “appointments” to devote my full morning to this guy.
----------
Cycling tip of the day: ride “hub to hub.” One of the things that makes a group ride – even just two of you – so enjoyable is the rambling conversation that makes the miles melt away. At least three times a week I ride to work with Diddy Kong, aka The Bike Destroyer, and we cover any number of subjects, from bike gear (mostly gear) to cooking to last night’s 30 Rock episode. It can be very hard to have a conversation, however, when riding single file, especially in any kind of wind, which is almost always the case. Where allowed, riding two abreast is much more conducive for a fun ride.
However, problems can arise when the two riders are not riding at the same speed. Inevitably, one rider is going just a bit faster, causing the other to constantly have to play a mini-game of catch-up…or visa versa: the ride gets too slow. Whichever the case, the constant fluctuations in speed will make the ride a constant battle, robbing it of enjoyment.
The pro’s solution to this – utilized on infinite low-level recovery and base mile rides - is to imagine an invisible line between the front wheel hubs, perpendicular to your direction of travel. By each rider keeping the line straight, only miniscule adjustments are needed to keep the speed constant, allowing for a steady, low-level endurance effort at which a conversational pace can easily be maintained.
----------
I think this picture by Luke should get a Pulitzer:
----------
I’m going to Jinglecross this year!
21.10.09
Hump Day - Costume Ideas
Looking for a costume to wear at the Cross Cup #5 in Bartlett this weekend? Take a look at some of these ideas and show up Supergirl for at least one weekend...
The Halloween Cyclocross Crusade in Astoria, OR seems to be quite a party...
Oooooh, nurse?!
This one from PDX Cross is just creepy:
And from Surf City, CA (make sure you can actually see in case you get the hole shot):
The Halloween Cyclocross Crusade in Astoria, OR seems to be quite a party...
Oooooh, nurse?!
This one from PDX Cross is just creepy:
And from Surf City, CA (make sure you can actually see in case you get the hole shot):
23.9.09
Hump Day
Bike-to-Work pants. $90 seems pretty reasonable for such a "hip" piece of clothing that's a) actually useful and b) American-made.
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I thought the logic was fairly sound...I wonder what happened? I guess now the threat's over since there aren't 44 days in September, and 8 years later Daley will still be mayor (and Olympic-less).
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If you listen closely, you can actually hear the sound of roadie gravitas "cracking" in two. Eat your heart out Padraig. (Is there any beer left?)
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I thought the logic was fairly sound...I wonder what happened? I guess now the threat's over since there aren't 44 days in September, and 8 years later Daley will still be mayor (and Olympic-less).
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If you listen closely, you can actually hear the sound of roadie gravitas "cracking" in two. Eat your heart out Padraig. (Is there any beer left?)
16.9.09
Hump Day
I'm shameless, I know...
Bike-cop beats bus driver...
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Car-free day, Tuesday, September 22
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5th Annual Dick Herron Memorial Bike and Walk, Sunday, October 4
Bike-cop beats bus driver...
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Car-free day, Tuesday, September 22
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5th Annual Dick Herron Memorial Bike and Walk, Sunday, October 4
2.9.09
7.8.09
Friday links
RIP John Hughes.
I think they fixed the garage window...
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Go ahead. Let the evil out.
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Well, at least it keeps you from constantly reaching in your pocket to add more songs to the on-the-go playlist. Just leave the headphones at home.
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Good point.
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Keep Fatty in your thoughts on your ride this weekend.
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Finally...the Chicago Cycling Examiner posts again - Edgewater/Andersonville and Johnny Sprockets LBS are covered.
I think they fixed the garage window...
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Go ahead. Let the evil out.
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Well, at least it keeps you from constantly reaching in your pocket to add more songs to the on-the-go playlist. Just leave the headphones at home.
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Good point.
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Keep Fatty in your thoughts on your ride this weekend.
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Finally...the Chicago Cycling Examiner posts again - Edgewater/Andersonville and Johnny Sprockets LBS are covered.
1.7.09
Hump Day
And the winner is...
Nobody. Well, I'll give it to someone, but what was actually on the found flash drive was pretty sad and not worth revealing.
Just a few work documents, some kid's 4th or 5th birthday pictures, and one of those long, rambling, and terribly written, "Dear Family, this is what I've been up do" Christmas letters.
But nothing juicy, nobody naked, nothing threatening. So I'll give the prize to Crank, with his answer of, "1's and 0's. If you want to get technical." Although it seems he lives in Wisconsin and will be unable to claim his prize next Wednesday. Crank, if you're reading this, I'll be racing in Hartford and Milwaukee on the 17th and 18th, and in Kenosha and Milwaukee on the 24th and 25th.
I'm totally serious. If you show up, I will get you a twelver of your choice.
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Al Franken wins his senate seat. By 312 votes. Obama's rubberstamp just got a little more unwieldy.
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Why I stopped doing Critical Mass.
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As California goes, the nation goes.
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This week's sign of the apocalypse: our politician's rivalries now resemble those of Kazakhstan or Moldova.
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Did you know that bikes are banned from Metra for the entire Taste of Chicago? Even at 6am on the outbounds? Such is the mentality of government employees. No shades of gray there. Either On or Off.
Nobody. Well, I'll give it to someone, but what was actually on the found flash drive was pretty sad and not worth revealing.
Just a few work documents, some kid's 4th or 5th birthday pictures, and one of those long, rambling, and terribly written, "Dear Family, this is what I've been up do" Christmas letters.
But nothing juicy, nobody naked, nothing threatening. So I'll give the prize to Crank, with his answer of, "1's and 0's. If you want to get technical." Although it seems he lives in Wisconsin and will be unable to claim his prize next Wednesday. Crank, if you're reading this, I'll be racing in Hartford and Milwaukee on the 17th and 18th, and in Kenosha and Milwaukee on the 24th and 25th.
I'm totally serious. If you show up, I will get you a twelver of your choice.
----------
Al Franken wins his senate seat. By 312 votes. Obama's rubberstamp just got a little more unwieldy.
----------
Why I stopped doing Critical Mass.
----------
As California goes, the nation goes.
----------
This week's sign of the apocalypse: our politician's rivalries now resemble those of Kazakhstan or Moldova.
----------
Did you know that bikes are banned from Metra for the entire Taste of Chicago? Even at 6am on the outbounds? Such is the mentality of government employees. No shades of gray there. Either On or Off.
30.6.09
Last Chance
Get your answer in for the first ever TCW Hump Day Contest.
My personal guess (hope) that it's some sort of interoffice affair/blackmail pictures.
But you know how these overhyped things usually go...
My personal guess (hope) that it's some sort of interoffice affair/blackmail pictures.
But you know how these overhyped things usually go...
24.6.09
My first ever Hump Day contest
I found this jump drive in the locker room at the work-gym today.
It appears to have 512MB of memory.
Leave your guesses as to what's on it in the comments section of this entry. Then next Wednesday I'll power it up and reveal the contents.
Closest guess wins the prize. You must come to the Turin Ride on Wednesday, July 8th to redeem your prize in the parking lot of J.J. Pepper's.
It appears to have 512MB of memory.
Leave your guesses as to what's on it in the comments section of this entry. Then next Wednesday I'll power it up and reveal the contents.
Closest guess wins the prize. You must come to the Turin Ride on Wednesday, July 8th to redeem your prize in the parking lot of J.J. Pepper's.
17.6.09
Hump Day
The Soldier Field Cycling Series debuts tonight. I'm sure the course will be janky as hell, but I can't think of a better location for an inner-city race in the middle of the week that's good for upgrade points.
I'll be there racing at 7:15. Looks a like a good field is forecast there if the weather holds out.
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The more things change, the more they stay the same...
1989.
2009.
I'll be there racing at 7:15. Looks a like a good field is forecast there if the weather holds out.
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The more things change, the more they stay the same...
1989.
2009.
10.6.09
Hump Day - Bike To Work Week Edition
Next week is Bike To Work Week in Chicago, so here's a few links to get you up to speed...
First, Active Trans. It starts and ends here. Go here for updates on the Commuter Stations, Friday's Rally, and the Commuter Challenge.
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Check out this grocery shopper!
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You want to be a bicycle seat. This one, at least.
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The Redeye says commuting by bike costs nothing? Hmmm. I guess I can use that $20 a month I get from the Bicycle Commuters Act for Grandma's "medicine." I wonder if that's how Lance got so fast?!
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Do you just need to ride? Then you just need to read this.
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The Soldier Field Cycling Series kicks off Wednesday June 17th. Easy upgrade points even closer than Calumet Park!
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Looking for a bike shop?
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The Chicago Cycling Examiner rings in as well...
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And last, but not least, kick it all off in Sherman Park, this Saturday, June 13th at XXX Racing - AthletiCo's 10th Annual Sherman Park Criterium! It's an ideal first race for those looking to get their feet wet, and locals have been coming to this race - snagging upgrade points, great primes, and awesome tan lines - for...well...10 years!
Help us celebrate a great 10 years of racing! Register today!
First, Active Trans. It starts and ends here. Go here for updates on the Commuter Stations, Friday's Rally, and the Commuter Challenge.
----------
Check out this grocery shopper!
----------
You want to be a bicycle seat. This one, at least.
----------
The Redeye says commuting by bike costs nothing? Hmmm. I guess I can use that $20 a month I get from the Bicycle Commuters Act for Grandma's "medicine." I wonder if that's how Lance got so fast?!
----------
Do you just need to ride? Then you just need to read this.
----------
The Soldier Field Cycling Series kicks off Wednesday June 17th. Easy upgrade points even closer than Calumet Park!
----------
Looking for a bike shop?
----------
The Chicago Cycling Examiner rings in as well...
----------
And last, but not least, kick it all off in Sherman Park, this Saturday, June 13th at XXX Racing - AthletiCo's 10th Annual Sherman Park Criterium! It's an ideal first race for those looking to get their feet wet, and locals have been coming to this race - snagging upgrade points, great primes, and awesome tan lines - for...well...10 years!
Help us celebrate a great 10 years of racing! Register today!
3.6.09
Hump Day
My friends Jeff and Debi lost someone very important in their lives. Have a toast for Grace when you get a chance.
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Chicago Cycling Examiner promotes the Sherman Park Criterium all this week! Register, dudes.
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Ordered some new shoes on eBay on Monday. Got them today. The return address on the box was 50something North Ashland. Ha. They fit perfectly...I felt like I had 50 extra watts tonight on the Gem.
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Speaking of which, they didn't even make me buy any beer tonight!
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Chicago Cycling Examiner promotes the Sherman Park Criterium all this week! Register, dudes.
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Ordered some new shoes on eBay on Monday. Got them today. The return address on the box was 50something North Ashland. Ha. They fit perfectly...I felt like I had 50 extra watts tonight on the Gem.
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Speaking of which, they didn't even make me buy any beer tonight!
29.4.09
Hump Day White Noise
Leave this on at bed time, perhaps one room away...it's strangely hypnotic and may help you sleep at night.
(Courtesy of Pufferfish...)
(Courtesy of Pufferfish...)
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